Has anyone every autocrossed their car and did not pass tech because of the steering wheel play? and how much play is really too much? I have about 2.5inches from wheel movement to wheel movement.

 

just tighten it, follow the instructions on mazspeed.com

 

That is a LOT of play. Either adjust it or call around for shops that rebuild recirculating ball steering boxes.

 

that sucks. i almost didn't pass tech one time because when they pushed on my wheels the suspension made a squeeking sound. them or i didn't know what it was/is so i ran anyways.

 

Here are some instructions on how I adjusted mine (without removing it). This method is much simpler than the other mentioned, but might not work in all cases. I did this in the early spring of this year, and it has worked great. Good luck with it... https://www.rx7club.com//showthread....grind+steering

 

What would be a good suspension setup for autox for a 1st gen RX-7? I am in the process of working on my RX-7 this of season for I can start out next spring autocrossing.

 

i just use racing beat springs and tokico blue shocks and struts and wider tires. Thanks for the link kentetsu

 

You can race with a completely stock car, you don't have to do any mods. However, if you do decided to do mods, look at the rules and mod your car based on them. Because if you just randomly do mods, you might get bumped up to a class you might not be competitive in.

Alvin

 

Hey thanks for the info Zyrano. Still doing some research but like I said that I know the suspension needs some work on my FB and would like to keep performance in mind when I fix it. Plus I would like to setup the suspension for autox performance along with the brake system.

 

Bringing this back to life because Im in the same situation.

 

First things first...if you are planning to be competitive in autocross, do not waste any money on the rx7. However, if you just want to have fun then by all means replace your shocks with tokico blues (or illuminas - the adjustability is very nice to have). Get an extra set of stock wheels to put DOT-R tires on, flush your brake fluid with high quality replacement fluid ( I have used ATE super blue with great results). And maybe a "cat back" exhaust. Take it out and have a blast.

 

hey screw that man, the 7 is competitive.

 

Don't waste money on an RX7? I beg to differ.... Even in a higher class (CSP) and using street tires I'm fairly competitive. Put me on some racing rubber and I'll really be giving those Miata's something to worry about. These cars can be competitive. Of course the really simple way to win at AutoX would be to just buy a Miata. But since we're not on a Miato forum...

 

Before you start adjusting the steering sector, check the idler arm, tie rods, ball joints and wheel bearings. If all of those are up to spec, then adjust the steering. If the other components are worn, no amount of adjustment will fix the play and overadjusting can damage the sector enough to require replacement. Replacing the sector is not a bill you will be happy with.

Crap, and now I notice this is an old thread, lol. Glad to see you using the search function. Once you have the steering tighter, then look into shocks, springs and poly bushings. With the suspension brought back to new condition and upgraded with sticky tires, it's not hard to pull a full G cornering.

 

wow SilverArrow that was a dick thing to say man! How is it a waste to make a 1st gen competitive in autocross? I mean I know they may not be the best to do this sort of thing with but hey I don't think many of us on here can go buy a lotus or an enzo or some other car that costs as much as my house either so why not work with what we have?

 

what silver arrow is saying is the 1st gen will not have a chance to win nationally, or in a well subscribed regional CSP class. no matter how much $$ you throw at it.

the miata and crx spank it. sorry to be the bearer of bad news. out of date technology. please free my mind from The Matrix now.

you can still have a shitload of fun autocrossing though. i have come to grips my REPU will not win FSP but it still gets my racing fix fixed.

 

DAMN!!! Thanks DriveFast7, you understand what i was trying to say. Thanks for helping to "keep it real".

Now, before anyone else calls my dedication into question:

Here is the TRUTH

That's right I actually autox an 85 gsl-se. I speak from experience, even at the local level we are continually chasing after the miata, not to mention the MR2.

DON'T GET ME WRONG!!!! As you can see by the site, we have a blast doing it, but even with the money we have put into the car, we have given up any hope of being "competitive" or even "competent". Granted, the more seat time the better, but if you have dreams of filling up your trophy rooms with anything other than smiling faces from pictures of when you drove, then put the money into something more viable than the FB. That also being said, I believe that this is a wonderful car to learn to be competitive with, but in the end you will need more car to fill up the trophy room (at least you can have fun trying though! )

 

The simple truth is, the 12a FB is classed the same as the SE and FC N/A. It is the slowest car of the group, exactly as they planned. A good driver in a 12a powered FB can give a fair driver in a Miata heartburn. Equal driving skill, and the Miata will hand the FB it's ***.
It's still fun to give the Miata guys heartburn, though....... LOL
Besides, it's hard to look cool, in a Miata.........

 

Yes I agree with Rogue Wulff. This my first season of autoxing the FB and I love when the Miata guys just stare at me after my runs. 12a FB is so fun to drive and I think that I look cool in my FB. LOL

 

Anyone care to share their tire and wheel choices for autocross?
Specifically for an SA would be nice. Eventual goal is to be competitive in SM2.

 

After just finishing a mini-resto on my 1st gen (bought it for IT but went kart racing instead), I can say that mine (rb springs, blues, rb sway bars, 15x7 Compomotive wheels and Hankook Rs2 Z212) takes a set and really hangs on in a sweeper but it doesn't seem as suited to quick transitions. I'm blaming the slow steering for that.

 

u guys think if we had p/s we could be miata's or we just cant beat them at all, y are we loosing agaisnt miatas and crx's?

 

Unfortunately, given equal levels of development and equal driving skills, the Miata's and CRX's will be quicker than our RX7's in any of the DOT tired (stock, Street Touring, Street Prepared) classes. The two big enemies are weight and suspension design.

The general weight of the 1st gen is 150 to 300 lbs heavier than the CRX and Miata depending on configuration. Plus, that heavy rear axle of ours is a big chunk of unsprung weight that the primitive suspension has to deal with. Finally, the front McPherson strut design is not nearly as favorable as either the Miata's or the CRX's.

As stated elsewhere, that doesn't mean you can't have fun with a 1st gen. Locally, with good driving and a decent level of prep you can be competitive at least in your home town, unless you have a 'shoe in your class with a well prepped car.

 

^^^o i see

 

i didnt want to be a dick SilverArrow but it just sounded wrong you know what i mean?? i understand what your saying..