Starting an FB Rebuild
 

Hey guys, I bought an 85 Rx7 mid December with the plans to strip it down and rebuild it as racer, but still be street legal.
This is my first car to rebuild, and making a plan for where to start and such is harder than I had anticipated.
The car is currently stripped down to a rolling shell. Now that its warmer (I live in VA, so its been cold lately) I'm starting the rebuild. Ive done alot of research on the net, including the Threads, but I havent really found anyone that can give much advice... Im hoping to have the car running (if nothing else) by summer.
I have a Stock 12a that is rebuilt, and running, but is on a stand for now. I havent decieded if I will keep this engine, or swap it out for a 13B Turbo, or a SBC. Other than that choice, where is a gool place to start? Also, all my interior is out, but looks new and is all stock 85'.
Thanks for any input.

Well, first and foremost, define "racer." are we talking street racer, or actual on the track sanctioned racer.

If the former then you have to decide what you want out of the car and what compromises you want to make (comfort vs stripped down bare bones) in your quest for speed / handling / chick magnet / whatever.

If the latter then the first thing you need is a rulebook for whatever Club / Series you want to compete in. There's no point in doing something to the car that's going to put it in some stupid class that you don't have the experience or money to compete in, nor is there any sense in underbuilding the car for whatever class you want to run.

For example, I made the mistake of modifiying my car then starting to do SCCA Solo II, I was immediatly put into CSP because of an intake mod. This sucked for me for a long time because it was the only mod that nudged me out of the Stock class into CSP which allows MANY modifications that I didn't have -- this of course put me at a disadvantage.

Tell us what you WANT the end result to be like and maybe we can tell you where to begin.

--matt

FLR-SCCA
CSP #242
(2001-2002)

the latter of the two was what I am interested in...
I have done a few Auto-x's in my last car (2000 Civic Si in STS class) and I really like that.
I know I want to have a rollcage, and most likely a chevy 350(sorry if that offends anyone who loves rotors, everyone in my family can rebuild a 350 in their sleep). I have a Camaro rear end with a new Posi-Lock unit to use, but it is about 62" long... Other than that, I know I want to upgrade the brakes to a nice set of high performance calipers. As I said, I have all the stock pieces, and 90% of the parts are in great shape. Every part of the interior is in decent condition, though I dont think I will use much of it. Both factory seats look nearly new, and the enterior was all black. I also will most likley use a Fuel Cell, but this is just an Idea for now, as is relocating the battery to the rear. I also see a Widebody kit being put on after I finish the mechanical aspects. I really just want to make the car that most gearheads desire; Drive it to the track, Race it and win, Drive it home...
as mentioned before, I really cant seem to find anyone or anywhere that can help me get started. It seems to me that the hardest part of this build isnt going to be putting the car together, but to figure out what parts I need to use to get the car together.

Well a 350 conversion costs more then people think, check out www.grannysspeedshop.com the deluxe kit is something like 2000 and then all the little things you wouldnt think of start adding up. If you deside to go fowards with it post pictures and good luck. Welcome to the forum