I believe the 2nd gen 4wd is now in New Zealand.

 

the mazda 323 didnt do too well here either (in australia)...

i think mazda didnt really want to ship too many over here if they wouldnt sell.... but for some reason ford decided they would sell well and badged them as a ford laser

not sure if ford did the same elsewhere

the laser tx3 turbo is quite a popular 4wd / rally car here
especially for people who are getting into the rally / turbo street car scene....
most likely because they're cheap

 

The one in Belgium is not what it seems... was not rallied. From what I know, it was more of a promotional car made for Mazda at the time Rod was racing the other two (which I understand he still has tucked away in a shed somewhere). Maybe that is why the owner is a little reluctant to share the technical spec's?!?!?!

The Pikes Peak second generation car was recently brought back from Japan (where it was resting next to a dumster) by "Lightening Rotors" for Glenn Munro (who owns Rotary Power in Auckland).

Apparently Rod built it for $250,000 USD and it was picked up complete, less motec (and a stuffed motor) for next to nothing But is still in great condition, just did the show scene in Japan for a while and a few events???

The Road and Track RX8 pull out booklet from a few months ago had some info on this car, including a picture of it sweeping around a bend at full noise.

4 wheel drive, 20B, massive turbo and all the fruit... a real beast. Going to be restored at some stage..... might be able to post some pic's if anyone is interested.

 

OK dangit its been years since I last seen his cars myself at his shop... someone remind me to call Rod up nextweek so I can get all the scoup on his ReXs.. and also an invite to SS7 later this year

 

Reminder



Pass on regards from MREC New Zealand (he will know)

 

doh

 

Fitz i disagree about what u say about the 323 given right suspension that car can out handel a subaru anyday in rally (littler car) it also stops alot easier
and i read it was scca champ when it came out in 88
the only thing it seriously lacks is power and a decent transmision but they fixed that with the later models
with 1.8 dohc turbo intercooled sodium valve sprung monters and that was all stock
the lack of parts is what destroyed that car.... i would imagine if mazdas were more mastly produced this would be a different story

and why is that any special car mazda makes they make very few?

 

OK... I gave Rod a call earlier today and we spoke briefly... Steve and Rhyss are doing great...
I asked him about displaying his cars at this years SevenStock 7. He told me that the 3 RX-7s that he still has have been stored outdoors for almost a year now... he needed the space inside the facility and they arent looking anywhere near show condition, but has intentions of getting them rebuilt and back into shape aside from his already busy schedule.
There will be a historical rally in New Zealand in a few months that he will be driving someone elses RWD RX-7 in which he hopes motivate him commence the rebuilds.. I told him that Id be calling him back up on that one!
Yes each AWD 7s that he built are utilizing 626 parts... one is in Belgium, another which was in Japan is now in New Zealand.

 

in the RARE" how to modify your mazda rx7" book they have info on the 4x4 deal

 

RacerX7fb,

I watched Rides last night were he took that IS300 and put the Lexus V8 in it. It showed him doing some driving around the track and he was beating the hell out of that car.

I was wishing that there would be some glimpses of his RX-7s.

Rhyss was on there talking about drifting. God...I am not a fan of drifting.

I have bought some of Steve's stuff for my Maxima.

 

In 1982 I was involved in the "Reno International Rally". We set up an autocross course in the parking lot of the MGM Grand as a "Media Stage". I swear when he left the line, he laid rubber through the first 4 cones of an opening slalom. While others "***** footed" through the (paved) course, he ran it as fast as he could. I almost wet my pants it was so cool!!

 

eh