FD RARE PARTS (rare defined)
10-14-10, 08:04 PM
#253
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Fair Enough. Here's everything I (think I) know. Please feel free to correct any incorrect statements I've made guys... I'm going off memory.
The parts for the SP cars actually did not originate with the SP, and the design did not come from Australia. They were adopted for the SP program and a few tweaks were made (such as the two vents towards the windshield) but the design and wind tunnel testing was done by mazda in house in Japan.
Back in the early 90's Mazda had a couple in-house tuning companies. One was mazdaspeed... we all know about that one, they make some fun and go-fast street car tuner parts, but weren't given the job of making track ready FD parts/cars. That job was given to the subdivision of mazda in the early 90's named Mazda Two (or M2) not to be confused with the california based company m2.
M2 was given the task of taking mazdas sports cars such as the FD and Miata, and turning them into turn-key track ready/lightened versions of those stock cars.
The miata M2-1001 and M2-1002 projects were examples of this:
M2 had similar plans for the FD, called the M2-1020 Project. This was to be a track ready version of the FD, with new more aerodynamic body panels, with a focus on FUNCTION not form... like mazdaspeed. A lot of effort went into the 1020 project from designs to testing to production ready aluminum dies, molds, etc. This was gonna be the FD on steroids, for track junkies. Then the Japanese financial crisis hit, and everything went to hell. Funding was diverted away from M2 by mazda. Since the miata was such a great selling car, the M2-1001 and M2-1002 miatas were in fact produced and sold, however with lower volume sales of the FD, the project was set on the back burner and then sadly canned.
Since the M2-1020 project was already gearing up for production before they got the axe, they had a number of panels already built
for a small handful of upcoming track FD's. A few sets we're given to people within Mazda (such as the driver of the 787b). The rest of the pieces (I wish I could say the exact number but no one knows... maybe 5? 10? something very very very low) were disbursed to various places but we're specifically instructed NOT TO BE SOLD. Story goes that one mazda dealer in Japan put a number of the panel sets up for sale, and were heavily penalized/reprimanded when mazda headquarters got word of this.
Anyway, long story short, the M2-1020 FD never made it to production. It was the FD that should have been. The M2-1020 was (I'm pretty sure) the grandfather of the SP cars, and a very important part of FD history (though a somewhat sad part as the project never got off the ground).
The parts for the SP cars actually did not originate with the SP, and the design did not come from Australia. They were adopted for the SP program and a few tweaks were made (such as the two vents towards the windshield) but the design and wind tunnel testing was done by mazda in house in Japan.
Back in the early 90's Mazda had a couple in-house tuning companies. One was mazdaspeed... we all know about that one, they make some fun and go-fast street car tuner parts, but weren't given the job of making track ready FD parts/cars. That job was given to the subdivision of mazda in the early 90's named Mazda Two (or M2) not to be confused with the california based company m2.
M2 was given the task of taking mazdas sports cars such as the FD and Miata, and turning them into turn-key track ready/lightened versions of those stock cars.
The miata M2-1001 and M2-1002 projects were examples of this:
M2 had similar plans for the FD, called the M2-1020 Project. This was to be a track ready version of the FD, with new more aerodynamic body panels, with a focus on FUNCTION not form... like mazdaspeed. A lot of effort went into the 1020 project from designs to testing to production ready aluminum dies, molds, etc. This was gonna be the FD on steroids, for track junkies. Then the Japanese financial crisis hit, and everything went to hell. Funding was diverted away from M2 by mazda. Since the miata was such a great selling car, the M2-1001 and M2-1002 miatas were in fact produced and sold, however with lower volume sales of the FD, the project was set on the back burner and then sadly canned.
Since the M2-1020 project was already gearing up for production before they got the axe, they had a number of panels already built
for a small handful of upcoming track FD's. A few sets we're given to people within Mazda (such as the driver of the 787b). The rest of the pieces (I wish I could say the exact number but no one knows... maybe 5? 10? something very very very low) were disbursed to various places but we're specifically instructed NOT TO BE SOLD. Story goes that one mazda dealer in Japan put a number of the panel sets up for sale, and were heavily penalized/reprimanded when mazda headquarters got word of this.
Anyway, long story short, the M2-1020 FD never made it to production. It was the FD that should have been. The M2-1020 was (I'm pretty sure) the grandfather of the SP cars, and a very important part of FD history (though a somewhat sad part as the project never got off the ground).
10-14-10, 09:41 PM
#255
I did talk to someone several years back who mentioned to me that his car was an LHD SP version.. I believe he contacted Mazda and Mazda confirmed (even though most of us knows it as AUS only car). Can't remember who but Mazda USA might know.
Last edited by Herblenny; 10-14-10 at 09:43 PM.
10-14-10, 11:44 PM
#262
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I don't doubt the RX7 Fashion is a spectacular FMIC, just a small group of owners produces a smaller sample rate. Plus, you can't get it anymore. I was just pointing out the aesthetic similarities.
But to defend the ETS system, it does use a a high-flow core (not some Chinese/Ebay core) and the core support you need to remove it a mere piece of 2lbs of aluminum that is tack welded on the car, and you're putting 10lbs of aluminum (up to 4" thick) in its place.
Not like taking it off is going to flex the chassis or compromise safety, it's basically a bumper support
10-15-10, 07:57 AM
#263
Isn't this XS FMIC (or copied by them..)? I always thought it was poorly designed and uses steel pipings from turbo and to the engine.
I also agree with Rich. I've seen this exact FMIC installed on an FD and cutting the core support to put this inferior IC is just stupid. Also, have any of you seen the diameter on the pipings off of the FMIC?? If not, go look at one. Personally, this is one of the worst designed IC.
I also agree with Rich. I've seen this exact FMIC installed on an FD and cutting the core support to put this inferior IC is just stupid. Also, have any of you seen the diameter on the pipings off of the FMIC?? If not, go look at one. Personally, this is one of the worst designed IC.
Last edited by Herblenny; 10-15-10 at 07:59 AM.
10-15-10, 11:57 AM
#266
Isn't this XS FMIC (or copied by them..)? I always thought it was poorly designed and uses steel pipings from turbo and to the engine.
I also agree with Rich. I've seen this exact FMIC installed on an FD and cutting the core support to put this inferior IC is just stupid. Also, have any of you seen the diameter on the pipings off of the FMIC?? If not, go look at one. Personally, this is one of the worst designed IC.
I also agree with Rich. I've seen this exact FMIC installed on an FD and cutting the core support to put this inferior IC is just stupid. Also, have any of you seen the diameter on the pipings off of the FMIC?? If not, go look at one. Personally, this is one of the worst designed IC.
10-15-10, 11:09 PM
#270
Information on the RX-7 SP cars-
The 35 SP (first 25, then later 10 more) cars were made in 1995.
In 1992-1994 Mazda won the Bathurst race (just about the last production class venue the rotary was allowed to run in I believe) in mostly STOCK RX-7s (brake pads, shocks, exhaust and safety equipment).
The SP was born in 1995 as a response to new regulations leading to manufacturers trying to beat Mazda with limited production homologation specials such as the Porsche 911 RS CS, BMW M3-R, Volvo T5-R.
The RX-7 SP race cars and production road cars were created from imported stock RX-7s locally modified under the direction of Mazda racing chief Allan Horsely, and technician Daniel Deckers at Mazda's Kingsgrove, Sydney workshop in a 3 month program rumored to cost $10,000.
They were sold under the auspices of Mazda dealership program to meet the homologation standards but to say Mazda.
These sites have some great info on them including the parts that make it an SP-
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/pg12.htm
http://www.rx7.net.nz/sp1.htm
The 12 hour Bathurst race was discontinued from 1996 to 2006. Maybe it took 10 years for the other manufacturers to catch up to the level of the FD XD.
The 35 SP (first 25, then later 10 more) cars were made in 1995.
In 1992-1994 Mazda won the Bathurst race (just about the last production class venue the rotary was allowed to run in I believe) in mostly STOCK RX-7s (brake pads, shocks, exhaust and safety equipment).
The SP was born in 1995 as a response to new regulations leading to manufacturers trying to beat Mazda with limited production homologation specials such as the Porsche 911 RS CS, BMW M3-R, Volvo T5-R.
The RX-7 SP race cars and production road cars were created from imported stock RX-7s locally modified under the direction of Mazda racing chief Allan Horsely, and technician Daniel Deckers at Mazda's Kingsgrove, Sydney workshop in a 3 month program rumored to cost $10,000.
They were sold under the auspices of Mazda dealership program to meet the homologation standards but to say Mazda.
These sites have some great info on them including the parts that make it an SP-
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/pg12.htm
http://www.rx7.net.nz/sp1.htm
The 12 hour Bathurst race was discontinued from 1996 to 2006. Maybe it took 10 years for the other manufacturers to catch up to the level of the FD XD.
10-16-10, 05:05 AM
#271
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http://rotorsportsracing.com/perform...g/exterior.htm
Force13B these guys I believe still sell that wing Racing Beat Type I Rear Wing for $244.
Force13B these guys I believe still sell that wing Racing Beat Type I Rear Wing for $244.
10-16-10, 12:48 PM
#274
Information on the RX-7 SP cars-
The 35 SP (first 25, then later 10 more) cars were made in 1995.
In 1992-1994 Mazda won the Bathurst race (just about the last production class venue the rotary was allowed to run in I believe) in mostly STOCK RX-7s (brake pads, shocks, exhaust and safety equipment).
The SP was born in 1995 as a response to new regulations leading to manufacturers trying to beat Mazda with limited production homologation specials such as the Porsche 911 RS CS, BMW M3-R, Volvo T5-R.
The RX-7 SP race cars and production road cars were created from imported stock RX-7s locally modified under the direction of Mazda racing chief Allan Horsely, and technician Daniel Deckers at Mazda's Kingsgrove, Sydney workshop in a 3 month program rumored to cost $10,000.
They were sold under the auspices of Mazda dealership program to meet the homologation standards but to say Mazda.
These sites have some great info on them including the parts that make it an SP-
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/pg12.htm
http://www.rx7.net.nz/sp1.htm
The 12 hour Bathurst race was discontinued from 1996 to 2006. Maybe it took 10 years for the other manufacturers to catch up to the level of the FD XD.
The 35 SP (first 25, then later 10 more) cars were made in 1995.
In 1992-1994 Mazda won the Bathurst race (just about the last production class venue the rotary was allowed to run in I believe) in mostly STOCK RX-7s (brake pads, shocks, exhaust and safety equipment).
The SP was born in 1995 as a response to new regulations leading to manufacturers trying to beat Mazda with limited production homologation specials such as the Porsche 911 RS CS, BMW M3-R, Volvo T5-R.
The RX-7 SP race cars and production road cars were created from imported stock RX-7s locally modified under the direction of Mazda racing chief Allan Horsely, and technician Daniel Deckers at Mazda's Kingsgrove, Sydney workshop in a 3 month program rumored to cost $10,000.
They were sold under the auspices of Mazda dealership program to meet the homologation standards but to say Mazda.
These sites have some great info on them including the parts that make it an SP-
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/pg12.htm
http://www.rx7.net.nz/sp1.htm
The 12 hour Bathurst race was discontinued from 1996 to 2006. Maybe it took 10 years for the other manufacturers to catch up to the level of the FD XD.
The orginal manufacture of many of the SP parts: SMB
http://www.smb.net.au/mazdarx7zone.htm
fyi: Mazda Japan was not really involved in the SP Bathurst project, it was an idea cooked up between Mazda Australia Pty, Ltd through the Motorsport Manager. Grant Walker (now SBM) did carbon fiber body panels and intake/ exhaust development
10-16-10, 08:23 PM
#275
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Information on the RX-7 SP cars-
The 35 SP (first 25, then later 10 more) cars were made in 1995.
In 1992-1994 Mazda won the Bathurst race (just about the last production class venue the rotary was allowed to run in I believe) in mostly STOCK RX-7s (brake pads, shocks, exhaust and safety equipment).
The SP was born in 1995 as a response to new regulations leading to manufacturers trying to beat Mazda with limited production homologation specials such as the Porsche 911 RS CS, BMW M3-R, Volvo T5-R.
The RX-7 SP race cars and production road cars were created from imported stock RX-7s locally modified under the direction of Mazda racing chief Allan Horsely, and technician Daniel Deckers at Mazda's Kingsgrove, Sydney workshop in a 3 month program rumored to cost $10,000.
They were sold under the auspices of Mazda dealership program to meet the homologation standards but to say Mazda.
These sites have some great info on them including the parts that make it an SP-
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/pg12.htm
http://www.rx7.net.nz/sp1.htm
The 12 hour Bathurst race was discontinued from 1996 to 2006. Maybe it took 10 years for the other manufacturers to catch up to the level of the FD XD.
The 35 SP (first 25, then later 10 more) cars were made in 1995.
In 1992-1994 Mazda won the Bathurst race (just about the last production class venue the rotary was allowed to run in I believe) in mostly STOCK RX-7s (brake pads, shocks, exhaust and safety equipment).
The SP was born in 1995 as a response to new regulations leading to manufacturers trying to beat Mazda with limited production homologation specials such as the Porsche 911 RS CS, BMW M3-R, Volvo T5-R.
The RX-7 SP race cars and production road cars were created from imported stock RX-7s locally modified under the direction of Mazda racing chief Allan Horsely, and technician Daniel Deckers at Mazda's Kingsgrove, Sydney workshop in a 3 month program rumored to cost $10,000.
They were sold under the auspices of Mazda dealership program to meet the homologation standards but to say Mazda.
These sites have some great info on them including the parts that make it an SP-
http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/pg12.htm
http://www.rx7.net.nz/sp1.htm
The 12 hour Bathurst race was discontinued from 1996 to 2006. Maybe it took 10 years for the other manufacturers to catch up to the level of the FD XD.
I thoroughly enjoy this FD history stuff
... it's exciting to know where our cars came from and how they developed over time. The revised 99 sport brakes basically came directly from the SP. We owe a lot of advancements to the SP. I also thought it was kinda cool that they used the european rear water tank to power the intercooler sprayer, and used the stock recaro (RZ) seats to race in. Anyone know about the transmission or Diff gearing in those cars? Anyone know the rim/tire sizes?