UK spec RX7 FD

[James]

Its been ages since the remains of the Skyline left my drive. I know exactly what I want to replace it with but realistically I'm in no position to do that yet, that will have to wait for a year or two. So, in the mean time, I've decided to spend a bit on the RX7.

Before the car arrived the spec list looked like this:

Apexi power FC
Blitz Dual SBC boost controller.
Blitz Nur Spec cat back exhaust
Hks Down pipes.
Sports Cat.
K & N panel filter.







RX8 wheels and the rear spoiler went on the car a couple of years ago along with the Alpine DVD player.

Its just had its second rebuild and the engine feels really good, although it only made 289BHP at the hubs last time it was on a rolling road, which is a little down on what it should be. This was before the rebuild though. It should be more like 300.


I want to get this car out on the track so the future mods will reflect this.
I'm happy power wise and I want to keep the twins so its not too laggy, so just a remap, although a T51R was mentioned, but no. I will get a bigger intercooler though as the standard is on the small side. The car already has twin oil coolers being a UK spec car. I'm even keeping the standard airbox to keep the engine bay heat away from the filter.

The big problem at the moment is the handling, its lethal. Crap tyres, of which one has a slow puncture, 125000 miles on the bushes and dodgy tracking don't help. Just ask Maddog (Geoff) who was behind me a few weeks ago in the wet.

I'm on the look out for a full set of powerflex bushes and pillow balls to replace the worn stuff. It won't be cheap to do that but it needs doing, I was a little shocked to say the least now I have priced it up. Its a labour intensive job to do 22 bushes plus the pillowballs and I won't be doing it. I've done a few polyurethane bushes before and I didn't enjoy it

Waiting in the shed is a new genuine 99 spec front bumper and today I picked up a genuine 2 piece splitter and original Mazda lights, not ebay tat. It looks much more aggressive with the vents. This will help the oil coolers either side and the intercooler in the middle. It will also be flexible being plastic and not crack whenever I hit a speed bump.








Now I just need someone to colour match a pink mazda.

Brakes were suggested to me too and there seems to be some good deals but this won't be for a while.

No lets see how long until I get the bumper fitted.

[vizibledog]

Lovely car mate. Very clean and shiney looking. That front end will make it look a lot meaner

Does that mean you'll have 2 sets of headlights?

[Al_Star]

you wont get on track with that exhaust

having a ride in it the other week, couldnt believe how low it felt to the ground

oh and you need a better sat nav

[James]

Lovely car mate. Very clean and shiney looking. That front end will make it look a lot meaner

Does that mean you'll have 2 sets of headlights?

Cheers.

They are side lights and indicators, same as whats on the old bumper only a little more modern.

it may look clean and shiney but it will be a nightmare to match the paint.

[Andy W]

Al how the hell did you fit in the car ?

*edit* just noticed the sunroof

[James]

you wont get on track with that exhaust

having a ride in it the other week, couldnt believe how low it felt to the ground

oh and you need a better sat nav

fancy a Mcdonalds Al That was a nightmare but it was quite funny.

The baffle in the Nur spec makes a massive difference and it isn't in the car at the moment. I think it will be close but I need to check it.

I take it they check noise 1 meter away from the car but at how many revs?
Anyone got a db tester whos going to goodwood?

[Spearmint]

Always had a soft spot for the RX7's. Best shape imo.

[James]

Al how the hell did you fit in the car ?

*edit* just noticed the sunroof

I find its a right pain getting in and out of.

[James]

Time for a little update. I took the bumper of today ready for the 99 spec one but one thing led to another. I took the under tray off and decided to remove the air con rad and some of the pipes seeing it has never worked. It was basically crumbling in my hands. I cant remove the pump until I get a dummy pulley.




I wonder if this is anything to do with the lethal handling. The tyre has worn through the arch liner on this side but not the other!




At least the airflow to the radiator will be improved.



Next job is to remove the front wishbones and anti-roll bar so I can change the bushes. Theres bloody loads of bushes on this thing

[MEL]

Would love a rex one day

Those wheels really dont suit imo

[Daemon]

Good stuff James, my mate has the full Powerflex kit on his RX7 - it definitely makes a difference to the handling. It also helps if you have a ramp to change them all over....I don't envy you if you're doing it whilst the car is on the floor!

[Bubble]

Good work so far James - keep it up

It will be interesting to see how much the bushes help the handling.

[James]

I think Andy W will get a call soon . As for wheels,I am on the lookout for something different, preferably with 888 tyres. This will be mainly a track machine now but, its all dependant on money.

[James]

And I know the axle stands are rather close togeher, I don't trust the sills.

[Richf]

What on earth do they make mazda front discs from as everytime i see your car they look like they have been fished out of the channel