1st Gen General Discussion The place for non-technical discussion about 1st Gen RX-7s or if there's no better place for your topic

Checkout ZOOMZOOM magazine

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-20-16, 09:18 AM
  #1  
Waffles - hmmm good

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
t_g_farrell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Posts: 8,783
Received 282 Likes on 232 Posts
Talking Checkout ZOOMZOOM magazine

I held back on posting this so I could surprise my cabin mates at DGRR. I was lucky to be featured in the latest issue of Mazdas ZoomZoom Magazine both online and in print. This magazine goes to all dealerships and is also sent to all recent Mazda customers.

Image and text from the article linked below:



A Friend For Life

While software engineer Tim Farrell’s career may have taken him all across the country over the past 30 years, there’s been a constant presence in his various garages: his 1980 Series 1 Mazda RX-7 GS.

“My brother and I were always into cars and racing and ran the school autocross club,” he says. “As soon as I got my first job after college, I decided to get the best car to do autocross in. And as far I as I was concerned, that had to be the Series 1 RX-7, which was just a bit more lightweight and basic than the GSL-SE spec models that were just about to come out. I bought this car off a dealer’s lot in Kansas in 1983 and have had it ever since. And in the past 30-odd years I’ve never had any intention of selling it.”

Tim fulfilled his promise to himself by using the car in stock class autocross racing for the next couple of years before his professional life took center stage. “I moved across the country for work and just ended up taking the car with me wherever I went,” he says. “I didn’t really get back into autocrossing after that, and the RX-7 became my daily drive for the next six years or so. After that, it became more of a toy that I used in the summer and fall—something I could just get into and drive.”

Now used predominantly as a canyon carver in Tim’s adopted home of North Carolina, the car has a slightly modified suspension to deal with the mountain roads that he drives it on nearly every weekend. “I’ve added a modified intake, a tuned sports exhaust, racing springs, and adjustable lower control arms,” says Tim. “Although I’ve made sure it still looks absolutely stock. There’s no way I was going to ruin its good looks.”

When it comes to the engine, his RX-7 still has its original 12A rotary unit. “I’ve not had a single problem with the engine in 30 years and 130,000 miles. I have no problem jumping in this car and driving a thousand miles in it,” Tim smiles. “It’s the whole package with this car. When I first got it, it just handled so well and drove so well compared to anything else I’d driven before. It still puts a grin on my face whenever I get in it.”

And with that Tim’s off. Another thousand-mile trip, perhaps?

Zoom-Zoom, USA, Spring
Old 04-20-16, 09:37 AM
  #2  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
tool and die guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Lillington NC
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes on 24 Posts
Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
I held back on posting this so I could surprise my cabin mates at DGRR. I was lucky to be featured in the latest issue of Mazdas ZoomZoom Magazine both online and in print. This magazine goes to all dealerships and is also sent to all recent Mazda customers.

Image and text from the article linked below:



A Friend For Life

While software engineer Tim Farrell’s career may have taken him all across the country over the past 30 years, there’s been a constant presence in his various garages: his 1980 Series 1 Mazda RX-7 GS.

“My brother and I were always into cars and racing and ran the school autocross club,” he says. “As soon as I got my first job after college, I decided to get the best car to do autocross in. And as far I as I was concerned, that had to be the Series 1 RX-7, which was just a bit more lightweight and basic than the GSL-SE spec models that were just about to come out. I bought this car off a dealer’s lot in Kansas in 1983 and have had it ever since. And in the past 30-odd years I’ve never had any intention of selling it.”

Tim fulfilled his promise to himself by using the car in stock class autocross racing for the next couple of years before his professional life took center stage. “I moved across the country for work and just ended up taking the car with me wherever I went,” he says. “I didn’t really get back into autocrossing after that, and the RX-7 became my daily drive for the next six years or so. After that, it became more of a toy that I used in the summer and fall—something I could just get into and drive.”

Now used predominantly as a canyon carver in Tim’s adopted home of North Carolina, the car has a slightly modified suspension to deal with the mountain roads that he drives it on nearly every weekend. “I’ve added a modified intake, a tuned sports exhaust, racing springs, and adjustable lower control arms,” says Tim. “Although I’ve made sure it still looks absolutely stock. There’s no way I was going to ruin its good looks.”

When it comes to the engine, his RX-7 still has its original 12A rotary unit. “I’ve not had a single problem with the engine in 30 years and 130,000 miles. I have no problem jumping in this car and driving a thousand miles in it,” Tim smiles. “It’s the whole package with this car. When I first got it, it just handled so well and drove so well compared to anything else I’d driven before. It still puts a grin on my face whenever I get in it.”

And with that Tim’s off. Another thousand-mile trip, perhaps?

Zoom-Zoom, USA, Spring
Damn cell phones.. Sorry I hit submit before I typed.. Tim!! My buddy just gave me his Zoom Zoom mag before I left to Savannah so I could see this article!!! I have it!! Great story!!! I instantly identified with the article and now I may soon meet the subject!! Fantastic.. Congrats on a great write up!!! Can't wait to meet a wankel celebrity!!!
Old 04-20-16, 12:27 PM
  #3  
Lapping = Fapping

iTrader: (13)
 
Jeff20B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Near Seattle
Posts: 15,725
Received 70 Likes on 64 Posts
Nice!
Old 04-20-16, 07:56 PM
  #4  
Censored

iTrader: (14)
 
ray green's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11,368
Received 176 Likes on 137 Posts
That dude looks like he's having some trouble keeping control of the pressure washer.

Also, he left his lights on.

Nice photo, however, especially the waffles.
Old 04-21-16, 05:41 AM
  #5  
Happy Rotoring!

iTrader: (13)
 
Banzai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Iowa
Posts: 2,304
Received 376 Likes on 246 Posts
Congrauts Tim. Nice story and pic. You gotta love a clean machine.
Old 04-21-16, 07:38 AM
  #6  
Waffles - hmmm good

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
t_g_farrell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Posts: 8,783
Received 282 Likes on 232 Posts
Thanks guys! Everyone asks how I did I get included into this magazine? Who did I know?
Turns out it was the luck of the draw. The writer of the article posted a thread asking for
pictures of old school rotaries and I was the only one that posted a pic.

http:// rotary car club .com/rotary_...ad.php?t=18808

A week or so later I get a PM on the forum asking if I would like my car featured in the
zoomzoom magazine community section. I was skeptical at first having no clue what
zoomzoom magazine was or who the writer was. Did some internet sleuthing and
determined this was for real.

The writer (editor actually) arranged for a photography session with a very well know
photographer and did a phone interview with me. The photos were within a few miles
of my home, he basically came to me. It was very exciting and my wife took pictures of
him taking pictures of me.

PROJECTS + PERSONAL | Tony Harmer Photographer
Old 04-21-16, 08:37 AM
  #7  
79 w 13B4port

iTrader: (5)
 
rwatson5651's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Alabama
Posts: 1,905
Received 52 Likes on 29 Posts
Congratulations Tim!!!
We have a celebrity in out mist!!

I like this 'cause it tells the story of your car. I love hearing the stories, especially the ones of long time ownership like this, really, really cool!!!!

Another thing I like is that you have not caved and have retained the waffles, you stayed true to the SA heritage, Great, I love 'em! They are what sets an SA apart. wink, wink!
Old 04-21-16, 08:43 AM
  #8  
Waffles - hmmm good

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
t_g_farrell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Posts: 8,783
Received 282 Likes on 232 Posts
Of course I still have waffles, whatever do you refer to Robert?
Old 04-24-16, 11:21 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
hcaulfield57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
Of course I still have waffles, whatever do you refer to Robert?
Why would someone get rid of the waffles? I have an FB and wish I had some waffles lol. Pretty much any cool car from the late 70s had waffles. 1st gen RX-7 has some of the best looking stock wheels in my opinion.

Edit: also I wonder what percentage of 1st gen owners are programmers, it's got to be large
Old 04-24-16, 12:28 PM
  #10  
RX for fun

iTrader: (13)
 
Siraniko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Socal
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 19 Posts
Tim..is that you? At any rate, nice article and congrats to one of the guys I highly respect on this forum.
Old 04-25-16, 06:53 AM
  #11  
Waffles - hmmm good

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
t_g_farrell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Posts: 8,783
Received 282 Likes on 232 Posts
Originally Posted by Siraniko
Tim..is that you? At any rate, nice article and congrats to one of the guys I highly respect on this forum.
Thats me alright, scowling at my SA as I wash it. It means a lot to me to hear that from you Wacky.

Originally Posted by hcaulfield57
Why would someone get rid of the waffles? I have an FB and wish I had some waffles lol. Pretty much any cool car from the late 70s had waffles. 1st gen RX-7 has some of the best looking stock wheels in my opinion.

Edit: also I wonder what percentage of 1st gen owners are programmers, it's got to be large
Alas, finding performance street tires in 13" is impossible without going to rdot tires.
So at some point, if serious driving is to ensue, the waffles have to be retired.
Old 04-25-16, 01:00 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
hcaulfield57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
Alas, finding performance street tires in 13" is impossible without going to rdot tires.
So at some point, if serious driving is to ensue, the waffles have to be retired.
I find it disappointing that the whole giant wheel / super low-profile tire thing caught on. Even your average economy car has at least 17" wheels with a 40 profile tire. Small 13" wheels look far better in my opinion. I'm sure mpg is effecting the trend though. I'm picking up my Federal 595s today, we'll see how they perform

Regardless nice looking SA, and great story, congrats!
Old 04-25-16, 03:29 PM
  #13  
Waffles - hmmm good

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
t_g_farrell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Posts: 8,783
Received 282 Likes on 232 Posts
Dont worry, I have my waffles with the RWL Cooper Cobras still on them. I'll use them for special
occasions around town. I just wanted a wheel solution that gave me better tire choices.
Old 04-25-16, 04:37 PM
  #14  
Censored

iTrader: (14)
 
ray green's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11,368
Received 176 Likes on 137 Posts
Hey Tim, why don't you bring your waffles to the May 3 OGTA Meeting.

I hear it's going to be a blow out. Both Billy and Crit are going to be there. Mike might even show up. Might even be some waffles.

We want to see the waffles, OK?

Old 04-29-16, 08:48 AM
  #15  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
tool and die guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Lillington NC
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes on 24 Posts
Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
Thats me alright, scowling at my SA as I wash it. It means a lot to me to hear that from you Wacky.



Alas, finding performance street tires in 13" is impossible without going to rdot tires.
So at some point, if serious driving is to ensue, the waffles have to be retired.
Out with the waffles, in with the pansports!!! Lol
Old 04-30-16, 10:41 PM
  #16  
keep it original!!

iTrader: (3)
 
boyee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SF Bay Area, California
Posts: 1,329
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Cool! I read the Mazda zoomzoom magazine. I'll try to get a print copy of it.
Old 05-02-16, 09:25 AM
  #17  
Waffles - hmmm good

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
t_g_farrell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Posts: 8,783
Received 282 Likes on 232 Posts
Originally Posted by boyee
Cool! I read the Mazda zoomzoom magazine. I'll try to get a print copy of it.
Your local Mazda dealer will have a stack of em in the sales closet. Thats how I got
mine.
Old 05-02-16, 04:18 PM
  #18  
turbo or bust
iTrader: (8)
 
erick31876's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: bristol,pa
Posts: 870
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Definitely going to have to get a copy,congratulations
Old 05-02-16, 05:04 PM
  #19  
Censored

iTrader: (14)
 
ray green's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11,368
Received 176 Likes on 137 Posts
All the Atlanta Mazda dealers have run out. I think those OGTA's have been cleaning out the shops.
Old 05-06-16, 05:27 AM
  #20  
Have RX-7, will restore


iTrader: (91)
 
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 21,710
Received 1,051 Likes on 891 Posts
I went to the dealer yesterday for my airbag inflator recall on my RX-8 and I grabbed a few copies of the latest Zoom Zoom magazine. If anyone needs a copy let me know and I'll get you one. It was an absolute joy to see one of our own in the magazine ad I'm proud to have a copy!
Old 07-18-16, 08:26 AM
  #21  
Waffles - hmmm good

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
t_g_farrell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Posts: 8,783
Received 282 Likes on 232 Posts
Just in case you wanted to see this in a japanese edition:

Zoom-Zoom ???????? ? 8 ?

Thats thanks to my nephew, Alax, in Japan. He's going to see if he can get me the japanese
hardcopy from a mazda dealer near him.
Old 08-27-16, 09:07 PM
  #22  
Full Member

 
madmen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Manila
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
t g farrell. Well done. Nice write up!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ACCEPTUS
Build Threads
1
03-23-16 07:37 PM



Quick Reply: Checkout ZOOMZOOM magazine



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:26 PM.