The challenge with this build is getting the rear-mounted drive unit in an independent rear suspension car. As you'll see getting this sucker to fit while maintaining the integrity of the rear subframe is my first big hurdle. I think for a fabricator or hotrod shop this may not be too difficult but I'm a novice so it's going to take some thinking and trying.
To catch everyone up here's the plan (things will probably change as I go): 1993 FD RX-7
Motor: Tesla Model S drive unit (motor, inverter, and single-speed gearbox) rated at 362 hp and 325 ft⋅lb or more
Batteries: Chevy Volt or some other option
Color: Red, white, or maybe BMW Long Beach blue? more on that later...
Timing: I want to take this car to Radwood Austin 2021 under it's own power. If I had to it repainted by then that would be amazing but I don't think that's possible.
I tend to get into projects one step at a time. Make commitments and complete small jobs. So first step was...just buy an RX-7. In 2019 here is where the market was:
Non-running, half stripped cars: 12-15k
Decent looking, running automatics: 15-19k
Decent looking, running manuals: 19-22k
Good looking manuals: 22k+
After finding so many issues with my e30 that had been sitting for years I really thought paying a little bit more to get a running and decent looking car would be worth it. So I searched high and low and finally found a 93 auto in Tallahassee, FL for 17k.
Here are the pics from the ad
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/Pzqf1Bbl.jpg)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/dlil6xkl.jpg)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/yoac1Uxl.jpg)
I talked to the seller at length and he described it as in good running condition with an older repaint. We agreed on price and I paid using escrow.com (I highly recommend). I decided to fly out there and drive it back because....that is always exciting.
Plugging in my current project plan for tracking: