I'm fairly new to the RX-7 world and I need some help:

Recently, during a competition event at Watkins Glen raceway, I had the misfortune of spinning into a wall with my 2nd gen racecar. The passenger-side rear hit the wall first, damaging that 1/4 panel, taillight, fuel door and wheel. Then the passenger-side front contacted, badly damaging the front wheel on that side. The force was great enough to snap the tie-rod also. This was not fun....

Questions:

1.) Where is a good place to get a new tie-rod, and/or other OEM/NOS parts?

2.) What other items should I inspect/replace following this incident? (wheel bearings, steering rack, etc. etc.)

(I haven't yet had the opportunity to examine the car closely)

Thanks for whatever help you can offer!

 

Try www.mazdatrix.com or mazdaformance.com

They shoudl have all or most OEM parts.

Santiago

 

Thanks for the quick reply!!

I just found the part on their site - awesome!

 

If you race you might be eligable for Mazdaspeed.

mazdaspeed.com

JAmes

 

you can' buy mazdaspeed stuff at other places but for more cash. Try mazdamotorsports.com

 

I am talking about stock parts. The discounts are amazing. Dealer priced me a stock TII radatior at over 500. I had it shipped for 230. Amazingly packed two days latter from the Richmond VA warehouse.

James

 

Wow - that sounds great - if I qualify for the discounts. I'll check it out.

THANKS!!

 

Let me get this straight... you race an RX7 but didn't have an idea as to where you might locate a tie rod end for your car after spinning it in to a wall at The Glen? Just sounds... odd. I know my car intimately, I try and learn more and understand it better every day. And most importantly I know sources for parts.

Where are you in NY?

 

I've been competing in events for over 2 years with the car. I got such a huge spares package when I purchased it, and it's been so reliable that I've not had to buy many parts. This is also my first major incident.

I understand that it's a bit weird - but I'm trying to do some learning now, even if it's a bit late.

 

Damn sorry to hear about your "incident"-

Nice looking S5 you got there- hope you get her up and running soon.

 

Check your pms.

 

Try www.car-part.com

Its a good source of used car parts and it searches junk yards throughout the country. Good for body panels.

 

WHOA! Where's this warehouse at?!

 

Where are you in NY I'd be willing to run a few events with you. Which sanctioning do you run under?

 

Beats me. I just looked at the reciept and it just says Richmond, VA. Actually, I got the radiator for 214

James

 

So what class do you race in?

James

 

I run the car with EMRA (www.emraracing.org) in SOLO I events. This organization is awesome - the people are very friendly and always willing to help. The competitors behave with much respect an there are rarely any problems. Immature/unsafe behavior is not tolerated.

These are great events, because you get about 1hr of seat time with other cars on the track (passing only in designated sections) during practice. Then you get 2 or three laps totally by yourself on the track, competing for best lap! I love it because you don't have to worry about anyone else endangering you (you are free to endanger yourself...) and you can concentrate on honing your technical driving free of obstacles! Also, it's a great way to get familiar with some of the best road-racing facilities in the country.

They have classes for all cars, and most anything is legal - even regular street cars. You'll have to go through their schooling the first day you compete.

My car is an ex- I.T.S. car, which supposedly did quite well in that class. I enjoy driving it in Solo racing because it is prepared to be very safe and extremely competitave.
With EMRA, I run in ST-1, which is a class for (big 4cyl, small 6cyl and 13B n/a - some v8's also) cars that mainly have safety, suspension and brake mods. My main competitors are E30 M3's, 944s, 240z, Integra R and even fox-bodied mustangs.

Let me know if you want any more info!

there's an event coming up at Limerock in CT in a couple weeks - if I can get my car fixed I'll be there - if not, I'll be there next year once ice-racing season ends!

(oh, and I'm in northern westchester county, ny)

 

Check the steering knuckles to make sure they aren't bent or twisted, if you hit hard enough to break a tie rod, you hit hard enough to possibly bend the knuckle.

Check the struts to make sure they aren't bent, check the control arm for cracks/damage, check your wheel hubs/bearings and make sure they aren't jammed up or damaged. Look to see if you bent the steering rack.

Look for wrinkled sheetmetal and chipped paint in the engine bay, you may have bent the frame.

On the rear, same deal, check the control arms for cracks, wheel bearings, driveshafts, shocks.

Then get the car aligned.

Tierods, I'd just get at the local autoparts store, nothing special about them.

Definitely get hooked up with Mazdaspeed.

PaulC

 

here's some pics from recent events if you're interested - probably more helpful than any description:


(buddy's car)

 

Looks very fun man! So what did you pay for the car and the parts that came with it?

How is that different from ITS racing?

Have you ever ran at VIR?

James

 

Okay, I'm game, hopefully Have to see if my budget will allow me a trip or two down. Love to run at the Glen even once. If you want to come up to Mosport sometime I'll keep you informed of lapping days next season. Cheers

 

nice ride