.: LS1 Engine Installation (Part 1)

Arrived back in Rockville around 5pm. Called the towing company to take the Rx-7 over to my friend’s house to start working on the swap. The towing company arrived, and we grabbed the Rx-7 and headed over to my friend’s house in a little caravan.


First step is to remove the hood. It’s made out of aluminum, which means that it weighs about as much as two feathers. Unbolt the four bolts, and toss it somewhere. Put a rock on top of it so the wind doesn’t blow it away. Really.


Then, install $5 worth of lifting hardware on $5000 worth of motor. Sound risky? Just wait until you see the closeup shot. It really does involve two washers, floor tile liner, and duct tape. No, the engine didn’t fall. Yes, I’m as surprised as you are.


Removing the transmission mount. Notice that it was deemed intelligent to support the motor with my leg. The factory Camaro transmission mount is attached with one giant nut that tightens against rubber, so it really doesn’t want to come out.


After that, you remember that you forgot to pull the factory Mazda transmission out. Yank it out, pop the driveshaft out of the back, then smack yourself because you just dumped transmission fluid all over your work space. Brilliant!


Slowly guide the engine and transmission in. Slowly. Very slowly. It’s all very expensive and it doesn’t help that the ground is coated in transmission fluid.



At this point, you’re wondering why you don’t see, for example, pictures of the engine IN the engine bay. Sadly, that didn’t happen. What happened instead was that the car wasn’t high enough off the ground for the transmission to clear, and I ended up having to call it a night, at something like 6am.

I’d also like to note that Joseph Whaley (R.I.P.) came out at about 3am to help and oversee things. You will be missed. Thank you for your help.