Hello all!

I'm not new here, just haven't visited in years, infact I've had my post count reset also, which is nice...

On subject.

I want to rebuild an RX7 - as many of us do.

I want to do the full leather wrapped interior with leather recaro's, full open race port, titanium exhaust system, 20B engine drop - the lot.

I've found RX7's around about the 2000 year mark going for $20,000 AUD.

That taken into consideration, from those with experience, how much am I looking at spending?

By my experience with Euro tuning I've thought it'd be around the 50-70K mark, but then these cars have a lot of unique components and are becoming increasingly rare, so I guess I'm simply asking those who have done it, any pitfalls, and what costings have you incurred?

 

I suggest you look up a man named David Hayes and read his thread.
Then come back here in about two years and tell us what you think.

 

I appreciate the reference, am searching now. Thank you.

 

Why don't you just buy one from Japan that doesn't need restoration done to it and then you can focus your efforts on the stuff you really want to do:

For that price you quoted, $20,000, I've seen some 1999+ RX7's selling that have less than 10k kilometers which is down right amazing.

Or just buy one that already has all that stuff done to it. They're a little harder to find because the only way people usually get rid of them is by crashing them. But usually it'll save you a huge chunk of change if the previous owner already bought all the expensive parts.

 

moose...too funny. Look to spend as much as you estimate but this is really your question to figure out. It all depends on how far you want to go and at what quality. There is no way I can estimate the cost of what you want...some have easily spent 6 figures...and are still not done.

 

I don't want to cheap out - I know what happens when you put poor quality + power together, simply not worth doing it the wrong way.

Mandrake, do you know anyone selling a 20B RX7? I'd be interested.

 

OP is from Australia, there are more than enough late model rx7s on parramatta road. I counted 20+ the last time i was there (there were even more skylines).

Heres my idea for the $$$ you want to spend.....
Buy a car.....
Find a shop, They are a handful of shops in OZ.
Sell the 13B long block. Sounds like you have enough to do a 6 speed conversion anyways.
Buy a 20B from Japan (they all came automatic, which wont do you any good)
Buy a Sequential Gearbox
Buy a subframe to mount the 20B in.
Wire it up to that new Haltech
Some misc stuff you will need which is covered in that thread i referred you to (its really long)

I dont know what your plans are for the apperance. But you obviously want to drop a lot of dough on the car, but from the numbers you ratteld off, it can be done.

If there is a 20B someone is selling, you would have to find a 20B that has been converted to RHD to import into Australia, dont think there is many of them

 

Thanks very much, especially for the heads up on the RHD 20B compliance issue.

I have two workshops which I'm considering, I'll more than likely go with the local one, but the alternate is very well versed in motorsport - both drag and track.

I want it to show pony for the first year or so, but by all means I want to take it to the track...

This is the kind of thing I've wanted to do for years and years, time and money haven't permitted however.

I want this to be perfect, drag strip, closed circuit track or showroom floor - I want to hit all the bases.

Regarding the body, I don't want to do anything too outlandish, i.e. the Veilside kit you see in Fast and Furious - its not an RX7 (IMO). I want a kit which exaggerates/accentuates the natural lines of the rex, thats all. Still can't decide on colour either - still a long way off needing to make any of these decisions though.

 

Blaze182,

Have you talked to any local shops yet about your project?

 

Blaze, Simon at Promaz in Melbourne has done a 20B into a Spirit R, give him a call.

If you want more info on S8 FD's, drop in to www.fdrx7.com ....we've got all you'll need to know.

 

I've spoken to Revs Rotary in South Australia, and my friend who has an RX7 Series 5 who has told me to talk with Maztech in Melbourne.

Will hit up that forum now though, thanks!