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-   -   First Car, and It's an FD (https://www.rx7club.com/build-threads-292/first-car-its-fd-1109727/)

JSpek92 01-22-17 04:50 AM

First Car, and It's an FD
 
So, after venturing out into the world of adulthood and joining the United States military, I found myself in Japan. After having just watch Initial D, boy did I want an 86. Looked around all over Oki for ones for sale, all were rust buckets, sadly. Well, then I wanted an FC and talked to a friend on mainland and asked him to look for one. He found me this instead.
While it wasn't my first choice, I'm glad I bought it.

It's been about a year and a half since I picked up the car and I have yet to start one of these threads. So, I figured I'd start today. I'll try to keep things as chronological as I can.

The build is pretty straightforward as I'm more of an "OEM+" kind of guy. So, on with the pics and notes.

These are the first pics I got of her. I'm the second driving owner. I got lucky and it didn't come off the auction floor like a number of others that have had issues down here. A ripe old 42,000km on the clock

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0a6e6fb577.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f45ca24cac.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9486513f09.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...25d030697b.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e3cd393eaf.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ebcabc00a6.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7f793d2c7c.jpg

JSpek92 01-22-17 04:56 AM

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1d00e4b091.jpg

Got her back, all registered and clean

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...56a03bb89b.jpg

I really like the tones from this catback

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7c146786a4.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d074ccca75.jpg

Stock AF

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...87b31d6f18.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f356858e7d.jpg

JSpek92 01-22-17 05:14 AM

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3a065f0c76.jpg

So what's the first thing to change?

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f7fe574a24.jpg

Steering wheel

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6cfdeab631.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e9f0dfe536.jpg

pretty simple

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5944f8cd7b.jpg

but still a pain in the butt

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1d277fce7e.jpg

Annnnndddd I don't like it. Love the wheel, hate the release

JSpek92 01-22-17 05:19 AM

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...325416d9da.jpg

Got me some new parking lights

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...912e461d66.jpg

Quite a bit nicer

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...07fc96f1e6.jpg

my buddy had an accident, so, while his car was at the shop, I got to rock his CR Kais for a bit. I like them. The fronts are so flat, though

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...840e94a581.jpg

Then, one evening....<br/>Some genius cant be bothered to use his rear view mirror and backs into me under the streetlight..

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c4be6edf50.jpg

sad times...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d547a608fe.jpg

I'm lucky my friend was there to deal with him and the police otherwise I would have been arrested for assault.

JSpek92 01-22-17 05:21 AM

Last batch for tonight. I just realized I got a little bit out of order here. Need to sort my pictures a little better on my computer.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d01a52d9ef.jpg

And then i got better parking lights

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7eff4c51fe.jpg

They blend so much nicer

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...046a6aa0b5.jpg

I also picked up blacked out pretty much everything else

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9c346cd970.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...68e08992a9.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a7500aa908.jpg

Should probably pop some LEDs in there

JSpek92 01-22-17 06:03 AM

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d3e406653d.jpg

Got some work to do this day

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6bb4f6e192.jpg

"new' ARC airbox, CST coilovers, and diff cluid change, because who knows when that was last done

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...57baff3dc5.jpg

such a large hole

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bb292b48c7.jpg

fitting

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...aece1cad25.jpg

it's in! (twss...)

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4dd870ce97.jpg

I think it looks pretty nice

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7cb5418a6a.jpg

stock stuts

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1faf56122b.jpg

Spirit R seats!<br/>JK... I wish. <br/>This was a test fit for my buddy who owned them and trying to sell them. A bit out of my price range

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d1974c7c44.jpg

CSTs installed

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f0ba12712d.jpg

How she sat afterwards

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...21ca374697.jpg

another view from another day. Replaced the side markers too. This is before the previous post

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:07 AM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...21b467002f.jpg

Got some more goodies in the mail

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b44ac7a528.jpg

Took me forever to actually put this thing in

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f2a9af852f.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...352082c70a.jpg

New shift knob. RE Amemiya by Razo

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6612d437a0.jpg

nice

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...af2c165c5d.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5dfda294cd.jpg

Also... A nice upgrade since I was doing a cat delete soon

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...144ec4423e.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f8a8d9603e.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...cbddbe3416.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...369cf1d48e.jpg

Guess I gotta take the old one out

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0f81646b74.jpg

Cool. Now I have to get a holder

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:12 AM

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...29d6036257.jpg

Day or two later, new pads

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3fba7a2092.jpg

Hawk HP+<br/>Turned out to be very dusty. Very nice stopping power, though. Loved them. Wait til the last second before a turn on the touge.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4bee56ca1c.jpg

Well, eventually my friend needed his wheels back, so I decided to paint mine. Powdercoating was gonna cost just a bit too much

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f531f27ce9.jpg

details

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2f57dd680c.jpg

One finished

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ba49ae58ac.jpg

Nice look, I think.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d04ee83550.jpg

The disgusting wiper arms need cleaned too.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...636480b5b4.jpg

Sanded them all down, metal primer, paint and clear. Much better

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d75a6eace8.jpg

Also picked up some nice new LED headlights (and games)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ed044de7a7.jpg

Nice, pure white

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:17 AM

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c93e5579ee.jpg

Coilover upgrade yet again.<br/>K-Sport Super Sports

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...805675728d.jpg

By a considerable margin, better

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f4ba707e6d.jpg

Up for work, K-Sport coilovers and new braided steel brake lines by HEL

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0cf307bc7d.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...cc2d958950.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...735cc99f70.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6d0fbbc088.jpg

These were a considerable PITA to get in. Had to file the front bushings down because they were almost 2mm too thick on either side

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:22 AM

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ba1013aad8.jpg

Decided I wanted a bit more room in the bay. Maybe enough to fit a V mount

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4ac7abb2fe.jpg

So, Rotary Works airbox

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1a0002ad43.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1f8c8a2110.jpg

most was pretty easy

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f1c9e56dd3.jpg

one of the hard pipes made getting this in and the previous one out a little difficult

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...505d8b6637.jpg

Me, making some last minute hookups.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...43ddd9ef79.jpg

Installed. I like. Better than the ARC

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:28 AM

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b2a36c15d3.jpg

Decided it was time for a little rationalization. So I had a friend's wife outline the name of the car on the airbox cover

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4f852b3410.jpg

Gasai Yuno. If you've ever had the opportunity to watch Mirai Nikki (Future Diary) shes the pink haired one

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...75347c8ef6.jpg

I figured it was fitting considering she is the very definition of Envy. I feel the car is the same.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4ff43c4b87.jpg

Treat her right, she'll love you like nothing else. Treat her wrong, she wont hesitate to kill you. Or at least blow up.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f637b578c3.jpg

Took the dremel to this piece because I didn't want the paint to scratch off

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...84b3df652c.jpg

I think it turned out quite good, for my first time doing this.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b2f68d2498.jpg

Very nice

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:40 AM

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e169a4c022.jpg

On the eve of my buddy with the Hachi leaving, we decided to go for a little drive and get some pics

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...59f88d2339.jpg

Here are the best of them

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a0c87bc274.jpg

it's almost like past and present. The FD's lines are so nice

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...350a10ffda.jpg

And, I think the owner's personalities match relatively well, too.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...28da99ac7a.jpg

Finally got a holder for that commander

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ee467552ef.jpg

Got a sandwich plate for later gauge additions

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:43 AM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d8f908e6cf.jpg

Installed those stockers. All black

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...697042bd9a.jpg

All black

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a1ceb16b77.jpg

Got a new battery in

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...befca88680.jpg

Rather small

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3f1275a0a4.jpg

New midpipe!

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...92c05253ba.jpg

gosh thats big

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:51 AM

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3485658747.jpg

Got that battery in. Also installed freshly powdercoated strut tower bar

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...073577148b.jpg

Diving into something a bit more complicated here

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...157d845574.jpg

vacuum simplification for sequential twins

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b84a20aa60.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ccb6ea0928.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...06b68f540a.jpg
In this last one, I also installed the new UIM my buddy Shane made coated in wrinkle black with the double throttle eliminated as well as the nipples on the right side blocked off. Not the most ideal situation since I actually needed three nipples for my boost controller, the MAP sensor, and the vacuum chambers. So, the boost controller is hooked up to one of two on the back and the MAP sensor is on a T with the vacuum tubes. Can't decide if I want to modify this setup at all. The boost controller and FC commander often read differently. Don't particularly like that, but don't know which should get the dedicated line.
I suppose it should be the computer, since it actually needs that more than I need to see it. Maybe I'll change it one of these days.

JSpek92 01-23-17 04:56 AM

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8892f2e427.jpg

Speaking of the boost gauge. Greddy Profec. And a line of Defi Advance CR gauges

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3838bb7e85.jpg

Including fuel pressure for when I get an FPR and upgraded rails/injectors

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...55d1d42fa8.jpg

Also got an AFR. AEM X-Series.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...78bdc2ee44.jpg

Pettit Racing column gauge hood

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9163a6df85.jpg

Looks like it belongs

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8e1973a5f5.jpg

Decided on a brake upgrade. HPS's this time, hopefully cut the dust a bit.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2169eb4600.jpg

EBC rotors. Couldn't stand the rust on my stockers. Hopefully these look good for a while.

simoncbrr1 01-23-17 06:43 AM

Nice build!

borisf 01-23-17 08:33 AM

Very nice. Have you decided how you'll be putting together the Column Pod? Silicone?

7_rocket 01-23-17 08:38 AM

Build is coming along nicely

JSpek92 01-25-17 06:08 AM


Originally Posted by simoncbrr1 (Post 12144272)
Nice build!


Originally Posted by 7_rocket (Post 12144289)
Build is coming along nicely

Thanks. I'm enjoying it more and more all the time. More pictures to come once I get the time.
I'm happy to say today was the first day that I've ever had problems with her. Wouldn't startup this evening. Took a look at the spark plugs. Caked in black. I guess I seriously do need a tune at this point. The base map for the PFC just isn't cutting it. I'm far too rich right now.



Originally Posted by borisf (Post 12144288)
Very nice. Have you decided how you'll be putting together the Column Pod? Silicone?

Well, unless it's not made quite right, I figure it'll just snap together like the stock one. If it don't, I reckon I'll go the silicone route so I can just cut it if I ever need to take it off

JSpek92 01-25-17 06:43 AM

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bd28631243.jpg

Recently installed Pineaplle Racing BT idler pulley. I liked the discreet look of this more than the standard idler

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0360326b58.jpg

New radio. Simple upgrade from old Pioneer unit to new with a USB port

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e45eb1423b.jpg

Moved it for the next day's project

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...631a85a36c.jpg

Assembling pedestal for gauge install

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...78f36a0624.jpg

Gauges installed and working. Looking good. I kind of wish I put the water temp sender in a different spot, though. It doesn't show the temperatures correctly until the thermostat opens. I hate that.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a3f4ff19b3.jpg

New strut tower bar I picked up

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d276f3b451.jpg

Lo and behold, it actually goes on the rear, not the front. Silly me

JSpek92 01-25-17 06:47 AM

Last build progress for the moment. That's pretty much everything for now

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ab230b263a.jpg

So I did a thing.....

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...012206bc21.jpg

T04Z

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...07057f674a.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f5e7e148d3.jpg

Small experiment

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...202dd76a3b.jpg

put the gauges in the cluster

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9b0a06d5d9.jpg

I think it looks pretty darn good. Now to just make it work

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...abf2ee6a5a.jpg

Sometimes the small things need looking into

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4f1155c3ad.jpg

Something as simple as a repflector

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...cbf125d83c.jpg

old vs new

JSpek92 01-25-17 06:50 AM

Here's just some nice pictures of the car to round off the most current updates for this thread.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6a604dc702.jpg

Back when my buddy with the Cosmo was here and the previous iteration of my friend across the hall's FD

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...026d6afcb0.jpg

She think she can play with the big boys. Not yet baby girl

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f0f63555a5.jpg

Fresh and clean

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0150464976.jpg

Looking nice

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a5e1fda054.jpg

One of my favorite night shots I've taken

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...21f98ce2d3.jpg

Rolling shots from my friend AJ

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8f8d0faf28.jpg

Leading the pack

7_rocket 01-25-17 09:24 AM

Must be easy to source parts since you live in Japan. What was the cost of those Defis?

neit_jnf 01-25-17 10:36 AM

awesome! you need an IC duct tho, otherwise it becomes an interheater...

TomU 01-25-17 07:18 PM

FYI (and you may already know this by now), the Pettit column pod does not have the factory pegs so you either need to glue it or tape it. Also they are made for LHD. It should be usable, but the opening for the turn signal and wiper will be off a little. RE Amemiya made a RHD version that is much better construction with factory pegs. You may be able to find some over there used (not sure they are made anymore)

JSpek92 01-26-17 03:54 AM


Originally Posted by 7_rocket (Post 12145093)
Must be easy to source parts since you live in Japan. What was the cost of those Defis?

Well, sometimes more than others. I sourced these off of nengun.com because I wanted something new so I was sure it worked. Also varies based on the exchange rates. sometimes I can save nearly 25% on things. In those cases it's nice.


Originally Posted by neit_jnf (Post 12145109)
awesome! you need an IC duct tho, otherwise it becomes an interheater...

I took it out in preparation for a Vmount install. I've since installed a cooling plate that should help things. Monitoring my temperatures, I see no real variance with and without the stock ducting with my driving habits.


Originally Posted by TomU (Post 12145262)
FYI (and you may already know this by now), the Pettit column pod does not have the factory pegs so you either need to glue it or tape it. Also they are made for LHD. It should be usable, but the opening for the turn signal and wiper will be off a little. RE Amemiya made a RHD version that is much better construction with factory pegs. You may be able to find some over there used (not sure they are made anymore)

This is actually news to me. But, so long as it works as intended and looks fine while doing it, it's good by me for now. The Amemiya ones are ridiculously expensive, I wasn't going to do that. I'll figure that out when i get there, I suppose. Maybe find another column cover break the tabs off and use plastic cement or something to fuse them

Houstonderk 01-26-17 06:59 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Great stuff happening, I would have clear coated the wheels after painting though. How they came out on mine.

JSpek92 01-26-17 07:07 AM


Originally Posted by Houstonderk (Post 12145356)
Great stuff happening, I would have clear coated the wheels after painting though. How they came out on mine.

Well, the thing of it is, I put a couple coats of clear on it. But it made it far too glossy. I didn't have any other matte clear that I could source at the time that would suit this. So, I put another coat or two of the matte black. Trouble is, it has made cleaning them a real pain because they're rough and hold on to all the brake dust in the world. They're actually tinted rather brown now. until i scrub them down

Houstonderk 01-26-17 04:32 PM

Yep, one of the main reasons I did more clear. Pretty easy to clean off when dirty.

TomU 01-26-17 06:42 PM


Originally Posted by JSpek92 (Post 12145344)
This is actually news to me. But, so long as it works as intended and looks fine while doing it, it's good by me for now. The Amemiya ones are ridiculously expensive, I wasn't going to do that. I'll figure that out when i get there, I suppose. Maybe find another column cover break the tabs off and use plastic cement or something to fuse them

A better solution might be to glue a piece of plastic to the inside of the top clam shell that extends into bottom shell (that is not glued). That will align the top with the bottom w/o having to source another top shell. To hold the pieces together, you can then either tape them (I would tape in the front (behind the steering wheel) and back with black tape so you don't see the tape as much), or use some silicone that can be divided if needed.

JSpek92 02-15-17 04:24 AM

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...fe393b82bb.jpg

So I picked these up a little while ago

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5493e6efa5.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2b22126dd4.jpg

A little worse for wear.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2beba2937c.jpg

Need to send them out to get the curb rash removed

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7421fe06be.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2242fc4057.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3f716ab6fb.jpg

Separation, Post lips redone

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...adbafb9a6c.jpg

Was never actually a fan of that gold

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...29e600b6ab.jpg

but they do look nice

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0121ad8a92.jpg

coming along

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5054a1230d.jpg

And, finally put them on today. So nice!

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0e25b8d27c.jpg

Also, here's a current picture of my engine bay. I need black or red IC hose joints

mazdaverx713b 02-15-17 05:15 AM

Are you planning on bringing the car back to the U.S. with you when you return?

JSpek92 02-15-17 07:22 AM


Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b (Post 12152060)
Are you planning on bringing the car back to the U.S. with you when you return?

Yes. Very much so. Though, how it makes its way there is kind of up in the air right now. I'm trying to find employment over here meaning I'll have to ship it back on my own dime. But, if I don't get that opportunity, the military will ship it. I just have to throw the airpump and cat back on and figure out the source of this bloody oil leak I got going on.

Snipe G 02-19-17 06:47 PM

Great build Marine! As for the leak the pan is good place to start and a relatively easy fix (so it wont be that). Bring the rx back just be ready if you are coming to California. FYI, unless its too late for you, the Corps is always looking for people to go back to Oki, so a return trip shouldn't be a problem. Great work on the 7.

JSpek92 02-26-17 01:46 AM

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d66b38c11e.jpg

So, I did a thing.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bc2609409d.jpg

I bought myself a second engine. Street ported.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c8cc954d3f.jpg

came with some good Knight Sports turbos

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3e44301198.jpg

The easy part

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bfa3967a29.jpg

The slightly more difficult part

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f7ed6eea2c.jpg

Space. So much Space.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e753cf5fea.jpg

I regret that we had to leave it like this for a day, but, short shop hours and a power outage stopped us here

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...230f600b6a.jpg

Getting the transmission off the engine was the most difficult part

Miraculously, it actually started on the first try. I don't know how we got quite so lucky.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8e7f081d7e.jpg

I don't know why, but apparently the previous owner splice into the harness. How I even got it home, I don't know.

Upon further research, what was spliced was apparently to the secondary injectors. Explaining why it was in limp mode the whole way home. Here I thought I fouled the plugs or something. Rejoined it and she runs fine now!
I think I'll upload the video to YouTube and add that in here later

NightWalker86 02-26-17 10:16 AM

Great build man, I'm super envious of you being in Japan hah. Also, this made me laugh a lot:

http://www.nightwalkermods.com/night.../nosmoking.jpg

JSpek92 01-30-19 05:19 AM

A year (or two) later and some updates!
Not very much happened for the car in 2017 and 18, but these are the highlights picking up from the previous post.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8b99adace8.jpg
Engine finally all tucked back in and running smoothly despite previous wiring issues.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...eccfd9e412.jpg
A nice drizzle one night made me want to take some pictures, so I did.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...898a3dc895.jpg
Car was/is experiencing some bucking issues, so, to try to head them off in the near future, a purchase was made from J-Auto.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a59f2212b1.jpg
Also recently got a spare set of brake calipers back from the powdercoater, ready for a rebuild
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f341f8854e.jpg
A welcome cosmetic upgrade

JSpek92 01-30-19 05:34 AM

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0a32ab8c00.jpg
A much more flattering angle including those brand new calipers
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ef0f1f85fd.jpg
To test the reliability of the Rotary, a friend and I decided to take a road trip to Tokyo in April '17. It was all well and good, we had no issues. But I did realize that without some way to dry the air in the cabin, you can't see! When the engine was pulled, the AC was evacuated and hadn't been recharged. So this was real fun.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...5126e2c310.jpg
We did stop near Mt. Fuji. I do wish that I had taken more pictures of the car during this trip.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...edf1183846.jpg
Upon returning to Okinawa, I got that AC recharged that was a welcome fix

The remainder of 2017 was pretty much nothing, as was the majority of 2018. 2018 did include this addition, though:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...95222e3122.jpg
One of the more recent additions... These are going to get refinished before putting on the car. It's going to take quite a bit of work.

JSpek92 01-30-19 05:39 AM

And the most recent updates:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ae49c1608c.jpg
The end of 2018 did include the repainting of my hatch including the fixing of a few small rust areas as well as a new window seal. It also included the installation of a '99 Spec wing from a friend's car. I like this much better than the old one.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...52a3798f9e.jpg
The most recent picture and how she sits at the end of January 2019. Recently fitted '99 Spec rubber lip and I like it a whole lot more. Just a few more things to do on the outside for my girl.

I love my money pit :)

ZE Power MX6 01-30-19 01:22 PM

Car looks great! I was just in Tokyo earlier this month, we also drove to Yokohama and Fujikawaguchiko. It's a nice drive, I actually thought to myself I wish I have my FD with me.

cr-rex 01-30-19 03:34 PM

All good things from you with this car. Excellent work. I was in okinawa from 2011 to 2015. Greatest time of my life. I left before my car was eligible to ship back and I ended up having to pay to get it shipped when it became of age.

c0rbin9 03-09-20 10:57 PM

Nice work! Looks like it's in good hands.

alexdimen 03-10-20 02:16 PM

Looking good. You running stock map on that PFC?

JSpek92 03-10-20 05:29 PM


Originally Posted by alexdimen (Post 12399192)
Looking good. You running stock map on that PFC?

I was. On the first engine. It was alright, but, at the time i neglected to take into account the other changes (emissions) that I did to it. It ended up fouling a set of plugs leaving me stranded for the first time ever. Luckily I had a spare set back at my barracks and had them brought to me. Worst hour or whatever ever trying to get those plugs out without a lift.

On the new engine I'm running the ECU that came with it. Stock, or stock flashed. Honestly I'm not sure. It works very well for me, though.

As a general update to this thread, The original engine ended up getting rebuilt and dropped into a friend's car after his popped. His engine is chilling out waiting for me to get it rebuilt. That engine was previously built by Judas Rotary up mainland, as far as we could tell. It will be a streetported engine mated to an EFR8474 IWG controlled by an Adaptronic Select (as of this writing). Hopefully come the end of this year. Possibly early next. It depends on how my employment is looking at the time as some things are in the air right now.

JSpek92 05-01-20 03:19 AM

Minor changes as of the other day:
Put some of the stock 17" wheels on since the rubber was going on the other set. Doesnt look as bad as I thought it was going to.
This without spacers:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7549365139.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8fa9220ee0.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...63776ff3ae.jpg
This with spacers, +15 F and +20 R, iirc:
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...88fdb22c49.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...53355ecd41.jpg
I went with the spacers all the way around. They look decidedly more modern to me. I was pleasantly surprised.
Specs are 17x8+50 and 17x8.5+50, with spacers (iirc) 17x8+35 and 17x8.5+30 with 235/40 and 255/40 rubber, Hankook Ventus V12 evo 2

JSpek92 07-19-23 11:07 PM

I Did'nt Sell the Car!
 
Boy it's been a while. So, I've got a bit of a back log here. But, do my best to pick up right after the last post.

During the course of changing the wheels out this time, I made the decision that I will never again purchase aluminum lug nuts. For any preventative measures that may have been taken, wasnt enough and had a heck of a time removing this one.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...74e670db2f.jpg


But we were good after that.
I got an update on the MS-01s, their powdercoating coming along
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...47d734dcc6.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...77cf9d75ce.jpg


And I also picked up a front strut tower bar to match the rear one I had put away to hopefully put in one of these days
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c99cbf3a0e.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...101b58f0a2.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...210ae111db.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2358cb318d.jpg



In the spirit of renewing things, I also decided to replace my side indicators as they were getting a bit clouded. Sadly the picture doesnt do justice to how big the difference was here. As well as swapping the type of LED bulbs in the position lights to something with greater area to use the reflector, rather than more directional shooting forward. Old on car's right, new on car's left.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8f7b515627.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2a85f518bd.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8f5ce7bf66.jpg


JSpek92 07-19-23 11:15 PM

Picked up some goodies from JP3 and Garage Alpha to add to the mix. With my Bubbletech heel plate replacing my floor mats (which I hate), everything in the pedal area now has a common feel to it like I think it should have been.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6f777f334f.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a624fae2f7.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...edf121daa8.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f407d0cbf1.jpg

And a change of one rear hatch strut that has mad a significant difference

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b12c2e313a.jpg

As the years go on, I'm noticing a significant degradation of my paint overall... This Okinawa sun has killed it. This needs addressing. And will be addressed in early 2023, this photo of my roof from September 2020.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...210d7262dc.jpg


JSpek92 07-19-23 11:29 PM

Before the paint is addressed, I've started planning version 2 of the car and started with the parts collecting. Greddy VMIC kit has arrived, as well as my future front bumper from Border Racing, second hand. It'll need some love. As there wasn't any one particular body kit that I liked more than another, mine will be a combination of bits that I think work well enough together. This bumper is my ode to Initial D, which I can thank for getting me into this car in the first place. For any who aren't tracking, later in the series Kyosuke in his yellow FD battles Ryoko with her black FD. This is the front bumper from Ryoko's car.

As for side skirts, I found some from the MazdaSpeed A-Spec kit which I like. They're in rough shape, but, I also figure this is a decent opportunity to try my hand at some fiberglass work since I've never done that before. Is it perfect? Nah. But seems just as strong as the rest of the part, even where I had to build it back up from entirely missing pieces.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...eef06e5044.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8840bc7356.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bfea43da12.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...85af1f163e.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bd3620c7d1.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b6e209d807.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...57aa9f3bfd.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...db846642f9.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...dbcc6f83fb.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...57ea1f8ed5.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b471d930a8.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7ca1db559a.jpg

JSpek92 07-19-23 11:30 PM

Cont.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e1608ac017.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...eac4dec83a.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2a08ff112a.jpg

JSpek92 07-19-23 11:42 PM

Finally picked up the MS-01 bits from powder coating. Came together pretty good, I think. We'll see when they go on. Also had the strut tower bars taken care of, and returned to me as well. Heck of a glow up on them. We'll see when they go on.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0922cdd4ab.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...26ed539d3a.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f1c4b34fe8.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...62c8a558db.jpg

I also got my old SBG projectors installed finally. And boy are they a whole lot better than stock. Might need some aiming but they look and work great.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b3e95d330a.jpg

And also, I decided to move. While my old place was cheap, my new one has a garage. So I can finally work on and store the car how I want. This was worth what is essentially double the rent.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b10800297d.jpg


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