i got this from another site...
Effects On Weight, Balance, and Handling...
...This is where you probably expected there to be a downside. People have probably told you that your handling and perfect weight distribution will be ruined with the addition of that big, heavy, american V-8. Just ask yourself if any of those so-called experts you have been talking to have any actual experience with piston-powered RX-7s. We’ve got the numbers to prove all those bystanders and spectators are just that....bystanders and spectators.
Here are some real numbers from a typical 2nd gen RX-7 converted to Chevy power:
The example car is an ‘86, which was not lightened in any way. The car was converted using a ZZ-4 crate engine & T-5 transmission. It has a full stock interior, as well as the stock air conditioning and power steering. The stock RX-7 cooling system was re-located but retained, as was the stock RX-7’s engine oil cooler. The battery was relocated to rear area just in front of the tail lites. With a full tank of fuel, the balance is close to 50/50, 1535 lbs front / 1545 lbs rear, for a total of 3080 lbs (including the 200lb driver). Subtract the weight of the 200lb driver, and the total weight is 2880, 235lbs heavier than the RX-7's 2645 stock weight, and amazingly slightly less than the later Turbo II's stock weight of 3003lbs.
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