First off, I'm Fisa (Meiogirl)'s boyfriend Clint. A few of you have met me over the past year or so.

Anywho.... Fisa made the mistake of getting me interested in working on the Rx-7 (and yeah the GIRL got the Boyfriend into the car). Over the past few months I've worked almost daily on the car in some form or fashion and needless to say I'm hooked.

I'd be interested in hearing some of your opinions on what we should do in the near future.

We've done the usual high flow, downpipe, and catback. We've replaced the stock water temp gauge and added a boost gauge. And Fisa bought some eibach springs which she plans to put in a month or two when she gets some new tires.


There are a few issues with the car right now that I know need to be addressed and a few I'd like to do but I'm not positive which would be more beneficial or which order to do it.

--- The stock intercooler piping needs to be replaced. It's wearing a bit and could become a problem. I've been looking at the Greddy set on rx7store and would appreciate a review from anyone.

--- I know after a certain amount of upgrades we need a fuel computer... I'm guessing we're at that point. Which fuel computers are economicly friendly but still reliable?

--- Turbos were rebuilt in may but the second turbo still doesnt hit. Eric suggested possibly hoses but I'd be interested in what else could cause this.

--- Finally, the intake. However, I'm assuming we'd need to get a fuel computer before doing this.


I know I sound like a noob with some of these questions so go easy on me.

Thanks in advance

 

You definitely need to invest in a Power FC before going any further. Not trying to scare you, but you have to be careful---blowing motors isn't fun, trust me. Your sequential problem could be a kinked hose, popped off hose, cracked check valve. Do you still have the stock hoses? How many miles are on the car?

 

I disagree.

You should evaluate what you want to do with the car. What are your goals?

The PowerFC is a nice upgrade item. However, M2/Pettit/etc, the reprogrammed ECU's are also a good upgrade depending on what goals you are setting for your car. They are less expensive and somewhat safer than the programmable ECU's (unless you plan on getting it tuned properly). As long as you are not hitting fuel cut currently, you are fine.

The reprogrammed ECU's will get you to around 350-360rwhp (depends on if you have any porting) with all the bolt-ons, but that's about their limit at 15 PSI on the stock twin turbos. If you are looking to make a 400rwhp monster, then you will definitly need a programmable ECU. If that's not your goal, then reprogrammed ECU's may be an alternative.

As far as the GReddy piping, I've never heard anything bad reported about it. If you plan on keeping the stock IC, or moving to a aftermarket SMIC that uses the stock location, it would be a good choice.

Also, other upgrades which would also enhance reliability would be the Efini Y-Pipe.

As far as the boost, if you can do the Boost Test, that would help you a little better diagnose the problem:

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/boost_test.html

Then this page might help you get started on fixing the problem:

http://www.autosportracetech.com/RX-...leshooting.htm

Who did the turbo install after the rebuild?

BTW, once you put the Eibach springs on the car, it will feel like a different vehicle.

 

You don't mention:
- AST replacement/elimination
- Aluminum radiator
- Basic maintenance sych as fuel filter, ignition wires, plugs, brake fluid flush, coolant flush/thermostat replacement if not done in a while
- Vacuum hose replacement
- Synthetic gear oil in trans and diff.

I'd go through all the reliability mods and basic maintenance before expanding performance mods. What's the current milage on engine/turbos?

Jack

 

I second this, with one exception. As long as your stock radiator is in good condition then keep it. If the fans turn on sooner, then it should serve you just fine, so install a Miata thermoswitch. The biggest problem with the stock radiator is that the plastic end-tanks will crack and leak over time. If your car has over 80kmi and still has the stock FPD (Fuel Pulsation Dampener), then you will want change that while doing your hose job. Check your fuel and coolant hoses by squeezing them between your fingers and making sure they are still soft and not cracking internally.

 

I third that. Do the reliability mods before going further.

 

Mileage is right over 82k..... we plan to get a new engine or engine rebuild during the winter


turbos were rebuilt in may... have a little over 1000 miles on them

radiator was replaced last year (with a stock one from mazda)

 

oh and for goal of the car.... I don't picture us over 360hp



what price range are we looking at for the fuel computer

 

Reprogrammed ECU's go for around $700, new. You can usually find some used ones a little cheaper. Programmable ECU's go for around $1000, but then you need to have it tuned. Unless you know someone with a wideband and experience, then it's going to cost to have it tuned as well.

My advice? Unless you plan on having the car professsionally tuned, go for a reprogrammed ECU until you are at the point to you "need" more.

 

If you don't want to spend the $$$ for the Greddy kit, I've got a high quality silicone hose replacement kit for $100 shipped.

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=196137

You might also have a bit more freedom of IC upgrade choice (if you've still got the stock IC) with the silicone hose kit than the Greddy kit.

 

can you link me to one of the reporgrammed ecus online? I've been looking online but im likely looking in the wrong place

 

http://www.pettitracing.com/sections/Performance.html

http://www.m2performance.com/pengmgt.htm

 

The only thing I can comment on for this item is that upgrading your radiator BEFORE you have any heat related problems is not a bad idea. If you wait until that gauge creeps up past halfway, you're in bad shape, so I consider the upgraded radiator a reliability mod. It'll keep your motor cooler, and like Jonski says, the stock one is prone to having cracks, which means you could have catastrophic failure with no notice. It's not too expensive to get a Fluidyne or Koyo installed, and you can blow a little more coin on a Mazdacomp unit (I have one and I love it...not a single heat problem so far *knocks on wood*. I drive the FD in hot weather (105F recently) under moderate to heavy boost and haven't seen any sign of temps creeping up).

 

I have a similar turbo problem. Did yours start when it got real hot? PM me and let me know. I think I may have found the problem.
Ned

 

On another note. Used reprogrammables go for around $500...used programmables go for around $800...I say get the PFC (Plug-n-Play ECU) and get it out of the way...Sure you may never go much beyond DP and CB. However, if you ever find the NEED to upgrade then you already have it.