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)

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.