I think you'll find were a detail oriented and opinionated bunch :)
But, at the end of the day we're all here to help (aside from all the banter).

Interesting

I think California in particular is evolving from the "Nopi Nationals" look to a "clean" aesthetic when it comes to modifications.

Its not the only style, but it is a growing style.

Probably comes partly from how hard law enforcement has come down on obviously modified cars in California, partly because the same people who dove into the "if its aftermarket it is better" aesthetic in the '90s are old now and don't want to look like they are driving their kids car around and partly as a way for younger drivers to differentiate themselves from the "common" tuner style.

For instance, I put in plain Alcantra Black Bride seats with Black stitched logo instead of Red or Gradation, Black Takata harnesses instead of Takata Green and a Black Works Bell Rapfix hub instead of Silver and Red...

Sometimes I look at other more "bright" FDs and I think mine is too plain, but 95% of the time I am happy with the clean low-key aesthetic.

In the end, you gotta go with whatever makes you feel good!

I know what you mean. Born and raised in CA almost my entire life.

how are you liking the CSG tail lights after installing them? are they bright enough? I know you said they are used stock pieces, but any issues with the wiring/install? mine just arrived yesterday

Everyone that has seen them has been in awe of them.

You will be wiring them from the rear of the car all the way up to the fuse box so be prepared for that. It's not difficult by any means though but just more than a simple tail light replacement.

Agreed as well. FD owners for the most part like their interior clean and simple. To each his own though.

Gotcha, thanks.

I hadn't thought of it as a trend, but I definitely feel pressure to keep my auto-enthusiasm low key. Interesting thesis.

can you discuss how you customized it to work with the cruise control buttons? also, there's no air bag behind the efini symbol, right?

As I mentioned in your PM, there were two different Efini wheels offered. One with cruise controls and one without. The former is VERY rare to find. 99% of the ones you will find will be those without the cruise controls.

Yes, there is no airbag behind the Efini logo. These wheels never had airbags.

did you take pics of the the job you did?

Nothing to really take pics of. It's just power and ground to control their light controller.

Prepping the new front bumper for install, I have two different sets of bumper lights I'm trying to decide between. One set is the OEM Stanley set and the other is a custom, full led set. Any quick thoughts?


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...38e63f182e.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6e950d5007.jpg

I like the LED set, looks cleaner and more modern as you don't see the orange of the indicators. :icon_tup:

OEM for sure. The orange accent/contrast is what makes it look good, especially on a white FD. LED = tacky IMO.

But I do see you like the rotor AC knobs...so may be you like it tacky? (sorry had to lol)

10 years ago I would have said LEDs... but my appetite for OEM has increased lately. The glaring thing that turns me off about the ones you pictured are the individual "snowflake" LEDs.

That said, I'm a big fan of Black Label Engineering lights which use a projector housing / LED bulb for the DRL lights and a clear housing for the turn signal:
Attachment 750881

If I'm not mistaken, the DRLs will also shut off when the turn signal is activated just as modern vehicles.

Hot Water Labs has a similar variation:
Attachment 750882

No projector housing, but the LED module looks pretty clean. Also, their V2 version offers the switchback module as well... from their site:
Our V2 BOOSTER lights have an upgraded Morimoto Xchange switchback module.
With this module, your DRL lights will turn off everytime your turn signals come on.


Whatever you decide, the car is coming along incredibly well. Keep up the good work. :icon_tup:

I have the same gripe 100%.

LED for me here... That being said, i'll buy the set you don't want to use lol

Not the first person to offer me that...haha

As I get older, I feel amber/orange to be nostalgic and classic. I used to dislike it to the point of hating it, but for some reason it has grown on me over the years. I also think it has to do with the fact that there's not too much of it in the bumper lights.

I vote for OEM.

100% with you on the orange. At 20 I was of the "clear EVERYTHING" mindset. Today, I like the contrast of orange.

YEP...........keeping everything mostly stock is the only way to go on a classic car. Clear lenses are just the latest fad and it's a bad one IMO.

I still can't wrap my head around the 99 kit but understand the attraction (smiley japanese cartoon look vs sad fish). More importantly though the cooling/airflow is increased greatly on the 99 kit. I'll probably still sell mine though and employ the shark tooth mod. If anyone is interested I have a very nice 99 kit painted CW and ready for install :D

I picked up a set of cheap turn signals "Uras"
Although I like the Stanley ones if choosing between those 2 but either way it won't be aweful.
One thing is for sure is there is no lack of opinions around here.

I ended up putting on the OEM Stanley ones.