Rogue86Photog

Here's the story of my 92. There will likely end up more pretty photos than technical advice...

Imported from Japan in 2011, a low-mileage Grade 4 RX7 Type R with a fresh DIY rebuild...allegedly. Massive wing (R-Magic) included.



First things first, ripped it off and sprayed the wheels a BMW anthracite colour.



Ran trouble-free for a while, then I was deployed and came home to this on my first drive. Blew a huge hole out the side of the rad and eventually failed the champagne test. Water-seal failure. Dead.



Sat there for two years while I changed jobs, bought a house, let life get in the way.



First thing I did when we moved in was bring her home and cleaned 2 years worth of UK weather off the poor thing.



Then saved up some pennies to send her away for a rebuild!



While the engine was out, I decided she could do with a bit of modernising. 99-spec front to go with the spoiler, plus a new exhaust (Blitz Nur spec) and an RE-A street diffuser.



Some in-build pics...





Rotors and housings were a complete write-off. This is what water-seal failure looks like. The main seal was completely twisted in there, so I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did!

Rogue86Photog

Finally starting paint...










Engine back in and street-ported for good measure. Bumper took some work to align properly!





Then she sailed through the MOT and now she lives!

7_rocket

iTrader: (6)

Car looks great. How do you like the blitz nur spec exhaust? The 99 spec bumper should fit dead on, was your car in an accident?

Rogue86Photog

Some more pics ('shopped out front plate in this one):











Since then I have set-up with a studio, so used the opportunity to practice on the car...





Also did this as I wanted a print for the garage wall!





As it stands now, I've got around 50 miles left until the engines first service. Then she should be ready for mapping!

Rogue86Photog

Thanks! I love the Blitz to be honest. Years ago a friend had it on his MK4 Supra and I loved it from then. I've yet to fit the decat and map the ECU so I've only heard it on the FD at lower revs.

The front bumper was a replica, which perhaps might explain the issue as the car is straight and true. That said the manufacturer of the bumper claimed it was the bodyshop at fault. I'm not experienced enough in bodywork to say either way really, all I can say as fact is that it was an absolute ball-ache of an experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone else!

Edit - At it's worst, this was the fitment...





Not ideal!

TomU

iTrader: (11)

Nice car (and nice pics). Good to see you brought her back.

On the gap, earlier pics didn't seem as noticeable. Maybe it's just the angle. Do you have the stock bumper mounts attached on the top? There are several aluminum pieces that are riveted to the bumper which is then bolted to the frame. This would pull it down a little, but my guess is it's a design error.

Also, hope you got the hole in the IC duct patched up

04G35S

iTrader: (10)

Wow great build so far! And thats not the body shops fault... that fits like crap! Im glad the PO of mine went with an OEM bumper. Fits like a dream!

Johnny Kommavongsa

iTrader: (13)

very nice, whats next?

Rogue86Photog

Well the engine is over the 1000-mile marker so Im booking her in for her first (warranty) service on Monday. She needs a few other bits doing (think there's a bearing or shaft on the way out and I want my old Bride seat putting in). Hopefully around that time my ECU should come back in working order so I can book mapping and sort a decat out.

Until then, picture!

7_rocket

iTrader: (6)

Wasn't aware they had replica 99 bumpers with the plate holder. You learn something new everyday.

How are you taking these pics? I just got a entry level Nikon D3200 that I don't even know what to do with

Rogue86Photog

In the UK at least, the bumpers without the plate holder seem to be more sought after...but I actually prefer the look with the plate!

The pics are a combination of all kinds of stuff, light-painting, studio etc. It's my full-time job so I'm quite lucky to be able to practice on the FD in my down time. Just get out and practice!

04G35S

iTrader: (10)

I actually like the 93 fog lights with the 99 bumper. Did you have to do anything to get them to work?

SilentSteel

iTrader: (1)

Looks great! I'm generally not a fan of black Japanese cars, but yours is very clean.

Rogue86Photog

Thanks! I dont think there were any issues with fitting the fogs if I recall - I prefer them in the pre-99 position so kept them there.

Rogue86Photog

Some more pics from this weekend. No real updates - still no ECU.