Bastard. The strict definition simply means a child born out of wedlock. In modern slang, however, it has come to mean a downright despicable person. You know, a bastard, like the guy who decided to put a Camaro on the cover of this magazine. But bastard can mean "not genuine, fake," or "resembling a known kind of species but not truly such." So when we call this LS1-powered Mazda RX-7 a bastard, we are right on so many levels, even though we mean it in the nicest sort of way.
Does such blasphemy actually happen? Believe it. RX-7 tuners are doing the unthinkable: switching out the beloved, cult classic 13B rotary engine for the knuckle-dragging, pushrod-pumping LS1 V-8. Of course we had to investigate--and compare one such bastard with a real rotary. Though the swap is becoming increasingly common with both second- and third-generation RX-7s, we chose a pushrod-powered FD3S, because these chassis are highly regarded by enthusiasts and, well, dead gorgeous.
The RX-7 we have deemed Bastard is gold in color and owned by Duy Le, marketing manager at Injen, the aftermarket intake manufacturer. It is fairly heavily tuned by street-car standards, with a rollcage, stripped interior, and some minor bolt-ons. Up against the Bastard is the prodigal son, a highly tuned rotary RX-7 that served as the primary drift/track car for Falken-sponsored Formula D driver Calvin Wan. For a look at the other side of the bastard's family tree, we also brought along an '01 Chevy Camaro SS. How is an aberration such as Le's Bastard created? It starts with a used RX-7. It's common knowledge that RX-7s aren't the most reliable cars around. Blown apex seals and overheating are frequent problems, but more often it is poorly executed tuning or over boosting that turns the 13B into an IED. With FD chassis sans blown engines going for little more than a few thousand dollars, swap-happy enthusiasts have been snapping them up and creating a cottage industry for LS1 recyclers.
For the complete story on this LS1-powered FD3S, pick up the September 2006 issue of Sport Compact Car, on newsstands now!