Received my oil cooler from member jorx81@aol.com and it was IMHO in much better condition than described in his add in the classifieds, also received my washers and orings from mazdatrix as well, no pics yet due to dead camera but, in the next day or 2. Next parts to buy, filter pedestal from re-speed and a rear banjo bolt which brings me to a question,
Will the rear banjo bolt in the bee-hive work in the rear iron or should I get one else where?

Pics as promised

First up the new cooler
front w/lines
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10529-1332.jpg

back
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10529-1333.jpg

second orings and sealing washers
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10529-1334.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10529-1335.jpg

and finally my free driving lights are still a maybe
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10529-1338.jpg

thats all for now gunna start mounting the oil cooler later today. . . .

Oil cooler is mounted, lines are routed and loosely mounted now just waiting on the re-speed filter pedestal and it'll be ready to go then on to other things.

looks like you're making good progress.

Thank you for the kind words I do appreciate them, in preparation I got a new water temp gauge and am switching the other one to oil temp duty (was for use as either) didn't get pics of the cooler install as I ran out of daylight those tomorrow after noon but for now I offer pics of the gauge install.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10604-0849.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10604-0849.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10604-0849.jpg

I chose this location because it's easy to see and out of the way and (at least to me) is aesthetically pleasing,again cooler install pics tomorrow afternoon that's all for now.

In the midst of all the work being done to the 7 I have neglected to update my build thread so here goes,

I got the car up and running about 2 1/2 weeks with little to no drama after finally receiving the oil filter pedestal from re-speed after a lengthy wait however, this was no fault of there own as Canada had a postal workers strike but, it was well worth it as it is built to last (seriously it's a great piece with great craftsmanship) all this included a good cleaning of the engine and engine bay, a stereo install (found a good deal and had some parts lying around) new coolant hoses, water and oil temp gauges, mechanical oil pressure gauge, oil cooler lines, fuel pump, exhaust gaskets, and the oil cooler itself and promptly hit something in the road after just over a week of driving requiring some front end work (tie-rod adjusting sleeve) which went off with little to no drama as well. I will post some pics of this entire process in the next few days. That brings us to Saturday evening, after deciding to drive to work in the 7 I decide it's a good time to pop the hood and check the oil and other vital fluids on my break only to find what appears to be a small pool of oil on the front rotor housing at first dismissing at first as the oil fill cap being a tiny bit loose I decide to dry it up, come 11pm my shift ends and I drive home and decide to do the same thing as before this time with the engine at operating temp only to find the same oil puddle in the same place as before. It appears my poor 12a with 151k mi has possibly developed a dowel pin leak and is soon destined for a rebuild (a basic one at the very least to replace seals) sooner than originally planed, for the moment it's not to bad small and irritating making a mess of my once clean engine bay.

So more work ahead for my seven including rebuilding the engine, new radiator, brakes, electric fan, full suspension rebuild, new front tires, some body re-speed rack and pinion kit, right rear tail light, more interior refreshing, and maybe some body work. All this as time and funds allows, if the housings are toast and good 12a housings are not obtainable then a 4port 13b w/ RB Holley carb manifold and header swap will be my plan b. More as the situation unfolds and pics in the near future. . . . .

I am diggin' those driving lights, if you don't use them let me know :O
i have some 12a housings also, if you do need them later on down the line.

Here are the pics w/captions

out front after a quick drive
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1837.jpg

at night
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10729-0530.jpg

exterior
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1952.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1838.jpg

unfortunately came to find this
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1841.jpg

inside
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1838.jpg

w/stereo gauges and new knob
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1839.jpg

oil cooler in and functioning perfectly
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1841.jpg

re-speed pedestal and lines routing
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1839.jpg

painted my rad supports and cowl notched supports for oil lines still need a new rad
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1840.jpg

the leak of doom f%&* me
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1841.jpg

That's all the pics for now and a new development my starter has died and I'm
going to be unable to repair it for 2 weeks as I am heading out of town more as this develops.

p.s. mr.miles: if the lights don't go on I'll let ya know.

and just for giggles the one pic of me with my fb
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10803-1953.jpg

Ok so more work on the 7 today as I am dropping the starter, also replaced the taillight and center filler piece pics of the new stuff boneyard special $42 with tax

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10902-1428.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10902-1428.jpg

It seems my engine has had some sort of catastrophic failure and will not turn over at all almost like it's seized so time for a new powerplant so that is all for a while she will live again real soon as i have began sourcing a 13b 4 port (from japan2la) and all the rest of the necessary parts to make the swap.
More as I get parts and money.

Will post some pics soon suffice to say I'm in the tear-down faze and have removed just about everything except the block it's self. Going to start buying some swap components while putting back for a 13b. I've kinda decided to go ahead and get some upgrades for it as well since the one WILL be staying in the car and built up for street/track use, I'm debating weather to get the suspension done as well. More soon . . . .

Engine Removal Day ! ! !
 

So in preparation for the 13B swap in the works for my 7 today we removed the power-train from the chassis well here are some pics,

after break down (several weeks back)
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10919-1422.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10919-1423.jpg

Removal
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11129-1552.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11129-1553.jpg

Empty bay
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11129-1703.jpg

Engine and trans out
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11129-1703.jpg

Needless to say it didn't want to leave and fought just a tad bit but, now we're ready for the new engine to occupy that space as well as new motor mounts more as more happens.

update??

Sorta in a in a holding pattern due to weather, no garage so I'm at mother natures whim.
about all that has been done as of late was a full wash down on the engine bay in prep
the new engine. The original 12A is being retired due to an internal failure, it's getting a
13B 4 port and while it's out were doing some power and reliability mods such as RB Holley
and headers, full custom exhaust, new radiator, dual alt pulley, and full emissions removal
just to name a few, also have a bad tail-shaft seal so I'm addressing that as well. Hoping
to get all the parts on order after X-mas. Before all the stuff with the engine going south I
had bought a few audio components for an absolute steal at a thrift store so, I did get my
sound system done as well as snagging a WAY better set of seats at the pick'n'pull. I'll try
to upload some pics of that a bit later and parts pics as they arrive. I intend to paint the front
cross member and a few other things as the weather improves. I also intend to get a bit of the
suspension redone as funding allows and first two items on that list are new front tires and a
proper alignment. I won't be able to get much done in the near future IF we get snow but, I'm
really hoping we don't and the weather man is wrong. Pics of some of the small stuff I've got done ASAP. . . . .

So hopefully I will be getting some small things done tomorrow such as, painting the exhaust heat-shields and engine cross member (and a few other things while I'm at it), reinstalling the grill and tail-lights (which I decided to tint as well) repair the rear center piece with a nice re finish, install my led driving lights and tie-rod end link caps, finalize my gauge install in the center console (even I admit that my current way is not that great), and run some wire loom over to make it all more ascetically pleasing in the engine bay. I also want to snap a few pics of my finished stereo install, new seats and all the rest of it. Looking like mid February to early March as far as getting her back on the road. More as time, funds, and, parts allow.

P.S.
How well do the DIY tint kits work and hold up as I received one as a gift and have been debating weather to use it or not just curious.

BIG STATUS UPDATE ! !

The engine has been purchased, I went through Japan2LA and got a low mile Jspec 13B 4 port from a 78' Luce (pics upon arrival) to which I will be swapping to a set of RB street headers, intake, 465 Holley and, air cleaner. I'm going FULL emissions delete, custom exhaust dual alt pulley, new radiator, and belts. More to come and a few pics.

nice, that 13b will serve you well. I love what you have been doin to the 7. its in good hands lol

I appreciate the complements, and if not for reading some other build threads, those 2 things are keeping me motivated. I have an image in my head of what I want the finished product of my labor to look like and I'm gunna get there eventually. Also I feel like I owe my best effort to such a great car.

Well we've hit a snag after a compression test the engine that was gunna be headed my way
didn't pass with a 70 psi on one rotor so Brian gave me a full refund today and apologized for
the inconvenience and I appreciate his honesty so for now I am hunting for a power plant for my 7.

In search of a 13b 4 port na preferable 6port ok MUST RUN READY DROP IN 12a if 13b not available.

So I've been promising some progress pics and finally got an opportunity to
upload some to my photobucket so here they are. . . .

First up front end work:

new tie rod end caps (all 4), idler-arm bushings, and painted x-member

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11231-1433.jpg

sway bar end-links did all front sway bar bushings

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11231-1350.jpg

next some interior stuff:

bone yard seats high backs
before covers

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11015-1714.jpg

with cheapo cover on one

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11015-1719.jpg

still need installed pics but much better than what I started with

new steering wheel Grant Classic 3 spoke

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...10921-1338.jpg

and what I feel I put the most effort into
my center console/stereo surround

for this I used epoxy and a piece of plexiglass
decided to repaint it while I was at it

in progress
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20101-1937.jpg

a little test fit
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20107-2300.jpg

finished with gauges
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20118-1825.jpg

a couple installed
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20121-1439.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20120-1634.jpg

I feel it's pretty decent and looks way better than my temporary solution.

Just some of the small stuff while I gear up for the swap also did the stereo
finishing bits (subs amp and wiring) pics soon on that stuff. Also put all the
gauge and stereo wiring lines and wires in some split loom.
Just thought I'd share my minor progress. More as I get more done. . ..

nice job on the surround :nod:

you going to degrease and shine up that engine bay before the transplant ?

I'm definitely going to get the engine bay a bit cleaner but, that's after the 3rd scrub down and right now I am kinda waiting on the new engine as mentioned above so I have time to kill.
Thanks for the compliments helps keep me going when things get tough.

A bit of an update with some pics and questions and such,

So decided to do some work on the trans that needed to be done,
to start with the return spring was busted so I got to pulling the
old busted one out, I'll get pics and a write up up soon cause this
is way easier than most of the write ups I read made it seem but,
I'm gunna get the parts to get it functioning right and not leaking.

Next is the stereo install pics the head unit is in the pics above
and I don't have any of the speakers right now but, those will be
with the additional pics of the sub box but, on with a couple pics

Got a great deal on a 400w amp and 2 8" dhd subs should be more
than enough for me now pics

amp with passenger seat out
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11008-1722.jpg

with seat in
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11008-1736.jpg

and the one crappy pic of my home built box
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...11121-2256.jpg

The whole thing sounds pretty darn good and hits pretty hard
to boot so I'm pretty happy. That's all my progress for now so
on with my ideas and questions.

First as I stated above my engine deal sorta fell through cause of
the engine having bad compression, oh well on with the next ideas
so, I still want to go 13b 4 or 6 port but, I want to STAY with a carb
due to time and budget limitations and the fact I like the nostalgia
and challenge of a carb. Now my first question is how important are
the 5th/6th port actuators on a 6 port if I go carbed how much power
will I loose or gain without them?

The reason for question 1 is my next question, originally the plan was
to go with an RB Holley and intake but, no the 6 port set up for this you
loose the 6 port actuators but, with the Weber uim and carbs you can
keep the 6 port actuators, now I'm a tad new at this and I have been
searching all over with no luck I just want some pros and cons of each.

Next, if I go 6 port I need the 12a front cover, GSL SE oil-pan and pick up,
or can I use the 12a one, Rb front mount plate but, can I use the fly-wheel
from the 6 port with my FB trans and is there any thing else I need to make
this work?

Finally is this, if all else fails are there any good engine builders in the lower
N.M. upper west TX area if not how about ABQ. area?

Some more pics soon and more work as I do more. In the mean time I have
been helping my dad with his 1968 Chevy El Camino 327 he's resto-modding.
Pics if you ask. Later for now.

P.S.
System specs are as follows
H/U: JVC KDR420
amp:Powerzone 400w 2 channel
Front: Pioneer 4"
Rear: JVC 6.5"
Subs:2 8" DHD 300w in custom sealed enclosure

I feel the same way.

good work on the interior.!

where did you get the grant wheel? any pronblems mounting it ?

@ High carb: thanks and there's some parts I'm prowling the classifieds for to really finish it up like a not completely fried dash board I gotta redo the rear panels and a few things but, it's coming along.

@ourxseven: the steering wheel was picked up at my local Autozone but, most parts houses carry them round $30-40 bucks depending and mounting was easy no problems just get the FC hub from Summit racing and it'll bolt right up this wheel uses part # GRT-3597 and it's $18 plus shipping. that hub is different from the other billet ones out there so get that part #.

UPDATE ! !
No pics as of the moment but have an engine on the way from a forum member, a 12A large street port with ALOT of extras from RX-7Chris (thanks again man) a box of parts from mazdatrix for the trans as well as fresh plug wires and plugs (already had these), installed a fresh set of ACCEL Super Stock Coils. Pics upon arrival.

The last 2 days have been very productive as far progress, installation of
all the extras that came in the set up from Chris.

Day 1, began FC fuse box install, started fuel pump wiring with relay and
cut switch, mounted the Carter fuel pump, Holley adj. fpr, all fan wiring with
relay, and new battery installation.

Day 2, finished wiring up the FC fuse box, fuel pump wiring and connected the
amp wiring to the FC fuse box, the day culminated in the installation of the engine
and transmission. Also connected the engine harness, ignitors, slave cylinder connected
all my gauges and the ran out of time while I had light then the sun set and I had
to call it a day.

Hoping I can get it fired up tomorrow before work, first things to do
is put the alternator back on and hook up the wiring, hook up the oil
cooler, install the radiator and hoses, add fluids, connect the starter,
install the exhaust and then, we should be good to give it a go.

Pics real soon got a bunch to upload but, been real busy getting this in
and ready to fire up and finally take her for a test drive.

More real soon.

Ok still got some more pics to grab before I post them all but, we got it going and it's bad ass I seriously love this engine the exhaust is awesome it sounds great runs sweet and makes my fb scoot. I may post a video. Found I have a coolant leak from my bottom radiator hose on the top side by the water pump and the thing is my bottom hoses were brand, my one off the last motor was only on for a couple hundred miles and it leaked in the same spot as this new one I'm confused. More as I do more.

I'm glad the motor is running great.

Where exactly is the coolant leak? Could it be coming from the short hose that goes to the heater core?

I have 2 it seems one is straight from the top part of the bottom rad hose on the pump side almost like the hose clamp isn't sealing the hose, not sure why the other seems to be coming from behind the pump itself like the gasket is leaking, oddly just a drip at idle more under load. No biggie on either the hose is the more annoying because I picked up ANOTHER new hose and it's leaking in the same spot, the other I figured is just from sitting a while, this was something I meant to do before stabbing it in. Some gasket paper and silicon and it oughta be good to go on that part, the hose may require some creativity, my dad told me about an old dirt track racers trick where you put some hi-temp silicon in the rad hose and on the fitting clamp it all down and let it cure and it should fix it. Real soon I'm gunna get some RB silicon hoses. . . . maybe. I do know this, it is a great engine lots on tap, runs smooth pulls great, well worth the expenditure.

And we have the pics
 

So haven't got much done but, ALL coolant leaks have stopped but, I bring you the much promised pics, gunna get some more now that she's back in one piece,

Radiators and coils,
_______________
Rad after a rod and repair good as new
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20222-1629.jpg

went with ACCEL Super Stock
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20216-1706.jpg

The day the new engine, exhaust, and, accessories arrived,
_______________________________________________

2.5" with Magnaflows
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20223-1357.jpg

12A large street port RB Holley carb, intake, headers and alot more I can't quote off the top of my head
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20223-1357.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20223-1357.jpg

Some of the install prep,
___________________

Re-Speed filter pedastal
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20224-1430.jpg

Engine mounts
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20224-1457.jpg

Coils and fc fuse box
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20227-1749.jpg

Holley FPR w/pressure gauge
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20227-1749.jpg

Carter comp Fuel pump
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20227-1750.jpg

My dad helping move the power-train for install, after trans engine mating
(note I post this one under threat of possible bodily harm (lol))
____________________________________
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20228-1649.jpg
Thanks to my dad for helping me with this

After getting the new engine in it's new home,
____________________________________
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...20302-1530.jpg

Looks good.

I would recommend moving the fuel pump so it is pointing down. I had it mounted up by the rear end. You may burn it out with the way you have it mounted. Give me a call if you have any questions.

Here is a pic of where it was installed:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/m...d/DSCN1330.jpg

After getting to drive her for a while an unfortunate event happened, my slave cylinder went and took my clutch with it, fried it luckily I had a spare that was only lightly used from the other engine so up on stands she went for a clutch swap and slave rebuild. Should have her back up and running within the week.

Got her all back together friday and been driving her around and the clutch/slave cylinder was definitely the problem, hooks up real nice now, also fixed the reverse light switch so now I have back-up lights again yay. recived some free donations from forum member YellowT2 and put them in, next day off they will get repainted then some pics.

Just figured I'd post a little update, haven't done a lot lately accept the t-stat install my 3/8" fuel feed line and tracked down my leak, turned out to be on my temp probe in the back of the water pump, fixed with thread seal tape. Finally got to take her out and open her up recently and I must say this thing pulls great to read line in all gears and will launch pretty hard. Love how the car feels with this engine set up.

glad the car is working good.

Chris I must say, you built the power-plant and set up I was dreaming my 12a to be and I owe a thanks to you for helping bring my project together and keeping it alive. Found an unfortunate problem today, the used tires on the front have decided to go belly up, left front has bubbled and that means I need new front tires on the front before I send her on a truck to my new location, otherwise she's ready for the trip.

Been a while since I updated and hadn't I figured now was a good time. Not much has really been going on with the 7 lately as winter is here, swaped in a 6.5 powervale due to a high rpm cut out, did that and boom problem solved. Now she purrs like a kitten and pulls all the way through red line. That's all for now till we get a few warmer days and I get some cash.

I never have posted a video but, no time like the present so made this today ENJOY!!
Attachment 686111

Well damn it that video obviously didn't work so lets try that again and toss up some recent pics as well shall we, then a quick status report. First pics,

Some of the outside:
Attachment 685174

Attachment 685175

Attachment 685176

Attachment 685177

Attachment 685178

Inside:
Attachment 685179

Attachment 685180

Attachment 685181

Attachment 685182

And a few more and a video,

Driver view:
Attachment 685169

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...119_143802.jpg

Engine bay:
Attachment 685170

Attachment 685171

Attachment 685172

And a short video:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...108_151838.jpg

Now with that out of the way here's the deal, took her for a drive to get some lunch about 20mi round trip mixed highway and city she ran great the whole time except, the front u-joint died finally in one loud pop, so gotta get that done. That's it for now.

O.K. one more:
Attachment 685173

Ah yes so got my driveshaft back and can't put it in due to weather so. . . yea for now lets add a couple pics

Attachment 684116

Attachment 684117





Attachment 684118

So reassembled and wasn't the issue seems something in the rear is busted more ad the story unfolds.

the car is looking and sounding good.

Wow can't belive it had been quite some time sincw my last update, due to weather and cash flow my project has come to a temporary halt. Winter kicked my butt the worst as not having indoor workspace I couldn't get outside, not to mentionit was a wet one and spring so far has been the same unfortunately. This week my Dad and I are going to wire up my brother-in-law's Jeep and get it finished for him then we are starting in the 7 so hopefully soon I will have a more exciting update and funds and time willing suspension, brake, and tire and wheel upgrades will soon be next on the list. As far as the shocks/springs, I am seriously considering the T3 coilovers seem like a good product at a decent price. Now I haven't quite decided weather to do the paint and body myself or farm it out yet, any thoughts from those reading? More soon . . . And thanks for the kind words Chris.

Sent using RX7Club for Android.

Ok 2 part update,
First picked up a back-up rear end should be here within the week turns out more is wrong than wheel barrings more when it gets here and we tear everything out.
Second, my wife is pregnant! The last couple weeks have been hectic since finding out, with doctors appointments and all. More on THAT as we find out more. Another rotor-head in the making. . .

Sent using RX7Club for Android.

New update, I ate some gear teeth.
I'll let pics do the talking,


Attachment 511136

Up close on the ring-gear,


Attachment 511137

Chunks of teeth


Attachment 511138

And the painted replacement,


Attachment 511139
Needs another coat of paint, wheel cylinders, and lines and it's ready to go in, hope to have her back up and running very very soon.

Sent using RX7Club for Android.

So life has gotten in the way of getting this done, and now with NE Ok. getting snow it wull be some time before I have a chance to get this buttoned up. More when I get some time and a weather break.

New rear is in, need to get brakes assembled and bled and the rear drive shaft yoke changed out, all this when the weather warms up.