Ive been pinching pennies for the winter and spring and want to start/learn how to drift. There are local events down here in ATL. (going to Formula Drift today) and plan to start soon.

I wanted to know whether or not I should invest in a a good radiator or go for more horsepower with a full true dual exhaust.

My car is my daily so I wanna keep my engine healthy with good cooling but I also want more horsepower because im honestly bored of my car now and breaking the tires loose will be easier. make just enough horsepower to chirp 205/55/15 in 2nd.

My car is stock 1986 NA all emissions delete, ports wired open(I know no low end power, the actuators were seized and didnt work been driving without for 9 months), Cone intake. Just completed a 5lug swap with turbo calipers and a Mazda 929 brake master and booster.

I have never had issues with cooling as far as I can tell, no ecu lights, or excessive under the hood heat.

Was planing on buying a Koyo N-Flow from the forum or the dual exhaust header from rotory-works and have the rest of the exhaust custom made locally.

Thank you for your insight.

 

I'd go for the exhaust, as stock n/a's don't have bad cooling problems.

But don't expect huge gains with just the exhaust...

 

the stock cooling system on an n/a is actually overbuilt. the radiator and oil cooler are actually a lot better than what's found on the FD, and those have 100 more horsepower stock.

 

Exhaust. Best thing you can do for a rotary is help it breathe. Nearly all effective HP mods, NA and turbo, involve helping the engine breath or supporting that increase in airflow.

 

Depends the condition your radiator is in. But you can be smart and take it out, send it out to be cleaned at a radiator shop, and get your new exhaust....

 

no point in having a fast car if it just overheats and blows... I'd say hold off til the first drift event... I had no problems with cooling either (86 NA) until I started doing autox. at the past few autox's my water temp's gotten scary hot (partly due to my heater core crapping out so I had to just bypass it). but I just ordered a radiator.. headers will be next. honestly tho, if you're getting into drift, you should do all suspension upgrades first. coilovers are a must for drifting. And if you're only chirpin your tires, you're really gonna need an LSD, that'll help your tires lock up a whole lot easier. Also, learn to clutch kick.. it'll make a world of difference :] good luck anyway tho

 

Im leaning towards radiator, just in case it does end up getting a little overheated at the event with the stock rad and (worse case) destroy the engine. You will be left with spending that money on a part that no longer serves a purpose until the rebiuld is done.

Although same could be said about throwin a seal whether it be a side or apex, if you went with the exhaust but you know its your call. If you decide to go with the exhaust go single you'll save weight on the car and make a little more power.

 

I would say radiator also. Even if it isn't particularly necessary, I would rather have a reliable car than a fast one.

 

minus the fact the the stock radiator is ~20 years old lol, and with plastic end caps it wont be soon before long when your rad is going to take a ****. go with the rad, if you are going to learn how to drift (on a track) those high revs will heat your engine up faster than you think. and if the track doesn't have any specific rules on the matter you can always run with your catback removed to make up for not getting an after market exhaust system.

 

sounds like I should get the rad. And just reove the cats for now since I don't have to do emissions where I'm at. Cats are probably burt out anyway.

I do also plan to get PowerdbyMax coils and having the diff welded in the future. But right now I wanna get some seat time before I drop a grand on coils.

 

sounds great :] welded diff is a pretty good solution but make sure you do your research to see if that really is a risk you wanna take. if you can find an LSD for cheap, get it. if you can't, welded diff will save a shitload of money. and for the coilovers, check into Ground Control. basically you slide their assembly over whichever struts you want and it becomes a coilover. their kit for the rx7 is about $400. pretty cheap solution to get a nice adjustable suspension. good luck again :]