1st Gen RX-7 for IT7 and/or Spec7
Originally Posted by christaylor
Speaking as somebody that's actually run Mobil1 for 4 years, and actually taken apart and engine that ran for a season and a half (including a 6-hour enduro and several 45+ minute "sprint" races), the innards look better running on Mobil1 all that time than an engine that ran for half that time on dino oil.
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Finally replaced my tools and did some work on the car today. It's taken way too long to get back on track. I'll have some more pics posted at www.GrassrootsMotorsports.com Project Cars page soon. Maybe even a video!
Originally Posted by RussTypeS
For shocks/springs the best budget setup has to be the stuff from ISC, http://www.iscracing.net/. They have the best price on Bilsteins I have found and will modify your shocks for you. You will also want the strut spacers to correct the ackerman once you lower the car.
While you're doing your brakes, pull the rear axles out and check the collar that holds the wheel bearing on. These have a tendency to come lose (especially once you put race tires on). Keep an eye on it. I have a 3' piece of pipe I use to pound mine back in before every race.
While you're doing your brakes, pull the rear axles out and check the collar that holds the wheel bearing on. These have a tendency to come lose (especially once you put race tires on). Keep an eye on it. I have a 3' piece of pipe I use to pound mine back in before every race.
ISC or G-Forceengineering for shock/spring selection.
Good point on the rear axle. I would replace all of the wheel bearings unless you know the condition. IMHO any "new" race car build should include all new or rebuilt braking components. Rebuilding the calipers is even fun. After haveing a very flakey brake master at a test day this past year, I will be replacing mine every season. Nothing like watching the braking markers go by and you have the brake pedal on the floor.
Originally Posted by wmac
My buddy Brix (he's in a band called Dope) lent me his manual. He's done a lot of work with these cars and he'll be working on it with me.
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Oh YEA!!! I love that band!!!!!!! My favorite song is four more years!!!
You know have my full and total support!!! lol
If you need any help on this car. You let me know! Parts
You know have my full and total support!!! lol
If you need any help on this car. You let me know! Parts
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I know it's taken a while to get this project on the road, but here's an update: http://grmotorsports.com/news/022006/rx-7-progress.php
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Who is Garret Jenkins 1983 Mazda RX-7 http://grmotorsports.com/news/category/2006-challenge/
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More info on the latest GRM Rx-7 at http://grmotorsports.com/news/catego...azda-rx-7-gsl/
another option for front end but wont accept larger body shocks limiting your spring rate to about 400lb
www.racersareme.com
www.racersareme.com
Glad to see it's finally out! I ended up having to take off my steering box and adjust the preload on the input shaft as well, check out this article: http://www.mazspeed.com/steeringgear.htm
The mazdamotorsports delrin idler arm bushings rock, and they are faily cheap IIRC.
PT would be a good class for it, espically since you're building it up slowly you can progress thorugh the classes and stay competitive as you go. I would try to keep it IT-7 legal just so you have options, but you should be able to have a competitive car in both PTE and IT-7 if you play your cards right. I have a feeling that the PT rules will change quite a bit before next year so I wouldn't worry about trying to find the magic setup that will be ultra competitive in PT just yet.
Oh yeah, when you go to pick out a seat try to get one that mounts from the bottom. You're going to want to mount it as low and as close to the transmission tunnel as possible. When you install the cage you will most likely hit your head on the halo bar if you're over 6' tall and don't do this.
Are you planning on bringing the car to the Mitty?
The mazdamotorsports delrin idler arm bushings rock, and they are faily cheap IIRC.
PT would be a good class for it, espically since you're building it up slowly you can progress thorugh the classes and stay competitive as you go. I would try to keep it IT-7 legal just so you have options, but you should be able to have a competitive car in both PTE and IT-7 if you play your cards right. I have a feeling that the PT rules will change quite a bit before next year so I wouldn't worry about trying to find the magic setup that will be ultra competitive in PT just yet.
Oh yeah, when you go to pick out a seat try to get one that mounts from the bottom. You're going to want to mount it as low and as close to the transmission tunnel as possible. When you install the cage you will most likely hit your head on the halo bar if you're over 6' tall and don't do this.
Are you planning on bringing the car to the Mitty?
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Russ,
Check out improvedtouring.com, discussions, mazda race cars. Lots of knowledge, possible parts, etc. I have more knowledge in the Spec-7 arena (SoPac rules). You can get a good spec-7 together for $5G, but a good it-7 setup would be tough on 5G. Good luck in your project, and let me know if I can help. I do have some parts too.
- a loyal subscriber
Check out improvedtouring.com, discussions, mazda race cars. Lots of knowledge, possible parts, etc. I have more knowledge in the Spec-7 arena (SoPac rules). You can get a good spec-7 together for $5G, but a good it-7 setup would be tough on 5G. Good luck in your project, and let me know if I can help. I do have some parts too.
- a loyal subscriber
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I'll be watching this thread too! I'm doing the same project on an 84 GSL. I've already seen some helpful links in this thread. I'm in the process of a "street car to track car conversion", and took it to Road Atlanta for my first HPDE last week. That was a crash course in "where to spend your money first" ! Safety, brakes, and suspension, with a major in tires, tires, tires... ( I was on cheapies). Glad to see posts from the Atlanta area, where I might find some help from people who really know these cars. And thanks to Grassroots Motorsports for the "budget racing" tips!
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We're contemplating bringing it up to The Mitty (Check out www.TheMitty.com for details - get your tickets now and save!). Noelle and I will be heading up Wednesday morning and there are a couple variables helping make that decision. I'll keep you posted.
