Esser's LS3 FD RX-7 R1 **Warning V8 content**
05-21-18, 08:42 AM
#53
Got a lot done this past weekend!
First I swapped out to the newer style 99 spec taillights. They do give it a more modern look, and are more suited to the typical RX-7 jdm look. They are also brighter.
I then adjusted ride height to about where I wanted it and went in for an alignment, made such a huge difference in the way it drives. I had attempted to align in my garage with tape measure but I can only get it so close. Once it was on the rack we could see the rear thrust was completely off. It got dialed in, and now it drives like a whole new car!
I did some driving and test hits and it sure does hook up much better. Still need to roll on the throttle in second, but third is fairly solid now. I ran into an issue with my fuel gauge reading funky. It would bounce to full every now and then, and after some troubleshooting I was able to narrow it down to the sending unit in the tank. I bought a replacement float and resister unit and swapped it in
It did the trick.
I brought the car out to its first car show as well, parked next to a buddy in his MKIV Supra. The car got a lot of attention. Although the FD gets dwarfed by the Supra ha, it's small size really shows.
All in all it was a successful weekend and it felt great driving to and from the car show, car is getting so close to getting all the minor bugs worked out. Engine now has about 200 miles on it, and is on its second oil change of break in oil.
First I swapped out to the newer style 99 spec taillights. They do give it a more modern look, and are more suited to the typical RX-7 jdm look. They are also brighter.
I then adjusted ride height to about where I wanted it and went in for an alignment, made such a huge difference in the way it drives. I had attempted to align in my garage with tape measure but I can only get it so close. Once it was on the rack we could see the rear thrust was completely off. It got dialed in, and now it drives like a whole new car!
I did some driving and test hits and it sure does hook up much better. Still need to roll on the throttle in second, but third is fairly solid now. I ran into an issue with my fuel gauge reading funky. It would bounce to full every now and then, and after some troubleshooting I was able to narrow it down to the sending unit in the tank. I bought a replacement float and resister unit and swapped it in
It did the trick.
I brought the car out to its first car show as well, parked next to a buddy in his MKIV Supra. The car got a lot of attention. Although the FD gets dwarfed by the Supra ha, it's small size really shows.
All in all it was a successful weekend and it felt great driving to and from the car show, car is getting so close to getting all the minor bugs worked out. Engine now has about 200 miles on it, and is on its second oil change of break in oil.
05-21-18, 08:42 AM
#54
Did some interior updates, I was able to score a really nice OE Nardi steering wheel with the red stitching from Japan. It is a hair smaller than the stock FD wheel, which helps give a bit more leg room. The wheel feels super nice in my hands and flows well with the rest of the interior.
I deep cleaned the floor mats and got them to an almost like new condition.
I have an auto-x I'm planning to go to this weekend and bought a set of 17" RPF1's that I'm awaiting from tire rack for the event.
I deep cleaned the floor mats and got them to an almost like new condition.
I have an auto-x I'm planning to go to this weekend and bought a set of 17" RPF1's that I'm awaiting from tire rack for the event.
05-25-18, 07:01 AM
#56
Finally had time to do some more driving, I just got back from completing One Lap of America with Toyota (in a Prius lol). My LS3 engine currently has 700 miles on it, and is on the third oil change. I have been taking special care to break in this crate engine:
Initial oil used wen I fired it up was the BR30 Gibbs break in oil
First oil change was at 100 miles using a second change of the break in oil
Second oil change at 300 miles using conventional valvoline oil
Next oil change will be at 1,000 miles and switching over to full synthetic
I did do some break in drives varying the load and rpm, but definitely did not go easy on it. Based upon some research iv'e done, it's best to get the engine up to operating temp and then try to load up the rings quickly to help them seat.
This last oil change I did a full weekend of auto-x, and it was a blast. This was the first outing for the FD, and I was able to place in the top 5 for the weekend. This was even on street tires (200tw RE71), while three others in the top 5 were on slicks. I was super happy with how the car performed.
I picked up a set of RPF1's for track and auto-x duty. They saved me 8 lbs a corner over the XXR's that were on it, you can really feel the weight difference in the car
The first morning on Saturday was a hard rain, but quickly cleared up and the rest of the day was dry.
I went out and did some shake down runs first thing, the tires grip extremely well for being a tiny 255 square setup. I am able to dead hook 2nd gear which was not possible previously. The tein suspension did surprisingly well. With some tweaks to the shocks it was handling predictably.
The second day there was a lot more competition, and the weather was a bit hotter than the previous. On my last run the RE71's did start to get a little greasy and spin a bit. These tires definitely need to be cooled down between runs. Despite being a small auto-x track I was able to hit 70mph (top of second).
I was super impressed with the car's practicality so far, I drove to the event (1.5 hours away) and honestly was not sure how it would do being the first long drive I have taken in the car since completing the build. It rained on the way there and on the way home, but the car made the journey no problem. Ride comfort on the road is not too bad either, and exhaust does not drone. My passenger could have slept if he wanted to lol.
Next auto-x is on the schedule! and hopefully going to try and get some track days at NCM scheduled as well.
Initial oil used wen I fired it up was the BR30 Gibbs break in oil
First oil change was at 100 miles using a second change of the break in oil
Second oil change at 300 miles using conventional valvoline oil
Next oil change will be at 1,000 miles and switching over to full synthetic
I did do some break in drives varying the load and rpm, but definitely did not go easy on it. Based upon some research iv'e done, it's best to get the engine up to operating temp and then try to load up the rings quickly to help them seat.
This last oil change I did a full weekend of auto-x, and it was a blast. This was the first outing for the FD, and I was able to place in the top 5 for the weekend. This was even on street tires (200tw RE71), while three others in the top 5 were on slicks. I was super happy with how the car performed.
I picked up a set of RPF1's for track and auto-x duty. They saved me 8 lbs a corner over the XXR's that were on it, you can really feel the weight difference in the car
The first morning on Saturday was a hard rain, but quickly cleared up and the rest of the day was dry.
I went out and did some shake down runs first thing, the tires grip extremely well for being a tiny 255 square setup. I am able to dead hook 2nd gear which was not possible previously. The tein suspension did surprisingly well. With some tweaks to the shocks it was handling predictably.
The second day there was a lot more competition, and the weather was a bit hotter than the previous. On my last run the RE71's did start to get a little greasy and spin a bit. These tires definitely need to be cooled down between runs. Despite being a small auto-x track I was able to hit 70mph (top of second).
I was super impressed with the car's practicality so far, I drove to the event (1.5 hours away) and honestly was not sure how it would do being the first long drive I have taken in the car since completing the build. It rained on the way there and on the way home, but the car made the journey no problem. Ride comfort on the road is not too bad either, and exhaust does not drone. My passenger could have slept if he wanted to lol.
Next auto-x is on the schedule! and hopefully going to try and get some track days at NCM scheduled as well.
06-09-18, 11:38 PM
#60
Nice work. You did a really nice job. That car is a keeper. When you corner balance the car be sure to set the Balast of your approx weight in the drivers seat.
How do you like the steering feel? I had an LS3swapped FD with the same turn one stuff, an underdriven PS pulley and a volume reducer in the line and it still got very light in the steering at high rpms.
I see folks fanning up the stock FD PS pump with better results.
If you never drove the car as a rotary you may not even know what you are missing in the steering feel. Unfortunately I knew and maybe ignorance is bliss... because I hated the steering with the LS1 pump.
Glad you stuck with the Import style muffler as well. Keeps the car looking cosmetically correct.
I wouldn’t mind doing another LS3 swappped FD one day.
How do you like the steering feel? I had an LS3swapped FD with the same turn one stuff, an underdriven PS pulley and a volume reducer in the line and it still got very light in the steering at high rpms.
I see folks fanning up the stock FD PS pump with better results.
If you never drove the car as a rotary you may not even know what you are missing in the steering feel. Unfortunately I knew and maybe ignorance is bliss... because I hated the steering with the LS1 pump.
Glad you stuck with the Import style muffler as well. Keeps the car looking cosmetically correct.
I wouldn’t mind doing another LS3 swappped FD one day.
11-20-18, 01:07 PM
#61
Nice work. You did a really nice job. That car is a keeper. When you corner balance the car be sure to set the Balast of your approx weight in the drivers seat.
How do you like the steering feel? I had an LS3swapped FD with the same turn one stuff, an underdriven PS pulley and a volume reducer in the line and it still got very light in the steering at high rpms.
I see folks fanning up the stock FD PS pump with better results.
If you never drove the car as a rotary you may not even know what you are missing in the steering feel. Unfortunately I knew and maybe ignorance is bliss... because I hated the steering with the LS1 pump.
Glad you stuck with the Import style muffler as well. Keeps the car looking cosmetically correct.
I wouldn’t mind doing another LS3 swappped FD one day.
How do you like the steering feel? I had an LS3swapped FD with the same turn one stuff, an underdriven PS pulley and a volume reducer in the line and it still got very light in the steering at high rpms.
I see folks fanning up the stock FD PS pump with better results.
If you never drove the car as a rotary you may not even know what you are missing in the steering feel. Unfortunately I knew and maybe ignorance is bliss... because I hated the steering with the LS1 pump.
Glad you stuck with the Import style muffler as well. Keeps the car looking cosmetically correct.
I wouldn’t mind doing another LS3 swappped FD one day.
Well ignorance is bliss right now, because it feels great to me ha! I have a buddy in town with a stock FD I may try driving, but so far no complaints on my end. Feels much better than my C5 so im a happy camper.
Finally updates.
LS fest was in early September, and I had a ton of prep work I needed to do. One of the main points being a corner balance and an aggressive auto-x alignment. I was happy with my RE71r tires for now although wider on all 4 would have been desirable, just couldn't source CCW's in time. I took my car to a shop in Louisville, KY called The Winning Formula - they specialize in performance alignments. I told Aaron exactly what I was going to be doing at LS fest and what I expected out of the car. I chose to compete in the Grand Champion Event which consists of two different auto-x set ups, a drag race, and a road course type challenge. I figured this would be a great way to really test the all around performance of my setup.
I trailered my car to The Winning Formula, they have a ton of cool projects going on there. Here are some photos from the journey:
Do you even Miata????
They even had a minty fresh stock FD they were working on.
They got my car on the rack and got to work.
Here is what Aaron ended up with on the corner balance and alignment. It is a fairly aggressive setup, but a good compromise for all of the events I plan to participate in. He was impressed with the way the car drove, and I could immediately feel a difference once I took it for a spin. Aaron was able to catch some small issues with some joints that had loosened up over the break in period, so I'm thankful he took his time to look over my work. He also raised the rear of the car up 5mm to aid in traction.
I trailered the car back home and went over the rest of my drivetrain components, checking for other fasteners that loosened up any and snugged them all up. I changed oil again, washed the car, and deemed it ready for some abuse!!
11-26-18, 11:41 AM
#62
All loaded up and ready to go down to Bowling Green at the NCM track! Super excited to compete with other LS's and get some nice advice from other drivers. I'm a bit in the minority with a import car there, but that's okay I like the uniqueness of it all.
I drove down with a buddy that has an LS swapped rx8 that was also competing:
LS fest was packed, there were over 200 competitors for the Auto-x. they split them up between two groups (one at each track) to let everyone get their runs in. On the second day we switched locations.
saw a fellow norotors friend "Kevin Doe" there, with his much more purpose built FD! It was nice being able to talk to someone with similar setups!
Some on course photos below. Yes this is me loosing traction and hitting a cone lol.
After all the day's festivities I was able to relax while the car show happened. I got a lot of questions and compliments on the swap:
The first night was the drag race. I knew I wanted to see what the car would do, but I was also afraid to break my stock Mazda rear diff and not be able to compete in the next day's races. So I left off idle and completely fugged the 60 foot, but was still satisfied with my time and trap speed despite the slow take off.
In line waiting to make a pass:
And the slip...
My goal is to come back when not on street tires and make a better pass! the event also made it apparent how much the 4.10 rear gear was holding me back. I was having to shift into 5th to cross the 1/4 mile which was killing time and trap speed. The traction is also hard to control with the 4.10 on the track, some courses I had to shift as well. A gear change is in the near future.
All in all, I ended up placing in the top 15% of the entire group based upon the Auto-x times. I was super happy with this, as the cars in front of me were purpose built cars dedicated to auto-x. And I was on the smallest tires at the event ha! It's some good motivation to get a new tire setup and come back next year.
I drove down with a buddy that has an LS swapped rx8 that was also competing:
LS fest was packed, there were over 200 competitors for the Auto-x. they split them up between two groups (one at each track) to let everyone get their runs in. On the second day we switched locations.
saw a fellow norotors friend "Kevin Doe" there, with his much more purpose built FD! It was nice being able to talk to someone with similar setups!
Some on course photos below. Yes this is me loosing traction and hitting a cone lol.
After all the day's festivities I was able to relax while the car show happened. I got a lot of questions and compliments on the swap:
The first night was the drag race. I knew I wanted to see what the car would do, but I was also afraid to break my stock Mazda rear diff and not be able to compete in the next day's races. So I left off idle and completely fugged the 60 foot, but was still satisfied with my time and trap speed despite the slow take off.
In line waiting to make a pass:
And the slip...
My goal is to come back when not on street tires and make a better pass! the event also made it apparent how much the 4.10 rear gear was holding me back. I was having to shift into 5th to cross the 1/4 mile which was killing time and trap speed. The traction is also hard to control with the 4.10 on the track, some courses I had to shift as well. A gear change is in the near future.
All in all, I ended up placing in the top 15% of the entire group based upon the Auto-x times. I was super happy with this, as the cars in front of me were purpose built cars dedicated to auto-x. And I was on the smallest tires at the event ha! It's some good motivation to get a new tire setup and come back next year.
11-26-18, 11:42 AM
#63
So I made the first road trip in the FD, a trip to Tail of the Dragon. It was my dream to take this car down there at some point, and so glad I did. It was over 1,000 miles round trip, and the car never had a single hiccup. I was able to go with some buddies from work: 2JZGTE IS300, C6Z, and STI swapped RS. All of us were in the same realm of speed, I drove down on my auto-x setup and ripped on the dragon, it was a blast. Pics below.
I made it to the top of one of these mountains, amazing views!!
And Also got to do some drags with the C6Z, and we were neck and neck - a drivers race for sure. This has lead me to the decision to do the next logical step... a simple cam swap for some more cheap power.
I made it to the top of one of these mountains, amazing views!!
And Also got to do some drags with the C6Z, and we were neck and neck - a drivers race for sure. This has lead me to the decision to do the next logical step... a simple cam swap for some more cheap power.
01-16-19, 10:21 AM
#65
Put the FD back up and jack stands and I tore everything back apart so I could get the cam ready to go in. I worked with Cam Motion and EPS to get a cam designed that would meet my needs (road course, auto-x). We agreed on a grind that would hold the lobes stable at high RPM and still make some pretty good power up top. 228/240 sized cam.
List of items I bought to install:
Camshaft
Katech C5R timing chain
Melling HP oil pump
BTR valve springs
Titanium retainers and hardened push rods
Ported throttle body
LS2 style tensioner (ditched the LS3 style)
I previously made it so that the radiator and fans could be disconnected fairly quickly so that future projects like this would go quick!
Started with taking the valvetrain all apart and keeping everything organized:
BTR platinum springs and Ti retainers in!
The I went on to the cam and oil pump. The Cam motion ground cam was made of their 8620 alloy, which has a bronze like finish to it, and it was nicely polished up! It's an impressive looking piece of machined metal!
I primed the engine again, flushed a bunch of oil through it because im super **** about keeping this engine clean, and put on a fresh filter. I overlooked all of my connections for a few minutes to make sure I didn't forget anything and fired it up. It started on the first go, and idled like a champ. I'm on a speed density tune, so it will need some attention at the tuner soon. I am hoping for about 50hp gain and some strong midrange power inceases. Although the cam is somewhat small for most LS3 cams it does have a pretty choppy idle, the volume of the exhaust has increased tremendously. Idle video here:
List of items I bought to install:
Camshaft
Katech C5R timing chain
Melling HP oil pump
BTR valve springs
Titanium retainers and hardened push rods
Ported throttle body
LS2 style tensioner (ditched the LS3 style)
I previously made it so that the radiator and fans could be disconnected fairly quickly so that future projects like this would go quick!
Started with taking the valvetrain all apart and keeping everything organized:
BTR platinum springs and Ti retainers in!
The I went on to the cam and oil pump. The Cam motion ground cam was made of their 8620 alloy, which has a bronze like finish to it, and it was nicely polished up! It's an impressive looking piece of machined metal!
I primed the engine again, flushed a bunch of oil through it because im super **** about keeping this engine clean, and put on a fresh filter. I overlooked all of my connections for a few minutes to make sure I didn't forget anything and fired it up. It started on the first go, and idled like a champ. I'm on a speed density tune, so it will need some attention at the tuner soon. I am hoping for about 50hp gain and some strong midrange power inceases. Although the cam is somewhat small for most LS3 cams it does have a pretty choppy idle, the volume of the exhaust has increased tremendously. Idle video here:
01-16-19, 10:21 AM
#66
Took the car to get tuned, it picked up some really good power everywhere in the rpm range! super happy with the cam choice.
Here is the before and after on the cam swap (this was done a dyno dynamics which reads a little differently than typical dynojet numbers)
Here is the before and after on the cam swap (this was done a dyno dynamics which reads a little differently than typical dynojet numbers)
01-16-19, 10:22 AM
#67
I just crunched some numbers and took some measurements.
I'm running -2.4 degrees of camber in front, which has been giving me some great tire wear in front during auto-x so I have no plans to change it. That opens up a lot of space for some more tire. I ordered some CCW classics in 18x10.5 +50. And by my calculations I should run a 8mm spacer in the rear (1.8 ish rear camber right now). They told me 4-8 weeks until they arrive. Worst case scenario I get a new front barrel to make them 18x10 wide, but I think the 10.5 is going to work just fine, and better utilize the 285 tire.
On another note, new diff. I believe MPbdy put this together years ago and it somehow got into my hands. It's a 3.90 gear ratio which will be ideal for me on the 1/4 mile. Previously I was crossing the 1/4 mile in 5th, so the new gears should wind out 4th all the way. Also instead of the torsen it's got the Turbo 2 clutch type diff known for its strength.
Old diff comes out and new diff goes in...
Oh yeah also got these a while back, needing to get them mounted for the strip. I figured I should make some attempts for a better slip at the last test n tune at Beech Bend this year. Curious what the car can do.
I'm running -2.4 degrees of camber in front, which has been giving me some great tire wear in front during auto-x so I have no plans to change it. That opens up a lot of space for some more tire. I ordered some CCW classics in 18x10.5 +50. And by my calculations I should run a 8mm spacer in the rear (1.8 ish rear camber right now). They told me 4-8 weeks until they arrive. Worst case scenario I get a new front barrel to make them 18x10 wide, but I think the 10.5 is going to work just fine, and better utilize the 285 tire.
On another note, new diff. I believe MPbdy put this together years ago and it somehow got into my hands. It's a 3.90 gear ratio which will be ideal for me on the 1/4 mile. Previously I was crossing the 1/4 mile in 5th, so the new gears should wind out 4th all the way. Also instead of the torsen it's got the Turbo 2 clutch type diff known for its strength.
Old diff comes out and new diff goes in...
Oh yeah also got these a while back, needing to get them mounted for the strip. I figured I should make some attempts for a better slip at the last test n tune at Beech Bend this year. Curious what the car can do.
01-16-19, 10:23 AM
#68
I ordered polished lips with gunmetal centers.
The hoosiers are looking fat on there!
On my third pass I ran a ten second 1/4 mile. Super stoked with how everything performed! I'm glad I got the pass in before the new years so I can go back to focusing on the road course setup.
The hoosiers are looking fat on there!
On my third pass I ran a ten second 1/4 mile. Super stoked with how everything performed! I'm glad I got the pass in before the new years so I can go back to focusing on the road course setup.
03-05-19, 08:24 AM
#70
New season, new wheels. My CCW wheels arrived this week, along with my new tires. Specs are:
18x10.5 +50
285/30/18 RE71R
Can't wait to get these mounted up, they look great just sitting here!
Going to have to do a lot more front fender rolling to fit these up front.
18x10.5 +50
285/30/18 RE71R
Can't wait to get these mounted up, they look great just sitting here!
Going to have to do a lot more front fender rolling to fit these up front.
03-20-19, 10:07 AM
#72
Have been installing some new parts so far:
99 Spec front bumper
Shine auto 99 spec cf lip
Shine Feed style side skirts cf
and of course the new wheels and tires
I had to do a lot of fender rolling in the front to clear the 18x10.5 with the 285 bridgestones. Pulled them a little too. But they clear!
The real photo shoot is coming soon!!! photos downloading now
Also, drove the car down to the Southern Roots car show at NCM:
99 Spec front bumper
Shine auto 99 spec cf lip
Shine Feed style side skirts cf
and of course the new wheels and tires
I had to do a lot of fender rolling in the front to clear the 18x10.5 with the 285 bridgestones. Pulled them a little too. But they clear!
The real photo shoot is coming soon!!! photos downloading now
Also, drove the car down to the Southern Roots car show at NCM:
Last edited by Esser; 03-20-19 at 10:11 AM.
10-01-19, 12:00 PM
#75
o I was able to work with HPP to create a diff brace to strengthen the stock FD housing and work with the samberg diff mount. It is made with 1/4" steel and is extra beefy, shouldnt allow any kind of flex at all. He now offers these, get with HPP either on the rx7club or on instagram to get one.
I'm much less worried about destroying this thing on hard launches now. If anything, it gives me more confidence to rip on this thing without worry. The 285 re71r's grab pretty hard.
I'm much less worried about destroying this thing on hard launches now. If anything, it gives me more confidence to rip on this thing without worry. The 285 re71r's grab pretty hard.
