Mazda RX-7 ditches its rotary engine for 3x the power

A rotary engine is a crucial part of the Mazda RX-7 identity, but this example found in Texas dumped its elderly powertrain for an American one, winning some free horses in the process.

The car started its life as a 1987 Mazda RX-7 for the United States. As such, it was delivered with a 1.3-liter Wankel engine making 148 PS (146 hp / 109 kW). The owner has now swapped it out for a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 sourced from a 2001 Chevy Camaro. A six-speed manual transmission carries the torque to the rear end. The tuner estimates the output at 405 PS (400 hp / 300 kW).

As you have undoubtedly noticed, there is more going on than just the swap. The exterior has been redesigned to be as low-drag as possible, with a Lamborghini Murcielago bumper at the front and sealed fenders. The owner apparently hasn’t tested the car in a wind tunnel, but believes that it will be way faster than the original on the track thanks to the modifications.