1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1st Gen Strut assy

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Old Feb 11, 2019 | 07:54 PM
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1st Gen Strut assy

Looking for some help on a 1980 RX7 front spindles and brake assy . Where can I find a pair of them? Regards Louis M.
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Old Feb 11, 2019 | 09:58 PM
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I can't help find them, but you will have a better chance finding 1981-1985 spindles. The 1984-1985 would be best because they are a bigger bearing spindle and brake parts are easier to find for them. You could also get the T3 ones but they are expensive.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 12:28 AM
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Welcome Louis-
have you checked the 1st Gen Parts for Sale section? People are parting out 7s all the time. Unfortunately, until you get 10 (?) posts up on the Forum, I don't think you are permitted to set up a Listing ASKING for these parts in that section, but that would be the best option.
Depending on your pocket book, the brake bits and springs can be bought new, leaving just the Spindles themselves to buy used. Might make shipping cheaper with all the heavy stuff removed. You would likely be refurbishing the brakes (and maybe the bearings ) anyway.

The 1979 and 1980 RX7 spindle assys are unique in the RX7 line.

Stu Aull
80GS
AZ
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 08:50 AM
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Do you really mean spindles or just rotors and calipers? Spindles rarely need replacing is why I ask. Sometimes a frozen or disintegrating bearing will take out a spindle.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 10:02 AM
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I have a square tube chassis car that was built in the early 80's with Mazda starts in front. one of the spindles has a little play in it. I have replaced the bearings and races and still the same. The front end is just fine with these struts, but I would like to have better front brakes. The strut assys are from a 1977 808/cosmo and have single cylinder caliper and a 9 inch rotor. Hope to find something to up grade the brakes and spindles.

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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 10:12 AM
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Early RX-7 spindles would be moving backwards in this case.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 10:47 AM
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What assy should I pursue? Fit and function. I dont want to move to a aftermarket assy like Strange or Lamb.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 03:02 PM
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I'm in no way experienced with a build like yours, but I would lean towards something like a Mustang coil-overs that have a better choice of brakes, wheels, and easily available parts. MustangHammer on this forum might have some thoughts. He's built his own SCCA racer and knows Mustangs.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 03:20 PM
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This car goes 10.1 e.t. and 130mph in a 1/4 mile. The Mazda struts are efficient and light weight for an OEM set up. Just would like to keep the old girl similar to the design as built and you guys are far more knowable on the up grade and replacement of these old assy's. Any information would be helpful.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 07:12 PM
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just threw up in my mouth..... i wasn't ready
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 07:21 PM
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First gen rotors are just under 10 inches and should be fine for stopping you at the end of the track with a decent set of pads.

You might check these guys out also, probably have something you can fit in your cutrecu setup.
http://www.aerospacecomponents.com

Last edited by mikey D; Feb 12, 2019 at 07:26 PM.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by rx71king2
just threw up in my mouth..... i wasn't ready
Back in the early 80's the junk yards were filled with Mazda's Rotary. I know it was difficult but we found something we could use, the struts and the oil cooler. Just saying now you can puke.

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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 07:32 PM
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that was a joke haha ..... we hav a v8 suction for your kind
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 08:59 PM
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I transplanted an RX4 into a Sunbeam Alpine in the early 80's, so I'm familiar with the Mazda.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by airford1
I transplanted an RX4 into a Sunbeam Alpine in the early 80's, so I'm familiar with the Mazda.
so start a threat and teach us something...........
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 09:44 PM
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Well, Dont be afraid of failure. The old story nothing wagered, nothing gained. That is what I have to offer at this point.

I think I have enough information to pursue the parts I want and when I get them I will document the front end build. Fair enough.
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 11:50 PM
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good enough
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 04:30 AM
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Rx71king2, I would argue that this part of the forum is fine for Airford1's unique request. Yes, there is a classified section but I think that due to the custom build of the car it does warrant discussion. This does not belong in the v8 section as the type of engine being used is of no consequence.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 05:34 AM
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+1
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 06:29 AM
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Sweet car! Since you already have coilover sleeves welded on those struts, you will have to redo that with a new strut. I copied old kits and made some spacers and caliper brackets to put FC RX7 front brakes and hubs on FB struts. I have the plates and can give you the dimensions for the spacers if you want to go that route. The FC hubs are 5 x 114.3 bolt pattern so you would need new front runners, but late model mustang ones would fit. The FC brakes are 4 piston with 11" rotors I think, so more than enough stopping power for that light car.

Have you verified that the play is in the spindle and not the hub? Another option is aerospace components makes an FB RX7 4 piston brake kit but they are expensive ($500)
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 09:18 AM
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Great information. No I have not verified where the play is. Its so slight it's hard to pin down. I'll try and put an indicator on the hub.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 09:21 AM
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This is #10
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by airford1
Great information. No I have not verified where the play is. Its so slight it's hard to pin down. I'll try and put an indicator on the hub.
Cool, I would put just the bearing on the spindle without the hub and see if there is any play, I know that my hubs have some play until you put the correct preload on the bearings.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 11:12 AM
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I have a few questions Whats FC RX7 and FB.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 12:20 PM
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^it's in the vin. fc is 2nd gen fb 1st gen.
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