Deviant Bridge

My name is Randy McCardle, 24, Seattle/Tacoma Washington Native, and active duty Navy. I'm in the Navy, but couldn't tell you a whole lot about what I do. I was first introduced to the RX-7 FC by a friend who had begun a apex seal job, then the world opened up really fast about cars. I own a Cobalt SS/SC, and I'm seriously considering bringing an FD home from Japan. I really like the FD primarily because I see it as a rare and beautiful car, while honestly it made one of those lasting impressions.

I was first introduced to the FC, however it was a black FD that I layed eyes on albiet a non-runnning 93 TT due to some issue with the ignition. I was maybe 16 and tried to buy it off the guy who owned it. The humble story he tould me about the car, how it mattered keeping it in the family, and why he couldn't just give it up for money to me was an experience. The FC opened my eyes to what was really so big about the car. I had a 89 5.0 GT 5spd at the time now 18, even beat the FC a couple runs, but what impressed upon me was this little puny engine, the chassis that wouldn't give up to abuse, and the sound.

I could tell you by many ways what a car is in all sort of senses, but the calm moment before the memory of drifting the first time and that rapid note will never be the same feeling as I feel about the sound of a rotary. A wrecked FD 93 TT with deep forest green paint is all I can say I drove one on the road. It was wrecked after I looked into buying it from a associate level friend of a friend who had things to move onto. Drunk driver took that option away.

So I am here debating how to get my FD. Doesn't matter if it's wrecked, maybe get two, turbo or twin turbo even nothing, just a motor and a chassis to work with on a project is where I'm hoping to go over the next 3 years. That's my intro/agenda if you have questions I would be happy to answer most questions.

Three sentences and people fail this really? Is there a Log?

gsl-se addict

iTrader: (3)

Welcome, Randy!

Yes, there are a fair number of people who don't get the intro posted because the posts are so short/incomplete.

Kent

Deviant Bridge

Yeah I waited 3 days and this didnkt post, so hopefully 2nd one doesn't post.

I am seriously considering bringing two 93-95 fd's back from yokosuka japan, but I have to work out the process. Been awhile since I did my r33 skyline.

RXevan89

really paints a picture. you should write a book lol
maybe i didnt catch this part but why are you in japan? military?

Deviant Bridge

Yes, currently have orders to the George Washington CVN-73 in Yokosuka Japan.

Planning on getting at least one 93-95 FD imported, but that really depends on if my state let's me, if not I'll buy a US Domestic model. If the import process works as I am looking at it now I will bring 2 and sell one to help cover costs.

RXevan89

from what ive seen theres that pretty strict 25 years rule. the only way to bring one in is if its lhd and exactly like the usdm versions... unless you dont mind it being "grey market"... only three more years til we can have r32 gtr's over here though!!!!

Deviant Bridge

Having imported the r33 and enough parts to convert it to the r34, the fd scares me quite a bit less. Emissions won't be a concern, I know you have to do few expensisive modifications to the frame and glass. Legally I know of three rhd fd's newer than 95, and about 20 skylines. Legality is more getting your state on board. States such as FL, CA, and I think NY you can forget it. Other states it's just mad amount of money replacing jdm glass with our glass, couple frame modifcations, and usually some maintenance that needs carried out regardless.

JBF

iTrader: (13)

I was in Misawa Japan for a while and I wish I could have brought a car back with me. Financially, I just couldn't do it.

Deviant Bridge

I hear ya, I'm pretty much going at it with no holds barred for one, and if it's not to expensive I will bring the 2nd. I really am hoping it works out, the R33 was pretty straight pay and enjoy. The whole thing could be a nightmare though so we'll see.

CFILOSE

How much did it run you to do the R33? Have you thought about bringing a spirit r over?

Deviant Bridge

I'd only try to import the Spirit if it was in the deep forest green.

The R33 V-Spec was at the time stock, and cost about 20K, I aquired both in a deal with a Supra RZ with a friend in okinawa. Was a high mileage model, which is why as a result I converted it to a r33 shell with r34 v-spec components too include a t88 and t68 twin configuration I made at the shop I was with. Probably a final investment on paper of 60K, good networking and actual cost 33K.

Deviant Bridge

The rx family of cars is one of those few cars no matter how hard you try it sneaks back up to bite your adrenal junky mind. I have concluded that "if" the rx7 won't come back nicely, I'll buy another R33 and sit the pair together in Tokyo with my uncle until I can 25yr exempt them. I could always go thru Canada in vancouver, but that's three times as much paperwork, and something the Navy would probably be curious about so waiting works fine.