My State of Rotate
 

I first saw the FD style RX7 in 1996 when my uncle’s friend drove it to the beach. As any teen my age, I told myself that I would have one someday. Nine years later, I bought my FD in February of 2005 and have been on a mission to get it running right since then. I have always loved the rotary but have had extremely bad luck with it. After two failed attempts I decided to swap an RB25det into my FD. It was almost completed but had to stop due to my studies being neglected. At that point, I planned on selling but soon realized that I would miss it even though I’ve never had the pleasure really enjoying it. Instead of selling, I decided to continue on with my project but with a different state of mind. The love for rotary runs deep so I made a decision to make a third attempt. With that being said, I'm starting this thread to share my build and to keep track of my progress so sit back and enjoy the madness.

P.S. I am open to any and all constructive criticism on my build :nod:

A few shots of the car as a roller with no engine.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2028.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2027.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2026.jpg

I decided to build from the ground up and what better way than to start with suspension and handling.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2123.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2124.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2125.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2139.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2140.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2142.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2152.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2153.jpg

The front and rear subframe, PPF, and diff brace and diff mounting bracket are all out for blasting and powder coating.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2157.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2161.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2162.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2163.jpg

It took me a few days and a lot of elbow grease and some assistance from a 20 ton press to get all the old bushings and pillow balls were pushed out.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2178.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2180.jpg
Some of the old bushings.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2181.jpg

Full full suspension overhaul minus the sway bars to come later.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2190.jpg
Brand new Tein Flex Coilovers
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2196.jpg
Powerflex Bushing kit thanks to JUAN from J-Auto and new pillow balls from my local Mazda dealer
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2202.jpg

So today I went over to my cousin Adam to use his soda blaster on all the control arms. This is a before shot.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2206.jpg
I got the lower rear and trailing arm and had to take a break due to baking soda in my eyes so I took a snap shot to show the difference. For those of you who are wondering where my toe links are, I sent those out for powder coating with the other parts.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2207.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2208.jpg
After blasting everything. Soda blasting is actually the better route if you don't plan on painting or powder coating the control arms. Cleans it up pretty well.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2217.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2218.jpg

Wow great job so far, and its a good idea that you decided to stick with the rotary, just cross your fingers that the third times a charm. Looks like the body is in great shape as well. You planning on doing anything with the interior? Going to keep it more of a sleeper or going with a kit? Ill be doing the same thing in about two weeks when I get my car from allrotor93!

I definitely have my fingers crossed this time around. With the excepting of some small dings and dents, it's in great shape for its age. I want a stock looking interior but I'll eventually end up doing a roll cage later on down the line. I'm not planning on adding any body kits because I love the stock look but I might get the 99 spec front bumper for more air flow to my V-mount setup :)

yes more Illinois rotaries.

Hopefully I can get this rolling soon so I can start attending rotary meets

Nice, any reason you decided to keep oem components instead of replacing with solid bushing, adjustable units?

The suspension bushings are all powerflex urethane with the exception of the pillow balls. I did a little research before buying the oem pillow balls and saw that the oem ones hold up just as well as aftermarket, plus I had mixed feelings about going aftermarket with pillow balls.

Glad to see that you are going to stick with the rotary!
I like your style... I myself also prefer to start with the suspension then work my way up.
Keep up the good work!

Glad your back to the Rotary! Have you found an engine yet?

Thanks, it's the best way to do it especially if you're planning on hitting 500hp:nod:

I haven't found anything yet but only because I haven't started looking for a motor and trans setup yet. Do you have a setup available?

Looks like a great build so far, good luck!

Not personally selling an Engine and Tranny setup. However there are a lot of great options for you here on the forum. You'll have no problem finding a good solid builder. PM me if you want any recommendations ;)

Well I took the front wheel spindles to my buddy's shop on Thursday to get powder coated and was surprised to find my PPF, front, and rear subframe done after a week.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2228.jpg
Loaded on my truck ready to go home.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2230.jpg
In my garage sitting until I'm ready for it.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/IMG_2231.jpg

Looking good :icon_tup:

looking good, thats where i would start also, suspension and brakes. then interior, then engine/tranny, and body last. but did you power coated them just black or a color scheme?

Awesome build so far!

^Agreed. Good luck with the build. I've always like silver on the FD, though I do prefer the yellow.:nod:

let me know if you need a complete motor transmission...keep up the good work we need more IL rotaries!

Thanks


Best way to do it, I definitely plan on doing body last because I would hate scratching new paint. I coated everything black just for longer life of the parts. I don't see the need to do a color under the car lol

Thank you :)

I like the silver and I also like blue but the silver wins over blue. The yellow would attract unwanted attention for me haha

Thanks, I'll definitely let you know when I'm ready to buy :nod: Do you have one setup or multiple?