Hey all, been lurking this forum since middle school and finally have a reason to make a build thread! I know forums have been all but wiped out by Facebook groups, but they are pretty useless IMO. I'd rather give back to the place that has taught me so much over the years. Anyway, I figured I had been priced out of an FD since values have increased so much in the last few years, but fortune smiled on me earlier this year.

Story goes I was on break at work scrolling marketplace as you do, and spotted an ad with the title "Rx7 FD". There were three bad photos and no price but I could tell the body was straight, if in need of a paintjob. There was a minimal description that said "make offer" and the location was about 20 minutes from me. My heartrate jumped up. Posted 3 hours ago. It sank again. If you use marketplace a lot around the LA area, you know that good deals are usually spoken for within 30 minutes. I didn't hold out much hope, but I sent him a message anyway with my offer. To my surprise, he responded after a few minutes saying that would work for him. Told my supervisor I had some pressing business and left to pick up a friend's flatbed.

I really had no idea what to expect or if I would even want the car, but the price was low enough to take the gamble on a couple hours out of my day. When I arrived it only took a few minutes of inspecting to know I would be dragging it home.




The car is complete save everything engine related. It had a clean carfax and was a one-owner California car. From the carfax the mileage is around 83k, but the odo has the common 'backlight only' issue when I hooked up a battery. It has been non-op'd since 2014. There was
some evidence of paintwork at the front of the car, but zero structural damage anywhere. These are some photos once the car was back at a friend's shop.













As you can see it has some aftermarket parts on it. Old school Work Rezax Roar wheels, some sort of lowering, pillar gauges/wideband, Fluidyne radiator, RB cat back, and an AEM series 1 plug in ECU. Up to now I haven't even had the car on jackstands or even washed it. I've been working on another project that will get sold off to fund this one which should be ready to list in the next couple weeks.

The plan is to repaint the car in the original Vintage Red. Will be a glass out respray with the jams and engine bay done as well. The whole car is pretty sun baked so it will need rubbers and moldings as well. The R1 spoiler actually shattered when I closed the rear hatch lol. While it's at the body shop I'll hopefully find a complete engine and refresh it before install. Single turbo is a possibility, but I don't want the scope of this project to get out of hand and have it sit in the garage for 3+ years. It will be mostly a street/canyon car with the occasional track day thrown in, so I think stock twins will be up to that task for now.

Even though the engine will stay mostly stock, I will be improving the car with regard to footwork. Wheels/coilovers/brakes will be updated. In fact the only thing I've done so far is import a set of wheels. Have to shout out the great Farkel/Grandmighty here as his car was always a model of the perfect FD for me. Photo of his car below, and the same spec 17X10 square set of Regamasters I managed to source. They have some pretty bad corrosion as well as one with a small crack, but they are currently with a wizard of aluminum repair to hopefully get revived.





Anyway that's it for now. Hope you guys enjoy the pics and progress as much as I've enjoyed all of your builds.

 

The cluster needs the ground from the engine harness to work correctly. Plug your engine harness in under the dash and ground it out with a jumper from the ground rings in the harness to the battery. You may get lucky and have it pop up. Of course, it could need the some caps and repair also.

Looks like a fun project, congrats on that, and condolences to your wallet.



~ GW

 

Great find and a rewarding challenge lies ahead!

 

I haven't seen those Works on an FD before, they actually look pretty good. I find that they usually just look off with the cars I see them on. Sounds like a good plan and I'm in for results. Shame about the R1 spoiler breaking, with how hard you have to close FD doors/hatch with the windows up I wouldn't be surprised if that has happened before.

 

Awesome, really looking forward to your progress, and congrats on snagging this before anyone else could swoop in!

 

R1 spoilers are relatively easy to find if you are looking. I have about 10.

 

IMO the Roar's look better than the Rega's because of the concave spokes and rarity. They appear to have a nice offset spec and if they're not unusually heavy I'd suggest having them refinished and powdercoated or painted in a color that compliments the VR. Regamasters are very nice wheels but those old Rezax are really resonating because of the unique old school look that suits the car. Truthfully, you can't go wrong with either option, but don't sell them.

Awesome project, I'm looking forward to seeing the updates.

 

Thanks gdub, will definitely try that this weekend.

I agree they are super cool, unique & period correct. They almost give the car an American/Viper vibe. One thing that was important to me is having a square tire/wheel setup for handling balance. The Works are staggered width. Also, I just think the Regamasters are an iconic pairing with the FD. They were used on the RE Amemiya GT300 car & various Amemiya/Panspeed demo cars in period that I grew up idolizing, so they were just a no brainer.


Quick update. Deposit placed on a motor/accessories. Has 54psi compression on one face on the front rotor. All other faces are good, so hoping its just a stuck seal or worn out spring and not a catastrophic failure. Regas are mid-restoration.

 

Great find!! Look forward to following for updates!!
My vote is Regamasters also! Congrats man!!!


Steve