13b rew in an FC

Raidermon · 01-22-2011, 02:54 PM

I have been looking for information regarding this swap and so far this is what I believe I've found. The swap can be done is long as you get new motor mounts and are willing to go buy a power FC and abandon sequential turbos on the FC.

Now this is my situation. I bought a 13b rew several years ago and may or may not put it in a super beetle (random I know). I have recently found an 89 rx7 with a blown engine, good transmission, and that is overall good shape.

My question is as follows. Is it possible to wire a stock 13b rew to the FC so that I can run the engine with it's sequential turbos? I don't really want to abandon the twin turbo or buy an expensive engine management system.

If this is possible, does anyone know how to start? Can I still have A/C (from either the rew AC compressor of the FC attached to the REW)? Has the swap been done with a stock ECU? or am I going to have to spend a small fortune to get a stand alone and a single turbo set up?

Please try to be nice as I find these posts often get a lot of hostility.

RETed · 01-22-2011, 03:19 PM

If you insist on the stock sequentials to work like...stock, nothing is going to beat the stock (FD3S) ECU.
I believe the system is a 3-stage system, and even aftermarket EMS' is going to have a hard time controlling it.
One of the stages is a progressive controller which is not an on-off, digital control - very few aftermarket EMS' can offer controls like that.

-Ted

Raidermon · 01-22-2011, 03:46 PM

Yeah, the way I see it, the 13b REW is already a hell of an engine and I didn't want to start off with a crazy fire breather. Not to mention I would already have the necessary components to make the swap work without investing in lots of after market components.

Now I am just clueless as to how to wire this thing up to the FC. I believe I would be able to use a starter from the FC, but am not too sure. I am told I can bolt the REW to the stock transmission from the FC so long as fabricate or buy some custom mounts to get the engine into the engine bay.

Either way I appreciate the reply and it does make me feel a little better with having wanted to leave the stock ECU. The only question that remains is can it be done and is there a guide out there that can help me with this.

Raidermon · 01-22-2011, 04:29 PM

By the Way Ted, is this your post?

http://fc3spro.com/TECH/SWAP/FD3S/rew.html

RETed · 01-24-2011, 02:32 AM

Yes, it's my website.

-Ted

Raidermon · 01-24-2011, 06:02 PM

awesome website, I appreciate your input and that link you posted on the 13b rew is probably the best source I have found so far!

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-24-2011, 09:18 PM

When you think about mounting the REW in the FC chassis, don't even consider the adapter mounts. Change the oil pan and tap the center housing. Or, the way I would do it, use the REW mounts and fabricate off the FC subframe to accomodate the mounts. If you take some measurements off a properly mounted 13B or 13BT, you can then take the FC trans, bolt it to the REW, bolt the trans mount to the frame and shim the engine where it needs to be. With the engine in place, exactely where it needs to be, start cutting and welding.

NoDOHC · 01-24-2011, 11:46 PM

The NA transmission in the '89 will not easily work with the REW. You *could* use a NA clutch and flywheel, but I would not recommend it. I have had very poor luck with NA FC transmissions - and I don't even have a turbo.

The FD ECU and harness are easily acquired (I think I have at least one of each lying around somewhere). The issue is connecting the appropriate ignition inputs, VSS, power, ground, gauges, etc. I looked into doing this a while back, but I never got up the ambition (that and the NA bug got me).

Raidermon · 01-26-2011, 06:14 PM

I would have to agree... I can only imagine and NA tranny's strengh when you add around 100 horses to it. A nice clutch and flywheel would be great (I have the FD flywheel and I believe I could bolt that in, although I do need a twin turbo counterweight? not sure).

I actually have the FD ECU and it's uncut wiring harness so I would be ready for the swap in regards to parts (except gauges which I think I may have to use an FD set, not too sure). The only things I would need would be to figure out wiring. the rest I'm cool with, but I just don't want to get stuck there and have a cool looking near complete project that does not run.

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input and this is all very helpful. Anyone who is looking at how to do this from this post should check out Ted's link earlier too.

fc nut · 01-27-2011, 09:02 PM

this site is in indiana,but they sell the mounts you're looking for.
http://www.banzai-racing.com/

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-27-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fc nut

this site is in indiana,but they sell the mounts you're looking for.
http://www.banzai-racing.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

When you think about mounting the REW in the FC chassis, don't even consider the adapter mounts. Change the oil pan and tap the center housing. Or, the way I would do it, use the REW mounts and fabricate off the FC subframe to accomodate the mounts. If you take some measurements off a properly mounted 13B or 13BT, you can then take the FC trans, bolt it to the REW, bolt the trans mount to the frame and shim the engine where it needs to be. With the engine in place, exactely where it needs to be, start cutting and welding.

I have spoken

joeyfc3s · 03-13-2011, 09:27 PM

It can be done,not easy but it can be done.

fc nut · 03-14-2011, 10:59 AM

good luck with the swap. i've thinking about that swap also.

Rotary Evolution · 03-17-2011, 02:33 PM

most people say it's not worth the effort and i agree with that mentality, unless you have lots of time on your hands, have a decent amount of machining ability, a decent machine/fabrication shop that won't charge an arm and a leg and decent electrical/electronic experience for rewiring the ECU to work in an FC.

***TitaniumTT*** · 03-17-2011, 07:09 PM

Yeah, I disagree. My Twin HT-12 powered RE puts out more power than some single swaps, is way more streetable, and is just an absolute terror on the auto-x.... instant boost is something to be desired and the twins give it to you.

PFC and the Bazai adapter will get you most of the way there, after that it's a lot of fabrication, but none of it's very hard. I can't think of one thing that I NEEDED machined to make everything fit.

01-22-2011, 02:54 PM	#1
Raidermon The Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0) Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	13b rew in an FC I have been looking for information regarding this swap and so far this is what I believe I've found. The swap can be done is long as you get new motor mounts and are willing to go buy a power FC and abandon sequential turbos on the FC. Now this is my situation. I bought a 13b rew several years ago and may or may not put it in a super beetle (random I know). I have recently found an 89 rx7 with a blown engine, good transmission, and that is overall good shape. My question is as follows. Is it possible to wire a stock 13b rew to the FC so that I can run the engine with it's sequential turbos? I don't really want to abandon the twin turbo or buy an expensive engine management system. If this is possible, does anyone know how to start? Can I still have A/C (from either the rew AC compressor of the FC attached to the REW)? Has the swap been done with a stock ECU? or am I going to have to spend a small fortune to get a stand alone and a single turbo set up? Please try to be nice as I find these posts often get a lot of hostility.

01-24-2011, 09:18 PM	#7
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	When you think about mounting the REW in the FC chassis, don't even consider the adapter mounts. Change the oil pan and tap the center housing. Or, the way I would do it, use the REW mounts and fabricate off the FC subframe to accomodate the mounts. If you take some measurements off a properly mounted 13B or 13BT, you can then take the FC trans, bolt it to the REW, bolt the trans mount to the frame and shim the engine where it needs to be. With the engine in place, exactely where it needs to be, start cutting and welding. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-24-2011, 11:46 PM	#8
NoDOHC The quest for more torque Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin iTrader: (1) Posts: 855 Rep Power: 17	The NA transmission in the '89 will not easily work with the REW. You could use a NA clutch and flywheel, but I would not recommend it. I have had very poor luck with NA FC transmissions - and I don't even have a turbo. The FD ECU and harness are easily acquired (I think I have at least one of each lying around somewhere). The issue is connecting the appropriate ignition inputs, VSS, power, ground, gauges, etc. I looked into doing this a while back, but I never got up the ambition (that and the NA bug got me). __________________ 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)

01-27-2011, 09:02 PM	#10
fc nut member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lebanon,Ohio iTrader: (0) Posts: 282 Rep Power: 17	this site is in indiana,but they sell the mounts you're looking for. http://www.banzai-racing.com/ __________________ leaving my carbon footprint....one start up at a time

03-14-2011, 10:59 AM	#13
fc nut member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lebanon,Ohio iTrader: (0) Posts: 282 Rep Power: 17	good luck with the swap. i've thinking about that swap also. __________________ leaving my carbon footprint....one start up at a time

01-22-2011, 03:46 PM	#3
Raidermon The Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0) Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Yeah, the way I see it, the 13b REW is already a hell of an engine and I didn't want to start off with a crazy fire breather. Not to mention I would already have the necessary components to make the swap work without investing in lots of after market components. Now I am just clueless as to how to wire this thing up to the FC. I believe I would be able to use a starter from the FC, but am not too sure. I am told I can bolt the REW to the stock transmission from the FC so long as fabricate or buy some custom mounts to get the engine into the engine bay. Either way I appreciate the reply and it does make me feel a little better with having wanted to leave the stock ECU. The only question that remains is can it be done and is there a guide out there that can help me with this.

01-22-2011, 04:29 PM	#4
Raidermon The Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0) Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	By the Way Ted, is this your post? http://fc3spro.com/TECH/SWAP/FD3S/rew.html

01-24-2011, 06:02 PM	#6
Raidermon The Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0) Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	awesome website, I appreciate your input and that link you posted on the 13b rew is probably the best source I have found so far!

01-26-2011, 06:14 PM	#9
Raidermon The Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0) Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	I would have to agree... I can only imagine and NA tranny's strengh when you add around 100 horses to it. A nice clutch and flywheel would be great (I have the FD flywheel and I believe I could bolt that in, although I do need a twin turbo counterweight? not sure). I actually have the FD ECU and it's uncut wiring harness so I would be ready for the swap in regards to parts (except gauges which I think I may have to use an FD set, not too sure). The only things I would need would be to figure out wiring. the rest I'm cool with, but I just don't want to get stuck there and have a cool looking near complete project that does not run. Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input and this is all very helpful. Anyone who is looking at how to do this from this post should check out Ted's link earlier too.

03-13-2011, 09:27 PM	#12
joeyfc3s The Newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Allentown PA iTrader: (0) Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	It can be done,not easy but it can be done.

03-17-2011, 02:33 PM	#14
Rotary Evolution rotaryevolution.net Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV iTrader: (0) Posts: 248 Rep Power: 14	most people say it's not worth the effort and i agree with that mentality, unless you have lots of time on your hands, have a decent amount of machining ability, a decent machine/fabrication shop that won't charge an arm and a leg and decent electrical/electronic experience for rewiring the ECU to work in an FC.

03-17-2011, 07:09 PM	#15
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	Yeah, I disagree. My Twin HT-12 powered RE puts out more power than some single swaps, is way more streetable, and is just an absolute terror on the auto-x.... instant boost is something to be desired and the twins give it to you. PFC and the Bazai adapter will get you most of the way there, after that it's a lot of fabrication, but none of it's very hard. I can't think of one thing that I NEEDED machined to make everything fit. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**