Reckless_Panda

Sun Aug 06, 2017

Well the engine bay is painted!! \/

I know I was on the fence about colour but I ended up with the Mazda Snowflake Pearl 25D and I love it (Rest of the car will eventually be this colour) If you're close to Ipswich QLD go and talk to Rod from Paint Place in West Ippy... the guy was a legend and walked me through the whole process and even marked ratios and qty's on the tins for me.

Started off early Saturday morning and it was way too cold to attempt to paint, we didn't want any blushing of the paint to occur so instead spent the morning picking up the engine and gearbox from my Old Mans place to waste some time and get ready for engine install in a few weeks.

Come 1pm and I was sick of waiting, so **** it, just gonna send it. Mixed up my base coat of Snowflake Pearl 1:1 with a splash of hardener and using my SCA 600ml Gravity fed gun I got to work! It ended up being about 7 coats in total

Wax and Grease Remover - Diggers
3 x Base Coats - 1:1
2 x Pearl - 1:1
2 x Clear - 4:1

I gotta say, with some good advice from my FIL, not bad for my first time on the gun. I reckon a solid 6.5/10 maybe even a 7 for quality (way better than I was expecting anyway) Few runs down lower in the Trans tunnel out of sight where it was hard to stretch my wrist & I got a bit frisky but apart from that I managed to jag the rest and I actually really enjoyed painting. Now to wait for it to cure and then paint the sub-frame & brake boost in solid black.

Reckless_Panda

Sun Aug 06, 2017

Saturday wasn't without its drama... My dickhole neighbour watched me spray paint all afternoon and immediately after I finished up at 4pm he proceeded to start up his digga and commence earth moving for his patio extension... F**&&&&%%#&$KKKKKKK

Not even a heads up, or warning! So it was all hands on deck, I yelled out to my wife for help and we quickly fashioned the Engine Bay Tee Pee using the engine crane all while shooting daggers through the fence LOL!! (I was quietly impressed with the make shift cover it can stay for the duration of the paint curing)

I guess it could have been worse and he could have started earthmoving while I was half way through spraying so there is a silver lining. It's the little wins.

Reckless_Panda

Sun Aug 06, 2017

Sunday was a cruisy day.... I had planned on picking up the Engine, Trans and then the new exhaust but since the engine move was already ticked off the list, It was just a short drive to Browns Plains to pick up the new (used) exhaust

It doesn't look great Aesthetically but don't let the surface rust fool you, this thing is 10 times better than my current one, and the dump matches the S5 turbo that I bought (Not sure if I've mentioned that one yet)

Little bit of sand paper and some heat wrap around the dump and this thing will be a winner.... still mild steel but so much lighter than my frankenstein exhaust.

Reckless_Panda

What was meant to be a quick tidy up and a fun daily driver has now turned into a full on wallet raping... 8) I've bought a few more bits for the FC.

S5 High Flow Turbo
- I sold that stupidly large turbo and I did want the GT35 but my budget is spreading thin these days and just wanted a punchy turbo capable of 250kw without paying drug $$ for it... this thing fits the bill nicely, no shaft play and the housing has already been
polished! Other benefits are I can use the OEM exhaust Mani, wastegate and exhaust.


Final Konnexion Full Body Kit
- This thing is in half decent condition, one of the side skirts is cracked and the front bar needs some glass but nothing overly difficult to repair. I love the look, To me it looks very similar to the GP
Sports except the front bar bottom section doesn't flare out as much, a little bit understated when compared to say a BN sports kit.

LTX8 + Loom
- This purchase was 100% necessary as I wanted to run the HEC Coils I bought a while back. Pissed me off having to buy the exact same ECU to replace my LT8 but it wasn't too badly priced. Now to re-wire this bish into the car... add it to the mile long list of things to do..... *sigh* I keep having to repeat to myself "Enjoy the Process Ben"

Reckless_Panda

Mon Aug 14, 2017

Decided to get this black painting all finished up so I can attempt to put in the engine and Trans on Ekka Wednesday!

I had always planned on running the Brake Booster, Sub-Frame and Wiper motor as a solid black and then run the manifolds polished, but after seeing the polished cast against the white pearl it looked horrible.... So only one thing I could do... Paint Everything Black! \/ \/

My son was eager to earn some pocket money so I gave him the job of sanding and degreasing the UIM... Teaching him the value of prep work... and I honestly didn't want to do any more sanding so it worked well hahahaha

IMO Spraying solid is Soooooo much easier than a pearl... Why the **** didn't I just do the engine bay a solid white! hahahaha

End result is good... it was the desired outcome anyway... the Black Contrast against the white. It should look great once the engine is in.

Reckless_Panda

We are all caught up now! Updates will continue as they happen

Reckless_Panda

Had big plans of putting in the engine yesterday but just one little turbo gasket stopped the whole process...

Note to self - Make sure you have all the parts prior to starting a job.

The day wasn't wasted though, I ended up tidying the OEM Turbo Lines... I really want to use some Speedflow fittings and run braided line but at $25 each fitting I figure the OEM ones will be fine for now. Gave them a quick spray of Black Export but I honestly don't expect that to last very long given the heat in that area.... Will look good for one photo opp though.

Also thanks to KYPREO giving some solid advice on water routing I went ahead & blocked off the Water Ports in the block using the guide found here... If it wasn't for people still active on the forums and how-to guides written in the past I'd be screwed on this build.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...intake-990704/

I used some wet & dry on the ports and cleaned them up with a rag and wax/grease remover.

Repco sell 20mm welch plugs for $3 each, and I just used the Permatex Aviation No. 3 as a sealant (I know there's probably plenty of other better sealants but this one was available yesterday and got pretty good reviews on forums)

Now to focus on Getting this Engine into the car.

Reckless_Panda

Quick little update prior to turning spanners this weekend. Picked up some fresh OEM parts for the build. R.E Engineered sourced the Mounts for me & Mazcare at Rocklea took care of me at short notice for the gaskets.

New Engine Mounts (FBY1-39-040)
New Transmission Mounts (FBY1-39-340)
New Exhaust Gaskets - Mazcare OEM


Just general maintenance stuff but easy to knock on the head now while the engine is out. Would suck to have to do these 6 months down the track.

Reckless_Panda

Engine is now in!

THE GOOD

Engine prep went well, took my time, followed the torque specs in the manual and came out with a win. I ended up cutting the flange from the OEM hard line & then used the Rear Iron as 'turbo water supply' & I used the nipple pre-thermostat for the 'turbo water return'. All fresh gaskets & crush washers were used to put this thing back together.. hopefully I see no leaks spring up from the turbo or manifold.

After seeing the black hose installed, it will do the job for sure. but it does look a bit...... meh. I'll definitely be sourcing some Aeroflow fittings, braided line and some P-clips or similar to secure the hose, but for now they can stay.

Engine Install had my wife on deck to help ease this thing into the engine bay... She did really well working the crane and I sat in the engine bay manipulating the assembly into position... Forward, Down, Forward, Down... Repeat.

I'm loving the black contrast against the white engine bay now and really happy I chose to go down this path. Really makes that Polished turbo pop.


THE BAD

Bad is the wrong word but thought a few things were worth noting for my own benefit or anyone else going through a similar build.

I hulk smashed the turbo oil supply banjo bolt, using the torque specs in the manual, but I think either the bolt was old or my torque wrench couldn't find tension. No big drama here, just replaced the banjo bolt and used a reasonable amount of force to nip it up.

This weeks dodgy report includes the steering column! FFS... I always though it was way too short.. and I now know why.. It goes on short & then extends into position to lock it off on both FULL splines with a bolt through the middle. My original setup was hanging on by a few threads on the spline still in the short position loose as.. At any moment that could have fallen off and then I'd really be F*&KED... After the recent tragedy at Roll Racing I'd say these kind of things are super important.

It's all fixed up now though and I feel safer pushing this thing through some corners now.

teeson

best part of a build, post paint reassembly. looks good!

Reckless_Panda

Haha Definitely! I'm trying to figure out a way to keep it this clean forever!

YLD 78U

Any updates since?

Just gone through and noticed its a been a few months

Reckless_Panda

Hey mate.. no major updates yet but I'm gearing up to attack the rest of the build soon Few posts on aus rotary I have to push over as well.

Reckless_Panda

Well that has been a crazy few months.... Italian Festival Of Motorsport, Excel Cup Series, Norwell Park, GC600, J-spec Drag Day and of course my absolute favourite.... WTAC 2017! It has definitely given me motivation to get mine running after watching people enjoy their cars and mine being up on stumps.

Zero progress from where I last left it, threw a cover over the engine and just hand crank with some greenkeepers oil every couple of weeks... so I Thought I would start off slow by looking at this V-Mount setup...

I was never 100% happy how the FMIC turned out, it just looks out of place and I doubt it's going to work with my new front bar. So I've been mocking up some 3D concepts using the items I already have (Intercooler & Radiator) and see which variation would work/fit. That support/brace tube definitely throws a spanner in the works so I'm thinking of cutting it, and reusing it but welding some mounting flanges so I can position it higher and mount the Oil Cooler on that.

If you go under, you definitely risk clipping the bottom of the radiator on a mountain run or speed bumps. Over would work but the angle of the radiator pushes it out the nose a lot and leaves little room to mount the oil cooler. I'm thinking of going with the cut and modify approach... Bit more work but I think the end result will look a lot neater... just not sure how to do the Rad Piping yet.... I'm sure there's a flexi-hose solution for that though. The other optin is push the intercooler back and install where the AC condenser used to sit....

Bit more work to do on the job then it's back on to the RX7 full time over December and Christmas!

Reckless_Panda

Ahhhhh Christmas Holidays! No better time to give everything a clean up and start fresh for 2018!

Before I could even attempt to start working on the 7, the workspace needed a bloody good tidy up and a tool check (my system was thrown out the window end of last year and it was a mess!) Also the car got a quick bath and wash down as it got quite filthy over winter...... It took a full day with the Gerni but well worth it in the end!

Also on a side note, my wife decided to do a thing and sold her 300kw E85 fuelled Evo 8 for a Very tame but very new Evo X Final Edition! .... She decided to call her WENCHY

Now to get stuck in a get this RX7 running so I'm not put to shame by the bloody evos.

Reckless_Panda

Well Fuuccckkkkkkkkk Me.... It's funny how much you forget after 3-4 months of not working on your car!

I literally had no idea where to start, so I poured a cup of coffee and wrote a big bloody list.... and then wrote a second list HAHA! Still so much to do to get done before turn key but I'm hoping I can knock it on the head by March for a tune!

Started by routing the Front Engine harness back in it's OEM position.... I would love to do a wire tuck of some sort to keep the engine bay nice and tidy.. Might have to research that one a little more and see how difficult it is....

Secondly, my wife Sar cleaned up/sanded the old Oil Cooler and brake lines giving them a fresh coat of paint prior to us installing them back on the car in OEM position... just little things that are easy to do while they are off the car. The Oil cooler has been repaired in the past but the tig welds are really nice so it looks professional... it can stay for now until I can afford a Mishi oil cooler.

And lastly for the weekend, the interior looked at me funny so I gutted the car.....

Seriously though, I always had a bad feeling that even if I ran new ECU and new engine etc the car would still have some legacy bullshit hidden behind the dash that would screw up everything, so I made the call to pull everything out... The Dash and the carpet just to make sure that electrically, this car will be solid with fresh new wiring for the ECU and also ditch any stuff I don't need.

And I know I'll get a bit of hate for this one but for ***** n gigs I threw an S15 dash in the car... personally I think it looks awesome... just have to see how much of a ball ache it would be to re-wire everything to work... I always seem to make this project bigger instead of smaller.... LOL

Reckless_Panda

So yep, this is happening. S15 Dash conversion.... Just need to find a VSS from an FD RX7 now which seems a bit harder to find 2nd hand.

Reckless_Panda

And suddenly the love was back! Funny how a few panels can change your perspective on the whole build. Spent the day nipping up brake/clutch lines, Installing the Insulated Battery Junction (Ashdown Ingrams $20) & installing the UIM/Throttle Body.... I'm trying my best with the Harness because OEM routing is horrible but I just want this thing running, so it can stay OEM and I'll just try and clean it up as best I can.

I trial fit the new Front Bar and I'm in love....Even with the multi-coloured panels... F*&KKK I want to drive my car!!

Tomorrow is welding and fitting the Intercooler in the new position

Reckless_Panda

Cruisy one today, just fabbed up the bracket to mount the Intercooler. I decided a V-Mount setup was going to prolong the project more than I'd like so I settled for a FMIC in the space where the AC Condenser used to be... well I think it was the AC Condenser anyway. This way I can still use my current piping just modifying the final piece of pipe to fit.

It came up a lot better & sturdier than the old setup hanging off the Crash bar, just needs a coat of black paint and good to install It will most likely need a support brace for the bottom as it just hangs from the top two bosses but for now it'll be fine.

Reckless_Panda

Plan of attack today..... Exhaust. But as we know things never go to plan with cars.

I sanded the $50 exhaust back to get ready for welding. Cut the flange off the old setup and then looked at the tired old piece of **** muffler and couldn't bring myself to weld it on. So I found a 2nd hand rotaflow muffler and it should be delivered in the next few weeks.... I'll run the no muff setup for now until it arrives.

For ***** n gigs I mocked up a screamer on the dump pipe... LOL Has anyone run a screamer before? How loud are they? Are they bearable or just plain obnoxious?

In lieu of installing the exhaust I decided to finalise the ECU & Harness routing and also a location for the new HEC715 coils! I had in my mind of some pressed plate & putting them on the firewall but there's just not enough room... so I used the space just outside the firewall passenger side and it works well as a coil pack shelf and also a cover for the left over wiring in the OEM harness. I may also mount the FPR here as well but I'll wait and see.

First revision works well but next one I'll put a 30mm lip on the edge closest to the engine just to look a little neater. I'm happy how it's all turned out with the harness/leads/fuel hose route along the back firewall. Clears up that space from chassis to spark plugs alot. (I'd still love to do a wire tuck though)

Next job... Finalise the FMIC piping and put beads on them.

Reckless_Panda

Big Day spent on the car yesterday!

Got Yoda Rob around to help me with the wiring, and when I say "help" I mean he did all the wiring cause wiring sucks *****.

Kicked off the day with a good laugh, Rob wanted to attack the stock ECU & delicately started dissecting it to gauge what was going on and what was left.... without much warning the whole harness just pulled out in his hands.. Well that job was easy, Won't be needing that LOL I think I've removed about 40kg of wiring from this car so far!

I guess the stock ECU was doing nothing aside from maybe the Starter Trigger, and potentially some power for odds and ends around the car. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

While Rob made himself busy working on the Microtech & Coil Pack Install, I jumped in and installed the Starter motor, Prepped and painted the alternator, and also made a new home for the Microtech using the Old ECU casing. Starting to look a whole lot cleaner/neater than the chaos it was before

The Starter harness is still an on-going project... There's a relay hanging off this thing that was connected to nothing and old wires elec taped up that lead to nowhere..... I'm going to leave this one in the next week basket as I CBF dealing with it at the moment..

We could have got a bit more done but Talking **** and Drinking beers take a fair bit of time too

Jap Nats in May... I would Love to have this car ready by then but that's a big effort to not only turn key but also dial in suspension, give the car a shakedown etc etc.

Reckless_Panda

I'm starting to have Deja-Vu.... I swear I was doing this a year ago!

I'm starting to become very time poor lately so I've decided to just make bite sized chews on the project rather than attack full weekends. So the Word for today was FUEL!

I'd always been a bit suss on the Fuel Dampener/Bumper at the end of the Secondary Fuel rail and I have read some horror stories so that was enough for me to head out and buy some new aeroflow fittings M12 x 1.25 ---> 5/16 Barb and just be done with the old setup for good. (RCE Performance Slacks Creek for anyone looking for a decently priced place) Now it's a straight fitting in.... and and elbow out to the FPR. Reduces the risk of that thing bricking itself and spewing fuel on the firewall and it looks better too.

Cleaned up the Injectors with fresh 11mm O-Rings (Thanks Car Mods).... I was thinking of just throwing them back in as is, but for the sake of a few bucks it was a no brainer to freshen up the o-rings and also the crush washers on the fittings too. It also allowed me to teach my son about fuel supply and maintenance on injectors

Next is to install the Alternator and 3-port

Reckless_Panda

A little belated surprise but my Valentines Pressie just rocked up on Friday as well!

Wifey definitely has great taste, I reckon she's a keeper!

The new steering wheel will look great once the dash is back together! Just need to find a shallow Boss kit now so I can run the Deep Dish Wheel..... Or Grow longer legs! hahahaha

Reckless_Panda

ERMAGHERRRDDDD Getting pretty fkn close now.... and I'm both stressed + excited for the turn key moment on Dorito 2.0

Spent the weekend doing all the fiddly stupid **** that I've been putting off for a while now.... So I cranked 90's hip hop on Spotify and got to work.

- FPR Mounting.. Had to find a more suitable spot for it and secure to chassis.
- Fuel Lines all installed, tidied up and routed... just need clamps
- 3-Port installed... again... No points for this one as it was just one bolt..
- OMP Injector ports blocked off.... I know, I know... I changed my mind... I'm sorry but it's full time premix from now on.
- Annnndd the big one, Trimmed down all the existing IC piping.. This one was a fkn win as I'd already done this 3 times now and managed to salvage it again!

Still a small list of action items but she's starting to look like a proper race car now! Next big push will be block off everything in the manifold, install radiator, turbo oil return, replace fluids and top to bottom bolt check to make sure she's toight before we have a BBQ, Beers and Ignition this bitch!!

Reckless_Panda

Warning.... Not RX7.

If you've been a reader of my log, you'd know by now that most of my friends and family are Evo Mad!

Rob has a mental Time Attack Car that he competes in Street Tuned AWD and sometimes Performance AWD. (I'm currently trying to convince him to compete in WTAC)

We spent Friday together creating a rear under tray for him to counteract the Front Splitter and rear wing. It still complies with the rules but we can always add additional fins later if he wants to jump up a class. It's moments like this I wish I had an Alloy welder at my disposal but Rivets and a Manual Bender will have to suffice.