Adventures with my FC
 

Here I go! Not exactly a build thread quite yet but hopefully I can add more content to this thread at a good going rate.

So I bought an HJC AR-10 helmet last week from http://www.motorhelmets.com/ and was able to finally try on a fresh helmet for myself. I picked it up on Tuesday and got these stickers made yesterday.

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/...bee/photo2.jpg

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/...ee/photo-1.jpg

I bought the FC in June 2009 and was glad to see that most things were not broken. It had 157k and about 50k on the rebuild (it's probably going to be time for that again soon).

I joined this forum and was overwhelmed by everyone's helpfulness and the wealth of information available here :icon_tup: A big thank you to all who have answered any questions that I've had. I'm also trying to join Drifting Pretty.

A couple of things were replaced, standard stuff, and the only performance mods so far are a Koyo rad and RB catback. Had a smog battle with the state of California and won. Before the exhaust was replaced :egrin:

I managed to learn how to hook up the wiring harness for a new Alpine headunit and was very pleased with my success at doing so.

I have no plans on a turbo swap as this car is going to be a DD at some point and I would actually like to keep this for a long time. In the event that I make more money, I will definitely get another car.

This Saturday is autox day at Fontana's Auto Club Speedway. I will be there but will be spectating. In February, there is another autox day and that is when I plan to participate. Taking into account lots of everyone's advice around here, I will experience the car in stock form as much as possible before proceeding with the suspension upgrades that I would like to have. At this time I have my eye on Tanabe GF210s and Tokico Illuminas, however it will be a while before I reach the limit in stock form.

Somewhat longer term plans include tracking the car every once a while and learning how to drift. It will be an item of amusement but I don't foresee it as an active pursuit. It's namely to experience how the car feels in such extreme situations. I would like to regularly autox and, of course, do my best to get good.

Long term plans are to work in the racing industry, not necessarily racing, but to be somehow involved in keeping it alive. Be it at a racing school, a parts manufacturer, or even on the racetrack (lol have to be positive), it would be great. I already work for a technical school that offers training for commercial drivers and automotive repair-- to top it off, our director had a first gen back in the 70s and we've had conversations about it and he has occasioned tracks and autox before...

Anyway, it's a long post and I will post photos when I pick more up.

Awesome ^_^

Sounds like you're going to get all the enjoyment you can out of it :D
I was kinda similar with my base.. Slowly doing and learning more [and working on some 2nd RX-7 half the time]

I put my short shifter in on Sunday :nod:

Unfortunately I have yet to drive it since the garage door is broken and the car is stuck inside for the time being...

The helmet is fresh

go sarah!! :bigthumb: i'm jealous! i know you had some interest in the tokico illuminas 5-way with some racing beats and i have to admit (before i threw on these blown coilovers :lol: ) that they felt good when i had them with the eibach springs/intrax too. if not settling right away for coilovers, spring and shock combo would be a nice ride for your track day. if not, take it as is (that is, when you're able to get out of the garage)! :awesome:

:wave:

Thank you!

:lol: Going stock for a while until I get frustrated with it!

:jump:

So I got to drive today and I am thoroughly pleased with the short throw. It's going to take a bit of getting used to but it is awesome and I'm looking forward to the potential for quicker shifting.

Now to find a weighted shift knob. I think S5 is supposed to be 10x1.25 so I'm having a wonderfully crappy time looking for this. I like the design of the Skunk2/Blox one-- unfortunately Skunk2 apparently no longer manufactures 10x1.25 and Blox is totally out of stock from their own parent store (looking for the gun metal, no funky colors for me).

Rx8 knobs got some weight to them, personally i think there the best knobs.

GO white FCs!!!!! lol

get a stock FD shiftknob. ;] like me! hahah

I will probably do that.

at least find somebody to lend you one. it has a small weight but not as heavy as the S5 shiftknob. =P and i'm sure you know already know that feels. LOL

https://www.rx7club.com/west-sale-wanted-classifieds-195/89-gxl-937813/

not the mazdaspeed FD one wrapped in leather but maybe that's weighted too?

:lol: I actually arranged a purchase with him yesterday! Thank you for your efforts Kent :nod:

Definitely likin the helmet!

... and by the way... Nismo shift knobs are the way to go! I love mine, haha.

Picked up an RB front sway bar, Tanabe GF210s w/ KYB AGXs, and a gopro camera set up :boink: None of the suspension is going in very soon until after a bit of autox. I am planning on getting the prothane bushings kit eventually and I am highly aware that I do not have the tools for that venture.

Also hoping to have made it on the registration list for Feb 12 at Autoclub Speedway. Very anxious about that.

I am very poor today!

dooooeeeeet!!!! :bigthumb: :bigthumb: i was thinking about doing a random track day this year but with this summer's jazz accordion band tour on the east coast, i need to save monnies for that. :(

have fun and be sure to update this ASAP! :D

I forget to mention it's for autox! The car is not ready for track! Also, you remind me that I need to get a battery hold down thing.

Jazz = cool.

hypertek approves =p

The little $5 strap at Wal-Mart is the way to go, easy to set-up.... and it's only $5.

And have fun at AutoX... thinkin I might do a couple events this season, I haven't done one since 08, and forgot how much fun they were... and now I'm turbo! :)

^ Great. I will buy this. Also, looks like I made it onto the registration :D

Turbo is for when I have more money :lol:

So this weekend turned out to be the most epic weekend I've ever had racing.

Friday-- unexpected good lap at K1 Anaheim
Saturday-- autox at Autoclub Speedway for first time ever
Sunday-- part 2 of Jim Hall Karting class and gained exactly 3 seconds from the last time I was there

Met lots of cool people on Saturday and Sunday that helped me pass tech and learn random but important things. I was very pleased with running my stock FC and even happier to be hitting redline all day long :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Unfortunately, my boyfriend's car ran on Saturday also and may now be facing a blown head gasket :(

Ouch :( Glad you had fun though!

http://www.vrwheels.com/bbs-rs-non-stagger-p-3345.html

Perhaps I will buy when I have the monies! And after I burn my current tires out...

you can even make them wider too by buying some wider outer barrels. :drool:

I say spend the extra $150 and get a nice staggered set that's wider. Cuz in AutoX, your tires can not be too wide. And you can find those RS's in a better size (like 16x8, 16x9) Cuz you'll regret only doing 7" after a month or so. I know I did! I bought some 17x7 non-staggered and almost immediately regretted that choice, haha.

Even these are only $50 more and you get an extra inch in the rear... absolutely worth the extra $$$
http://www.vrwheels.com/bbs-rs-p-3528.html

This is the best shift knob I have used so far, If you are still looking for one.

https://www.rx7club.com/picture.php?...ictureid=32957

It's a Razo Ultra low shift knob. sits flush with the top of the shifter rod and weighs 350g awesome feel and i don't even have a short shifter

More Photos please. Even better Vids!

I really like that look that you suggested (someone at SS13 did theirs staggered with the vert wheels at 16x7.5 and 16x8.5). I just really want to avoid any fender rolling (also concerned about rub on tanabe gf210s that I haven't put in yet) and I've chosen to maintain stock body. I mean, I'm definitely not the hella flush type but the biggest the wheel well can get away with without fender rolling would be nice.

Thank you, looks fine and has the weight I was going for. Decided to do this later though, not really high priority.

I just bought a go pro and a new laptop :bigthumb: AND today was payday. I'm actually planning to head to Best Buy after work for a better SD card and a new battery.

And also, I know some girls going to Willow Springs for Just Drift tomorrow. I will definitely get video :D

With that size, you wouldn't have to. I have 8-9" staggered with a +22 offset. I had to do a little tire stretch, but still fits nice and snug in there with no rolling. With 7.5 and 8.5, I'd be willing to bet you could squeeze some 225s up front and 245s in the rear. (Just a guess)

Mazdatrix bushing kit (Energy Suspension?) going in today! Along with Tanabe GF210s and KYB AGX :D :D

Sarah, Prosolo apr 9, you doing it?

^ No, wasn't planning to, I'm going on April 30. But now I'm broke again!

Should come out to watch anyway! :)

^Yeah, Max want's an audience for when he schools those slow turbo Miata, Vettes, Lotuses, and fire breathing FD's. Kick some SSM butt dude.

LOL, it's going to be quite some time and many checks later that it becomes a contender!

I'm bringing the elementary school desk and crayons.

Hahah I'll have to decide whether I should watch the coilover install I was going to be at or watch prosolo...

So I got me those rear toe eliminators also :egrin: Can't wait to autox again. Probably still won't get good times but fuuuuuu it's gonna be a blast.

:jump:

Nothing to worry about, just keep the times consistent if not improving, and you're golden!

nice to see you're making progress!

+1

The only person you ever need to try and beat is yourself

Thanks :lol: can't wait, I just registered for April 30! Or rather, put myself on the waitlist.

YES! :mspank:

So thinking of these Kei Office wheels...

http://www.memoryfab.com/wheels/used/20091218133146

Johnson, if I am able to come up to El Toro on Saturday, would you be able to assist me in recommendations on what the hell to do about the the front springs rubbing? I'll return the favor with lunch or something, us FC owners could always use an extra bottle of oil.

Sure! Should be an easy fix :)

Coolant leak right before I go out of state for a couple of days... looks like no Solo2 for me this month :tear:

It's coming out of the top rad hose so I decided that I'll be picking up Samcos for replacement, hopefully in red if Evasive Motorsports, relatively nearby, has them in stock. Bummed about withdrawing but excited for some sexy hoses! I'm just trying to remind myself that there are events throughout the year...

Any updates Sarah?

^ Hoses and thermostat are in the mail but I'm trying to figure out if I can get this done locally when I get back next Tuesday.

And now there's a funky noise coming from the clutch/transmission (?). It sounds like a screeeeee noise, not penetratingly loud but kinda chirpy. It only occurs sometimes. More to fix!

^ Is it in neutral with the clutch out?

Swapping the thermostat and hoses are actually pretty easy if you're on a budget.

It happens when in gear, definitely not in neutral. It doesn't matter if I'm on the throttle or not. It also appears to be in all gears. Except reverse, but I haven't looked into that.

Do I just drain the coolant and then pop out everything in the way (I'm only aware of the airway sitting on top of the radiator)? Not sure what else I need to remove. Also, doesn't the coolant need to be re-pressurized and the thermostat tested all fancy like?