Need Some Advice, what mods next?
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: La Junta, Colorado
Need Some Advice!
OK I have been reading up a little about Rx-7's since im new and have learned some stuff. So i want to have a fast rx-7 on the track and street yet have it reliable for every day driving. I have added a apexi power intake , apexi n1 exhuast, and a downpipe and boost gauge is on its way. so since i have got the mods you need to have when starting out, what mods would be the smartest to get next? would a apexi power fc, intercooler, and replacing the vacuum hoses be a wise upgrade for me next? please help!
it seems you have quite a budget for your RX. Good planning. Can I borrow about 500 for my N1 CB? I probly wont pay you back, but thats ok right?
with the DP, CB, Intake - the very next thing you should buy is an upgraded ECU. When you get the boost gauge on (which should have been yoru first mod so you can test the spool pattern of the turbo's w/ no mods), you will see your boost will spike out when you stomp the throttle.
The stock ECU is designed to support no more than 10psi. The excess boost causes the car to run lean (only providing fuel for 10 psi - that leaves 3 unaccounted for) and as we all know, running lean can cause detonation - and the end of your nice engine.
After the ECU (make sure it is reprogrammable as you will no doubt need to alter your engine maps as you add/subtract mods), I would say the vacuum hoses. I say this because some of them may be cracked causing boost leaks. The replacement should cost about 200 bux if you do it yourself, but its a bit of a hassle!
Next I would put in the power FC to control your boost (once you repair all the cracked hoses), then the IC.
good luck - and PM me about that $500 bux!
with the DP, CB, Intake - the very next thing you should buy is an upgraded ECU. When you get the boost gauge on (which should have been yoru first mod so you can test the spool pattern of the turbo's w/ no mods), you will see your boost will spike out when you stomp the throttle.
The stock ECU is designed to support no more than 10psi. The excess boost causes the car to run lean (only providing fuel for 10 psi - that leaves 3 unaccounted for) and as we all know, running lean can cause detonation - and the end of your nice engine.
After the ECU (make sure it is reprogrammable as you will no doubt need to alter your engine maps as you add/subtract mods), I would say the vacuum hoses. I say this because some of them may be cracked causing boost leaks. The replacement should cost about 200 bux if you do it yourself, but its a bit of a hassle!
Next I would put in the power FC to control your boost (once you repair all the cracked hoses), then the IC.
good luck - and PM me about that $500 bux!
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Nashville,TN
Theres a Plastic AST (Air Seperation Tank) in the stock fd and it has been known to break off and leak. Most people either replace it with an alumminum one, pretty cheap. Or you can opt to just take it out, which is free.
Another mod you can go for is a midpipe or straightpipe. Its an increase in power but it makes the exhaust dB very loud (about over 100s). Also I have heard a midpipe with the N1 sounds horrible. Also you get to deal with the smell of hydrocarbons all day. IMO Id go for a high-flow cat. Increases flow without the loud, or the smell.
As for the hoses, only replace them with silicone hoses if you see a problem with your boost. If boost is running well then "if its not broken dont fix it."
Also check out the newbie stickies, they two sites with a lot of great info for starters. Good luck!
Another mod you can go for is a midpipe or straightpipe. Its an increase in power but it makes the exhaust dB very loud (about over 100s). Also I have heard a midpipe with the N1 sounds horrible. Also you get to deal with the smell of hydrocarbons all day. IMO Id go for a high-flow cat. Increases flow without the loud, or the smell.
As for the hoses, only replace them with silicone hoses if you see a problem with your boost. If boost is running well then "if its not broken dont fix it."
Also check out the newbie stickies, they two sites with a lot of great info for starters. Good luck!
Full Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 67
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From: Nashville,TN
Originally posted by revsteve
with the DP, CB, Intake - the very next thing you should buy is an upgraded ECU. When you get the boost gauge on (which should have been yoru first mod so you can test the spool pattern of the turbo's w/ no mods), you will see your boost will spike out when you stomp the throttle.
The stock ECU is designed to support no more than 10psi. The excess boost causes the car to run lean (only providing fuel for 10 psi - that leaves 3 unaccounted for) and as we all know, running lean can cause detonation - and the end of your nice engine.
with the DP, CB, Intake - the very next thing you should buy is an upgraded ECU. When you get the boost gauge on (which should have been yoru first mod so you can test the spool pattern of the turbo's w/ no mods), you will see your boost will spike out when you stomp the throttle.
The stock ECU is designed to support no more than 10psi. The excess boost causes the car to run lean (only providing fuel for 10 psi - that leaves 3 unaccounted for) and as we all know, running lean can cause detonation - and the end of your nice engine.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by D1Import2nr
[B Or you can opt to just take it out, which is free.
[/B][/QUOTE
sorry, it isnt free.
You cant just take it off!
YOu need to buy a new radiator cap assembly, with a nipple to attatch to the coolant overflow tank.
[B Or you can opt to just take it out, which is free.
[/B][/QUOTE
sorry, it isnt free.
You cant just take it off!
YOu need to buy a new radiator cap assembly, with a nipple to attatch to the coolant overflow tank.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: La Junta, Colorado
Sorry if this is a dumb ? but is there a difference between the apexi power fc and like a upgraded ecu or does the apexi power fc do all that for you or would you have to get something else like the AEM? sorry just a little confused!
Rotary Freak
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,564
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From: Wichita, KS, USA
Not if you have a one piece t-stat housing. Then you simply, drill, tap, and put a nipple in.
Originally posted by rfreeman27
sorry, it isnt free.
You cant just take it off!
YOu need to buy a new radiator cap assembly, with a nipple to attatch to the coolant overflow tank. [/B]
sorry, it isnt free.
You cant just take it off!
YOu need to buy a new radiator cap assembly, with a nipple to attatch to the coolant overflow tank. [/B]
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King of the Duct Tape
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,177
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From: PA
the apexi power fc can control boost/fuel/ignition all that good stuff and you can reprogram it as necessary. it can also be your water and air temp gauge. other "chip" ecu's are not programmable. i believe the pfc and aem doohickies are similar in what they do.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 452
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From: Lynnwood, WA
I think you should consider a new radiator and AST first!!! The stock setup had a hard enough time keeping stock power levels cool so you start boosting and making more power you will also add to the cooling needs of your engine! $375 for a Koyo radiator and $160 for an new AST will save your engine from melt down. After you have those parts I say go for the FC and have fun. But if you don't mind spending $$$$$$ for a new engine then don't listen to me. But all those cool power upgrades aren't very fast when you've got a toasted engine and a dead car in your driveway! (Oil cooler upgrade would also be a good investment)
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