Custom Mazda RX-7 Sees Powerful V12 Upgrade

The Mazda RX-7 is one of the most iconic Mazda vehicles. Its legendary rotary engine has provided the luxury coupe with impressive handling and speed. While many have awaited the return of the RX-7, Mazda has been focused on other endeavors like EVs and hybrids. The Japanese automaker released its first all-electric SUV, the 2022 MX-30, and has been working on hybrid SUVs like the upcoming CX-70 and CX-90. These hybrid SUVs are set to feature a rotary engine setup along with an electric motor to improve performance and efficiency. Despite the lack of attention, many have outfitted the Mazda RX-7 with new engine swaps. One such group was a Florida-based group called Gooichi Motors which installed a Mercedes M120 V12 engine into an FD RX-7. The group modified the RX-7 for the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show which is hosted annually. We’ll take a closer look at Gooichi Motors’ Mazda RX-7 and see what the coupe can do.

Gooichi Motors Installs V12 Engine into Mazda RX-7

Ahead of the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Florida-based team Gooichi Motors decided to create a custom Mazda RX-7. Long known for its impressive performance and handling, the RX-7 is the perfect candidate for custom builds. Hosted annually, the SEMA show invites manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to showcase specialty and custom-built vehicles. Gooichi Motors went with the Mazda RX-7, which they modified with an M120 V12 engine. Originally used inside the Mercedes W140 S-Class in 1991, this V-12 engine delivers powerful performance. It later powered the renowned Pagani Zona Italian supercar and offered an astounding 789 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

While the V12-equipped Mazda RX-7 still needed to be finished at the 2022 SEMA show, Gooichi Motors could still debut it. The team first got the idea for the V12 swap after a customer came looking for a custom engine fit. In locating the desired M120 engine, the team got the idea to use the Mazda RX-7 for the 2022 SEMA show. Equipping the powerful engine into the luxury coupe was a challenging feat. The team had to make numerous adjustments, and they also had to create custom parts. This included a dry-sump oiling system, manifold collectors, valves, and velocity stacks. The team had to remove the hood to fit the V12 engine, but they said a custom hood was on the way.

Gooichi Motors stated that the finished Mazda RX-7 with the V12 engine would be street-ready in several months. The team added several features to the custom RX-7, including a widebody LTO kit, custom wheels and tires, a six-speed sequential gearbox, and coilovers. Altogether, the Gooichi Motors team took the fan-favorite RX-7 and gave it new life. We’re excited to see how the V12-equipped coupe performs and how it sounds in the upcoming months when it officially releases. 

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