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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 ) |
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) |
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 |
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! |
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: |
Looks good! A build after my own heart.
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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! 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: I know I'm missing the trans bottom pan and I already bought one. which inspection plate are you referring to |
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 ;) |
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 ) |
Originally Posted by kensin
(Post 12150845)
which inspection plate are you referring to
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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:
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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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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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. |
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 ) |
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.
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. 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 :) |
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 |
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 |
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.
Before Attachment 605435 After Attachment 605436 |
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 |
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/ |
I tested half of them that was easy to get to and all of them turn out fine. if my twin starts to behave weird or not boosting correctly I'll then pull the UIM and test the rest and also switch out the blue silicone to black for a cleaner look. also replace the injectors and FPD.
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Yo, that Y pipe doe. 😂👍🏻
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thanks to a special friends ;D
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small update:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...60cd9a657d.jpg new water neck/ pump assembly in. along with new FC thermoswitch and new thermostat https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e9fc8fcfd5.jpg fitted the intercooler and Y pipe https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...63f6b77510.jpg fitted everything the best way possible and came across this ! no room to wiggle i thought i might have to spend a few more dough to get a greddy elbow and a connecting pipe for it to fit good.:( re-positioned the SMIC and a little bit of trimming .... https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...463482d371.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8ef49eecaa.jpg fits now ~~ yay going to buy new black couplers so it all matches .. maybe even powercoat everything black to look natural so its all buttoned up and began testing the twins secondary boost . twins are working as they should but now im running into misfiring above 4500 rpm while in full boost . didn't notice before because the secondary never worked... more trouble shooting... :scratch: first things is to change the spark plugs and go from there.. |
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0e1958f153.jpg
newly acquired knightsports intake !!in very great condition ... i might just repaint this piece and with new hardware so it shines ~~ |
small update,
changed the spark plugs. they were really bad. probably old aswell. change then out to all oem 7s and 9s boom. no more misfire and twins are working great. primary 11psi and transition to 10~9 psi. and secondary a solid 9~10psi a second vacuum hose job will be done in the near future along with cleaned injectors new FPD and new fuel pump |
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...647a9375fa.jpg
as of now. the plan is to get matching black couples all around, change the vacuum hose to all black and powder coat the SMIC/piping,cross over pipe and perhaps the UIM. |
Damn, bro. You get busy in that garage. Make me jealous, why don't you.
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haha. thanks? I try to collect all the necessary parts and get portion of things done at once instead of over a period of time .
still...things pops up and need this and need that. never as smoothly as planned ;( |
For the door handle, did you replace the whole part in your picture? Or just the outside part that you pull on? My drivers side door doesn't open and I've never been able to figure out why. I've only replaced the pull part with the aluminum replacements they make.
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Originally Posted by theagavejazz
(Post 12158953)
For the door handle, did you replace the whole part in your picture? Or just the outside part that you pull on? My drivers side door doesn't open and I've never been able to figure out why. I've only replaced the pull part with the aluminum replacements they make.
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small update.
now onto to the suspension side of things.....fun..... teaser https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...137da1b656.jpg very very busted https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...33b3183f83.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e34fe782c6.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0583d22162.jpg superpro ;) |
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Good stuff.
Fuel filter reminds me of my first fuel filter replacement which was not fun. |
Originally Posted by kensin
(Post 12158969)
if you look at the L shaped rod and hinge where theres a big fat spring , you can see that the spring assembly is very worn out and thus not making it have enough tension anymore to have leverage to pull the cable . at least that's what my case was. i just replaced the assembly with a low mileage one that i bought from the for sale section. are you able to pull the handle at all ? is it stuck shut or is it pulling freely with out opening the door ? if its stuck most likely a cracked handle plus loose springs causing it to jam some where. open it up and take a look
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I dread the day I have to remove my fuel filter.
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update ~
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5135dcb63f.jpg Ohlins recommended setting https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8ccb4a5b91.jpg J-auto Toe link and Trailing arms https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0efc3a7bb7.jpg J-auto pillow ball bushings |
just a few things on the waiting list
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...06d3e37888.jpg power FC OLED https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...563d0d31df.jpg front speakers adapter for 6.5 https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...95b2bda945.jpg turbojeff battery tray . time to start saving for a nice 51R https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a34892c840.jpg much needed missing map pocket Lid ;D (cant wait for this one to be installed ) |
Were did you get the speaker adaptor?
And did you replace any other bushings? I found after 60k miles, the only good bushings I had were the trailing arms (and maybe the toe links, but I didn't check those) |
Originally Posted by TomU
(Post 12160207)
Were did you get the speaker adaptor?
And did you replace any other bushings? I found after 60k miles, the only good bushings I had were the trailing arms (and maybe the toe links, but I didn't check those) here buddy I have not replace other bushings beside the pillow balls. the rest on mine are still in decent condition it is in the future plans replacing with new oem for the entire front along with new brake system and some new bearings and wheels. aaahhh the journey |
no sleep for the wicked lol
back at it again https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4cfb95326b.jpg old and busted https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...34f3170457.jpg new hotness https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...794e615368.jpg looks like somthing from the aliens https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...55446077fb.jpg with ohlins front and somthing new that does NOT look like somthing from the aliens https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...09a55f7e1c.jpg im sure these were original .. but not anymore !! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...77d2d7f064.jpg new |
Nice work on the tie rods and dust boots. Where you source them?
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Originally Posted by Narfle
(Post 12162795)
Nice work on the tie rods and dust boots. Where you source them?
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today i took the FD out of storage to wash it and maybe cruise a little bit
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2bf113eb57.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b0f3a79796.jpg |
all buttoned up and clean
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7f5415ded6.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2a9a52a568.jpg |
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