Expert: Skip Bollinger - 7/19/2008

Question
Hello, I have a 1985 Mazda RX-7 that I want to drop a performance engine into. I will be drifting the car, and not doing any dragging or such. I have looked at the Nissan SR20DET and RB25 or RB26DETT, but was curious about doing a Chevy LS-1 small block with either single or double turbo. Which would you recommend? I am trying to be cost-effective and get power enough to drift with ease...

Answer
David,
  I'm sorry to take so long to get back with you but my wife and I are busy planning a trip to our daughter's College Graduation. Life is VERY hectic right now. I think I'm going into "vacation mode" after I get the loose ends tied up.
  I saw your post yesterday and am not really sure about your term "Drifting". I'm an old drag racer and we used to use the term "drift" as the car would skate towards the center line or guard rail. I think I have heard the term used as a vehicle goes around a corner and goes into a 4 wheel slide towards the outside of the turn. IF this is what you are referring to, I will proceed with these ideas.
  Please note, I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a Tech or a Race Car Builder.
  I am not familiar with the Nissan engines you mentioned. I have NO idea their H/P potential or the weight of the engines. I know the S/B Chevy inside and out. That engine, in such a small car, has the ability to make the car scream but you will have a, probably 65/35 front weight to rear weight ratio. You will probably tear up transmissions and differentials unless you change them too. Why don't you just turbo the Wankel engine that is in the car? Those engines will turn 10,000rpm in basic stock form. It is not a reciprocating engine. That engine is a very good design.
  I know you state you are on a budget but to make this thing work, you will need an aluminum block and heads and a TON of chassis work for a S/B Chevy. I don't think you will need to turbo the engine to make the car slide through the corners. Remember, the more you do to the engine, the more you will have to do to the chassis. With the Chevy power, you will have a lot of over steer. The front tires will stick because of the weight of the engine and the rear tires will come out from under you. In circle track racing, they have a phrase, "Under steer is when you hit the wall head on, over steer is when you hit the wall ass first".  
  I don't know what else to add. These thoughts are just my opinion. If you are in a quandary as to run a Nissan or Chevy powerplant, it is like asking "Do you like Mickey D's or Burger King".
  I hope I haven't confused matters too much. Like I said, I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a Tech or Race Car builder. Good luck brother,
Skip