rotary car build

Paaull · 01-14-2011, 04:15 AM

I'm building a 4wd mud buggy based on a Suzuki Sierra chassis that I want to repower with a twin cam efi 4cyl or rotary. Not overly fussed on the engine as most can be worked easily. So thought I would ask about the trans so I know which rwd half cut to buy.

NoDOHC · 01-14-2011, 09:59 PM

You can go with the NA manual trans, out of any year, but I don't know of any way to attach the transfer case. You would have to divorce it.

The Auto trans in the RX7 is a common trans (I think it was used in Subbies, Nissans and Ford Rangers). It is possible that you may be able to get a transfer case setup to fit. I have never seen it done. The Auto trans is weak, they don't hold up well to a stock NA rotary. Mine is smoking after 5 0-60 runs.

You can buy adapters from a rotary to a Volkswagen Beetle (air-cooled) trans, a Ford Trans and a Chevy Trans from Kennedy Engineering. I have also seen mounting adapters made to use the rotary auto-trans bellhousing to contain a clutch and attach to the front of a transmission.

This thread should probably be moved elsewhere.

diabolical1 · 01-19-2011, 09:18 PM

welcome to the board.

if you do decide on the rotary engine for your project, i guess my first question would be, does the Sierra transmission have a removable bell housing? if so, you could probably get a Turbo II transmission and see if you could find a way to adapt the bell housing to fit. i know it's probably easier said than done though. the only other thought that comes readily to my mind is use the transmission from a B-series truck because i know people have put rotaries in them many times over.

obviously, you're likely looking at custom driveshafts either way.

good luck.

01-14-2011, 04:15 AM	#1
Paaull The Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 iTrader: (0) Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	rotary car build I'm building a 4wd mud buggy based on a Suzuki Sierra chassis that I want to repower with a twin cam efi 4cyl or rotary. Not overly fussed on the engine as most can be worked easily. So thought I would ask about the trans so I know which rwd half cut to buy. __________________ ExtaMax Male Enhancement

01-14-2011, 09:59 PM	#2
NoDOHC The quest for more torque Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin iTrader: (1) Posts: 855 Rep Power: 17	You can go with the NA manual trans, out of any year, but I don't know of any way to attach the transfer case. You would have to divorce it. The Auto trans in the RX7 is a common trans (I think it was used in Subbies, Nissans and Ford Rangers). It is possible that you may be able to get a transfer case setup to fit. I have never seen it done. The Auto trans is weak, they don't hold up well to a stock NA rotary. Mine is smoking after 5 0-60 runs. You can buy adapters from a rotary to a Volkswagen Beetle (air-cooled) trans, a Ford Trans and a Chevy Trans from Kennedy Engineering. I have also seen mounting adapters made to use the rotary auto-trans bellhousing to contain a clutch and attach to the front of a transmission. This thread should probably be moved elsewhere. __________________ 1986 GXL ('87 4-port NA - Haltech E8, LS2 Coils. Defined Autoworks Headers, Dual 2.5" Exhaust (Dual Superflow, dBX mufflers) 1991 Coupe (KYB AGX Shocks, Eibach lowering springs, RB exhaust, Stock and Automatic)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-19-2011, 09:18 PM	#3
diabolical1 I have radioactive semen Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a bottle of Glenfiddich iTrader: (0) Posts: 249 Rep Power: 17	welcome to the board. if you do decide on the rotary engine for your project, i guess my first question would be, does the Sierra transmission have a removable bell housing? if so, you could probably get a Turbo II transmission and see if you could find a way to adapt the bell housing to fit. i know it's probably easier said than done though. the only other thought that comes readily to my mind is use the transmission from a B-series truck because i know people have put rotaries in them many times over. obviously, you're likely looking at custom driveshafts either way. good luck.