Mazda Rotary Wankel Swap Willys

The list is getting smaller. 

Finally got the fuel tank back in and reassembled the interior. I know the shifters aren't exactly OEM....but i'm pleased that it still looks like an "old jeep" on the inside. My goal was for it too still look and feel like an old jeep. I did my best to stick with that goal. With the hood closed and the engine off it still looks like a flatfender. I will be sewing some new canvas boots for the shifters soon. 

I had to made a new battery tray with a heat shield. I had to switch batteries with my TDI jeep in order to keep the battery in the stock location. Things are are little snug since I moved the engine so far forward. This little battery has been cranking the TDI with ease since 2018 so it should handle the little 1.3L The TDI now has the larger battery that was starting the L134. The angle of the picture looks like the battery will hit the throttle body when it rocks but there is enough room for engine movement. The GPW headlights still have room to flip as well....(barely) haha!  

The Tune up kit arrived today! Wait until you see these funky expensive spark plugs! haha! 

The Fuel Force surge tank is meant to be fed with a mechanical or 12v low pressure fuel pump on a carbureted engine. Since the Rotary does't have a fuel pump I will be using this Holley Mini Might. This is the same Gas/diesel pump that has been working flawlessly on my TDI swap for years. Its cheap quiet and simple. This will go between the fuel tank and the surge tank. It has a built in 40 micron pre filter. Then I will have a standard in line fuel filter between this pump and the high pressure fuel pump. And lastly there is a 10 micron filter between the High Pressure pump and the throttle body... haha! I think filtration is covered! 

Im so ready to hear this thing!!! 

This is the first time its been off the ramps since I started this project!!!

Thanks! Once I get started on something I dont like to stop! haha! 

Ground clearance has definitely changed for the better. The 5 speed is much smaller than the big sm420. I will still have the low spot where the rear output of the transfer case is....which is a bummer but overall i gained a few inches. 

Thankfully mazda used a very simple 3-wire alt with an internal regulator. So I got that all hooked up. 

Time to fire this thing up!

Fresh amsoil in the engine, trans and t-case.... (Don't worry i'm running premix so i can use synthetic oil) 

I buttoned up the wiring and Hit the key..... The FiTech powered up and I entered the initial setup information. The EFI is indented for conventional piston engines but thankfully Many others have run fitech and holley snipers on rotaryies so im not flying completely in the dark. I started with the most common settings of 4cyl. 140CI, Mild/stock cam.. 750 rpm Idle, and 8000 rpm rev limit. and left everything else at the default setting. Hopefully that gives me a good starting point. 

Primed the fuel pump and cranked.... Boom! fired up instantly went to a high idle and ran smoothly! As the engine came up to temp the idle settled down to around 1000-1200. Tomorrow I will Adjust the IAC and Idle screw as per the instructions. But so far im pleased.  A quick blip of the throttle produced and amazing sounding and incredibly smooth rev with a nice signature rotary fireball at the end!

 

I will post some videos soon... All that's left is to hook up the throttle cable mount the pedal and install the electric fans. Then I can start driving it and let the ECU start self tuning. I'm sure it will take some tweaking but thats what its all about! 

I agree,  totally amazing what you have done.   I bet it is thrilling to hear run for first time.

LuzonRed47 wrote: . .  Love the exhaust flame-thrower shot!  . Wait til the Jeepers out on the trail hear your exhaust...

Note to self ->  do not follow the wankel Jeep too close.  

BTW, I can take possession of the Jeewankel anytime that fits your schedule.

Here is a ride along video with all the sights and sounds! First impression FUN! The EFI is learning well and reliably starts and drives. The power is impressive. Far exceeds the power and torque of the stock engine. and the usable RPM range is incredible. it just keeps revving and wanting more. I shifted around 6500rpm a few times in this video and it had lots more to go. Trail testing will be very fun and interesting. Once good weather gets here I will take it out for some off roading. Thanks for following along. I will post more updates as they come.