Copy of a Letter from my Agent in Japan....
02-12-02, 07:53 AM
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Copy of a Letter from my Agent in Japan....
This is a letter my agent sent to a client just after buying an RX7 in Japan. He's hopefully going to do the same for me soon. Thought you may all like to see it and I'd be interested in any comments.............
Hi Andrew,
>
>Below are brief forwarded details as sent to our client confirming what I'd bought for him (previously discussed over the phone around 1/2 hour before car went through auction - and we bought it..).
>Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2002 12:38 AM
>Subject: FD3S-401911 1996 (March) RX-7 RB. Silver. £11,785
>
>
>Hi Rich,
>Okay! The phone's no longer ringing, my belly's satisfied and I'm sat at the desk writing to you now. It's been an interesting day, not least from buying you your car!
>I've got a copy of Hyper Rev for RX-7's for reference, so I can give you an idea of what money's been spent on your car. It's around 188 Yen / pound right now, but I'll quote in Yen. I like this car a lot, as you'll guess - so I don't mind spending a good hour or so telling you all about it...
>
>Standard Spec:
>1996 (March) RX-7 RB. Silver. 5 Speed Manual. 57,493km (35,732 miles from new). Standard equipment includes: 4 seats, with Alcantara suede front seats. A/C, P/S, P/W, C/L, E/M, MOMO steering wheel, no ashtray or cigarette lighter (non smoker's car from new), alloy sill plates.
>
>The interesting Spec:
>"ARC Prestige R" V-mount dual radiators (See pictures, and you'll see a horizontally mounted rad in addition to the vertical one): 200,000 Yen.
>"TRUST" Intercooler kit: 148,000 Yen.
>"K&N Filter Charger": 48,000 Yen (Old - Need washing).
>"Cusco" front & rear alloy strut braces: 80,000 Yen.
>"Apexi" exhaust silencer 115mm: 59,000 Yen.
>"AVS Integral GT-1" alloy wheels (42,000 Yen each): 168,000 Yen. (255/40ZR17's / 235/40/ZR 17's) - Tyres near new condition.
>"G Reddy turbo & exhaust gauges" 8,000 Yen.
>"RE Amemiya REDOM ECU" 98,000 Yen.
>"Turbo timer": 12,000 Yen.
>
>"Apexi" suspension springs: 37,000 Yen.
>There are some after mkt. suspension struts which could be "R-Magic". (RX-7 specialists): Approx: 140,000 Yen.
>This is a fully adjustable suspension kit. Damping can be set at required settings, with ride height alterable also. Note that the standard suspension is in the boot.
>
>"Kenwood DPX 700 Hifi with tape/CD/Radio and around 45W per channel: 75,000 Yen.
>"Kenwood" High power speakers: 70,000 Yen.
>
>TOTAL spent on improving this car: 1,143,000 Yen, which is approx: 6K GBP, not including all the fitting & setting up costs.
>
>I didn't check whether or not the standard front pipe is fitted, though in all likelyhood it's been replaced with something from the likes of RE Amemiya.
>
>This set up should give a genuine 350-370 bhp, but most importantly, reliably. The REDOM ECU is known to be one of the best in Japan. Someone's spent good money on making sure it will run as cool as possible (short of fitting a deeply vented bonnet) and also on monitoring the internal engine temperatures at the source, by measuring exhaust temp.
>RE Amemiya don't necessarily make the quickest RX-7's here, but they make the best prepared ones (from seeing their stuff in Tokyo Auto Salon show). It's possible this car was prepared by them.
>
>Details about the car itself:
>Interior is in excellent condition. Mats are hardly worn, seats are still like near new and generally, there's signs this car's been pampared. There are few stone chips to the front and the front spoiler's not grazed. As you requested, you have the round rear lights, with the later style rear spoiler (this spoiler continued till end of 1998). The front O/S wing has a scratch which needs repainting and also there's a dent near the front vent, which will require removing the inner wheel arch, repair and repaint. The back of the driver's door edge has some tiny dents which will need repair. On the passenger door, there are 2 small pin dents, though these are too small to repair (a visit from dent master should fix it, if necessary). On the rear N/S wing, there are around 5 small pin dents which will need repair or pushing out by a dent master.
>We'll be doing paintwork & repairs as required within the total OTR price.
>
>Each car I look at gives a general feelings of how it's been cared for. In your car's case, it's been carefully modified to give performance with reliability. (As I was saying, when the temp reaches 120 Dec C on an FD3S, apparently the ECU can trigger a safety measure which results in reduced boost at high revs (to around 0.6 bar at redline). Mine seems to do this, after prolonged running at high speeds and runs better on cold days, like most turbos).
>
>The modifications on this car are made by someone who understood RX-7's. It's got some of the best kit available, yet it's tuned in lots of different areas to ensure reliability, than only maximum power.
>
>It's not a Type R, or an RZ, but I trust you'll agree - this isn't an RB any more either....It's better!
>
>Should depart on 28th Jan, to arrive in UK 5th March. OTR & ready to drive expected around last week of March.
>
>The car cost 1,296,000 Yen, plus Japanese FOB costs of 83,500 Yen. We'll shortly be asking you to remit this amount: 1,379,500 Yen
>to Yamagin Corp. - the company we buy through. It will need to be sent to arrive to Yamagin Corp. before 12th Feb.
>
>Total OTR price will be 11,785 pounds assuming the exchange rate stays steady, though it may improve, hopefully.
>
>The car looks a treat in real life and sounds great (I attach a short video, though sound is a bit distorted). Should be powerful enough to see off most things on UK roads, yet be very tractable, plus have excellent suspension control (Ask John Helps, who just got his car).
>
>A few colleagues were commenting on this RX-7 today, having seen it (not knowing I was intent on buying it) when they were out checking other cars...much admired...
>
>Regards,
>Miguel
Hi Andrew,
>
>Below are brief forwarded details as sent to our client confirming what I'd bought for him (previously discussed over the phone around 1/2 hour before car went through auction - and we bought it..).
>Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2002 12:38 AM
>Subject: FD3S-401911 1996 (March) RX-7 RB. Silver. £11,785
>
>
>Hi Rich,
>Okay! The phone's no longer ringing, my belly's satisfied and I'm sat at the desk writing to you now. It's been an interesting day, not least from buying you your car!
>I've got a copy of Hyper Rev for RX-7's for reference, so I can give you an idea of what money's been spent on your car. It's around 188 Yen / pound right now, but I'll quote in Yen. I like this car a lot, as you'll guess - so I don't mind spending a good hour or so telling you all about it...
>
>Standard Spec:
>1996 (March) RX-7 RB. Silver. 5 Speed Manual. 57,493km (35,732 miles from new). Standard equipment includes: 4 seats, with Alcantara suede front seats. A/C, P/S, P/W, C/L, E/M, MOMO steering wheel, no ashtray or cigarette lighter (non smoker's car from new), alloy sill plates.
>
>The interesting Spec:
>"ARC Prestige R" V-mount dual radiators (See pictures, and you'll see a horizontally mounted rad in addition to the vertical one): 200,000 Yen.
>"TRUST" Intercooler kit: 148,000 Yen.
>"K&N Filter Charger": 48,000 Yen (Old - Need washing).
>"Cusco" front & rear alloy strut braces: 80,000 Yen.
>"Apexi" exhaust silencer 115mm: 59,000 Yen.
>"AVS Integral GT-1" alloy wheels (42,000 Yen each): 168,000 Yen. (255/40ZR17's / 235/40/ZR 17's) - Tyres near new condition.
>"G Reddy turbo & exhaust gauges" 8,000 Yen.
>"RE Amemiya REDOM ECU" 98,000 Yen.
>"Turbo timer": 12,000 Yen.
>
>"Apexi" suspension springs: 37,000 Yen.
>There are some after mkt. suspension struts which could be "R-Magic". (RX-7 specialists): Approx: 140,000 Yen.
>This is a fully adjustable suspension kit. Damping can be set at required settings, with ride height alterable also. Note that the standard suspension is in the boot.
>
>"Kenwood DPX 700 Hifi with tape/CD/Radio and around 45W per channel: 75,000 Yen.
>"Kenwood" High power speakers: 70,000 Yen.
>
>TOTAL spent on improving this car: 1,143,000 Yen, which is approx: 6K GBP, not including all the fitting & setting up costs.
>
>I didn't check whether or not the standard front pipe is fitted, though in all likelyhood it's been replaced with something from the likes of RE Amemiya.
>
>This set up should give a genuine 350-370 bhp, but most importantly, reliably. The REDOM ECU is known to be one of the best in Japan. Someone's spent good money on making sure it will run as cool as possible (short of fitting a deeply vented bonnet) and also on monitoring the internal engine temperatures at the source, by measuring exhaust temp.
>RE Amemiya don't necessarily make the quickest RX-7's here, but they make the best prepared ones (from seeing their stuff in Tokyo Auto Salon show). It's possible this car was prepared by them.
>
>Details about the car itself:
>Interior is in excellent condition. Mats are hardly worn, seats are still like near new and generally, there's signs this car's been pampared. There are few stone chips to the front and the front spoiler's not grazed. As you requested, you have the round rear lights, with the later style rear spoiler (this spoiler continued till end of 1998). The front O/S wing has a scratch which needs repainting and also there's a dent near the front vent, which will require removing the inner wheel arch, repair and repaint. The back of the driver's door edge has some tiny dents which will need repair. On the passenger door, there are 2 small pin dents, though these are too small to repair (a visit from dent master should fix it, if necessary). On the rear N/S wing, there are around 5 small pin dents which will need repair or pushing out by a dent master.
>We'll be doing paintwork & repairs as required within the total OTR price.
>
>Each car I look at gives a general feelings of how it's been cared for. In your car's case, it's been carefully modified to give performance with reliability. (As I was saying, when the temp reaches 120 Dec C on an FD3S, apparently the ECU can trigger a safety measure which results in reduced boost at high revs (to around 0.6 bar at redline). Mine seems to do this, after prolonged running at high speeds and runs better on cold days, like most turbos).
>
>The modifications on this car are made by someone who understood RX-7's. It's got some of the best kit available, yet it's tuned in lots of different areas to ensure reliability, than only maximum power.
>
>It's not a Type R, or an RZ, but I trust you'll agree - this isn't an RB any more either....It's better!
>
>Should depart on 28th Jan, to arrive in UK 5th March. OTR & ready to drive expected around last week of March.
>
>The car cost 1,296,000 Yen, plus Japanese FOB costs of 83,500 Yen. We'll shortly be asking you to remit this amount: 1,379,500 Yen
>to Yamagin Corp. - the company we buy through. It will need to be sent to arrive to Yamagin Corp. before 12th Feb.
>
>Total OTR price will be 11,785 pounds assuming the exchange rate stays steady, though it may improve, hopefully.
>
>The car looks a treat in real life and sounds great (I attach a short video, though sound is a bit distorted). Should be powerful enough to see off most things on UK roads, yet be very tractable, plus have excellent suspension control (Ask John Helps, who just got his car).
>
>A few colleagues were commenting on this RX-7 today, having seen it (not knowing I was intent on buying it) when they were out checking other cars...much admired...
>
>Regards,
>Miguel
02-12-02, 09:22 AM
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It's never fast enough...
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We hate you 
This about sums it up. For us to import cars, we need to go to hell and back while taking the scenic route through the "Sell your body parts" department.
This about sums it up. For us to import cars, we need to go to hell and back while taking the scenic route through the "Sell your body parts" department.
02-12-02, 10:46 AM
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Originally posted by Flybye
We hate you
This about sums it up. For us to import cars, we need to go to hell and back while taking the scenic route through the "Sell your body parts" department.
We hate you
This about sums it up. For us to import cars, we need to go to hell and back while taking the scenic route through the "Sell your body parts" department.
So I take it thats not a bad spec then? I'm such a newbie when it comes to the RX7, I've only just got my head round how the rotary engine works and am therefore so vulnerable in my purchase....
The research goes on......
02-12-02, 02:40 PM
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Re: Re: Copy of a Letter from my Agent in Japan....
Originally posted by jd93rx7
02-12-02, 02:40 PM
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yeah... didnt you know the only FR 2 seater TRUE sports car (miata and S2000 dont count since they are roadsters) in japan is the Fairlady Z? all rx-7's to my knowledge are 2+2 seaters in japan except maybe the new RS's...
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02-12-02, 03:06 PM
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Originally posted by driftin180sx
yeah... didnt you know the only FR 2 seater TRUE sports car (miata and S2000 dont count since they are roadsters) in japan is the Fairlady Z? all rx-7's to my knowledge are 2+2 seaters in japan except maybe the new RS's...
yeah... didnt you know the only FR 2 seater TRUE sports car (miata and S2000 dont count since they are roadsters) in japan is the Fairlady Z? all rx-7's to my knowledge are 2+2 seaters in japan except maybe the new RS's...
02-12-02, 05:31 PM
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Originally posted by alwan16
damn...i want this guys job. it seems like a very reasonable price for all that too. almost too good to be true!
damn...i want this guys job. it seems like a very reasonable price for all that too. almost too good to be true!
I currently own a Honda Prelude Type S and followed the same method of purchase, it's very common over here.
02-12-02, 06:09 PM
#13
At first I thought you were in the US and managed to find someone that brings them over, then I noticed that the message was from Miguel (NeoImport's was it?), then I got all depresed that it wasn't here in the US... 
But it sounds like it will turn out great for you. How bout you send me your Prelude Type-S and I'll send you my Prelude S
But it sounds like it will turn out great for you. How bout you send me your Prelude Type-S and I'll send you my Prelude S
02-12-02, 06:24 PM
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Damn.. Thats preety cheap from what i understand in the exchange rated from pounds to $. Thats about 13-15k give or take, dont know the exact rate.
02-12-02, 06:35 PM
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Baggy: It sounds great, the problem is we don't know the specifics of a lot of the parts being described. The Dual radiators is interesting, but I don't think any of us have heard of that setup, so it's hard to say. The Trust IC is good, but is that the Trust Stock mount, or the Trust Front mount? I'd imagine the suspension is good, but he doesn't know which one it is, though if the springs are Apexi, I'd imagine the dampers are too. The Redom ECU should be good, since is from RE, but it isn't imported here, so I know nothing about it. It sounds like it has the Apexi GT exhaust, which is loud as hell (same as I have), and great for hi-end power. Anyway, I think you see that there's not quite enough info, and we (I at least) don't know enough about the Japanese parts that aren't available here.
On a side note, the pricing seems really screwed up. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is he saying a K&N filter is $480 or so? Even Japan doesn't have tarrifs like that ($40 here).
On a side note, the pricing seems really screwed up. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is he saying a K&N filter is $480 or so? Even Japan doesn't have tarrifs like that ($40 here).
02-12-02, 06:42 PM
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Baggy
Thats my new girl Miguel is talking about - its due in southampton on March 4th...pick up late March after SVA and so fourth...I know of 2 other 7's he's sourced, both Type R's in excellent condition. Both owners happy as I think
He rang me at 3am to talk about it and let me here it down the 'phone!! Then at 4am to say he'd bought it.
Nice guy, excellent friendly service. Hope the car is as good as he says! Have a few pics if u want 2 see em.
Rich
Thats my new girl Miguel is talking about - its due in southampton on March 4th...pick up late March after SVA and so fourth...I know of 2 other 7's he's sourced, both Type R's in excellent condition. Both owners happy as I think
He rang me at 3am to talk about it and let me here it down the 'phone!! Then at 4am to say he'd bought it.
Nice guy, excellent friendly service. Hope the car is as good as he says! Have a few pics if u want 2 see em.
Rich
02-12-02, 06:50 PM
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fluxen
Yes, the Trust IC is the front mount. K&N - I think he is referring to the induction kit which looks kind of Apexi-like, but yeahm price sounds alot!..as for the 2nd rad - I'll let u know! Springs are deffo Apexi (box in boot), hope dampers are too! Think its a Greddy catback actually, although I have an N1 for it already so dont care.
R.
Yes, the Trust IC is the front mount. K&N - I think he is referring to the induction kit which looks kind of Apexi-like, but yeahm price sounds alot!..as for the 2nd rad - I'll let u know! Springs are deffo Apexi (box in boot), hope dampers are too! Think its a Greddy catback actually, although I have an N1 for it already so dont care.
R.
02-12-02, 06:57 PM
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Originally posted by Flint
Baggy
Thats my new girl Miguel is talking about - its due in southampton on March 4th...pick up late March after SVA and so fourth...I know of 2 other 7's he's sourced, both Type R's in excellent condition. Both owners happy as I think
He rang me at 3am to talk about it and let me here it down the 'phone!! Then at 4am to say he'd bought it.
Nice guy, excellent friendly service. Hope the car is as good as he says! Have a few pics if u want 2 see em.
Rich
Baggy
Thats my new girl Miguel is talking about - its due in southampton on March 4th...pick up late March after SVA and so fourth...I know of 2 other 7's he's sourced, both Type R's in excellent condition. Both owners happy as I think
He rang me at 3am to talk about it and let me here it down the 'phone!! Then at 4am to say he'd bought it.
Nice guy, excellent friendly service. Hope the car is as good as he says! Have a few pics if u want 2 see em.
Rich
How you doing pal, hope you don't mind me posting this, just thought I'd get a little feedback. I've spoken to Miguel a few times great guy, such an enthusuast, works very hard at keeping in contact with his customers and owns not just an RX7 but an R33 aswell!
I'm going to be placing an order soon with Miguel but I'm sure you understand you've got to investigate these things
Thought I'd get a few opinions from our friends across the pond Yeah sure post pics when you can, after all half the thread belongs to you I guess
BTW Would you mind me telephoning you about this? It would be helpful if I could ask you a few questions.
Anyway good luck with the car
02-12-02, 08:53 PM
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I've seen pics of the V radiator setup...originally I thought it was just a new arrangement for the radiator and IC unit. The Vee portion opens to the front of the car and air flows into the v, out the top and bottom. Not sure if this is any more effective than a big single radiator, but it may allow more volume. RE Amemiya is the MAN bar none. I worship him and his RX7's. Life goal; me Amemiyasan! Most of the high end, fully adjustable RE shocks are fairly harsh and come with higher than high spring rates (how bout 16kg/mm!) so you may find it a bit rough on some of the "lesser" roads found around the island :-) Let us know how it goes!
Michel
Michel
02-12-02, 10:18 PM
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Today the exchange rate is Y131 to $1. That car's not a bad price for Japan. Some of the stuff that's on that car though is kind of iffy. For instance, you can go to autobacs and pic up the cusco front and rear strut tower bars for about Y15000 each, totalling Y30000...a far cry from Y80000. Also the rims are WAY too pricey(about $500 too pricey)...
either way, Good deal though, especially for a '96
either way, Good deal though, especially for a '96
