Just purchased my first FD rx7. Never owned a rotary before. Sold my 550hp Evo and always wanted a FD. Have some extra cash to spend on it and would like to do some basic mods. My question is, should I do the mods and tuner all in one install once purchased? or can I do one thing at time? I plan to do a front mount intercooler Kit, intakes for turbos and a full turbo back exhaust. And the A'PEXi power FC.

 

*Cooling/supporting mods first. Usually involves an aftermarket/all-metal radiator (KOYO or Fluidyne are popular). Metal AST, S5 FC fan thermoswitch recommended and checking/replacing turbo coolant hoses comes to mind.
*If you don't already have them, get a boost gauge and aftermarket temp guage. DO NOT rely on the stock temperature gauge. It's not linear and worthless.
*Personally don't recommend a FMIC on a street FD. I know the look is appealing to some, but on this car EVERYTHING starts with cooling and all you're doing is throwing a big heat-sink in front of the radiator. And you don't have to cut on the front bumper cover and support, compromise crash worthiness or do as much plumbing fab. There are good SMIC 'kits' out there that are effective and provide decent IATs.
*Whatever intake you choose, have it source ambient air and not hot underhood air. You might also search the 3rd Gen. Tech section for info on the fast reacting IAT sensor.
*PFC is a good choice. Depending on your state laws, that would also allow you to remove emissions, double-throttle and AWS. Removing the airpump you should get an idler pulley.
*Careful on too little exhaust backpressure. The stock twin turbo wastegate is relatively small and a fully opened exhaust can lead to boost creep and cost you an engine. Recommend a hi-flow cat or resonated midpipe personally. The former keeps the smell in check too.
*I think IR Performance is close to you. A well known rotary specialty shop and they're authorized vendors here on the forum.
*Read the FAQ stickys in the 3rd Gen. Tech section and download a copy of the factory service manual available there.

 

Thanks. Great info. And yes IR performance is only 25 minutes from me. I will be checking them out once car is registered

 

Start an ongoing thread and post your timely build . Hey nothing wrong with showing what route you go on your build. It's a labor of love

 

Yea gonna do that too. Plan on taking the ride to IR performance and getting some pointers on where to start with the car.

 

This is a good upgrade path to follow:

Rotary Performance | FD Power

 

^Those Apex'i open intakes are far from ideal as they suck in hot underhood air. You'd be better off getting the K & N stock filter and doing a cheap-bastard modification to the stock air box. Better, safer power and you have $200 or so extra in your pocket. And IIRC it fits with that IC.
^If you don't raise boost levels, you don't need that fuel pump. And if you're not raising boost, I don't know where they're coming up with those hp figures. BS IMO. Efini 'Y' pipe for reliability and a little better flow. But a Greddy elbow and the pipes adds negligible power, mostly just looks nice.

 

Also you should think about a simple water injection system

 

awesome advice. Thanks guys.