Well I know its only been a short period of time since I've taken over, but I've already tweaked a few things to advance the line from where it started.

About 90% of the welds on the rack and pinion kits that we sell will now be TIG welded! I know this takes about 3 times as long as MIG welding the majority of the parts, but it normally makes weld size a bit smaller making them that touch lighter. Yes thats my obsessive weight conscious part of me that came out in that . And no, I won't be increasing the price for that added time spent into them.

Another thing that I've started doing is all the rear coil over collars and nuts are now Zinc Di-chromate coated for extra durability and protection against the elements.

Lastly, well for now, I have an SA gas tank being dropped off to me later on today thank to one of our forum members, and I also have a company with 3D laser scanning capabilities coming over to the shop and on Tuesday and hopefully if all works out, I'll have a 3D rendering of an SA tank to play with and begin this project!

Well thats it for me for now, I'll keep you guys posted on more things as things progress!

Sam

 

With the SA gas tank scan does that mean their might be a baffeled version available for fuel injection at some point? Also remember to add a drain plug in any new designs!

 

Yes on the baffling, and I wouldn't do it without a drain.

 

Great stuff Sam - sound's like ReSpeed will be in good hands- looking forward to what you'll come up with-!

Stu Aull
80GS
(R&P Kit)
Alaska

 

Glad to see you're keeping busy Sam.

 

the fuel tank sounds great when will you be doing one for a FB?

 

woot!

 

Shortly after the SA one is done, I might even be able to work on both side by side to make sure I can use as many parts as possible between the two. Now the only difference is the wheel well intrusion pretty much as far as shape goes, correct?

 

Might be nice to do a Universal tank, one that would fit in any model or year. That might also reduce the cost of producing them. But if they lasted, and could be used on any 1st gen, that would be pretty cool.

One of those things where, if you ever sell the car, you keep the gas tank.

 

I might go for a bolt on FB fuel tank, as long as it's has baffelin, slosh cups. etc.

 

yup they'll have everything ... I've had enough fuel cutting at the track with my car that I really want to get this done!

 

I suspect the main difference between the SA/FB tanks is the fitment for the spare tire well. Bottom halves may be the same. As a clarification, all of the tanks are baffled with a center divider, the SE tanks have the sump cump needed for FI.

Sam, congrats on taking over Re-Speed and good fortune with the endeavor. I know you will do well with it.

 

I believe that is the only change in fitment do you need a later model tank to compare to? I have one in my wrecked GSLSE I can look at to see if it was damaged

 

I have a later model tank, I just don't have it at the shop yet. ill have both of them tomorrow at the shop to compare side by side.

 

Here's a shot of the rear coil over kits:

 

Just some more updates, the gas tank has been sent to be scanned, also my car is all apart working on the supercharger kits and everything else that may come in between that will be developed it any way possible.

I just finished drawing up an oil metering pump (OMP) block off for us 12a lovers, the OMP Contours the gasket properly. These will be sold at 6.99$ a piece and will be posted on the website shortly.

 

Just thought of another project that should be up and going quickly! The cooling outlet (the part on top of the thermostat) I'll be making that out of aluminum for weight reduction

 

What would be the challenges in designing a new LCA for the front? Possibly made stronger even if they are slightly heavier so they don't deform when the ball joints are pressed in/out? Is there anyway to do that for cheaper than it costs to get new LCAs from Mazdatrix at $165/ea.

As well as possibly a short shifter for the FB that doesn't require "slight modification" for fitment.

Currently started a piggybank for some re-speed coilovers and all new bushings

 

I do plan on making lower control arms. I have gone through enough of them that it would probably be more cost effective for me to make them, then buy them at mazda for that price for sure. They will most likely be out of a tubular construction all tig welded.

 

would wheel adapters be difficult?

 

Not really, I'm just not sure if there is any real interest for them. Also, I don't know about the rest of the people put there, but I don't feel too safe with a setup like that, not to mention the extra weight with it.

 

I ran wheel spacers for a very short time. Trust me, just buy the right wheels if you can.

Sam, how about an alloy oil fill tube? Now that would be pretty! er, I mean, a great weight savings!

Air cleaner assemblies? Maybe something designed for use with a cold air intake?

A spring steel mount for the Carter fuel pump? I say spring steel so that it won't transmit the vibrations of the pump to the chassis (they are very noisy otherwise).

Windsheild Banners?

 

The oil fill tube is also another thing in the works, like I said I have tons of stuff! The oil filler will be out of aluminum and is going to be a 2 piece design. The first piece will be just a straight part with a flange on there and would only be about inch long or so to be hammered into the engine (might have to made out of steel due to the hammering) , the second part would be sold in 2 different versions, a straight part as used stock, and another that would bend up like a second gen or third gen to clear any boosted engine piping.

ill see what I can do for the rest, of the stuff you listed. Window banners are still in the works, along with business cards and my store sign. I'm still playing a bit of catch up with orders at the same time as everything else.

 

Just my $.02 shipping via CA Post is INCREDIBLY slow.... just checked my tracking on the camber plates, and it's just leaving CA 11 days after you shipped it. OUCH!

 

I'd be down for this as well, particularly for the ball joint replacing.