Efini FD RX7 Type RZ race car
08-16-10, 04:46 PM
#1
Efini FD RX7 Type RZ race car
Hey everyone,
In a few months I will be purchasing a Japanese FD RX7 type RZ which I will be road racing full time. I need to know what the good/bad/ugly parts are on the Japanese FD's vs the ones brought here in the states.
What are the differences in terms of?
- Suspension
- Engine
- Drivetrain
- Body/Chassis
Is there a huge difference in weight or are they similar in size & weight.
In a few months I will be purchasing a Japanese FD RX7 type RZ which I will be road racing full time. I need to know what the good/bad/ugly parts are on the Japanese FD's vs the ones brought here in the states.
What are the differences in terms of?
- Suspension
- Engine
- Drivetrain
- Body/Chassis
Is there a huge difference in weight or are they similar in size & weight.
08-16-10, 07:15 PM
#3
F'n Newbie...
iTrader: (6)
Wait, let me get this straight.... you're going to purchase, and ship, a rhd FD for track use as opposed to just picking the exact same car locally (for a fraction of the price), but you're not willing to take the time or effort to search the forum for such a basic answer as model comparisons?
08-16-10, 07:19 PM
#4
here is some text to consider
The limited edition Type RZ is based on the top-performance version of the RX-7, the Type RS, and is equipped with a number of sporty custom accessories. It is approximately 10 kg lighter than the Type RS, resulting in a power-weight ratio of 6.17 kg/kW (4.54 kg/PS). Features include the following:
- Red custom full-bucket seats manufactured by Recaro
- Custom "gun metallic" colored aluminum wheels manufactured by BBS
- Custom dampers manufactured by Bilstein
- Custom red stitched steering wheel manufactured by Nardi
- Custom red stitched leather shift ****, stick shift boot, and parking brake lever boot
- Driver's side kneepad
- Passenger side aluminum footrest board
- Rear storage box
- Custom body color: snow white pearl mica
Main Product Enhancements:
Improved Braking Performance
- The ABS control unit for all four wheels has been upgraded from the conventional 8 to 16 bits and equipped with an EBD (electrically controlled braking distribution) system. This results in shorter stopping distances when the brakes are applied suddenly and enhanced vehicle stability.
Enhanced Ride and Manouverability
- The damping force of the suspension dampers has been changed (Type RB and Type RS) and a check value has been added to the power steering system for improved handling.
Improved Safety
- The conventional side impact bars have been reinforced with the addition of lower side impact bars positioned in the bottom portion of the doors. Also, manual transmission models have been equipped with a clutch interlock mechanism that prevents the engine from starting unless the clutch is depressed.
Sportier Interior
- The gauges on the instrument panel feature white text and metal plated frame rings. In addition, the gauges, climate control system, and audio system panel have red illumination for a more sporty look.
- The center portion of the seats is covered with a knit rubber fabric for a snugger fit and a sporty feel. (Type RB S-package, Type RB automatic transmission model, Type RS)
New Concept in Audio Systems
- With Mazda's new concept in audio systems, a variety of module type audio kits are available, making it simple to add additional functions, such as a CD or MD player, or replace an existing function with a new one. The system is exclusive to Mazda and is designed to be expandable, so it will be ready for the next generation in media when it arrives.
New Body Color Options
- The following body colors are available: innocent blue mica, vintage red, pure white (new), brilliant black, sunlight silver metallic (new).
Pricing of New RX-7 and Limited Edition RX-7 Type RZ (Unit: 1,000 yen)
Model/Engine Max. output/Transmission/Price :
Type RB 13B-REW
(sequential twin-turbo rotary engine) 195kW[265PS] 5MT 2,948
188kW[255PS] 4EC-AT 3,148
Type RB S-package 195kW[265PS] 5MT 3,158
Type R 206kW[280PS] 5MT 3,548
Type RS 5MT 3,848
Type RZ (limited edition) 5MT 3,998
- Red custom full-bucket seats manufactured by Recaro
- Custom "gun metallic" colored aluminum wheels manufactured by BBS
- Custom dampers manufactured by Bilstein
- Custom red stitched steering wheel manufactured by Nardi
- Custom red stitched leather shift ****, stick shift boot, and parking brake lever boot
- Driver's side kneepad
- Passenger side aluminum footrest board
- Rear storage box
- Custom body color: snow white pearl mica
Main Product Enhancements:
Improved Braking Performance
- The ABS control unit for all four wheels has been upgraded from the conventional 8 to 16 bits and equipped with an EBD (electrically controlled braking distribution) system. This results in shorter stopping distances when the brakes are applied suddenly and enhanced vehicle stability.
Enhanced Ride and Manouverability
- The damping force of the suspension dampers has been changed (Type RB and Type RS) and a check value has been added to the power steering system for improved handling.
Improved Safety
- The conventional side impact bars have been reinforced with the addition of lower side impact bars positioned in the bottom portion of the doors. Also, manual transmission models have been equipped with a clutch interlock mechanism that prevents the engine from starting unless the clutch is depressed.
Sportier Interior
- The gauges on the instrument panel feature white text and metal plated frame rings. In addition, the gauges, climate control system, and audio system panel have red illumination for a more sporty look.
- The center portion of the seats is covered with a knit rubber fabric for a snugger fit and a sporty feel. (Type RB S-package, Type RB automatic transmission model, Type RS)
New Concept in Audio Systems
- With Mazda's new concept in audio systems, a variety of module type audio kits are available, making it simple to add additional functions, such as a CD or MD player, or replace an existing function with a new one. The system is exclusive to Mazda and is designed to be expandable, so it will be ready for the next generation in media when it arrives.
New Body Color Options
- The following body colors are available: innocent blue mica, vintage red, pure white (new), brilliant black, sunlight silver metallic (new).
Pricing of New RX-7 and Limited Edition RX-7 Type RZ (Unit: 1,000 yen)
Model/Engine Max. output/Transmission/Price :
Type RB 13B-REW
(sequential twin-turbo rotary engine) 195kW[265PS] 5MT 2,948
188kW[255PS] 4EC-AT 3,148
Type RB S-package 195kW[265PS] 5MT 3,158
Type R 206kW[280PS] 5MT 3,548
Type RS 5MT 3,848
Type RZ (limited edition) 5MT 3,998
08-16-10, 08:37 PM
#5
That's the number that Mazda SAID they built. What they ACTUALLY built is a very different figure.
Mazda may have planned to make 175 when they put out the RZ press release, but they quickly moved off-script in 2001. They then blatantly lied in the 2002 Spirit R brochure that also claimed 175 white RZ's were made.
Mazda built 325 version VI Snow White Pearl RZ's.
I have the VIN numbers of every one of them.
Mazda may have planned to make 175 when they put out the RZ press release, but they quickly moved off-script in 2001. They then blatantly lied in the 2002 Spirit R brochure that also claimed 175 white RZ's were made.
Mazda built 325 version VI Snow White Pearl RZ's.
I have the VIN numbers of every one of them.
08-16-10, 08:56 PM
#6
Thank you that was very helpful. The RZ might not be the one to purchase since I will be replacing most of the upgrades anyways and the car will be gutted.
fendamonky - I have someone who imports Japanese cars so I don't pay extra by any means.
In terms of the chassis, frame, transmission, and rear end is there a different between the Japanese made FD's & the ones brought to the US. Or are we talking about green apples and red apples whereas they're pretty much the same.
fendamonky - I have someone who imports Japanese cars so I don't pay extra by any means.
In terms of the chassis, frame, transmission, and rear end is there a different between the Japanese made FD's & the ones brought to the US. Or are we talking about green apples and red apples whereas they're pretty much the same.
08-16-10, 09:05 PM
#7
They are essentially the exact same car.
The RHD JDM thing makes sense for some cars because the JDM versions were fundamentally superior.
It makes no sense for FDs. In general, only teenage stunnas want RHD FDs.
If you can get it very cheap, buy it. But a few aftermarket parts will make a USDM FD equally good without any importation hassles. (And unless you are in a sanctioned racing series, you will have to import it illegally. Which also means its market value will always be well below street legal FDs.)
The RHD JDM thing makes sense for some cars because the JDM versions were fundamentally superior.
It makes no sense for FDs. In general, only teenage stunnas want RHD FDs.
If you can get it very cheap, buy it. But a few aftermarket parts will make a USDM FD equally good without any importation hassles. (And unless you are in a sanctioned racing series, you will have to import it illegally. Which also means its market value will always be well below street legal FDs.)
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08-16-10, 09:29 PM
#8
The RZ will have a few differences to the USDM cars.
Being based on the JDM RS model, it'll have the 280hp turbos, a 4.3:1 diff ratio (not the 4.1:1 of the less powerful models), a .762 fifth gear ratio (as opposed to .806), an upgraded radiator, bigger more effective brakes and the 17" 8" and 8.5" BBS's that go with those brakes.
You'll be able to sell the Recaro's for big coin, along with the alloy passenger footrest.
The RZ weighs 1270kg.
Being based on the JDM RS model, it'll have the 280hp turbos, a 4.3:1 diff ratio (not the 4.1:1 of the less powerful models), a .762 fifth gear ratio (as opposed to .806), an upgraded radiator, bigger more effective brakes and the 17" 8" and 8.5" BBS's that go with those brakes.
You'll be able to sell the Recaro's for big coin, along with the alloy passenger footrest.
The RZ weighs 1270kg.
08-16-10, 09:43 PM
#9
Ah, yes, the 280hp '99 spec turbos - perhaps one of the most overrated, overpriced part in automotive history. The USDM turbos are '280hp' too if you remove the downpipe and add an intake.
Unless this car is very, very cheap and shipping is too, you are not gaining any particular advantage. There is no special seam welding of the chassis or hand-built, blueprinted engines here - just a few bolt-on components that you will likely replace anyways if you are racing seriously.
Unless this car is very, very cheap and shipping is too, you are not gaining any particular advantage. There is no special seam welding of the chassis or hand-built, blueprinted engines here - just a few bolt-on components that you will likely replace anyways if you are racing seriously.
08-16-10, 09:45 PM
#10
That's the number that Mazda SAID they built. What they ACTUALLY built is a very different figure.
Mazda may have planned to make 175 when they put out the RZ press release, but they quickly moved off-script in 2001. They then blatantly lied in the 2002 Spirit R brochure that also claimed 175 white RZ's were made.
Mazda built 325 version VI Snow White Pearl RZ's.
I have the VIN numbers of every one of them.
Mazda may have planned to make 175 when they put out the RZ press release, but they quickly moved off-script in 2001. They then blatantly lied in the 2002 Spirit R brochure that also claimed 175 white RZ's were made.
Mazda built 325 version VI Snow White Pearl RZ's.
I have the VIN numbers of every one of them.
08-16-10, 10:13 PM
#11
With the JDM RX-7s the exhaust flow is right under the driver's feet. It's normally not a problem because of the carpet barrier and other gunk BUT with a gutted car it becomes an issue. Even with exhaust wrapping it gets really HOT under your feet and can be quite uncomfortable. With girly shoes it will feel like touching a stove top.
08-16-10, 10:36 PM
#12
There is no pre-cat in a JDM RX-7.
I feel absolutely no heat from the drivetrain/exhaust in the cabin.
In fact, my stock 2004 RX-8 had a hotter floor/transmission tunnel.
I feel absolutely no heat from the drivetrain/exhaust in the cabin.
In fact, my stock 2004 RX-8 had a hotter floor/transmission tunnel.
08-16-10, 10:51 PM
#13
The 99+ 280hp turbos have improved efficiency due to their high flow turbine improvements and abraidable compressor housing. The output of these turbos is also 10degC cooler than the previous version.
BTW, they can't be considered "overpriced" if they're included as part of the cars purchase (as mine were, and as the OP's would be if he goes ahead with the import).
08-16-10, 11:01 PM
#14
Come live here, we have beaches, fries and Coke.....no Mt Rushmore, but we have Ayres Rock
.
08-17-10, 08:22 AM
#17
F'n Newbie...
iTrader: (6)
^ Pretty much what Gordon said.
Unless you are importing the car as a collector, to have as a collector car in stock form, there is really no point in trying to buy an RHD FD.
As a race car you're going to be replacing many of the parts which make this model car unique (turbo's, suspension, brakes, etc) in order to really compete. What you will be left with is an expensive, non-stock, car that you're just going to rag the **** out of and probably wreck or take off road. You can spend $10k for a good base/R1 and then spend another $10k on turbo/cooling/brakes/suspension and have a perfectly good track car that you won't have to adjust to like you would a RHD car.
Single-minded obsession with Japanese imports is stupid. If you want a race car then get a race car. If you want the JDM one because you think you're special and you can afford it, and you want other people to think you're special as well then go for it. But at least be honest about your reasonings.
Unless you are importing the car as a collector, to have as a collector car in stock form, there is really no point in trying to buy an RHD FD.
As a race car you're going to be replacing many of the parts which make this model car unique (turbo's, suspension, brakes, etc) in order to really compete. What you will be left with is an expensive, non-stock, car that you're just going to rag the **** out of and probably wreck or take off road. You can spend $10k for a good base/R1 and then spend another $10k on turbo/cooling/brakes/suspension and have a perfectly good track car that you won't have to adjust to like you would a RHD car.
Single-minded obsession with Japanese imports is stupid. If you want a race car then get a race car. If you want the JDM one because you think you're special and you can afford it, and you want other people to think you're special as well then go for it. But at least be honest about your reasonings.
08-17-10, 10:35 AM
#18
97SupraTwinTurbo... I guess its been made clear, but some of the comments may have confused you. You want to buy a US FD and mod it, assuming the race series you are in allows modification. You might want to check out the single turbo subforum here or the 20b (3 rotors instead of 2) sub forum.
Buying an RZ and gutting it and racing it would really be a sacrilege. The RZ is a very special limited edition.
What race series are you going to be in?
Gordon
Buying an RZ and gutting it and racing it would really be a sacrilege. The RZ is a very special limited edition.
What race series are you going to be in?
Gordon
Thank you all for the information, I appreciate it.
08-17-10, 11:15 AM
#20
F'n Newbie...
iTrader: (6)
It's being built for the unlimited class, for time attack events. The vehicle will not be registered and will be driven into events on a trailer. I guess the RZ model is a bit too rare for my objective. I will go with the base Japanese model mainly because I have access to them for a fair price.
Thank you all for the information, I appreciate it.
Thank you all for the information, I appreciate it.
To be perfectly honest, it's my opinion that the left hand drive model is the better platform to build off of. You might ask, why?
Simply put, exhaust restrictions. Due to the location of the steering column/assembly on a RHD car the downpipe gets squished and there is a noticeable lack of space on that side of the engine bay. Also, ever wonder what happens to PS fluid when it's stuck right next to our twin turbo's for extended periods of hard driving?
When I lived in England I worked on both LHD and RHD FD's for fun. I also worked on, and drove, multiple Skylines along with my friends RHD FD's. I'll put it simply, wanting RHD cars simply because they are RHD is stupid. If I were given the option of having my FD in either RHD or LHD, while keeping the same mods/power while being completely street legal I would choose LHD, for America and overseas.
But whatever, if a RHD car is your shiny little penny then have at it. I hope it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside
08-17-10, 11:45 AM
#21
I thought about getting a shell but in reality getting a shell in the states for $5000 is worthless when you think about it because you're getting a rust bucket that has 150k miles with nothing on there. For the same price I can get a 30-40k mile japanese FD which I can turn into a purpose built time attack car. The parts I replace can be sold for revenue.
08-17-10, 11:48 AM
#22
Out of curiousity, what do you consider a "fair price"? And what drives your obsession to have a Japanese model, over an American one, when you don't even know the basic differences in characteristics between the two?
To be perfectly honest, it's my opinion that the left hand drive model is the better platform to build off of. You might ask, why?
Simply put, exhaust restrictions. Due to the location of the steering column/assembly on a RHD car the downpipe gets squished and there is a noticeable lack of space on that side of the engine bay. Also, ever wonder what happens to PS fluid when it's stuck right next to our twin turbo's for extended periods of hard driving?
When I lived in England I worked on both LHD and RHD FD's for fun. I also worked on, and drove, multiple Skylines along with my friends RHD FD's. I'll put it simply, wanting RHD cars simply because they are RHD is stupid. If I were given the option of having my FD in either RHD or LHD, while keeping the same mods/power while being completely street legal I would choose LHD, for America and overseas.
But whatever, if a RHD car is your shiny little penny then have at it. I hope it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside
To be perfectly honest, it's my opinion that the left hand drive model is the better platform to build off of. You might ask, why?
Simply put, exhaust restrictions. Due to the location of the steering column/assembly on a RHD car the downpipe gets squished and there is a noticeable lack of space on that side of the engine bay. Also, ever wonder what happens to PS fluid when it's stuck right next to our twin turbo's for extended periods of hard driving?
When I lived in England I worked on both LHD and RHD FD's for fun. I also worked on, and drove, multiple Skylines along with my friends RHD FD's. I'll put it simply, wanting RHD cars simply because they are RHD is stupid. If I were given the option of having my FD in either RHD or LHD, while keeping the same mods/power while being completely street legal I would choose LHD, for America and overseas.
But whatever, if a RHD car is your shiny little penny then have at it. I hope it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside
If it's a PITA then I might avoid getting one.
08-17-10, 12:39 PM
#23
F'n Newbie...
iTrader: (6)
Ah, yeah dude, 20B's can def be installed into a RHD FD, though if cost is an issue then it's not the route for you. They aren't cheap, by any means, when done correctly.
Have you looked in the for sale section here yet? If not you'd probably be surprised by what is available, and how much it costs. If you're willing to ship the car (which, apparently, you are) then you can get a hell of a head start on your stated goals.
Edit: Like this for example ---> https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-rx-7-1993-2002-vehicles-107/93-touring-sale-highly-modified-904838/ It's cheap, damn near done, and all the bits that are broken won't be needed on the track anyway, or are easy to replace.
Besides, have you ever bought a car from Japan and had it shipped over before?
From what I understand they can be like Forest Gump's box of chocolates...
Have you looked in the for sale section here yet? If not you'd probably be surprised by what is available, and how much it costs. If you're willing to ship the car (which, apparently, you are) then you can get a hell of a head start on your stated goals.
Edit: Like this for example ---> https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-rx-7-1993-2002-vehicles-107/93-touring-sale-highly-modified-904838/ It's cheap, damn near done, and all the bits that are broken won't be needed on the track anyway, or are easy to replace.
Besides, have you ever bought a car from Japan and had it shipped over before?
From what I understand they can be like Forest Gump's box of chocolates...
Last edited by fendamonky; 08-17-10 at 12:46 PM.
08-17-10, 12:58 PM
#24
Ah, yeah dude, 20B's can def be installed into a RHD FD, though if cost is an issue then it's not the route for you. They aren't cheap, by any means, when done correctly.
Have you looked in the for sale section here yet? If not you'd probably be surprised by what is available, and how much it costs. If you're willing to ship the car (which, apparently, you are) then you can get a hell of a head start on your stated goals.
Edit: Like this for example ---> https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=904838 It's cheap, damn near done, and all the bits that are broken won't be needed on the track anyway, or are easy to replace.
Besides, have you ever bought a car from Japan and had it shipped over before?
From what I understand they can be like Forest Gump's box of chocolates...
Have you looked in the for sale section here yet? If not you'd probably be surprised by what is available, and how much it costs. If you're willing to ship the car (which, apparently, you are) then you can get a hell of a head start on your stated goals.
Edit: Like this for example ---> https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=904838 It's cheap, damn near done, and all the bits that are broken won't be needed on the track anyway, or are easy to replace.
Besides, have you ever bought a car from Japan and had it shipped over before?
From what I understand they can be like Forest Gump's box of chocolates...
I did look at the for sale section. The affordable ones had too many miles on the body which might also have accident damage. I need a straight frame because I need suspension and chassis components (roll cage etc.) fitting to my specs.
I haven't shipped a car from Japan but I've shipped a car from here to other countries and it's not expensive. I will not be doing the shipping, I have a company doing that and the price of the FD is not expensive. I was wondering about the differences and if I will run into problems with either a swap or getting parts.
Thanks
