I have always wanted a rotary powered car, and I love my SVTF and have always wanted to make it RWD. If cramming a ford V8 into a focus is doable, i think a compact tiny 1.3L wankle would be a breeze. Aside from the engine being smaller, its lighter, can make plenty of turbo power, not to mention the bad ass factor. The 5sp tranny is really small and tight, especially compared to a 5.0 or a 4.6 tranny. If I had some extra money I would so be starting this swap. The rear end would be the hardest part, the RX-7 one isnt cheap. I refuse to put a crappy mustang live axle back there, so I would have to go IRS. I think the RX-7s rear end could be made to work, again its very compact. The rear suspension could be fabbed up fairly easily with tubular components. Plug in a Power FC and youd be rockin! Thoughts?

sweet mother! sounds really cool. the only downside IMO is maintenance/longevity(if going turbo, and I'm assuming you would). I know I would just be standing there with a stupid look on my face if I had to repair anything on a rotary engine. IMO you would have to have alot of $ on hand in case something goes wrong. that is unless you are seasoned mazda mechanic... I think in the end with all the ecu/wiring/etc you would just have an rx8 with a fofo shell, that costs probly more than a rx8
free bump for ya love the idea and the power:weight ratio is beautiful there.

Sounds like a cool idea

Its an interesting pipe dream for right now, but when i pay the car off I have the choice of either A) buying a Evo B) Building a Rucus and possibly selling a kit to make your own Rucus. I would defenitely go turbo, you can pick up good condition rotarys with tranny for around 1500-2000$. Engine management is another 1500, custom driveshaft 450$, Id fab the engine cradle/mounts, and possibly the rear suspension arms, Ive found rear end with suspensions on ebay for like 1000$. My ultimate dream is to swap in the front suspension from the RS with the ford conversion kit and the brembo brakes, with a custom rear multi link setup. I would have to take the spare out and the fuel tank as well. Fuel cell in the trunk with nice 6 or 8 point cage. So, for 8-10k I figure I could have RWD 400+hp rotary Rucus. Or I could just buy an Evo................[scratch]

i had an 85 Rx-7 13B, fast as hell, and now i have a focus........thinking........thinking........thinking some more........RUCUS!!!!!
never thought about that, sound cool but very expensive, expesially if you want to go turbo!!!


let me know i it ever happens.........i would love to see it personnaly!!!!!

well i know where i can get a motor. its a 1.3 na but its a start.

If anybodys serious bout doin this.. this guys selling two rx7's with blown motors.. can take the rear setup off and fab it to the focus add your own motor or fix one of these and there you go..?
RX-7's (http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/car/605291738.html)

if your really intreasted i know someone who is selling a 93 13B twin turbo for 2200 with the tranny but its automatic

man , 420$ is a crazy deal. If I wasn't paying off debt Id be all over that. Whole rear subframe to work with for 420$, fuel pump, lines........ all it takes is money right [histerical]

ever think about driveshaft tunnel?

man , 420$ is a crazy deal. If I wasn't paying off debt Id be all over that. Whole rear subframe to work with for 420$, fuel pump, lines........ all it takes is money right [histerical]

two.. actually haha

My Friend used to have a Rotus... Lotus 7 with an RX7 motor... It was so Funn..

ever think about driveshaft tunnel?

I have, I would have to use the exhaust tunnel so a low hanging exhaust or a side exit would be necessary. Another possible option I thought about was going from down pipe to dual pipes of smaller diameter so they could fit on either side a little better without hanging down too much. Dual 2" pipes would give plenty of flow for 400hp.

rectangular exhaust tubing! that would work