New to the site and could use some advice.
06-26-05, 12:23 AM
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New to the site and could use some advice.
Hi everyone,
I am new to rotary engines but have been reading everything i could find before recently purchasing my 93 RX7.
I purchased from an individual in North Carolina this week and drove home to New Orleans the next day.
Let me begin by first saying this is my first RX7, before I owned a 95 300Z, a 98 BMW M3 and a 2001 BMW 330i (which is my daily driver btw) I have been autocrossing for a few years and have done so with each of the above cars. I don't plan on autocrossing the RX7, I havejust always admired them and finally decided to get one.
I have learned a good bit from your site and others about this car but would appreciate any help you guys can give.
About the car:
The owner seemed to take decent care of it however had more money than automotive knowledge so was unable to give me specifics on upgrades.. I am trying to contact the place near Charlotte where he had most of the mods done. Though i am still trying to get the guy to answer my emails to get the name of teh place...
What I know or think I know:
The car had a recent engine replacement to a Stage 2 engine with ceramic apex seals (1 main reason for choosing this car) was done according to owner 7k miles ago, It has upgraded shocks (KYB) springs (not sure which), wheels (mille miglia 18x8's in F and 18x9's R) New Tires, apexi dual cone intake (no heat shield), 3" DP, 3" catback Racing beat Stainless exhaust, APC racing clutch, custom interior (seats) a custom paint job of which btw is a nice color but not so good of a paint job, new radiator though I don't know what brand or if is evan an upgrade.... also some other notes......stock turbos, no boost gauge, no boost controller/fuel mgmt sys.
Things I have noticed... The car is faster than my 330i, it rides like a horse and buggy on cobblestone road with potholes, the engine bay is hotter than hell, I sometimes (over past 3 days since I have had the car) get a bubbling from radiator, oil light came on once though oil pressure was reading fine and changing due to engine rpm, the lower rear controll arms need bushings, the door handle (psg side) is inop, the antenna doesn't work, the a/c is great on Interstate but CRAP in city and it gets a ton of good looks while on the road.
Mixed bag.
The 2nd day home I put it into shop (Friday) at nearby Mazda dealership (where 3 different mazda dealerships referred me because evidentally their main Tech is really good with RX7's). Gave them a laundry list that reads:
Replace Rear lower control arm bushings
replace both door handles
replace power antenna
Drain coolant, flush system and replace coolant
drain transmisison oil and replace
replace plugs and wires
oil and filter change
fuel filter change
coolant system a/c charge
check brakes
lube everything
check radiator specs ( I wanted to see if was stock mazda or not)
replace some burnt tail lights
Things I want to do after reading your forums:
Add boost gauge
Add Fuel Pressure gauge
Upgrade Radiator if not already done
Upgrade Intercooler
Upgrade ECU (or get Fuel Mgmt sysy)
Upgrade all hoses to either aluminum or silicone
Get a vented hood
Probably do a light kit
Seriously considering replacing shocks to something softer (I have Eibac Pro kit springs on the 330, with Bilstein PSS9 shocks with 17x7.5's F and 17x8.5's R and it rides 700000000% better than the RX7 and is comparible in curves.) Any ideas?
I would appreciate any feedback as to what I should attack first and what you guys would consider priorities. Also would appreciate any ideas for brands and models for suggested equipment.
Thanks alot for your help!
Z
I am new to rotary engines but have been reading everything i could find before recently purchasing my 93 RX7.
I purchased from an individual in North Carolina this week and drove home to New Orleans the next day.
Let me begin by first saying this is my first RX7, before I owned a 95 300Z, a 98 BMW M3 and a 2001 BMW 330i (which is my daily driver btw) I have been autocrossing for a few years and have done so with each of the above cars. I don't plan on autocrossing the RX7, I havejust always admired them and finally decided to get one.
I have learned a good bit from your site and others about this car but would appreciate any help you guys can give.
About the car:
The owner seemed to take decent care of it however had more money than automotive knowledge so was unable to give me specifics on upgrades.. I am trying to contact the place near Charlotte where he had most of the mods done. Though i am still trying to get the guy to answer my emails to get the name of teh place...
What I know or think I know:
The car had a recent engine replacement to a Stage 2 engine with ceramic apex seals (1 main reason for choosing this car) was done according to owner 7k miles ago, It has upgraded shocks (KYB) springs (not sure which), wheels (mille miglia 18x8's in F and 18x9's R) New Tires, apexi dual cone intake (no heat shield), 3" DP, 3" catback Racing beat Stainless exhaust, APC racing clutch, custom interior (seats) a custom paint job of which btw is a nice color but not so good of a paint job, new radiator though I don't know what brand or if is evan an upgrade.... also some other notes......stock turbos, no boost gauge, no boost controller/fuel mgmt sys.
Things I have noticed... The car is faster than my 330i, it rides like a horse and buggy on cobblestone road with potholes, the engine bay is hotter than hell, I sometimes (over past 3 days since I have had the car) get a bubbling from radiator, oil light came on once though oil pressure was reading fine and changing due to engine rpm, the lower rear controll arms need bushings, the door handle (psg side) is inop, the antenna doesn't work, the a/c is great on Interstate but CRAP in city and it gets a ton of good looks while on the road.
Mixed bag.
The 2nd day home I put it into shop (Friday) at nearby Mazda dealership (where 3 different mazda dealerships referred me because evidentally their main Tech is really good with RX7's). Gave them a laundry list that reads:
Replace Rear lower control arm bushings
replace both door handles
replace power antenna
Drain coolant, flush system and replace coolant
drain transmisison oil and replace
replace plugs and wires
oil and filter change
fuel filter change
coolant system a/c charge
check brakes
lube everything
check radiator specs ( I wanted to see if was stock mazda or not)
replace some burnt tail lights
Things I want to do after reading your forums:
Add boost gauge
Add Fuel Pressure gauge
Upgrade Radiator if not already done
Upgrade Intercooler
Upgrade ECU (or get Fuel Mgmt sysy)
Upgrade all hoses to either aluminum or silicone
Get a vented hood
Probably do a light kit
Seriously considering replacing shocks to something softer (I have Eibac Pro kit springs on the 330, with Bilstein PSS9 shocks with 17x7.5's F and 17x8.5's R and it rides 700000000% better than the RX7 and is comparible in curves.) Any ideas?
I would appreciate any feedback as to what I should attack first and what you guys would consider priorities. Also would appreciate any ideas for brands and models for suggested equipment.
Thanks alot for your help!
Z
06-26-05, 12:32 AM
#2
FDrx7.com
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Can't help you with much...but that colour really suits the FD....not one I would have chosen from a colour chart myself..but looks good on the car!
Congrats on the purchase.
Before you have everything replaced in regards to fluids, and plugs etc..I think I would sit down..map out exactly what performance you want from the car and then insert all the correct parts for your final result.
EG heat range of plugs will change depending on performance.
Oils ..standard mazda fair might be a bit average...possibly upspec to something better.
Get a compression check..and get a rotary guru to verify the engine looks to have been rebuilt fully. See if its been ported at all.
Hmmm..
I still like that paint...
Congrats on the purchase.
Before you have everything replaced in regards to fluids, and plugs etc..I think I would sit down..map out exactly what performance you want from the car and then insert all the correct parts for your final result.
EG heat range of plugs will change depending on performance.
Oils ..standard mazda fair might be a bit average...possibly upspec to something better.
Get a compression check..and get a rotary guru to verify the engine looks to have been rebuilt fully. See if its been ported at all.
Hmmm..
I still like that paint...
06-26-05, 12:40 AM
#3
Gone to the dark side
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Thanks,
I will do. What would you suggest for fluids, plugs oil? I use standard coolant in my BMW, Mobil 1 5w30 and bosch platinum plugs. I heard NGK 10.5's are best for FD, but no idea on coolant or oil. I did read not to use synthetic in Fd tho.
As far as what i want, I will mainly drive this car on the interstate and some cruising around town but i love performance and I really want reliablilty... I know they don't always come hand in hand but I am pretty happy with performance now tho a bit more wouldn't hurt my main issue atm is I want to make sure the car is reliable and I do what I can to make it live a long happy life...
Thanks, my wife loves it too, it's called Porshe Seal Metallic... was offered on 911 Turbos if I remember correct. I like it more than standard silver and my BMW is black and my wifes S4 is bright silver so its a good mix in the garage.
I will do. What would you suggest for fluids, plugs oil? I use standard coolant in my BMW, Mobil 1 5w30 and bosch platinum plugs. I heard NGK 10.5's are best for FD, but no idea on coolant or oil. I did read not to use synthetic in Fd tho.
As far as what i want, I will mainly drive this car on the interstate and some cruising around town but i love performance and I really want reliablilty... I know they don't always come hand in hand but I am pretty happy with performance now tho a bit more wouldn't hurt my main issue atm is I want to make sure the car is reliable and I do what I can to make it live a long happy life...
Thanks, my wife loves it too, it's called Porshe Seal Metallic... was offered on 911 Turbos if I remember correct. I like it more than standard silver and my BMW is black and my wifes S4 is bright silver so its a good mix in the garage.
Last edited by zonblitz; 06-26-05 at 12:42 AM.
06-26-05, 12:45 AM
#4
ZZzzzzz...PHshshshssshh
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Originally Posted by zonblitz
Things I want to do after reading your forums:
Add boost gauge
Add Fuel Pressure gauge
Upgrade Radiator if not already done
Upgrade Intercooler
Upgrade ECU (or get Fuel Mgmt sysy)
Upgrade all hoses to either aluminum or silicone
Get a vented hood
Probably do a light kit
Add boost gauge (Defi or Autometer)
Add Fuel Pressure gauge (same)
Upgrade Radiator if not already done (Fluidyne or koyo)
Upgrade Intercooler (FMIC or SMIC)
Upgrade ECU (or get Fuel Mgmt sysy) Apexi PFC or Haltech)
Upgrade all hoses to either aluminum or silicone
Get a vented hood ( to many to list)
Probably do a light kit (RE, rotary extreme, C-west)
Everything in your list has been discussed here, so use the search button!!
06-26-05, 01:48 AM
#6
Gone to the dark side
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Where did you get your light kit? Best I have seen and is what I am looking for... also the demon eye kit on your homepage, is that for FD3S?
06-26-05, 07:37 AM
#7
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/bought-93-tt-need-some-newbie-help-i-used-search-436691/
Coolant is standard stuff, although I always use the non-silicate stuff.
If those KYB's are adjustable, I'd take them down a notch. I have GAB 8-ways and they are stiff as a board. Search for posts by "howard coleman" for suspension setup - he has excellent recommendations. I have a feeling though that 18s are way too much metal for autocrossing, but I don't know much about that subject - just my suggestion to look into it further.
The stock radiator has black plastic endtanks, aftermarket is all aluminum. If it's thicker than 1-1/4", it's considered an upgraded size, although IMO the thicker radiator core is way overrated. I suggest installing a water temp gauge (skip the fuel pressure gauge if necessary) and see what that's telling you.
"Upgrade all hoses to aluminum or silicone": I think you're referring to the vacuum hoses(?). If so, get them done in silicone. Good silicone, like from hose techniques or www.hightempsilicone.com. I have viton hoses, which I feel are excellent, but only come in black. There is no aluminum option. Speaking of hoses, you probably should have the Mazda guy replace the coolant hoses, all of them. OEM coolant hoses are the best option IMO. If you haven't yet, read the newbie sticky thread at the top of this page and familiarize yourself with the variou reliability mods.
Do you do any work on the car yourself? I have a feeling the Mazda bill will be huge. While they have it though, have them install a water thermoswitch for the 2nd gen RX-7 and do a compression test. In general, Mazda dealers are not the choice for working on FDs - but by the sound of it you may have found one of the good ones.
Dave
Coolant is standard stuff, although I always use the non-silicate stuff.
If those KYB's are adjustable, I'd take them down a notch. I have GAB 8-ways and they are stiff as a board. Search for posts by "howard coleman" for suspension setup - he has excellent recommendations. I have a feeling though that 18s are way too much metal for autocrossing, but I don't know much about that subject - just my suggestion to look into it further.
The stock radiator has black plastic endtanks, aftermarket is all aluminum. If it's thicker than 1-1/4", it's considered an upgraded size, although IMO the thicker radiator core is way overrated. I suggest installing a water temp gauge (skip the fuel pressure gauge if necessary) and see what that's telling you.
"Upgrade all hoses to aluminum or silicone": I think you're referring to the vacuum hoses(?). If so, get them done in silicone. Good silicone, like from hose techniques or www.hightempsilicone.com. I have viton hoses, which I feel are excellent, but only come in black. There is no aluminum option. Speaking of hoses, you probably should have the Mazda guy replace the coolant hoses, all of them. OEM coolant hoses are the best option IMO. If you haven't yet, read the newbie sticky thread at the top of this page and familiarize yourself with the variou reliability mods.
Do you do any work on the car yourself? I have a feeling the Mazda bill will be huge. While they have it though, have them install a water thermoswitch for the 2nd gen RX-7 and do a compression test. In general, Mazda dealers are not the choice for working on FDs - but by the sound of it you may have found one of the good ones.
Dave
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06-26-05, 10:08 AM
#8
ZZzzzzz...PHshshshssshh
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Originally Posted by zonblitz
Where did you get your light kit? Best I have seen and is what I am looking for... also the demon eye kit on your homepage, is that for FD3S?
And that Demon eye headlight conversion is for my Lexus GS400.
From: http://www.rotaryextreme.com/fdindex.html
06-26-05, 01:19 PM
#9
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Thanks again for all the help guys... I'll get with the dealer Monday to get switch installed. Do you have the part number by any chance?
What about boost hoses ? I see some of you have prettier engines than I do... do those hoses give any increase in reliability or just performance or both?
I have always done most of the work on my BMW's so I just need to familiarize myself with the FD. Not planning on autocrossing this baby.
Thanks guys!
What about boost hoses ? I see some of you have prettier engines than I do... do those hoses give any increase in reliability or just performance or both?
I have always done most of the work on my BMW's so I just need to familiarize myself with the FD. Not planning on autocrossing this baby.
Thanks guys!
Last edited by zonblitz; 06-26-05 at 01:43 PM.
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