This 1985 Mazda RX-7 coupe was originally equipped with a 1146cc 12A Rotary paired with a five-speed manual transmission. However, the previous owner stripped the whole car, completely removed rust, repainted, and rebuilt it using a Toyota Altezza engine. 

It is finished in silver over gray cloth upholstery, with matching door panels and dashboard trim, and carpets. The steering column cover is cracked and must be replaced (picture attached). The three-spoke steering wheel frames a 220 km/h (140 mph) speedometer, a tachometer with a 7-8k rpm red zone, and auxiliary gauges. 

Stopping power is provided by disk brakes at the front and the back. Front suspension is a Mcpherson strut type, and has Racingbeat springs and a swaybar. The rear suspension is a solid axle with a watts link and coil springs, with Racingbeat springs and a swaybar.

Equipment includes pop-up headlights, black side moldings, 13″ original wheels, and power mirrors. There is no air conditioning, power steering, or airbags. 

Paul, the owner, bought the car three years ago and has only driven the car around town. He is not confident in the Toyota motor at highway speeds (+120km/h). According to him, the body is in excellent condition for a 1985 car. He has changed the carpet to new, and work from the previous owner makes it an ideal donor car.

With a curb weight of 2,400 Lbs. , this rear-wheel drive coupe is perfect for EV conversion. Paul wants the car to run better than it did as a “base” RX-7 model. Performing like the GSL-SE would be even better, delivering 135 horsepower, 133 ft-lb of torque @ 2,750 RPM, and a top speed of 106 mph.

Paul doesn’t want to participate in the conversion. The vehicle is in Ottawa, Canada, and he is willing to ship his car to a shop in the US for conversion. He has a flexible deadline but ideally he would like to see the project completed in a few months.

After the EV conversion, Paul will use his Mazda RX-7 daily and charge it at Home. A maximum of 7 hours of charge is required for up to 80% of battery capacity. He expects a minimum of 70 miles of range. He has no real preference in regard to motor or batteries. He would consider a Netgain Hyper 9 coupled with the original manual transmission or a used liquid-cooled Nissan Leaf motor. Paul would like to incorporate as many good quality used EV parts as possible.

The addition of air conditioning is very important, Paul already sourced an AC evaporator coil (picture attached) and would like it to be included in the build by the converter. Power steering will be considered depending on cost. About gauges and displays, Paul wants whatever is necessary to run the EV. Functionality is his priority.

He is open to suggestions regarding ICE-related parts removed from the car and will consider selling or trading those parts as an option. 

No towing requirement.