Frankenmazda

iTrader: (2)

Ok, I've seen several threads where people have swapped in a 2nd gen suspension or on of ReSpeeds steering kits but I can't find anything about driving impressions other than turning radius.

I'm in the middle of swapping in a 2nd gen setup and would like to hear from some people who have been driving with it.

Thanks

82transam

iTrader: (18)

I've put somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 miles on my FC subframe and I love it. The steering is nice and tight with basically no play at all. Really my only minor issue is a bit of bumpsteer, but there are kits to get rid of that, I just haven't gone ahead and ordered one.

I'm actually in the process of changing racks, I have the 15:1 rack (found in T2's, GXL's among other models) and I'm swapping in the 17:1 from a 89-91 non turbo. The 15:1 is a bit too heavy for my liking, I'm hoping the 17:1 will make it a bit easier without sacrificing feel.

I had the re-speed kit on there previously and didn't like the increased turning radius or the fact that the control arm bushings didn't fit that great and eventually started to fall apart (I put about 15,000 miles on it)

Anyway, bottom line is that I love the FC subframe setup and would do it again in a heartbeat. Really the only downsides is you lose the 4x110 pattern (not sure if anyone really considers this a downside lol) and it would take some custom work to make the 12a work in there (again, not sure if that's a downside lol) I think you'll be happy with it!

Frankenmazda

iTrader: (2)

Thats exactly the kind of input I'm looking for. One thing I noticed is when the front subframe is clamped tight against the bottom of the frame rail, the rear is off the rails by about 3/4 inch. Do you think I should pull this up tight or put a spacer in it? the pictures I've seen have the rear of the frame and the front touching the frame rails which I assume they just pulled in with the bolts. I'm planning on welding mine in and want to make sure I have proper geometry.

So you are running the power rack without power? I take it you looped the circuit? I think going to wus and put the power steering in. I have really wide tires and I just don't think I'm going to like the effort involved at low speeds.

82transam

iTrader: (18)

You will definitely want to put a spacer on the rear. Not sure if you saw my writeup about the FC subframe (https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/write-up-fc-subframe-swap-how-i-did-967834/) but I have a pic of the spacer I made. Nothing fancy just some steel plate cut and welded on the subframe. I made mine 1/2" and it is pretty much flush, If I were to do it again I'd add another 1/8" or so as there was a small gap that was pulled tight when I bolted it down, but in either case it's been working great so I'm not too worried.

I de-powered my r/p unit by taking it apart and removing all the seals, and welding up the quill (there is a thread in the FC section somewhere, but I can't remember exactly what the title was and couldn't find it in a quick search lol) so it's basically a manual rack at this point. I'll admit though that with moderately sticky tires (205 width Falken Azenis) it requires a fair amount of effort to turn. Thats why I'm trying the 17:1 rack. If even that is too hard theres always the hard to find 20:1 manual rack off an S4 base model I could go with...

One thing I might do a bit different next time as far as mounting the subframe is instead of drilling a giant hole through the FB frame rail for the rear mounting bolt I'd make some tabs that would get welded on the subframe perpendicular that then bolt into the stock steering box/idler arm holes. Would make for a cleaner look and certinatly just as strong. Oh well, next time lol.

Good luck with the install, you'll love it.

Frankenmazda

iTrader: (2)

I'm a numnuts! I did a search on the swap, found some threads but somehow missed yours. Very helpfull.

I really appreciate the info. I fell better about moving forward from this point.

peejay

I thought I'd posted my impressions of the 2nd-gen frontend. I think I posted it a year or two ago in the "Fixing the rear suspension" thread of all places.

Quick version of my driving impression: It does not drive like a 1st-gen anymore. That is, the car no longer darts a half lane-width when rolling on rutted pavement, or hitting curb drains, or the like. Does not tramline at all. Suspension feels a lot more "supple" despite the higher spring rates I'm running, not sure if this is due to the KYB AGX being better than Koni Reds or the suspension being more compliant due to not having the tension rod bushing bind anymore. I can drive it on the highway without having to devote 50% of my consciousness to just trying to keep it in one lane. I'm not afraid of driving in construction zones anymore.

It's not a question of if I'd do it again. There is no question. Next RX-7, if there's a next one, will get this done probably before I even drive it.