1993 Mazda RX7 R1 complete build
 

Hi, I will like to share my complete restoration and engine build. I bought 1993 Mazda RX7 R1 with 88000 miles from local guy on Craigslist for $12000. Even 3 days before my purchase I never care or have any intention owning FD. I’m instant buyer. My first choice was old 1993-95 Porsche 911 but it was way over my budget.
I work for Mazda dealership for 15 years in sales so I decided to buy FD as a project vehicle. I was thinking at first that I can save some money fixing the vehicle as specially i did work for Mazda and I work with #1 tech in North America. His name is Dan Gleason(google him if u don’t believe me)His whole body was tattooed with Rotory images. I knew he was a right guy for the job. I remember one think he told me when I bought my FD if I ever will switch to LS engine he will never talk to me again. Here is the pics when I bought it

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0e118609b.jpeg
It was pretty much stock with couple upgrades like cat back, aftermarket 17” rims with bolt tires , and some intake system. It has clean body and a lot of issues like bad clutch , second turbo does not work and all know stock issues this vehicle all have being that old .

So my transformation began. First we stripped all unnecessary parts. Then We decided to convert to single Turbo set up .
Kudos to my dealer to allowing me to use one bay for my FD for 2 years. Not many dealership will allow u to transform my personal car and use master Tech to build this vehicle for me (He did work on my car after hours or when service was slow) here is pics



https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...08581125b.jpeg


I did taught she was almost done. Not even close. It was 5 years ago





https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...53973c990.jpeg
My single set up made by Dan Gleason . We only did street tune so I never knew how
much power I got. My estimation was around 400hp



https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8f717ca10.jpeg
We also did fix interior problem like broken plastic and replace carpet. I also change seats to Sparco leather with racing seat belts. We also did change radio to apple CarPlay with Bluetooth and new speakers.


After we were all done with single turbo set up it was time to send my car to local body shop for new paint jobs and new body kit. Here is some pics

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0f5c33548.jpeg
New fresh sexy �� 99 spec bumper light , side sills, and rear diffuser . I also change new rims 18” BBS staggered









Yes I did took a wing spoiler and replaced with lip spoiler carbon fiber
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5ce684510.jpeg
I have to put some kind of Mazda logo for advertising Mazda brand . I decided to name her in my state “Zoom R “ (zoom-zoom) vanity Blackhawks plates

This is when I fall in love in this vehicle. She was fast for me and handle like a dream (The fastest vehicle I own was a 2004 Infiniti G35 AUTOMATIC lol) Every red light i stopped it felt like pole position. Everyone wanted to race or chase me I did made about 500 miles and my engine seals broke. I knew this will happen soon or later. I also learn the lesson not to be cheap with Ecu. I bought used one FC power ECU from eBay that my tuner did have some difficulties when he did street tune.
I did ask my master tech if he wants to open and fix my engine seals but he did not want to do it .

I did some research and found out local Elite Rotory shop that can rebuild my engine. This is when I met Sam Scianna. He is the owner of the shop and Rotory engine builder. After talking to him for couple minutes, I knew he was a right guy.
I told him that I need set up for my FD that is fun to drive on the street and got some safe power 400-500hp. I told him this vehicle is my kids college funds when they grow up next 10 years. I do believe that FD price will sky rock next 10 years with right build .I’m not planning to track it. I will use my FD for show and pleasure only. Here is few pics what we did



https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...16bca7365.jpeg
Sams’ 1st creation of my engine. It was almost ready to go in until he called me one day and told me if I want my engine to powder coat. I told him great idea.Here is 2nd creation of my engine ��

Sparkling gray and red combo powder coat




https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...57ff5b8653.png


Everything is brand new including all hardware . New ECU Haltech 2500 , lower and upper intake . Sparkling gray / red engine combo powder coat




https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ef103fb141.png
His meme what he did


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...eca884e60e.png

We also upgraded new thicker and wider fuel lines



And here is where we are right now


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...dea2c26f3.jpeg



Next update I will post it when she will be all done. He said I should have it back next 30 days or so. I do have a lot of parts to sell from my 1st set up. So stay tune if you interested. Thank you all for reading and sorry for my grammar mistakes :)

I think someone from the Schaumburg Mazda was telling me about Dan when I bought my Mazda3 there years ago, looking for forward to see you at some local meet this year.

Thanks for the heads up regarding Dan Gleason at my local Mazda dealer here in the Chicago suburbs.

Recently had him help me with my own 93 R1 and very happy with the results.

Good luck on your build!

Hi Guys, here is few updates on my build. It’s slowly getting closer to finish line . Sam and his team at Elite Rotory Shop customizes my engine completely from my precious set up. Here are few pics

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...db1e4785e.jpeg
Ball bearing Garrett turbo from Japan
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5aeb33ecc.jpeg
Koyo N flow radiator
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...565956e44.jpeg
Intercooler bracket
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2c2bb33d0.jpeg
New intercooler set up
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1ea2f0614.jpeg
AEM High output coils
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...415b7f6bb.jpeg
Radiator , intercooler and turbo is in
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...58afe6b20.jpeg
Custom Power steering lines
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1346ef2a6.jpeg
Clean and powder coated power steering with new custom power steering lines
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1bb173a61.jpeg
Haltech Elite ECU with new wiring
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b2dfb29d1.jpeg
New custom brakes lines no more ABS.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3809fa280e.png
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...85e7fbb25.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...022b75d38.jpeg
I just got her back last week and I did 450 miles. Breaking period for first 500 miles and only 4 lbs of boost but she sound amazing . She is running on 20W50W oil and does not burn any oil. Hats off to guys from Elite Rotory Shop who created this red �� Here is the short video below

so much red, very nice.
I'm sure the FD will give lots more smiles and fireballs once she's out of break in.

no cat in the midpipe?

Thanks man. I got already 900 miles and no issues. I got cat in the midpipe but she still sound amazing and shout flames crazy. Check the video below

I love that rad ducting.. nice work..

Looks nice. Congrats.
Also love the flames!

Seen this car his shop what beautiful car

Great build. Love all the matching pieces in the engine bay. Put a few pictures in the engine bay thread.

engine bay thread
 

Here is few closer pics of engine bay


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0e9f07652.jpeg



https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...570e27624.jpeg




https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...202c7a73f.jpeg




https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...047ba8f8c.jpeg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a0c435cac.jpeg


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5c686013b.jpeg

Interior update
 

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...16e5a6c5e.jpeg
Update cluster with more red accent ad LED illumination
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5fb244150.jpeg
Fixing or replacing broken plastic . Replacing front and back speakers
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a56585a0d.jpeg
Back view
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2dfbf3ef8.jpeg
All plastic around nd driver area are out and send for carbon fiber wrap. Also my shit boot and hand break cover will be replace to Catura leather with red stitching. My shift knob being replace to round carbon fiber ball
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5b4b3085c.jpeg
Sparco leather seats with back adjustment are already install . I’m getting also new steering wheel
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4a5f49890.jpeg
Another view of Sparco seats with new bracket and 4 way racing seat belts
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...945c8bdad.jpeg
Carbon fiber lip spoiler and carbon fiber bumper flame protection. I also send my door handles for carbon fiber wrap.

Curious to see that cluster illuminated at night! Super awesome that you were able to have it stored and built at the dealership that you work for!

Beautiful Build, love the attention to detail!
I recommend running an air filter, even a small one. Or at the very least adding an undertray. I ran a turbo screen on and no undertray on my last motor, it ended up needing rebuilt because of some misfiring I had but housings had tiny scratches all over them.

It's a v-mount so no undertray is needed (other than for protection). Those harnesses though :eek: Is that your primary restraint? If so, you'll need a helmet and HANS device for driving on the street

Looks great, I like that cluster, also interested in night shot.

I will post cluster pics at night once I will put them together. I’m still waiting for my guy to wrap all my plastic pieces.

lol, what makes you say that, harness keeps u in place strong. U can’t pick anything up from the floor if you’re strapped in

thanks for the heads up. I will buy little air filter to protect my investment. I use turbo screen guard only for display for show. My FD will be put back for winter next month at Mazda dealership showroom floor.

The problem is your body is secure, but your head is not

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...-safety-facts/

The rear strut bar is not a proper harness mount either FWIW

I suggested the undertray for protection from dust and debris because he has no air filter at the moment.

1. Definitely get an air filter on that. They should have done that from the start.
2. You're going to miss having a/c :)
3. +2 on the OEM rear strut bar not being a good place to attach harnesses. Track organizations will not allow that.

Thanks for the advice. I’m getting the small air filter. I use turbo guard only for show display when this vehicle will be store in Mazda dealership showroom for winter. This FD was build as a show car and little street driving during the season. I’m not planing to take it on the track.
I will have my AC working in April next year. The guy who build this vehicle will make custom lines for it.

Nice! no wonder she is so purdy.

I just put A/C back this summer and don't know why I ever removed it. I don't care if I am losing 5-10hp from it. You'll be happy you put it in too i'm sure.