Hey everyone, this is where I will be posting all progress and basically anything that has to do with my rx7. I figured it'd be kind of cool to keep track of everything from upgrades to maintenance.

Miles on things as of 12/4/2014:
Chassis: 114,160
Engine: 19,668
Turbo unit: 29,751
Clutch: 9,716
Radiator: 40,045
Main Cat: 9,923

Oil change @114,149 with Castrol 20w-50, OEM Mazda filter, OEM oil drain plug crush washer

Mods as of 12/4/2014:
3" downpipe
Koni ground control suspension
Short Shifter (brand unknown)
Aluminum AST
Greddy cat-back
245/45r16 TOYO r888 ( waiting for rain to leave so I can install )

Not quite sure on where I'm gonna take this build but I'd like to stay on twins, possible bnr stage 3, but I'm gonna make this thing run real reliably first

Next purchase:
ECU (probably PFC)
boost controller

Pictures:
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The tires waiting to be installed
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i've also got a blk fd and been working to get that thing to run right since March. Have fun.

 

List of things needed (12/4/2014):
Front sway bar end links
ECU
boost controller
boost gauge
spark plugs/wires

 

You can save quite a bit of money these days on the things you need depending on the ecu you buy. I do t know what your plans are but an adaptronic will control the boost with just an extra solenoid (same type that come with ebcs). Also download the adaptronic app and use that for your gauges. Just a thought.

 

What are your objectives? If reliability is one, stock ECU is fine. If you want to push HP, then you need to go aftemarket, but with reliability tradeoffs

 

Reliability right now is the main objective, I'm still about a month away before the ecu purchase. I guess my goal is to have a v mount setup with bnr stage 3 twins, I want to make 350-400whp. I will stay on 91 as e85 sometimes just isnt convenient. Also, how's the base map on the adaptronic compared to PFC and what kind of mods can it support?

 

right now a concern of mine is overboosting/boost creep with the 3" downpipe, how worried about this should I be? This car isn't my daily driver so if I blow the engine it's not the end of the world but I'd rather not spend money on a rebuild lol

 

I have a new in box set of Magnecore R-100 competition plug wires for sale. PM if interested.
MAGNECOR Race Spark Plug Wires: KV85 and R-100 information

 

Base map for adaptronic is a base map for a stock car. From what read on here a pfc base can support mild mods, ie intake, dp, and exhaust.

Get the ecu that ur tuner is comfortable tuning on. I would hold off on getting a boost controller until u get an upgrade intercooler.

Ppl here will prob tell u that u will over boost and recommend porting the wastegates. Just get a wideband when u get ur boost gauge and monitor the afr.

 

Boost creep is a problem, but IMO if you're not into the boost for long, i.e. track it, you should be ok on the stock ecu. I tracked my completly stock FD and eventually killed the engine, but as a result of overrheating which melted the o-rings.

I am putting it back with the stock ecu, for the short term at least, but am porting the wastegates in the process. This should allow more exhaust to bypass the turbos in high boost situations

 

Took the vinyl hood off, I would take it off the headlight covers too but the left one is white It makes the rest of the cars paint look terrible haha

 

Put my tires on today @114,200 miles, first impressions are they are actually pretty noisy. I don't really mind it though. They grip very well but haven't had time to really push them yet










Also found some things wrong with the suspension, looks like it's time for new coils? Also various other bushings are shot throughout so I'll be replacing those as well

 

Nice...looks like u have similar plans that I do. I've also been thinking about the bnr twins and v-mount. Also looking into suspension upgrades. Good start with the car.

 

No wonder the front is lowered and the rear isnt, It look like your missing the other locking ring to be able to adjust those coilovers. I would looking into changing those for sure!

 

Looks like I'll be pushing back the ecu upgrade for a little bit, looking into Ohlins DFV. I will first being inspected and replacing all damaged bushings, also I might have some other goodies in by Christmas

Also, for future reference, anyone know where I can get a quality paint job (whole car minus under hood and door jams) here in southern California?

 

What's your budget? I know of a couple places I trust.

 

somewhere in the neighborhood of 2k

 

In my experience, you are not going to get a quality paint job for around 2k in SoCal.

If anyone has a place that preforms good work in this price range, I'd love to hear about it.

I guess it depends on your definition of quality as well. I spent 2k on paint for my track car and I was not impressed. My car was bare metal so no masking required as far as prep work. There were plenty of drips and they straight missed parts of the interior/cage. That being said...from 10 feet away it looks pretty decent and at least it's not one stage (although it flakes if you look at it the wrong way).

It seems everyone has had great experiences with Makito Nakai at 7 Apple in Torrence, but I don't know about pricing. Whenever I redo my exterior I will probably give them a call.

 

It's usually about 250-300 bucks a panel for a good shop to re spray, more if there is rough body work. But taxes and fees add up in cali pretty quick with all the AQMD bs here.I have a friend that does it on the side if you want to go that route, it will be in your budget but you'll have to be patient.

 

Hmmm, I'll wait for now. I'm going to try and see if I can remove the oxidation on it tomorrow morning , I'll keep you guys updated on how it turns out

 

Update: figured out the reasons for my coolant leak on my DD, blown head gasket, looks like the rx7 will be my new daily for a little bit haha

 

I try not to drive my car hard without a tune because I don't want to overboost but I just took it to 5k and shortly after I had trouble driving the car. Seemed like fuel cut to me. I'd step on the throttle and there'd be no response for a second or 2 and then it would give some power and then more fuel cut. I pulled over for a bit and started back up and it was driving fine. Gonna pull the plugs and check them tomorrow. Also have a nippondenso supra tt fuel pump and a new fuel filter on the way.

Plan to hold out on suspension right now and I'm gonna purchase an adaptronic ecu and get it tuned by Louis at lucky 7

 

Finishing applying a layer of meguiars medium cut to the paint, it's already looking better. Will wax and polish tomorrow and take some pics

 

Top of this picture is the before and the bottom is right after applying the medium-cut without a wax or polish





Turned out amazing, paint is at least 13 times better than before!!