Hello from Arizona, er, Washington
 

My name is Casey. I recently relocated with my family from Phoenix to Tacoma. Bit of a culture shock. Not long after arriving, I found an 84 RX7 at a price too good to pass up. Needs some TLC to get her back in shape. Figure as I go this site can really be a great resource, and hopefully I can share what I learn as well.

Until recently I have owned Mustangs. My last and favorite was a pristine 2001 BULLITT edition. Production 04385. I made the fatal mistake of allowing my nephew to take it to Prom. Unfortunately I overestimated his maturity. He put it under an F 350 at about seventy MPH. He and his girl walked away, so I guess the BULLITT died valiantly, but the frame was wrinkled clear to the rear axle. Not much left of it. I still flick a tear thinking about it. Here is an actual video of my actual car with me behind the actual wheel. My step dad and I attempted to get on BULLRUN on the speed channel with it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgpX4t8Kfgw

Anyhow, I wanted a change. I wanted something I can tinker with, and make my own. Something unique and different. I have always loved the RX7s. I have wanted one since high school. I figured this would be a good time to try one. I am finding the rotary world to be different. In fact, I am really torn between doing a V8 swap for a 5.0L pushrod out of a Mustang, as that seems like a really straightforward swap, or building up the rotary. The biggest obstacle I have found to the rotary route is the relative rarity of some of the parts. Thus my internet search has led me here.

I have a lot of body and interior to freshen up prior to getting to the power plant. as a matter of fact I am getting ready to gut the interior and under the hood right now so that I can paint the pan and under the hood as well as the body. Need to replace front fenders, and front and rear bumper covers as well.

Anyhow, thats my story. Look forward to meeting you all.

CC

Mine is a 12A. I am hoping for significantly more than the stock 110 horsepower. I do have rear disk brakes, which I am told was an option. I have a lot to learn about these little beasts. I am used to working on piston engines. I love to learn however, and it seems that I have stumbled into a goldmine of information and people willing to lend their experience.

Good to be here.

The rear disc brakes are a big score on that car...saves a lot of trouble on the suspension side. The sheer lightness of the car makes up for a lot of the lost HP to what you're used to with the Mustangs. A little exhaust work and a little intake work will jack up some numbers but not like you can do with a 302....it's only 1.1 liter of displacement vs. the usual 5.0 L in the domestic Ford. If you go engine build, that's when the magic begins because these beasts love to spin.

:cool:

I am finding it tough to figure out where to start...
Currently I am tearing the whole thing down, doing all the body work and painting, and getting ready to work the chassy. Pulling the engine and drive line this weekend. Just really not sure where to start with these engines... Big difference from a 4.6 or 5.0 rebuild...

Always start with the exhaust system. Next, start working the intake system, then spark. All these things can be done w/o breaking open the rotary engine block and will have good gains result. Once you've done all that stuff and tweaked it to death, you're ready for the plunge into the engine itself and porting housings.


:cool:

Whats up Casey, I'm new as well. I noticed that you're now in Tacoma, I'm about half an hour south of you in Olympia. I think that you'll grow to like the northwest, it's much nicer looking than Phoenix in my opinion haha. You'll just have to get used to all the rain! Sorry to hear about your mustang, but you've got a new toy to play with :nod:

I get to your neck of the woods quite often. I have several accounts in the Olympia area. I am loving the summer that is for sure. It is supposed to be 117 on Friday in Phoenix, here I think we are expecting 72. I will take that.