Nissan 370Z Forum - Esser's LS3 Powered FD3S RX-7 R1

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There is a lot to drive on down there. :driving:

Put the FD back up and jack stands and I tore everything back apart so I could get the cam ready to go in. I worked with Cam Motion and EPS to get a cam designed that would meet my needs (road course, auto-x). We agreed on a grind that would hold the lobes stable at high RPM and still make some pretty good power up top. 228/240 sized cam.

List of items I bought to install:

Camshaft
Katech C5R timing chain
Melling HP oil pump
BTR valve springs
Titanium retainers and hardened push rods
Ported throttle body
LS2 style tensioner (ditched the LS3 style)

https://i.imgur.com/zB5hk2p.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qvfCoah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lmZStZs.jpg

I previously made it so that the radiator and fans could be disconnected fairly quickly so that future projects like this would go quick!

https://i.imgur.com/Mq74FbK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EIZpMZh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2RUzfaw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RlVPCEt.jpg

Started with taking the valvetrain all apart and keeping everything organized:
https://i.imgur.com/OG4UbmI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qoibhUe.jpg

BTR platinum springs and Ti retainers in!
https://i.imgur.com/DSiAbaC.jpg

The I went on to the cam and oil pump. The Cam motion ground cam was made of their 8620 alloy, which has a bronze like finish to it, and it was nicely polished up! It's an impressive looking piece of machined metal!
https://i.imgur.com/EUm4atu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3XdBrzG.jpg

I primed the engine again, flushed a bunch of oil through it because im super anal about keeping this engine clean, and put on a fresh filter. I overlooked all of my connections for a few minutes to make sure I didn't forget anything and fired it up. It started on the first go, and idled like a champ. I'm on a speed density tune, so it will need some attention at the tuner soon. I am hoping for about 50hp gain and some strong midrange power inceases. Although the cam is somewhat small for most LS3 cams it does have a pretty choppy idle, the volume of the exhaust has increased tremendously. Idle video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mY0umGbHUk

:tup:
What's the lift on the cam?

It's .629"/.604" 113+2

LS3's really like the high lift on the intake lobe!

Damn! That sounds so awesome coming from that ride!

Sound's Great; Look's a bit different coming out a single exit :ugh2:

I love the bizaare sounds coming out of a single fart cannon ha, the confusion factor is real

Took the car to get tuned, it picked up some really good power everywhere in the rpm range! super happy with the cam choice.
Here is the before and after on the cam swap (this was done a dyno dynamics which reads a little differently than typical dynojet numbers)

https://i.imgur.com/iS1ZX8N.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/34PqbjO.jpg

New diff! It's a 3.90 gear ratio which will be ideal for me on the 1/4 mile. Previously I was crossing the 1/4 mile in 5th, so the new gears should wind out 4th all the way. Also instead of the torsen it's got the Turbo 2 clutch type diff known for its strength.

https://i.imgur.com/pl7FZXs.jpg

Old diff comes out and new diff goes in...
https://i.imgur.com/melb6KO.jpg

Oh yeah also got these a while back, needing to get them mounted for the strip. I figured I should make some attempts for a better slip at the last test n tune at Beech Bend this year. Curious what the car can do.

https://i.imgur.com/YXWIpkx.jpg

The hoosiers are looking fat on there!

https://i.imgur.com/yEQGMDA.jpg

Took it to the strip finally:

https://i.imgur.com/Ir05QxQ.jpg

On my third pass I ran a ten second 1/4 mile. Super stoked with how everything performed! I'm glad I got the pass in before the new years so I can go back to focusing on the road course setup.

New season, new wheels. My CCW wheels arrived this week, along with my new tires. Specs are:

18x10.5 +50
285/30/18 RE71R

Can't wait to get these mounted up, they look great just sitting here!
Going to have to do a lot more front fender rolling to fit these up front.

https://i.imgur.com/J8UpmCh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YqDJezE.jpg

Have been installing some new parts so far:

99 Spec front bumper
Shine auto 99 spec cf lip
Shine Feed style side skirts cf
and of course the new wheels and tires

I had to do a lot of fender rolling in the front to clear the 18x10.5 with the 285 bridgestones. Pulled them a little too. But they clear!

The real photo shoot is coming soon!!! photos downloading now

https://i.imgur.com/zTIVJna.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GMTVpFg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0PbGKDf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/dhQ8gm6.jpg

Also, drove the car down to the Southern Roots car show at NCM:

https://i.imgur.com/6L89grU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Kc8834N.jpg

Hot damn!

The '99 bumper definitely adds some pop. Just a smooth, clean look for the whole build. Very professional!

The more I look over these LS swaps; the more I’m leaning towards LS’n a 370 :ugh2:
Your Car looks nice :tup:

Need to update this for my Z bro's

Added a racebred performance front splitter with mounts. Very well made for the FD and fits great, detaches in seconds with quick release

Then drove it around and took some more photos.

https://i.imgur.com/TnrmY8d.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/frURdDs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XUSGgmx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/k9KMkB5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/VVBXUjy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/10uOF8d.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XP44VEL.jpg

I've been doing small local events recently and have been having fun in the mexico streets. It still continues to haul mail. Hopefully going to nashville cars and coffee soon for a little road trip.