We've had our FD since '07 -- daily driver that we've put some 75k miles on.


Still Love the Looks of the car, but it has Never really been Right. Bought it for a project for my youngest son and me, now it's just sitting in the garage.


So, to keep it - I'd want it to be put Right, suspension is getting sloppy, engine has some odd knocks etc.


We're in Orlando, so not too far from Pettit or Kilo. But, I'm thinking that if we keep it, we need to put the suspension And the engine back in shape.


So, I'm wondering if anyone does a Great job of totally Rehabbing an FD?


Can't be $illy, she already has about 175,000 on the clock. But to be a keeper, she has to drive and perform.


Thanks for any input. Not sure if Pettit or Kilo or any other Florida area shop really does more than rebuilds.


Thanks for any input.


Have only driven one "other" FD and ours has never quite been right.

 

We do everything mechanical/electrical top to bottom. We do not do paint, stereos or A/M alarms.

We have cars shipped to us from all over the country. Have cars in the shop right now from MA, NY, MI, OH, TX, WI and a few other states

 

Haven't started on my roller yet just been collecting pieces but besides a rebuild of the engine another must do is to replace all of the bushings on my 130k km chassis ( car is originally Canadian). It sounds like you are in need of the same kind of of maintenance. Besides not feeling sharp does the car have any electrical issues, transmission problems, rear diff noises, etc...? I don't see why KILO couldn't perform some or all of this work for you. Give them a call and arrange to bring the car by the shop.

 

There is a person here in Texas who has my car now, focusing on a little modification but mainly on restoration of the car. I believe I am his first FD customer, as most people with these cars don't want to put down the money to restore them like classic car collectors, a C2 Corvette owner would for example, but I am guessing as more people are wanting an FD that works like new in every way and are willing to pay for it he may start taking on more of them. In general, once these vehicles start to become rare and desirable enough to really start increasing in value you will see more and more restoration options appear (for more $$ of course).

 

I have been to both shops and it's Kilo hands down. Being in Longwood, you are just about next door so it's a no brainer.

In addition to racing and performance, Kilo does a lot of restoration work. He has a number of personal cars that he keeps in OEM shape and he's happy to work on cars that need to be restored versus the zoom-zoom racing stuff.

Finally, Integrity Body Shop is right next door so they can take care of your painting needs. Carlos, the shop owner, is a great guy and a rotary enthusiast as well. He can do OEM quality paint or fancier jobs.

So, take it from me, easy decision - Kilo.

 

Thanks for all the responses. Car still looks great, it's just the mechanicals that need help.

 

Kilo, Kilo, Kilo ...

 

Kilo racing !!!!

 

Having been in that area I only have experience with Jesus down at Kilo and he is an awesome guy and very straight up. Banzai has always been awesome to work with as far as parts. I personally have no experience with pettit so I can't comment there. I would agree with David, since you are right down the street Kilo Racing is an absolutely awesome place and he would be right down the street should you have any issues.

 

Just have to look through our customer galleries to see we work on all gen RX-7s, RX-8s and custom rotary installations in Hovercrafts, Sandrails, etc. Banzai Racing Customer Gallery

I do agree that if there is someone local that can supply you with what you need, then you should use them. I recommend that you stop by and talk with them, check out the shop, look at the work being performed. Every customer that comes into our shop gets their car inspected in front of them, recommendations/findings before they leave, and a tour of the shop.

 

I primarily listen and learn on this forum, but I can contribute with a comment on the outstanding work I received at Banzai. Chris knows the FD and rotaries in general forwards and backwards. If you happen to be building to the peculiar constraints of sanctioning body rules, he listens to you and gets it and then gives you an optimum set-up. Plus he is progressively developing innovative parts for our cars that further refine them.

I plan to keep and autocross my FD forever and having a resource like Banzai will make that possible.

Cheers, Philip

 

I'm sure Banzai does a great job. However, there is something said for being able to work with the shop directly (i.e. locally, where you can check on the progress first hand). While this shouldn't happen, it's also much easier to deal with issues after the work is done if the shop is closer. How close is Kilo or Petit to you? If they aren't in 2-3 hour driving range, then it likely doesn't matter since the distance wouldn't be all that accessible on a regular basis.

Quite honestly, if you are mainly needing suspension work, just about any competent shop can do that for you (and you have literally tons of race oriented shops in Florida).

 

I had an engine shipped to banzai and then shipped overseas to Portugal . it has been about 4 years i think. everything 5 stars they kept me always informed and took pictures before and after. great costumer service

 

I have great experiences with Banzai as well. Kilo too and the OP lives about 45 minutes from the shop so it's a no brainer as to where to go: Kilo.

 

Thanks for the input. Really would love to have the car Right, so I'm making the list -- might as well try to get it all at one shot.