mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

best of luck finding an original cable. i was on the hunt last year and settled for the new style cable. i really think it looks too modern and unoriginal. i installed a new style cable on my 85 GSL last summer and while it fits and work perfectly, i'm not completely pleased with its look. the red cover is not as 80's as i prefer:

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

I don't like the look either. I'm going to stick with what I have. I thought about maybe trying to dye the red cover black but thought better of it. At least the ground cable is still the original style.

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

The OMP has be rebuilt. I also pulled and inspected the fuel filter. There was a small amount of rust in the filter but it wasn't clogged. I swapped out the shifter boot with the one I bought, I was able to get it cleaned up. The rear hatch area interior light has also been repaired.

I had a guy I know give my an estimate on the front end frame repair and car repaint. The cost should be under $2000 but I will be helping with the work. I wanted to be involved with the body work and repaint anyway so that makes me happy. I really hope I can get this car done sooner then later.

The front end damage isn't all that noticable from the outside. If you look really close, you can see that the hood doesn't fit real well and that everything is moved about a 1/4" to 1/2" to the right. I'm going to be cutting everything from the shock towers forward off my other car to use on this one. The damage isn't really bad and I could live with it but I'd rather do it right once.

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

You can see some of what else I've been dealing with on my other thread: https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/gsl-se-vapor-lock-960963/

The last of what I did:
I swapped out the check and cut valve with the one off my other car. I also replaced the fuel pump under warranty over the weekend.

I need to get a hold of a fuel pressure gauge that I can use to check and see if my pressure regulator is working properly.

The fuel tank is still pressurizing. Monday it was about 95 on the way home and when I got home I could hear a wine coming from the filler neck. I removed the cap and a bunch of pressure existed the tank.

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

Thanks to SIMPLESOUND for helping me with the car over the weekend. I now have the fuel lines insulated with Cool Tape. I had a little extra tape so I also insulated the underside of the intake.



I also swapped out the glass run channel and lubed the regulators. I replaced the light for the door lock and it worked when I tested it before I reinstalled the door panel. I retested it after everything was back together but it isn't working. I'm going to need to pull the door pannel and see what the problem is.

I'm going to need to do some more tuning on the car.

che'srx-7

iTrader: (5)

car is looking good bro, keep up the good work

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

Thanks. I'm getting there showly.

Next on my list is brakes, steering, ball joints, and Bönez Performance Converter System.

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

I fixed the door lock illumination.

The bulb wires were cut so I replaced the bulb. The bulb I used was RadioShack 272-1141. it was an exact match to the original.

I have a full write up on my blog. http://chrischillino.com/2011/07/29/...-illumination/

ray green

iTrader: (14)

Loving the details Chris, you're doing it right. Very pretty.

I have never been able to figure out that door lock bulb, that's the ultimate maintenance item, nice work!

And it doesn't get any better than a well maintained stock GSL-SE interior:



Just one thing to consider, I know you have good reasons for going with the bonez exhaust system, which includes keeping a catalytic converter in there, which is admirable (and maybe even required up there in Colorado for inspection).

But I sure do love the RB systems and as far as stock looks, not to mention sound and performance. I don't think anything beats the look of the newer RB muffler tips, they are perfect for the car, very similar to stock only a bit better, in my opinion. Here's they are on a couple of my GSL's







Here's the street system for the 12A, very similar to what you'd put in your SE

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

I do have the RB muffler on the car. I have the old style so it has the slanted tips. I do really like the new style tips better but it probably isn't worth the cost just to have the new style tips. I ran the 12A system on my old car before I put the SP motor in the car. I agree it is a great system. The muffler I have on my car is over 15 year old and still running strong. I painted it and cleaned the tips and it looks great.

The main reason for me wanting to go with the bonez exhaust system is the stock look under the hood. I didn't really want the look of a header with every other thing there looking stock and restored. We don't have to worry about emissions here. I figure I should still have the good RB sound since I'm running the RB muffler.

It's a little dirty right now.

ray green

iTrader: (14)

Kudos for the stock look, it is the way to go.

I stayed with a stock header for my first 7 years with an FB using a bonez race pipe to replace the cats and the original stock muffler, which was doing just fine after 25 years.

But when I finally got around to switching it out for a header, I never looked back. Love the sound, love the look, and a few extra HP is just fine with me.

I'm curious about the "stock look under the hood" for the SE, all I know is the 12A header, which is just plain ugly. Got a pic of the stock SE header?

I like stock, but the RB header is one non-stock item I don't mind looking at.



And I like the way it lets me drain the oil without jacking the car up.

ray green

iTrader: (14)

Hey Chris, check this out. I knew the time of 7:09 showing on your clock in this picture was familiar



And sure enough in this video I made a few months ago highlighting the clarion system the clock shows the same time, 7:09. Weird, huh.

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

That is weird with the 7:09.

I'll take a pic of the stock header over lunch. It looks basically just like the 12A one with the heat shield covering it.

In the next two months, I should be getting basically everything to finish my car mechanically.

List:
-new front rotors
-hps pads
-brake hardware
-front wheel bearings
-ball joints
-inner and outer tie rods, idler arm, and pitman arm
-Bönez Performance Converter System
-cap and rotor

I also want to figure out two little things that I'm still trying to figure out. The washer light and low fuel light. The washer light is a problem with the sensor and the low fuel is the wire that comes out of the sensor. Over the weekend I tried to pull the washer sensor apart but I couldn't figure out how to. I got it removed from the reservoir but that was as far as I got.

ray green

iTrader: (14)

The washer light and the low fuel light on my current GSL and just about every other one I've had always act weird, to the point where they are not very reliable.

The low fuel light will come on once you get down to the last gallon or two, but then goes back off, then back on so it's hard to know just what it means. I find the needle gauge is more reliable and just go by that.

And the washer fluid light isn't much better, signalling low fluid when you take a turn too fast even though it's half full. I imagine it's something with the sensors being dirty or corroded, so it will be interesting to know what you find out and how you fix it.

Be sure to post lots of pics as your work progresses!

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

My washer light just stays on no matter how full it is. I'm guessing the float isn't working. If I disconnect the sensor, it turns off.

I would never use either of those lights for real info. I just wanted them to work because I'm getting every little thing working.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

i use the washer light for info..have for years. works great!! you may just want to try replacing the washer tank. the light being on would be super annoying!

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

Does a new washer tank include the sensor? It didn't look like it did to me. I may just need to start a want add for a good sensor.

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

Here is the SE's stock header:

ray green

iTrader: (14)

I know you love the stock look Chris and that's great, I'm all about stock myself. And your attention to details is fantastic, certainly an excellent philosophy.

Still, you might want to think about a couple of selective, fully reversible and often recommended upgrades, namely a moog idler arm and an RB header. I'm not arguing the RB is better than the bonez performance system, just some food for thought.

As a fringe benefit you will be able to drain your oil without jacking up the car.

Here's the view in my 85 GSL, the moog idler arm does away with those bushings that always wear out in favor of a ball joint.



A better view of the moog unit, which is actually less expensive than the stock oem part if bought from rock auto

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

I plan to go with the Moog idler arm for sure. This car has a really tight box and all my play is in the other steering components. Is it worth spending the extra money on the Moog tie rods or is it fine going with a cheaper brand? The price difference is only a few dollars each so if the Moog tie rods will last longer, I will go with them.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

the moog units are very nice Chris. i would spend the extra few bucks and get them. i will second Ray on the moog idler arm. the best out there!

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

Thanks. I will most likely be replacing all the parts I listed above in September. Hopefully I'll be getting the car painted and seat fixed this winter.

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

I redyed the floormats on Friday. I used Rit dye dark brown and they came out good. The passenger side still has a little green tinge to it. I figured the next thing I'll do is dye the carpet. I also gave the car a good cleaning since I put it into a car show on Saturday.

I'll get some pics in a day or two.

pjr

iTrader: (8)

I'm doing a carpet change too. painted/sprayed the bin covers, and found NOS for the deck. The big task will be the main carpet. Following along to learn from your mistakes! <jk>.

How did it go at the car show?

RX-7 Chris

iTrader: (19)

I wish I could find an NOS deck. Mine is in really good shape but I do have a little of the clear peeling. I may just try to reclear the deck. I have a spare deck I can test on.

The car show was informal with no awards.