This is a continuation of a previous thread, to see previous work on this build check out: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...1096220/page2/

or if you cant wait for all that, here are the specs so far..
-fb chassis
-rx8 subframes and suspension
-rx8 full interior
-rx8 4.44 LSD
-e36 m3 engine and 5speed
-miata steering assembly




The rear end is slowly coming together, I picked up some 3/4 grade 8 shoulder bolts for the rear subframe and bored out the subframe mounts 1mm to match.

 

After de-sound proofing the floor pan, I found some more rust spots

 

I picked up some doors that had working windows and weren’t dry rotted to hell but had been resprayed in red (poorly). Since I already had a set that were primed and painted, I swapped over the seals and windows. The RX8 handles and pads are a nice modern touch!













Now i just need to add some handle straps and wire up the window regulators

 

The interior is coming together nicely, the dash extends too far rearward over the shift turret but a little trimming cant hurt.





These RX8 brakes are massive and the only 16's I found that cleared were some BMW bbs mesh, which were sick, but would require a 5x120 hub conversion.
I then proceeded with the next logical choice and picked up some lexus wheels:
OZ superturismo 17x9 +50 wrapped in 205/40/r17.

 

This is definitely ... different. Interesting fab work and looking forward to seeing the end product.

 

Shame about the renesis.

This is some fine work, regardless.

 

yeah, would’ve been nice to keep it all mazda but that motor had some issues and from what I can tell they’re not really worth rebuilding

 

re-subbed.

 

Wow, this is the difficult way to make an NC Miata for sure!

But really, nice project!

What are these type of "Pro Touring" builds called for imports?

 

Love the emblem.

 

I like the wheels, wonder how they'd look on an FD...

 

Whoa. Awesome AS!

 

Stance and wheels look nice, have you finished the rear strut mounts yet?

 

nice work. nice to see someone else who is willing to change things up. Looking forward to the rest of this build.

 

subscribing to this thread as well. love all the custom work.

 

Love this build, I am going to keep my eyes on this build.

 

I'd been waiting on some cheap coilovers to pop up for some time and then I found these rx-8 powertrix for $600, never even installed! they seem decent, the springs may be a little stiff for a 2300lb car but they'll be fine for mocking up the rear shock towers.



I primed some things, patched some rust spots and got the seat mounts installed

 

I picked up another chassis the other day.. an '85 GSL-SE with clean title, not wrecked, rust free, good paint, sunroof, full interior, etc. basically everything the '79 wasn't. I pretty much decided upon buying the car that everything would be swapped over. Most of the work I'd done up to this point was unnecessary for the new shell like sanding, priming and rust repair, but I took it all as a learning experience. I jumped right in in with a better understanding of what to cut out, what to keep, it just felt right this time.

 

The new sub frames lined up perfectly, everything was level and squared off to the .01" Its kind of a german rx-8 fastback NC miata thing lol. Either way I'm pretty excited how this project is unfolding.

 

 

I love all the custom work your doing yourself. Home built projects are my favorite. Glad to see your local to me, I hope to see this car running around soon. I've been considering putting the Rx8 subframes in a 1st gen for awhile but I've been scared to cut one up that much, its an eye opener watching you do it. I can't wait to see the final result, if you ever want a helping hand let me know!

Matt

 

Awesome man, love the support! I've got all the measurements written down and a few templates if you're interested in the swap, just PM me

 

Killin' it! New shell looks like a super clean slate to work from.

 

looking great. I love these kinds of builds. peoples imagination never ceases to amaze me.

 

I'll definitely be watching this. Love fab work!