Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

I bought this one June 20th 2017 with 24,500 miles. Currently has 25k on the clock.

It appears to be a well kept car and I don't see any evidence of paint work or accident damage etc.... I've driven it for 500 miles and so far I'm lovin it. Everything on the car works perfectly so there isn't much to do at this point other than the basic maintenance. It's not a track or show car and it's my daily driver (on nice days) so it really doesn't need anything but a radio but I thought it would be fun to document my time with it. More importantly to just give me a place for notes on maint etc... because as I'm getting older I can't remember anything.

If someone has a carfax account it would be awesome if you would please post the report for me here The VIN is: JM1FD333XR0302690

So far I've done the basic maint:

Drain the coolant. I don't do a full flush when doing this (although Ideally you should) because I'm going to drain it often or likely once a year or biannually. Remember to drain the block as well (make sure the car isn't hot). If the reservoir is full of nasty bs then I take it off and clean it out. If it's in good shape like this one I simply suck out the old coolant. I fill with 70 percent distilled water along with some water wetter if I have some laying around. Before filling I remove the small throttle body upper coolant hose and stuff it vertically up under the brake booster vac hard line and fill until a little coolant comes out of that hose (stuff paper towels around it). This is a really easy way to burp the system and you shouldn't have to top off many more times after doing this. It takes about 2 gallons.

Change oil. The FD takes 4 quarts but I only put in 3 to 3.5 quarts (which is about 1/2 way up the dip stick) because you'll get blow by on even a stock car if you run it remotely hard on a twisty road with the oil topped off. I don't put anything fancy in because I've yet to have a bearing issue, the engine isn't expensive and it's 25 years old, the gas blow by is ridiculous which means the oil becomes saturated with gas in no time which leads me to changing it frequently or approx every 2 to 3k miles. I do think it's important to run premix so I run quality synth premix in all my cars.

Change trans fluid. I currently like the amsoil GL 4 75 90 fluid for DD FDs. 2.5 quarts goes in the trans. One important thing to remember especially on FDs with higher mileage that are driven in the rain and snow etc.... Loosen the fill plug before draining because you may have a hard time getting that plug loose if it's rusty.

Change diff fluid. Again remember to loosen fill bolt/plug 1st 1.5 quarts and I like amsoil severe gear at this time (75 90)

Lastly the fuel filter. I wear safety glasses, old shirt, rubber gloves and saturate the fittings with wd40. I also recommend using some little needle nose vice grips to try and squeeze off the lines. Once you've done this a few times it's not that bad. Lots of how to do it threads on this job for a reason LOL.

MODS so far:

The car came with some PFS springs and PFS front sway bar which are both nice for a DD FD. Also came with an autometer boost gauge mounted on the a-pillar which seems to be working fine.

Just installed a PFC (the spyder hooked me up with this part/THANKS!). IMO this is the most important mod for any FD. NO MORE HESITATION, Better gas mileage, no BS codes, diagnostic tool, TPS readings, Temp gauge and other gauges etc...etc... I just use the base map for my DD cars because I've had good luck with it and whenever I try to mess about with the PFC it usually runs worse not better. If I come across a good tuner I'll get the car tuned. I used the 93 mount which means drilling a hole where it can be seen later which devalues the car a bit but I like that mount.

Mazdaspeed shift **** which I've had with me a long time. It looks stock and it's a little heavier and thicker. I LOVE IT!

SSR wheels (from smokey the talon/THANKS). The car came with some BBS moda wheels which are probably 20 pounds apiece so I shaved approx 5 pounds a corner (ssr comps 8.5 x 17s weigh about 15 pounds). Each pound shaved off the wheels (rotational unsprung weight) feels like 4 pounds to you and the car so wheels are a great place to shave weight. The other really important thing to remember is tires are HEAVY so with a stock powered FD some quality/sticky 245 40 17s are perfect and light

So with all the above out of the way I'll add a few mods but this will be a super boring build thread compared to the norm

Upcoming mods list:

99 tail lights on the way. My favorite body mod/change from stock.

1st will be a nice radio sooner than later because the stock one is terrible. Would love some suggestions for a nice radio, CD and aux for Ipod that fits nicely in the r2 radio slot.

DP (I have a smb in my stash so will likely use it)

Catback (RSR dual that came with the car)

Fluidyne radiator (came with the car)

M2 carbon fiber intake (in my stash). Will install this when I put the DP on. Likely winter project.

M2 med smic. or similar. If anyone has one for sale with a nice duct and complete with piping I'm highly interested

Switch the R2 rear sway bar with an R1/93 bar. The R2/94/95 bar is a little thinner. I'd guess it's 20 percent lighter sway bar.

Pettit short shifter (because I have one LOL) It's the nice one though similar to mazdatrix.

I love discussing most anything concerning this car so please comment and don't worry about hurting my feelings

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

Will clean it up and take some nice pictures as time permits.

Narfle

iTrader: (16)

Nice one! You see so many good parts, it will be interesting to see what makes the final cut. That mazdaspeed shift **** is where it's at.

When you're ready to switch your radio, let me know. I'll pick up your stock r2 head unit on the spot.

jj_calvin

iTrader: (3)

Fritz, how many FD's a month do you go through?

I'll be subbing to this thread in hopes of gleaning some tips along the way. I have a stock 93 BB touring that's I'm trying to just get running reliably. I had a bad oil leak coming from the twins (hopefully that's the only source), and the fins in all sorts of bad shape. I just swaped them out for a good pair, replaced all the gaskets and hardware with OEM, and installed an HKS downpipe. I'm installing an efini y-pipe and koyo rad this weekend. I'll piece the rest back together and keep my fingers crossed that the swap + mods is the remedy to the smoking exhaust (my build thread).

I know you're a huge advocate for PFC being one of the very first mods for the car (reliable dd fd recipe). I just want to get to stock with reliability mods and enjoy my car for a while (and have a chance to let my bank account catch up a bit) before I go for track and performance mods. How long can I get away with not running a PFC, or do you recommend just getting that off the bat without any questions asked? In Dale Clark's guide, he says the FD needs to be 100% rock solid, else the PFC is of no use. However, I could be a long way off from 100%. Any recommendations?

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

I won't be adding anything fancy or expensive to this one other than the radio. Well I guess the DP is an expensive one but I'm curious about it and want to give it a go.

I think I have a good head unit. I'll test it asap (next week or so) and let you know.


I missed my low mileage 95 R2 and sold all my other nice FDs because the market is super hot right now. I found this one with a bunch of parts included at a good price and decided it was worth messing with it. I don't plan to sell this one yet.

Sounds like once you have it all buttoned up you'll be good to go

Dale is right. Don't even mess with the PFC until you have it running correctly with the stock ECU especially the idle. The car runs fine with the stock ECU but I just can't handle the hesitation and like having a temp gauge etc... Also with the 94 cars the EGR goes out constantly and the PFC doesn't recognize the BS codes so you don't have to worry about that. That said it also won't recognized that your OMP isn't working etc... so it's a riskier ECU to use but it's obviously worth all those risk factors for the rewards to me.

One thing to note is you will feel a slight pulse with the PFC under really light load. It's crazy but the smoothest running vehicle I've ever driven is my new F250 diesel. The gas pedal feel is amazing under light load.

The Spyder

iTrader: (8)

Glad it went to a good home . I've got a PFC in my 94 CW PEP and it's been a solid car for the last four years.

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

Yep, it's probably my favorite overall mod for this car in stock form

Thanks again!

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

Yep don't plan on ditching the springs or sway anytime soon.

Will look into the Nakamichi head units. I'm not a gadget guy at all

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

Cool

Looks like an OEM style head unit.

Can't find one though and the ones I have found are stupid expensive.

Nakamichi CD-700 II Mobile Tuner / CD Player Excellent condition! Works great!!

I was think about spending 500 for head unit and 4 speakers LOL

Here's 5 new varieties for 325: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wholesale-Lo...3D172804307358

Basically you can get a decent head unit today for 100 bucks that has CD, Aux etc..... with a decent enough amp. I also read that the those CD400,500 etc... units are known for the CD player not being reliable?

mp5

iTrader: (3)

Its funny with all the mods in the world on my car I still miss my FD when it was very lightly tuned.

How is the paint?

I remember someone picking up a beat black FD and wet sanding it and you would swear he painted the car.

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

1st I had to look up pecunious LOL

My hope is to become pecunious which is why I hate to spend even 200 for a new head unit much less a used one LOL

I may still consider it though because as mentioned it falls right into my simple is better mind set

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

Yep for running around town or Sunday drives nothing beats a mostly stock FD

always garaged or stored so the paint is outstanding.

There isn't even fade on the mirrors, wing etc....

Very good paint. Overall as good or better than the 95 R2 I bought a while ago with 13k miles.

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

WTF this is a pecunious **** right here: Nakamichi CD-700 II Mobile Tuner / CD Player BRAND NEW in Box "RARE" | eBay

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

Pecunious **** is going to be the name of my new punk band.

I wish I could have a street/DD FD, but if I think about everything I've done to mine, there are only a few things I'd go back on:

1. Put A/C back in.
2. Working stereo w/ bluetooth
3. Quieter exhaust
4. More streetable coilovers
5. OEM hood
6. Rear trunk plastics/carpet
7. Spirit R seats
8. Original 5th gear
9. Heavier flywheel/rotating assembly + single plate clutch

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

Yep

Your car is the ultimate street/track FD for sure even as is especially if you're in punk rock band and don't give a F#CK

I'm sure it's a sweet unit but dang that's pricey for a head unit in any car. I'm way too pecunious so I can become pecunious LOL

silverTRD

iTrader: (36)

im basically doing this with my build and am having much more fun with the car. I am still going to track it so I hope that doesn't make me undo all my streetable mods. I still want a nice car to drive around town.

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

I wouldn't have any problem doing any of the mods on my list and still having a very trackable (but heavier) car, but the two big ones are the seats (which aren't bad once you're in/out), and mainly the coilovers. Without the heavy springs, it's going to be sloppy on Hoosiers. Even with JRZs, there's only so much you can do.

THE TECH

iTrader: (16)

Looks good. Any reason why you used the 93 pfc holder when there is a 94 one specifically made? I'm wondering if that would have changed having to put holes into the dash. I haven't mounted mine yet to verify.

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

Both Fritz and I run 14/14k, which is just under 800# a corner. It's not horrible on the street with good chocks, but it's not terrible.

PFS Comfort Sports would seem like marshmallows. They are progressive, and initially softer than stock IIRC.

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

The PFC I bought came with the 93 holder and I actually like it down low and closer to me. Up high they move around bit over bumps or hard cornering etc...

If the 94 one does need holes drilled you won't see them so it's no biggie.

I'm planning to keep this one a while so not too worried about value it's more about just driving it, modding it and enjoying it.

14/800 pound springs aren't too bad and are a good match for 275/285 hoos.

I'm pretty sure the PFS spring is basically an Eibach pro progressive spring and it's perfect for a street FD and probably my favorite overall lowering spring. Can't remember the spring rate but the rake is just right although not very attractive LOL. The stock shocks are also great when in good shape so I won't make any changes to the suspension in the near term.

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

I drive my FD 3 or 4 times a week on average so its critical for it to be quiet and comfortable.

Ideally there is really no perfect track/street car. The closer you get to running fast reliable laps the further your car gets from street use. There's just no way around it.

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

I went to crutchfield and selected a kenwood excelon: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDC...c&awug=9008238

When I bought the head unit it came with removal tools and a harness which is a pretty cool thing so hats off to Crutchfield.

Take the lower din out 1st which helps you pull the radio.

Match up wires on the harness and install.

After going through the demo mode, listening etc.....I decided it may not be for me. I dug around in my parts bin and found an old Alpine so I patched together a harness and it works better and looks better to me also so that's my new headunit until I find a deal on a Nakamichi cd 4 or 500

Hopefully crutchfield will be cool with a return but if not and you are reading this I have a new kenwood head unit for sale that's plug and play for 100 shipped (paid 130 something with tax)

Also received my 99 tails and installed those. Typically these are faded pretty bad and won't begin to match the center light on a low mileage garage queen. Thanks Red94fd for selling me a good set of 99 tails

This set although really nice are slightly faded so if someone has some that are literally like new I'll take them

Again will post some pics of this beauty when I have some time to clean it up etc....

THE TECH

iTrader: (16)

Unfortunately, you pay more from Crutchfield 99% of the time so it's only fair they give you something extra.

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

YEP but they are local to me so I can check the show room etc....

It's too bad the current head units are so blingy.

THE TECH

iTrader: (16)

Gotcha.

I want all the bells and whistles so I guess blingy is okay for me.