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-   -   94 Montego Blue Grand Touring Build (https://www.rx7club.com/build-threads-292/94-montego-blue-grand-touring-build-1110483/)

kensin 02-11-17 05:11 AM

94 Montego Blue Grand Touring Build
 
Hello guys .
I've always wanted to make a thread about my journey with this FD . after seeing all the nice build's and restoration thread it made me sort of hesitant simply because of the fact that every one else's are awesome, so nice and filled with so much good information. but what the hey , here goes mine :blush:

back story. I bought this FD not long ago from the original owner knowing it had high mileage on the chassis and it was daily driven till he retired bout a year ago.

good thing is he never modified it or attempt to at least, and he kept all the documents for everything he has ever did on the car besides minor oil changes and tire service.( know the cars history pretty well) I noticed whenever something fails he would take it to Mazda to have it fix/serviced or to a rotary specialists to have the issue checked out . the car is by no means in very great condition , however it was cared for and not neglected in terms of drivability and what not.( big selling point for me )

the not so good part but not deal breakers.
it was a daily driven car since new off the lot . its showing its age. torn leather seats, missing driver side cup lid and at one point he installed a in car telephone :lol: which resulted in 4 tiny holes in the middle of the rear bins, not a big deal to me. I think theres ways to fill them and have it repainted or just simply getting my hands on some very good condition ones down the road.
blown front speakers and none working center speakers as well. little things here and there such as very old and worn suspension parts and dying door handles :( .... anyways...

I'm not sure where I want to take this car in terms of goal or what I want out of it
all I know is right now I want to return the car to its factory glory with a twist of modern technology. drive as if it was just off the show room floor. tight , no hesitation and of course a blast to drive in general . so... here we go


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...cd604eaf45.jpg


the day I bought it and on its way to its permanent home ;)


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1542b49a4e.jpg

right after I got it home I went to get a hair cut. you know... gotta look fresh and all lol


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...80e5944cdc.jpg


went to hang out with a local supra owner/friend ( his supra is sooooo gorgeous and hes also looking for a FD )


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8ace236768.jpg

first thing I bought arrived at my door all the way from Russia within 5 days( thanks 1ga )

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...50fd4ab3e6.jpg


99spec lights ! a little dusty but they cleaned up very well

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...21d3806e79.jpg


super mint center lights to match the mint 99 lights( the one off the car was pretty faded )

kensin 02-11-17 05:12 AM

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f97cdbf410.jpg

side by side with my DD, the fd looks so small in comparison.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...82a881bb6d.jpg


got my hands on a nice set of low mileage R1 oil coolers

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...36bab81a5e.jpg

went to town and installed them


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f211b7a700.jpg


I sourced a Pside duct with out the top piece so I got them made out of aluminum

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d807f35bc6.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e0570cd225.jpg

Dside done as well

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7bd8342ee4.jpg


installed brand new Fluidyne radiator from Rx7.com( sorry no pictures of the unit out of the box)

kensin 02-11-17 05:44 AM

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c9a052e2c9.jpg

got some IRP soft motor mounts ~

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9ced69b650.jpg

annnnnnd installed them wrong lol( it is fixed now ):lol:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8a61c4e9ab.jpg


got a very mint Greddy SMIC. mocking up a custom duct with a spare stock duct I had laying around

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...04ad65dd5a.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e8ae847685.jpg

annnd it fits !( plan is to make it as stealth as possible with the stock air box and top cover)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ccebf0f8f3.jpg


done.(needs more messing around with to look nice and also sealing up potential leaks with aluminum tape)

more to come at a later time :icon_tup: criticisms and suggestions are welcome

bajaman 02-11-17 06:37 AM

Looking good, man...ya gotta love the Montego Blue Mica color!


What is the advantage of the 'soft' engine mounts?
You say the chassis is high mileage but...what about the drivetrain?
I like all the pictures you've taken, great job!

TomU 02-11-17 12:07 PM

Food for thought. You may want to close off the crossover hole at the top of the IC that feeds the stock intake and convert the stock intake to a poor man's intake that gets fresh air from the bottom. This provides dedicated fresh air to both the IC and intake. You can still install the stock crossover cover for a factory look.

Also, do you have the inspection plate for the transmission? You can probably fab a piece of AL if you don't

Nice ducting on the oil coolers and IC. Lot better than mine.

And where you are going is the land of single turbos and V-mounts. Eventually. :lol:

Narfle 02-11-17 01:30 PM

Looks good! A build after my own heart.

kensin 02-11-17 01:51 PM


Originally Posted by bajaman (Post 12150714)
Looking good, man...ya gotta love the Montego Blue Mica color!


What is the advantage of the 'soft' engine mounts?
You say the chassis is high mileage but...what about the drivetrain?
I like all the pictures you've taken, great job!

from IRP it's consider the street version mounts. close to stock feel. then there races version that is harsher
the drivetrain haves very high mileage as well(on its second motor ,installed by a big name shop here in CA 40k miles ago. they didn't do a very good job and I feel like the OW got ripped off just a little bit, alot of small things are missing from reinstalling of the motor and loose bolts/ nuts ) , I have already replaced the clutch and a few things along with it , new fluids new ss clutch line etcetc. also will be swaping out the diff with a low mileage one


Originally Posted by TomU (Post 12150810)
Food for thought. You may want to close off the crossover hole at the top of the IC that feeds the stock intake and convert the stock intake to a poor man's intake that gets fresh air from the bottom. This provides dedicated fresh air to both the IC and intake. You can still install the stock crossover cover for a factory look.

Also, do you have the inspection plate for the transmission? You can probably fab a piece of AL if you don't

Nice ducting on the oil coolers and IC. Lot better than mine.

And where you are going is the land of single turbos and V-mounts. Eventually. :lol:

thanks for the suggestion. I definitely will look into it and make a move. my stock box is in pretty good condition and I don't want to hack it up , sure can always get a used one and try it out :icon_tup:

I know I'm missing the trans bottom pan and I already bought one. which inspection plate are you referring to

kensin 02-11-17 02:01 PM

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0efa7ae449.jpg

rubber stopper right there broke off with out me knowing resulted in 3 days of trouble shooting my ignition and starter because the car will not start.
I gettho fixed it with a short screw and nut , vualaa starts with out hesitation


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0be3bae54a.jpg

driver side handle was getting stuck more and more so I opened it up and sure enough it is in very worn condition
replaced the handle with a low mileage mint one and everything is fine again

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f56f6f18ec.jpg

the twins were having secondary boost issues where it only boosted 3~4 psi after transition
took off the lines on turbo control actuator and notice there was no pills in them.. both of them

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a94b43b549.jpg
replaced with holly jets and hopefully once I button it up it'll fix the problem


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d15a527e77.jpg

bought some sweet things from RAY ;)

kensin 02-11-17 02:05 PM

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...505dcc12c8.jpg

picked up a super mint mazdaspeed cluster with 3000km on it for a steeeeeeal price
not sure when I want it installed .. doesn't hurt to keep it and it sure does look nice on my display shelf

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2ad4b35411.jpg


got a 99 FD nardi wheel . will be fabricating a small bracket on the side to retain cruise control(more pictures on that later )

TomU 02-11-17 02:15 PM


Originally Posted by kensin (Post 12150845)
which inspection plate are you referring to

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9bb12c2971.jpg

TomU 02-11-17 02:17 PM


Originally Posted by kensin (Post 12150845)
my stock box is in pretty good condition and I don't want to hack it up , sure can always get a used one and try it out :icon_tup:

I wouldn't hack it up either. I had two, so it was a no brainer.

kensin 02-11-17 02:17 PM


Originally Posted by TomU (Post 12150854)

gotcha, thanks!! I thought it looked odd just open like that. guess I gotta start searching for one or just simply fab up a plate to bolt up there :icon_tup:

kensin 02-11-17 03:37 PM

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c88ee28c3e.jpg

replacing the old thermostat with a new one
also I thought it was a good idea to replace the water pump too

but what do you know? I broke a stud while removing the pump and ending up having to drill in the waterpump housing to take it off

so while I was scrambling to look for a good condition water pump housing I decided to just replace the entire unit with a new one . since the old one is just .... old and pretty rusted

took me a while to source the new 5 speed water pump assembly since it is out of production and NLA from mazda . every where ive looked wanted north of $350 and with atkins wanting $400+
I almost gave up for a new one then I came across the member on here offering me a new unit minus the pump it self... I jumped it

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...631c29add0.jpg

so nice

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b565078bb4.jpg

kensin 02-11-17 03:59 PM

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3afd3f3a2a.jpg

took the oil pan off for cleaning and reseal with banzai brace(very small oil leak)

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...89d0b580e4.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d91e7a1507.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e190f64c1f.jpg

oh, and i was checking if the controls holds boost or not . seems ok

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...93a235bc35.jpg


took the turbos off for cleaning and replacing old bolts and crush nuts also replaced the old coolant hose with new oem ones

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...500d41964b.jpg

took it apart to port the wastegate

kensin 02-11-17 04:03 PM

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4d529ac07a.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f1dcf81877.jpg

prior to porting

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...57840ea64c.jpg


after the porting

ported

kensin 02-11-17 04:05 PM

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...72e95ce2ca.jpg

bought some J-auto toe link and trailing arms


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...12de2783a2.jpg

got me some Ohlins coilovers ;D

Narfle 02-11-17 04:10 PM

You can also grind metal off the top of the flapper, so that it can open further. Or, so I hear. With everything apart I bet you could see what the fuss is about.

ZoomZoom 02-11-17 04:11 PM

I noticed IRP has the series 7 Mazda updated water pump for $125 new with no core. It's a direct replacement for anyone needing a water pump that doesn't want to pay $350-$400 for one.
Figured I would mention it for anyone who found themselves in your predicament.

kensin 02-11-17 04:15 PM

originally i wanted to buy some super nice wheels like Desmond, Fikse or volk for the FD but some small shit happened to my Z which resulted me to spend around $1700 to have it repaired ( update at a later date ) so.... i can only go the stock route and toss the MOMO wheels that the OW put on after he bent the stockers.

i went out and bought a set of stock wheels from a member here locally (so-cal. super nice guy BTW and looking forward to seeing you at 7stock this year)

the stockers were showing its age too, a little beat up and scuffs all around. but no sweat
i had my friends professionally refinish them( underground auto wrkz in indio CA) and new paint ( thank you Jose)


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3bf9ee8ef0.jpg

sealed

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...60d48ef728.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0039f12488.jpg


finished

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b7cfa544ef.jpg

soo shiny( center caps painted as well just forgot to take pictures of them )

kensin 02-11-17 04:22 PM


Originally Posted by Narfle (Post 12150891)
You can also grind metal off the top of the flapper, so that it can open further. Or, so I hear. With everything apart I bet you could see what the fuss is about.

damn it wish i had made this thread sooner so i could take a look at that and make adjustments , now that the turbos are back together i really dont want to do it again :(
perhaps i can still do it since the twins are not installed yet and im in the middle of making some nice heat shield for them , thanks for the headsup


Originally Posted by ZoomZoom (Post 12150892)
I noticed IRP has the series 7 Mazda updated water pump for $125 new with no core. It's a direct replacement for anyone needing a water pump that doesn't want to pay $350-$400 for one.
Figured I would mention it for anyone who found themselves in your predicament.

noticed it too when i was looking for a new assembly . i had the water pump from mazmart that i stashed away when they were offering them a while back.
what i broke was the housing so i was in need of a new one ( minus the pump)
so i figured i can just buy a new unit ( filler neck housing+water pump housing)
the new unit i got was nice and came with new water level sensor and updated thermostat already minus the thermoswitch and coolant temp sensor.

thanks for the info for my future reference and others who are viewing my journey :)

kensin 02-11-17 04:52 PM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...aff2f84910.jpg

bought a trans pan !! (the one with the cutout)
anyone know why theres 2 versions ? just curious


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...caef27a05e.jpg


also got a inspection cover for the trans !
thanks tomsn16 . he surly is the man to go to when you need parts

kensin 02-11-17 04:55 PM

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f9085533ae.jpg

wrapped the down pipe with a new o2 sensor
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5980556534.jpg


bought a really good condition RZ stock strutbar

ZE Power MX6 02-11-17 08:28 PM

2 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by Narfle (Post 12150891)
You can also grind metal off the top of the flapper, so that it can open further. Or, so I hear. With everything apart I bet you could see what the fuss is about.

I grinded off more metal in the turbine housing where the flapper hits, it can open a little further but I'm not sure how much it helped with boost control.

Before
Attachment 605435

After
Attachment 605436

kensin 02-18-17 02:33 AM

not much update as of now
got the turbos back together and added the missing heat shields
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bd85c4a8f6.jpg

new gaskets
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...683f0b3f21.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bf7b1469b9.jpg

turbos in( removed the pills after taking this pic since i got 99 twins , dont need them in the lines

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...535b17c6ea.jpg

99 spec y pipe on ~


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...da8cc98ea9.jpg


radiator/condenser buttoned up


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...29501b5fa3.jpg

thanks to jim T i got my trans pan


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0bf868ea7f.jpg


reconnected the turbos control the right way thanks jason

TomU 02-18-17 06:05 AM

It may be too late, but you should test all your solenoids and actuators before putting it back together. About half of mine were bad

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...-stuff-802060/


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