Hello!

[Ro80]

Hello,

I was pointed in this direction by a very helpful RX-7 owner on another forum, I don't own an RX-7 at the moment but I would like to own an FB at some point in the future

I have a 1974 NSU Ro80 with a Ford V4 engine that I would like to return to rotary power. Someone suggested buying a complete non turbo FC so I would like to see if this is feasible.
Ideally I would like something reliable (and idiot proof!) with around 150 bhp.

I'm a rotary noob so apologies in advance for any stupid questions.





Regards,
Daniel

[JayoM]

Wow, very cool! Even a 12a from an FB would be nice to see in there! Seems a shame for such a rare original RE car not to have a rotary heart.

And welcome

[Lucky]

Hey, Daniel . I have to take the blame for pointing you here mainly because this is one of the foremost repositories of rotary wisdom around and I know most of the guys here will be only too happy to help get your rare and excellent NSU back on the path to rotary righteousness!

I guess that a 12A would be more in period with the RO but I'd suggest the FC route simply because of the better availability of parts for 13Bs... not to mention the fact a running FC can be had for a few hundred quid

[TOOL]

My neighbour has an Ro80. I'm sure he has contacts.

[RamoNZ]

Howdy... not done any research on these myself but I know a lot of parts carried over - Mazda were a bit cautious about changing things back in the early days.

Engine wise I think these were 1 litre 2 rotors? I could google it but already typing...

13b FC motor stock would be plenty, the V4 looks quite far forward and the 13b is likely to be an inch or 2 longer than the original rotor so might be slightly tighter fit - Im sure its well possible though and surely not an uncommon swap!

[RamoNZ]

SOme good info here:

http://www.ro80.nl/fotoalbum/dickflower/dick_flower.htm

[KiwiDave]

Welcome Daniel.

The V4 conversion was a common solution back in the day after warranties and replacement engines had expired.

I think RoTechniks have done a few mazda conversions for Ro80's in the past. http://www.rotechniks.co.uk/acatalog/News.html

Worth a call for some advice if nothing else.

[myatt1972]

Welcome Daniel, thats a nice looking car you have there, would be nice with a 12a or 13b.
That v4 should have some resale value to.

[codge]

Hi Daniel. Welcome.

I still vividly recall watching as an RO80 left a garage in Rotherham.
The car was brand new and I was a gawky late-20 year old.

I was transfixed by this dream machine.....the look and the sound......what a fabulous car.
Never had one but wish I had been an owner.
I got back in my Hillman Avenger and drove home, deeming of 'that car'. I still have the memory video in my head that I run from time to time.

Look forward to whatever you decide to do.

Codge.....(Dave)

[Ro80]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I'm afraid the V4 is a nothing more than a glorified paperweight, shortly after getting a new MOT (its first since 1979!) the big ends started knocking AND the gearbox bearing failed!

I've spent quite a bit to get the car to this point, had the entire brake and fuel systems rebuilt and the electrics sorted. I've gone too far to quit on it now! On the plus side it is rot free, the interior is immaculate and I have the parts to rebuild the gearbox.

I would love to hand it over to a specialist, one, who may or may not have been mentioned above quoted £6000 to £7000. This amount (which I don't have!) would buy the very best Ro80 in the country.

12a and 13b conversions have been done in the distant past, finding adapter plates etc may be a problem though.