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Michael Lewo 06-27-13 03:34 PM

Orlando RX7 Build
 
8 Attachment(s)
I've had my RX7 for about 3 years, finally get into the forum game a bit more, figured I'd post her up in the build thread. The single turbo swap was done 3 years ago, its a work in progress, constantly workin on stuff. :nod:

1993 Rx7 (currently runs e85):
Motor:
Heavy Street port
Motor is dowell pinned with 2 additional pins.
Custom Oil catch can
Dual oil coolers
Single turbo Precision 67; 22.5 LB of boost
Turbonetics wastegate
Top mount intercooler
MSD ignition
Custom fuel rail
1600cc Primary injectors
2200cc Secondary injectors
Two Aeromotive 1000 fuel pumps ran through 3/8 inch line all the way down
Microtech computer
Currently only street tuned by Kilo Racing
We suspect its making between 550-600, more in the 570s range
Car runs E85 ONLY, not a big deal with a good amount of E85 stations around me.

Suspension:
Eibach lowering springs in the rear
Front Tein coilovers
Custom reinforced PP Frame.
Custom A-arms in the works currently
XXR 526, Front : 17X9 +25 + 5mm spacer / Rear: 17X10 +35


Interior:
Grip Royal steering wheel
Dual pillar gauge pod
Razo type340R
Bride Cuga reclineable seats- Just arrived about to be installed :)
Bride restitched rear seats :)




With the motor pulled out:
Attachment 668333



Attachment 668334
Attachment 668335
Attachment 668336
Attachment 668337
Attachment 668338

Reinforced Powerplant Frame
Attachment 668339
Attachment 668340

Michael Lewo 06-27-13 03:42 PM

6 Attachment(s)
Engine bay pictures:
Attachment 668327
Attachment 668328
Attachment 668329


New Bride Cugas' to be installed by the end of next month, seats are sitting in my bedroom.
Attachment 668330
Attachment 668331

Rear seats: Attachment 668332

David Hayes 06-28-13 04:47 AM

I saw and heard this car at Kilo a few weeks ago. Kilo was moving it out so you could pick it up. Really nice work. Car also sounds great and the E85 makes it less smokey :)

Congrats.

Michael Lewo 06-28-13 07:01 AM

Thanks for some feedback guys!...

Kilo is probably going to kill me because I keep telling him I'm going to bring it back for a dyno tune...only to start another little side project! Just stripped the interior out last night for the new seats front and back.

Michael Lewo 06-28-13 07:17 AM

3 Attachment(s)
Pulled the rear interior out last night to switch out the bins for back seats, and to move my Battery, and relocate it to the trunk, build a new cover for it and (hopefully) have it done by next weekend.

Attachment 668255
Attachment 668256
Attachment 668257

muibubbles 06-30-13 09:22 AM

damnnn those back seats look nice!

Michael Lewo 05-02-14 10:56 AM

The car has been sitting for about 9 months after some wonderful Electrical problems... I've been busy with school and haven't really had a chance to fiddle with the car. Finally got around to fiddling with it about a month ago and I couldnt get it running

Pretty sure a rat ate through my Microtech wiring harness ! Odd as that sounds, they ate through the heat shielding of my Mercedes so I thought it made sense. Either way , the car is now off to Kilo Racing for some love and care !

The car is currently at Kilo Racing now, this time he's really doing some great stuff. on the list...



New V-mount setup
Battery relocation to the engine bay
Dyno Tuning ! (How wonderful its finally here)
Cleaning up the engine bay, fixing the wiring nightmare


And for when the car comes back I finally went ahead and got a new pair of wheels for it ! Pictures to come ...

And Plastidip ! Ordered the DYC spray gun and 3 gallons of their Navy Blue plastidip. Figured it could be a good time for a cheap color change.

Michael Lewo 05-02-14 11:39 AM

4 Attachment(s)
So, I got these real Volk TE37's off a buddy of mine for a real good deal with some nice rubber on em'. They're powder coated too, good condition I'm pretty happy to finally have a pair of wheels I really like !

18x9.5 +22 all the way around, mounted on 275/35/18 all the way around, they came off an EvoX. But, they fit great ! Chris Tran was running an 18x9.5+22 set up on his FD on this forum, with a 225/35/18 for a stanced look. I mounted up a 245/35/18 for a bit more meat up front, they should still fit great and clear without rubbing. My car isn't really all that low !

The rears are staying just how they are, the tires are a nitto 555r so no need to really change them out. Tested fitted on a friends FD also located in the Orlando area, the rears fit great ! Still have to do some test fitting from the front, but they should fit without much of a problem .

Got a set of Tein rear coilovers to throw on to make these wheels fit really well. Also, anyone selling just a front set of coil overs ? Kind of awkward only having rears... but I got them off a friend at too good a price.

tt7hvn 05-02-14 08:16 PM

Jealous of those volks. I have a black RX and I think white would look killer on it. I can't convince my wife to do it though, she wants purple ones...ugh. still though, purple TEs would still look pretty sweet on a black car.


and it is her car soooo, I guess I'm SOL on the wheel color choosing argument.

David Hayes 05-03-14 07:46 AM

Looking good. Not a big fan of the plastidip though. Saw it on several cars at DGRR. To each his own.

No bumping my car out of line at Kilo's. I think he likes mine and wants to keep it :)

Michael Lewo 05-04-14 09:22 AM

Hey gotta keep the wife happy ! Happy wife, happy life ...

and David I'm sure Kilo woulnd't mind keeping your 3 rotor, that thing is a beast! And the reason I'm going with plastidip is my paint is startin to really lookin like crap... one of the neighborhood kids ran their fu**ing bike into my car. Passenger door isn't dented but the paint is ruined; along with the front and rear bumpers needing to be painted and the rear quarters... so! Until I can afford a new paintjob I'm sanding down my door and going to plastidip the car.

Mines an Rx7 on a budget....! If that exists :scratch:

needspartsnow 05-04-14 10:19 AM

Am I losing my mind, or was this car once RHD converted to LHD??

you know, it looks like plastidip is progressing to be very nice. When I first saw it, I wasn't a fan. It looked cheap and unsmooth. Only dull, flat colors. Now, I've been looking at dipyourcar.com and I see they have all kinds of options for colors and finishes, and when applied with a proper sprayer can be super smooth. Look at their youtube channel, the combinations of certain pearl or flake with glossifier shot over a matte base coat color is ridiculous. But to me, the most exciting factor is, you can change color any time you please for only around $200.

Michael Lewo 05-04-14 12:07 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I actually ordered the dipyourcar.com kit ! its 300ish dollars, with a paint-gun made for plastidip (not sure exactly why you need a specific gun?). I ordered their Navy Blue color. This is it on a Audi, thinking it will look pretty good with the white volks.

But I'm not too sure about the RHD to LHD drive thing... The car looks like it was originally painted innocent blue, which to my knowledge was only a JDM color. Not really too sure, never checked; but I haven't noticed any excessive welds anywhere near the pillars or near the firewall... that and a good ol' Florida title ;)

needspartsnow 05-04-14 12:41 PM


Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 11730197)
I actually ordered the dipyourcar.com kit ! its 300ish dollars, with a paint-gun made for plastidip (not sure exactly why you need a specific gun?).

The sprayer in the kit is an hvlp gun. you can go to home depot and get a wagner hvlp gun for $55 or you can go to a paint store and get an hvlp gun for $600. I have never dipped a car, but I'd imagine there is a quality difference in the finish between guns. It looks like the sprayer in the kit works great though. I was just saying once you have a sprayer, you can change color any time $200. I guess 200 might be a bit high for what you're doing. If you just want a basic flat color, a color change would only be like $110. Any plans on adding glossifier? Cant wait to see your results!




Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 11730197)
But I'm not too sure about the RHD to LHD drive thing...

Its looks like in the second pic down the steering wheel is on the right side and everything in the engine bay is flipped the opposite way..like your coil packs on the right side....then later on in the pics, everything is on the left side. Haha idk maybe I'm going crazy...or I can see pictures in the 4th dimension

Michael Lewo 05-04-14 04:07 PM

Ya I think the gun they ship with the kit is helpful. And the price for dipping a whole Rex i think is about 3 gallons...55$ a gallon its not a bad deal for a whole removable color change .


and sorry thats probably the picture itself it may have gotten flipped somehow !

Michael Lewo 05-05-14 02:58 PM

Tada !!!
 
2 Attachment(s)
New wheels lookin pretty good mounted. Might have some issues with the 245s up front once the car is lowered, but I think a 235 would be the perfect happy place.

Boost Lee 09-17-14 04:53 AM

Did those CUGA's get installed? Do they fit?

cr-rex 10-11-14 10:29 PM

where did you get your rear seats done?

Spalato 10-11-14 11:03 PM

Really digging the white wheels and blue car color combo :icon_tup:

Michael Lewo 10-21-14 07:40 AM

I've been traveling for a while, haven't had time to update this post. So, the car went back to Kilo's shop for a battery relocation and then never left mainly because... It's now getting a Gato turbo manifold, Gato V-mount, and possibly a Gato intake (depending on pricing). I'm an all at once kind of guy, figured this would be the fastest way to finish my car. I'm thinking I'll also be changing the turbo for a faster spooling possibly smaller more efficient turbo.
Any thoughts on a Precision 6262? Small turbo, capable of about low to mid 600's at the wheel being realistic.


Originally Posted by Boost Lee (Post 11803145)
Did those CUGA's get installed? Do they fit?

The CUGA's did not get installed yes, but after some checking, yes they do in fact fit*. Asterisk, because the seats do rub the inner door panels very slightly. Wouldn't bug everyone, bugs me, so I'm gonna go ahead and order BubbleTech Door panels, I'm sure then the seats will fit just about perfectly. Very roomy seats btw. Nice for bigger people, even though I myself am quite tiny


Originally Posted by cr-rex (Post 11814605)
where did you get your rear seats done?

The seats I actually found online while I was searching Ebay UK. Got kind of lucky with them I guess. I still need the rest of the rear seat plastics to get the seats to mount in though, so If anyone has any extra rear seat parts :X ... I'd love to buy them off ya :D

David Hayes 10-21-14 07:50 AM

^ Saw your car while I was at Kilo's last week. Good decision on moving forward with all the fabrication work. My car was holding up your progress as Gato has been doing the work himself the past several months. Should now go quicker for you but Gato still hasn't hired anyone else I don't believe.

As for the turbo, I'd highly recommend one of the Borg Warner EFR turbos. Some great options out there and they are highly customizable. Call Mike Franke at SE Power Systems (813-623-1551, ext. 124) and he can go over the options with you. He also carries other turbo brands but I think either the 7670 or the 8374 would be a great match for you.

Michael Lewo 10-28-14 12:19 PM

Thanks for the advice David I really appreciate it. I think I'll be giving Mike Franke a call this week as I am looking for a new turbo... What do you think about a Gato intake Manifold? Should pick up throttle response a tad I think.

David Hayes 10-29-14 07:16 AM

^ Mike is a great guy and he will help you out. I need to call him with an update on my car as he is going to come to Orlando for my dyno session. That was supposed to already have happened but if you've seen the car, you know we have a few months to go.

I'd ask Kilo about the Goto manifolds. They look really nice but he would know better about the throttle response. I would think they would help.

Rmagic 10-29-14 07:32 AM

Nice build

Michael Lewo 11-13-14 05:14 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Sooo I went ahead and ordered a Turbo from a Great guy I met off of Facebook... Turbo just came in and shes look great ! GTX4202 ball bearing goodness :D It's a nifty lookin snail. I've also got a slew of parts waiting to on the car...

I ordered Bubblestech Door Panels for the interior of the car along with some other goodies..

Kevlar Exhaust guard so my bumper doesn't get the shit burned out of it

And we got a set of Shineauto Rear mudflaps for the rear of the car. Hopefully she'll be done with fabrication in the next 6 months. I'm a patient guy though.

cr-rex 10-03-15 08:05 PM

any updates?

Michael Lewo 11-23-15 10:11 AM

Update
 
Holy one year later. Almost Exactly one year later. Le sigh.

Anyway, a lot of things have happened and the car went off on a bit different path then I had intended but it's all well and good.

So, for fabrication wise, Gato Racing finally finished nearly everything in the Engine bay. Pics will follow...

All together I decided on going with a Custom Upper and Lower Intake, turbo manifold, downpie and a V mount style intercooler and radiator setup. I'm really really pleased with how everything came out, Gato Racing does one hell of a job :nod:


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b22c328e0f.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...63a71750dd.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bb106d69bd.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...faaa4e041a.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2dd66a29be.jpg

Michael Lewo 11-23-15 10:17 AM

Update
 
The car is now back into Kilo's shop and the motor has to get pulled out so that I can have it semi peripheral ported.

We're shooting for 600whp as a base hopefully when the car is done, but at the moment it's really up in there.


Wednesday night I'm putting down a deposit for a new drivetrain set up as well... I'm purchasing Jared Holt's entire set up, transmission to axles, so that hopefully the car doesn't break everything when it finally gets up and running again.

The setup itself (I'll see if i can get some pictures when it starts getting pulled out of the car) is a Viper T56 that has custom splines and shafts, cryotreated, and built for 1200whp. The rear end is a built ford 8.8 with drive shaft shop axles, all cryotreated... the 8.8 itself has built gears with a 4:56

Johnny Kommavongsa 11-23-15 10:22 AM

dang, this is going to be a beast. What's going to be your fuel setup and what ECU are you planning on using?

Will be interesting to see what wheel and tire setup you go with to put down all that power.

Michael Lewo 11-24-15 07:54 AM


Originally Posted by Johnny Kommavongsa (Post 11995148)
dang, this is going to be a beast. What's going to be your fuel setup and what ECU are you planning on using?

Will be interesting to see what wheel and tire setup you go with to put down all that power.


Currently it's a sumped tank with 2 Aeromotive 1000 running through 10 injectors on the rail. We're not 100% sure what injector size I'm going to run yet though. Fuel set up should be fine as is.

The wheel set up is still in the air... it's sitting with what looks good on TE37s, but I highly doubt they'll keep the power down as they're a 285/18.

I think what I'm going to wind up doing is keeping the volks for the street, and for the strip use my stock wheels with a set of slicks.

almoststockrepu 11-25-15 01:52 PM

Why did you have a fancy intake manifold made then decide to go semi?

Michael Lewo 11-27-15 11:26 AM


Originally Posted by almoststockrepu (Post 11995980)
Why did you have a fancy intake manifold made then decide to go semi?

Measure twice, cut once. I intend on having the car for a while longer. In the future I'd like to build it into a full blown 13b drag car but that's years away... but now I'll never have to get a different intake. For the moment I want to keep it as a street car and felt a semi was just more what I wanted.

Plus, to be honest I just like the extra level of art to the engine bay. I like craftsmanship and really just looking at the intake makes me squeel like a little girl. Worth.

David Hayes 11-30-15 04:45 PM

Gato's work is top notch and I saw your car being worked on when I was there last month. Did'nt know it was your car or I would have contacted you.

Very nice and glad to see the progress. Just tell Kilo to finish my car up before yours. :)

almoststockrepu 12-01-15 06:36 AM


Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 11995143)

All together I decided on going with a Custom Upper and Lower Intake, turbo manifold, downpie and a V mount style intercooler and radiator setup. I'm really really pleased with how everything came out, Gato Racing does one hell of a job :nod:



Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 11995145)
The car is now back into Kilo's shop and the motor has to get pulled out so that I can have it semi peripheral ported.


Did you plan to go semi p port before you had the intake manifold made or did you make it for a factory style setup? Unless i'm missing something you havent said, you will have to get it remade for the new ports.......


Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 11996514)
Measure twice, cut once.


stayabovethelaw 12-01-15 12:16 PM

that back seat thooo

Michael Lewo 12-02-15 09:57 AM


Originally Posted by David Hayes (Post 11997562)
Gato's work is top notch and I saw your car being worked on when I was there last month. Did'nt know it was your car or I would have contacted you.

Very nice and glad to see the progress. Just tell Kilo to finish my car up before yours. :)

Gato takes a while but he really does do great work. All insanely well made and tidy.

I talked to Kilo yesterday, he apparently said my car has to sit for a little so he can finish other projects :(. So I wouldn't be too worried, I'm pretty sure your car will be done before mine. Thankfully I'm patient

Michael Lewo 12-02-15 10:00 AM


Originally Posted by almoststockrepu (Post 11997786)
Did you plan to go semi p port before you had the intake manifold made or did you make it for a factory style setup? Unless i'm missing something you havent said, you will have to get it remade for the new ports.......

You would be able to teach me something there... is there a reason going to a semi bridge would effect the fitment and operation of the manifolds? I'm a newbie still trying to learn.

Gato and Kilo literally work across from each other though, they're aware of the plans with the car. I'm sure if the intakes have to be modified, Gato already made what adjustments would need to be done.

almoststockrepu 12-02-15 12:30 PM


Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 11995145)
The car is now back into Kilo's shop and the motor has to get pulled out so that I can have it semi peripheral ported.


Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 11998251)
You would be able to teach me something there... is there a reason going to a semi bridge would effect the fitment and operation of the manifolds? I'm a newbie still trying to learn.

You said Semi P port first, then semi bridge. Which one is it?

Michael Lewo 12-03-15 03:08 PM


Originally Posted by almoststockrepu (Post 11998315)
You said Semi P port first, then semi bridge. Which one is it?

Jesus... Googled. Embarrassed myself. Thought bridge = Peripheal.

The car is getting the motor pulled for a semi bridge port*****************

Not a semi Peripheal. Sorry. Noob mistake. It's a semi bridge port.

Michael Lewo 12-03-15 03:16 PM

More stuff
 
Moving on from that moment when I show how green I still am...

More stuff ! Put a deposit down and the parts are finally out of the sellers car...

Viper spec t56, adapters,
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9882598d9.jpeg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...385951773.jpeg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b66c29c22.jpeg

8.8, chromoly axles, driveshaft, cradle, etc...

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...32aecc15c.jpeg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f8ce07dba.jpeg

gavbey 01-13-16 09:39 PM

How thick is your IC buddy?

is that going to cool enough?

Looks sweet build

Sammy Built 01-14-16 01:26 PM


Originally Posted by gavbey (Post 12014810)
How thick is your IC buddy?

is that going to cool enough?

Looks sweet build

I said the same thing, that ic is small for that turbo and 600whp. Especially in Florida hot weather.

Michael Lewo 01-15-16 03:03 PM

Not 100% sure on the thickness of the intercooler, I believe it's a 4.5 inch core though. David Hayes runs a near identical set up (Also built by Gato) on his 3 rotor build. It should be good to hold for about 700-800whp. Ideally, that's about where I'd like to keep the car at power wise for now anyway.

I trust Gato and Kilo know what they're doing, they've been building rotaries for years. If they think the IC and turbo setup will work well into that power range without cooling issues, I trust they know what they're talking about.




But I guess we'll see eh O.o ?

The IC should hold fine in Florida though, it's also not as if I have intentions of driving the car to work everyday, so it shouldn't be sitting in traffic too often as to really be detrimental with a V mount.

Kingslayer 01-28-16 02:17 AM

Those seats are 10/10. I'll be down in Tampa some time in May of this year. Any chance of the car running by then?

Michael Lewo 01-29-16 10:08 AM


Originally Posted by Kingslayer (Post 12020459)
Those seats are 10/10. I'll be down in Tampa some time in May of this year. Any chance of the car running by then?


I'm hoping the vehicle will be ready by then, but to be honest I have my doubts. Kilo likes to take his sweet time :lol::lol:









I did ask Kilo, turns out my IC is actually two 3 inch Intercooler mated to each other... Gato vouched that it should supposedly be good to flow up to 1000whp so I think we're gonna be okay. :icon_tup:

silverTRD 01-30-16 09:42 PM

Lots of cool stuff in here bro, not sure how I missed this one. In for updates :)

Sammy Built 01-31-16 09:49 AM


Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 12020969)
I'm hoping the vehicle will be ready by then, but to be honest I have my doubts. Kilo likes to take his sweet time :lol::lol:









I did ask Kilo, turns out my IC is actually two 3 inch Intercooler mated to each other... Gato vouched that it should supposedly be good to flow up to 1000whp so I think we're gonna be okay. :icon_tup:

That's better to hear, pictures look deceiving sometimes. You really can't see the thickness of the core too good. Kilo + Gato have some serious talent! :)

David Hayes 01-31-16 04:19 PM

Late to add my comments to this. You will be happy with the Gato setup and it will flow much more than what you will need.

I had a heart to heart with Gato on my setup as it is similar to your setup. Gato walked me thru his rationale for my setup and he stated the core size and thickness will support up to 1,000 HP on a rotary. Kilo is confident also. As you might know, Gato's wife races a rotary setup and does well so I too will trust his decisions.

You will be fine.

Kingslayer 01-31-16 11:05 PM


Originally Posted by Michael Lewo (Post 12020969)
I'm hoping the vehicle will be ready by then, but to be honest I have my doubts. Kilo likes to take his sweet time :lol::lol:

Haha that's not necessarily a bad thing though. I'll likely be making a trip your way while I'm down, I'll have to shoot you a message if I do.

Michael Lewo 02-01-16 02:01 PM


Originally Posted by Sammy Built (Post 12021615)
That's better to hear, pictures look deceiving sometimes. You really can't see the thickness of the core too good. Kilo + Gato have some serious talent! :)


Ya they each have ridiculous amounts of experience in the Rotary world, so the two of them working together on my car is good piece of mind.


Originally Posted by David Hayes (Post 12021732)
Late to add my comments to this. You will be happy with the Gato setup and it will flow much more than what you will need.

I had a heart to heart with Gato on my setup as it is similar to your setup. Gato walked me thru his rationale for my setup and he stated the core size and thickness will support up to 1,000 HP on a rotary. Kilo is confident also. As you might know, Gato's wife races a rotary setup and does well so I too will trust his decisions.

You will be fine.


Definitely gonna be okay I'm thinking! I was a tad nervous so I had Gato do the same thing with me a week or two ago...

and ya! I'm not shooting for 1000whp, so I dont think the IC isn't going to the be weak link




Originally Posted by Kingslayer (Post 12021843)
Haha that's not necessarily a bad thing though. I'll likely be making a trip your way while I'm down, I'll have to shoot you a message if I do.



And nahh. I bought a 2014 MV Agusta 675 to keep me busy in the mean time anyway for some fun, so the car being down isn't a biggie. I got all the time in the world... hopefully Kilo is done with the motor in the next two months. Feel free to shoot me a message if you're ever this way


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