g2s5gxl

Hey all! Been a few years since I last touched my FD, but I'm finally getting back around to pulling this thing out. I'm looking for a mechanic, preferably in MN/ND, but could really go anywhere (I'll go as far as need be for good work). I know there are a few FD owners hanging around here - Anybody use a shop, and trust them with your car? I need them to do quite a bit. Laundry list below for an idea of the work I need/want. Please let me know if you know of any capable and reputable shop. I'm in MN near Fargo-Moorhead for reference.


1. Get it running. When I parked it, it idled, but would over fuel like mad. I had just put in a used JDM(~25k miles according to the ODO in the front clip) engine, and I think it may have had aftermarket injectors. It definitely had a fuel-cut defenser. Never tore the fuel rail down to find out, just parked it for the year and life happened. Either that, or it's a wiring/sensor issue since my harness is not factory (I had a spare harness so instead of rewiring the entire JDM engine, I built a 2-foot splicer that switched the JDM plug to USDM. Every circuit tested @ .00 ohm, so I think it's good, sensors appeared fine and in tolerance on my PowerFC last time I had it running.

2. Needs basic cleanup/maintenance/fluids. Probably needs fuel drained and refreshed, but it was 110 in there. Might need tires too, it's been sitting that long. I'll pick up new wheels/tires if that's the case.

3. Switch to GT35R (or similar) single turbo. And any necessary fuel/ignition support.

4. Wideband acquisition and installation.

5. Tune a PowerFC. I'd upgrade to a better EMS if that became cheaper/easier than finding someone to work on my old one.

6. Rekey/Rewire ignition. Someone, maybe a mouse, stole the only key right out of the door handle while it was in storage. So the whole car needs to be rekeyed, I couldn't find a locksmith who could cut me a key, locks don't seem to match VIN. Trunk lock is deleted though (if it had one, I can't remember). I've had it for ~18 years now though, and I'd love to do lock delete/door poppers since I'm tired of buying expensive door handles that still break.


The last year I had it out, I worked on this thing for ~400 hours. I'm burnt out on it, and really just want to drive it a little. Probably spent ~$25k over the years just trying to get this thing running. I'd just pull the motor and swap in an LS1 if I didn't feel like that was sacrilege. This car deserves better, help me give it to it.

brianlor

I would recommend Banzai-Racing.com
located out in Indiana they have a very good reputation. He has fixed numerous other shops mess around here in the Midwest.

Jatt

iTrader: (2)

Says something that this guy's first, and only post ever in 7 years of being on the forum is to post recommending Banzai-Racing. Really says something about their reputation haha

brianlor

Didn't want to be a dick like most and say to just use the search first. Plus there are so many post that I have looked up to not have to need to post or say anything due to this forum being so damm old as it is. I was just being nice to a new member who wants to get their rx7 running. Not like your toxic *** not wanting to contribute but rather be putting a useless comment and not answering the person's question who started this thread.

I use to have a way older account but forgot the username and password. Which forced me create this newer one when I was searching for an rx7 to buy years ago. Great investigative work for a dumb ***. 🙄

g2s5gxl

I take it you approve too then? Lol. I just really miss my 7. I took it everywhere I could find in MN back then, definitely willing to go out of state. I think I went through 6 shops and no one bothered to leak down test the motor. Like 18k in repairs, never got it quite right, it was brutal. Which, to be fair, was about what it was worth then. Actually, come to think of it, I paid $16,700 in 04 for the car. Crazy times, at least I kept it garaged this whole time.

Jatt

iTrader: (2)

From what I've read, read nothing but good things about Banzai. Bought quite a bit of stuff off of them too, and on top of what I hear about their skills in the shop, they're really nice and go above and beyond for customer service. Never had my car there though since I'm from California haha

Jatt

iTrader: (2)

Reread my post, but slowly this time lol

g2s5gxl

I tried a few searches, but what I came up with was pretty much all a year plus old, or not in Midwest. I too, have another account somewhere, older than this, though this one's pretty old too. Or my ancient posts have been wiped out, its only been 18+ years... I appreciate the help though, regardless. :-)

Jatt

iTrader: (2)

Think I could have maybe reworded my original post, but I was just attesting to Banzai's reputation that someone went out of their way to refer to them lol

That was it, wasn't an insult to anyone, or telling anyone to search. I myself ask a lot of questions on this forum and appreciate people replying, because sometimes a search doesn't suffice, or information has been updated.

g2s5gxl

All good, no offense taken or meant. It's just the internet, I'm probably always more defensive than necessary. I'll definitely check in with Banzai sometime soon, see if they have time for a spring project.

brianlor

Thanks for clarifying, I am just tired of a some forum members distaste for wanting to help but not help. A lot of situations from everywhere I searched sucks. I myself from my old account went through the same issue so I just wanted to say something. By no means do I try or want to be a keyboard warrior. We are a community that should always want to help, which most members do. My knowledge of the rotary is not at any level of those who are well known on here. I usually just read and do my best to keep my mouth shut because I'm just here to mainly learn from those who have been through it all.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

And just in case the OP missed it…..

https://www.rx7club.com/midwest-rx-7...otary-1149716/

2bar_FD

iTrader: (2)

Check with Shawn Christenson at Tuned By Shawn. I know he does not touch PowerFC, but he does do Haltech. Ricky Torres at Rotatin Performance in Prescott, WI is good too.

g2s5gxl

I certainly didn't! That (and other threads like it) were why I started this thread. I knew I didn't just want to trust Google/a shop blindly. Much appreciated though. :-)