US Army vet and car freak
 

Hey all!
New guy here, obviously. I am a veteran of the Iraq war and young father of three. I've always been into motorsports but I have something big planned now...
Before I got out of the military I was diagnosed with PTSD, and it effects me every day. One of my only (and favorite) outlets is driving. It helps a whole lot. I've decided that since it helps me, maybe it should help others as well. I am in the process of starting a team, called PTSD Racing, so I can achieve that goal of helping out. The team will be a nonprofit organization that donates all proceeds to recognized and honorable charities.
There's the background! Now for why I'm here...
The teams first goal is to compete at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in 2015 in the Open Division. I have a plan on paper now, and all I'm doing for the time being is research. I intend on building an old Opel GT into the race car, using a 20B engine. I really do not know to much about rotary engines though, so here I am.

Nice to be here!

Welcome. The 20B is not a cheap swap as you'll find posted all over the place here (specially developed parts and supporting hardware mostly). If you really want to do this you'll need some pretty good backing. A 13BT would be cheaper and developed parts easier to come by. It can develop comparable horsepower when done right, the main advantage for the 20B is that it develops better low end torque and may not require as much boost for the horsepower level. It ain't cheap though.

The Opel GT sounds pretty cool, but what is the rationale for picking this platform? Class rules?

Sgt. Frank,
I have considered the 13BT, and I may still go with it depending on things like the size of the engine compartment, but I would like to go with a 20B because of the torque. Pikes Peak is kinda twisty.... Acceleration is key, right along with handling. I do plan on moving the fire wall of the vehicle back a little too, so that should free up some space.
As for the GT, I chose it because its lightweight and I know of three of them sitting around that I could get for about $500 each.
Money isn't a huge issue, the VA will take care of most of that!

How feasible is 450hp out of a 13BT compared to 450 out of its big brother?

It took me a while to track down some of the threads for you. These are threads by guys that know how to build what you're asking about. There are plenty of other threads out there too.

13 Turbo
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ht=dyno+sheets

Rice Racing 13B:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ad.php?t=10423

20B NA
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ad.php?t=15078

20B Turbo
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ad.php?t=15050

Basically 450 HP is not a big problem either way. If you want it naturally aspirated (NA) you have to go 20B and even that's tough to do without spending a LOT of money.

Read over your class rules VERY carefully. Taking advantage of the rules is what will make you competitive in any type of racing. See what best fits your budget and plan accordingly. Some require you to have an engine from the same marquee in the car, some don't. I'm unfamiliar with the particulars of what you want to run in. If you need a light Mazda car the 1979-1980 RX7 and the 1st gen Miata are both very light. approx. 2200 - 2300 lbs. dry street weight. The early cars RX2 & RX3 are also very light but you'll have to work on the suspension, again see your class rules. Once you have the money there are plenty of shops around the country that can set you up with what you need, but you have to be a serious customer as they don't have a lot of time for idle speculation.

Hey Gunny, thanks.

Love the idea, Ive always been a fan of the Opal, then again Im twisted and would love to put a rotary in an old Fiero, or an S2000. Where abouts are you from though? I have an old friend who's ex-army an dmight be interrested in getting in on your project if you didnt mind.

I don't mind at all! I'm in southwest New Mexico. Kind of outta the way by a lot!

Hey,
I'm sorry to hear that PTSD has negatively impacted your life,
But, I think "Right on" that you're going to start a team to help raise awareness/funds for your cause.

I hope 2 things,
1 success for you, and your cause,
and 2 your health.

Have you considered medicinal marijuanna?
Also, I vote for the 13B-REW with a turbo,
the 20B-REW is going to be hella money.
The 13B-REW's low end tourque/power can be boosted with a simple ignition booster.
the 20B and 13B are both capable of making a reliable 450 horse at the wheels.

GOOD LUCK.

Welcome! I'm here in Colorado Springs where PPIHC is held, do you live here too? If not, I'd be willing to help out while you're here and if you need a place to stay you can crash here. I've been in the AF 16 years and have soldier roommates, and rest assured this is definitely a car household/junkyard LOL.

No, no pot for this guy. I've never been a fan. I really hope this takes off!

No, I live in New Mexico. I appreciate the offer too! Time will tell if I take you up on it or not, but regardless when I do get up there we'll have to meet up!

Sounds good! I hope everything works out for you.

=)

Well, I have another appointment with the VA on Tuesday, hope it all goes well. The sooner the better!

Good luck man!