Auxiliary Injection Pt I
 

Decided to make the complex twin turbo rotary more complex by adding water/meth injection. Since i'm running a somewhat skeptical SMIC, thought this may be good protection. I'm not planning on going over 14 psi, even if I eventually go single so this is just extra insurance. Added bonus is the cleaning effect. I decided to go with the AEM 30-3300

Of course, this means another major electrical job :cursing:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...db0c4d95b0.jpg

It would have been nice to plan all the electrical out from the beginning vs piecing it together one job at a time. Decided I now need a fuse block which I wired up to a switched relay.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...16c743c364.jpg

Besides the electrical headache, where in the hell am I going to mount the tank and pump :scratch:

Since I don't have A/C or P/S, that's a logical place, but not for the tank that comes from AEM. I found a neat bottom mount tank (https://cometkartsales.com/G-Man-4-Qt-Fuel-Tank.html)

I opted to use the windshield wiper tank. It's a little smaller capacity, which is concerning, but not by much. The problem is how to configure it to work with the AEM system. First I pulled out the existing wiper pump (probably could have left it in tho) and plugged the hole

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2042c92bcd.jpg

Then I needed to attach the level sensor and meth feed bung. Problem with the sensor is that it's threaded. It would be nice to somehow get a plastic nut on the inside of the tank to screw on the sensor, but no way. That leaves two options, get another sensor or make the AEM work. I toyed with the idea of using a VW sensor which has a push fitting vs screw, but that's like another $30 when I already have a sensor, so I decided to give the AEM sensor a go. I used a hole saw (forget exactly what size) that was somewhat close to the thread size, screwed in the sensor, then silicon sealed the hell out of it. Next step was attaching the feed fitting. I took the blank I just drilled out of the tank and glued it to the bottom. This provided enough thickness to tap for the fitting threads. I sealed the hell out of that as well.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2242f6af76.jpg

Now onto the pump. This needs to be lower than the meth tank. Great! The windshield wiper tank is pretty low so where the hell am I going to mount this effer :dunno:

I decided to mount it to the lower cross member. I cut a portion from underneath on the passenger side to accommodate the pump since the cross member is not structural

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b5b3ef9b3f.jpg

mounted...

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...17592b0d4f.jpg

Auxiliary Injection Pt II
 

and installed...

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...cd0d8dc8bf.jpg

I used 90 deg fittings (http://prometh.com/collections/fitti...nt=13254893635) off the pump so the tube wouldn't be going into the fans or engine. I also mounted an AEM filter on the driver side by cutting a circle into piece of sheet aluminum that's slightly larger than the diameter of the filter. This allows the filter to rest on top of the aluminum and I can unscrew the filter housing from the bottom

and the injector... I placed it after the intercooler discharge, but far enough from the throttle body so it has time to fully mix with the air/fuel charge

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c41498271c.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3d1e8ca33c.jpg

Next is the level warning light. Best place would be in the dash, but I didn't want to cut a hole in the dash, so I opted for an unused blank in the center console. I can kind of see it when i'm driving :rolleyes:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e3f6bc15ba.jpg

Next is the controller. Another "where in the hell am I going to put this??". I decided to tape Velcro hooks on the back and Velcro it to the carpet

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a8a760837e.jpg

DONE! :jump:

This was no small job to say the least.

Of course, I now need a steady supply of...

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...fd6539e207.jpg

Tune
 

So I had been running on a PFC with an unknown map for some time while I was breaking in the rebuild. Since I wasn't going into boost, I wasn't concerned about the map, however it wasn't that great. It idled really rich, like in the 10s and was hard to get below 1200 rpm. I know PFC don't idle well, but this was like crap. I really needed a tune.

Just when I got the break-in miles under the belt and was ready to get it tuned, IRP up and moved. :egrin:

Ok fine, waited for them to get settled, then they make the bold decision (and right one) to install an in-house dyno. :icon_tup: Problem was this created another 2+ month wait. :icon_tdow

Finally, I got it into the shop


I wanted a reliable tune, no more than 12 psi. Was able to squeeze out 289 mustang rwhp out of stock twins with emissions :ylsuper:

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a5dfb9f36e.jpg

I must say the difference is night and day. It's not 500 hp, but it pulls like a freight train and more than enough for track duty. Idle is greatly improved as well. Cold, it's at 1500, but settles down to 950. A little high, but liveable. AFR is much better too, around 13.

Gotta give kudos to Ihor and his team. They know their shit. In addition to the awesome tune, they sorted an incorrectly installed check valve (how the hell could I have done that???) and fixed a fuel leak (make sure you clamp the hell out fuel hose if it's SAE).

They also fabbed up a cold side pipe. Much better than that hose crap :icon_tup:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...730fe6bcba.jpg

Keansburg NJ
 

Did i mention Keansburg is rather spooky! :asthanos:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6730afbb88.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...cd072730a8.jpg

I really do love your build Tom. It's simple and addressing all the right things. I wish I would have taken your route in hindsight, I could have been enjoying my FD a lot sooner instead of being a jackstand racer for so long. Now I'm too lazy to do anything to it since it's running well. lol I still need to do brake ducts and water injection so I'll be copying you soon.

Good stuff, engine bay looks a lot better.

You need two. One in the garage on stands and one on the road

Edit: Make that you need three. The two above and a dedicated track car.

Or even better four!



https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e2250e6d98.jpg

[Not my garage by the way]

Thanks, but i'm more into function over form. No offense to all those that polish or powder coat everything ;)

Strut Brace
 

So with the Xcessive motor mounts and Banzai oil pan brace and Greddy elbow, my Greddy strut brace does not clear the elbow.

I am using washers, but this is not a long term solution. Does anyone know a bar that will clear a raised engine?

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d8d84854eb.jpg

Well the R1 strut bar is adjustable but I'm not sure if it will clear

Think it's called "Improved Racing" strut bar

+1

Track Day
 

First track day in almost three years :celebrate

Only problem it was a misty wet day :mad:

I had really wanted to test out my suspension setup, but that's not going to happen on a wet track. Oh, and it's got 22 turns too :crzyeye:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4e9385561d.png

Right out the gate, my backend comes around and I barely straighten it out. Hmmm, wet track or massive oversteer??? This dampens my mood on the whole day. When I got the car, low mileage FDs were a dime a dozen and the decision to track it was a no brainer. Now, and especially after three years to get it back on the track and who knows how much $s, I feel a little more cautious, which is not a good feeling to have. The day did dry for one session and I started to feel a little more confident.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0b9be030d2.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...af4a2e0851.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d446989987.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1ae173de38.jpg


My only pass-by of the day... (an SS Camaro :icon_tup:)

I got killed by AWD and traction control :awesome:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7d2dc78a08.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...cf440906f1.jpg

very nice!

more details on the track day! isn't it cool to have the only FD at the track?

my FDs have gotten more attention at the track than the exotics, over the years.

It's nice to see someone properly building/maintaining and enjoying the car for what it was designed for. I would be a little on edge wheel to wheel on a slick track day as well but I bet if felt good to get back out there if it's been 3 years for you.

man ... you guys and all your 99spec bumper. I can't stand the temptation!!I Want to just drop $$ on a conversation

beautiful car buddy

Great write up.

There was another FD, a LSx. He seemed to shy away which is what I get around other LSx FDs. Are the embarrassed???

I didn't get a lot of attention, maybe because there was this...

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9ffb6c1cba.jpg

I don't think they are embarrassed they just feel sorry for us rotary guys and don't want to rub it in LOL

Hopefully I'll see you at the track sometime in 2017. Let me know if you do any events with: chin, pca, bmw, nasa, audi etc.....

yeah the LSX guys are basically corvette guys.
they dont understand.

Good progress and good to see you getting back to the track. Where are you getting your meth BTW?

As for LS-FD's I have yet to come across one that's faster than me around Mid Ohio, but I've only run across 3 so maybe the fast ones aren't coming to my area.

A somewhat local speed shop. It's $45 per 5 gal. I cut it 50:50 by vol with distilled water so it comes to roughly $4.50/gal.

Mostly run NASA at Summit Point, but have started up with Trackdaze. Occasionally I get down to VIR. PM me if you're up this way, and will do the same if I get down to your playground

I really need to get a trailer to broaden my experience though. Maybe Watkins Glen :nod:

Hatch Struts
 

So when I put the 99 wing on, my hatch wouldn't stay up :(

I got some clamps from Mazdatrix to keep it up, but it's a pain to have to put on a clamp every time you want to raise the hatch

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ab3ccfb060.jpg

I know there's a different part no. for hatch struts with USDM wings, but is it strong enough to hold up a JDM wing? :scratch:

I called up Mr. Mazda Ray Crowe and asked for the solution and he shipped

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3d306977e1.jpg

Installation was a little bit of pain, but not that bad. You need to remove the rear quarter panels to get to the strut bolts and the hatch plastic to get room to unscrew the nut that attaches to the hatch. This needs to be removed first and installed last.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...447d7da824.jpg

I tried it after installing one side and it didn't seem to make any difference :squint:

Shit, am I going to have to source JDM struts and be out the cost of the USDM struts?

Installed the other side and it stays up. :bigthumb:

It doesn't shoot up, but it stays where you put it

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0f6b4d2d3f.jpg

nice! I had the same problem with the 99 wing on my previous FD. this is a good reference so people will know which struts to buy to carry the extra weight.