J4M-MOe

Intro -

G'day everyone, new member to RX7 Club here. Two weeks ago I purchased an '89 FC3S w/ 154xxx original kilometers (95,691 miles) on the clock from a family friend. The car is in excellent condition given it's age, and hasn't been molested like many similar era cars on the market. From what I can tell everything is basically just as it was 21 years ago when it rolled out of the factory, minus a small aftermarket turbo, and a stereo system plus a few other small things here and there. The car was checked over by a rotary professional before purchase.

The car will be used as a weekend driver/track car, and generally something to feed my hobby, along with the help/insight from a couple mates and my dad; many of whom are in automobile related industries and also own/have owned+rebuilt+race rotary powered vehicles.

Vehicle






The Problem -

I'm 19, live in Australia, and am on my P plates. For those who don't know most states in Australia do not allow P plate drivers to drive turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. There are many debatable reasons for this. Long story short I will be on my P's for 2 more years after neglecting to obtain my license at the average age of 17. It usually goes 16 = Learners Permit, 17 = Obtain Restricted License (Red P's), 19 = Obtain Somewhat Restricted License (Green P's), 20/21 = Obtain Unrestricted License assuming you don't lose your license which can be hard for some. The reason for this was the fact that I was going to return to America with my family so I didn't bother with taking the driving test at the time, but it didn't end up happening etc.

The Solution - (SKIP TO HERE IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT THE INTRO)

I need to convert the 13B-DEI Turbo to NA for road use

Already I have removed the turbo, and installed new 13B extractors in it's place.



From my understanding I now need to figure out a way to get the air intake over to the top of the engine where the Turbo Intercooler used to sit, as well as block off/remove all air, water, and oil lines that where originally for the turbo.

1. Is this information correct?
2. What parts/components will I be needing?

I wouldn't imagine too many people have done this, as it would have been easier to start with a NA 13B in the first place, but for the price I got the car for it wasn't worth the time to look around for a S5 NA 13B which are hard to come by where I live, especially considering I plan on re-attaching the turbo indefinitely after 2 years, and for track days (trailered/driven to and from by an appropriately licensed driver).

Any help/insight from the multitude of members on here would be appreciated. I apologize if I have left any information out, feel free to ask any other questions you like, but please keep any negative comments to yourself. Thank you.

James

funkjaw

iTrader: (3)

Is there some sort of inspection they do on the car before you get your license? How does that process work I am very curious.

J4M-MOe

Well basically as a Learner driver you can drive whatever car you want (assuming it is street legal), as long as you are with a driver who is on their Full Open License (generally 21-25+ y.o). For example I have a very well off mate who's dad taught him how to drive in their F355 Berlinetta and 360 Spider on the road when he was on his L-Plates (CRAZY!). However after he was on his P's after passing his driving test, he could no longer drive the Ferraris, and instead got 'stuck' with an BMW Series 5 and an X5 (which was a V8 and illegal for him to drive but somehow he never got booked). True story.

In my case the FC3S was bought unregistered. In order to register a car in the state of QLD/NSW, it must first be approved with a Road Worthy Certificate (Safety Certificate) by a licensed mechanic. Second the car must have CTP Insurance (Comprehensive Third Party), so you have to obtain a quote, and get the vehicle insured first. I'm under my parents because it would otherwise cost me about $2500 annually just for CTP. Comprehensive (Personal Vehicle/Property Damage Insurance) is extra. After you have a RWC and CTP you can submit an application to register the vehicle. Legally I can register the vehicle as a '1989 Series 5 RX7 FC3S' w/ a 13B Turbo, that much is possible. However when the police officer decides to run a vehicle check and sees it registered as a turbo in my name he will more than likely pull me over, and ask questions even if I have since removed the turbo. If it is registered in my dad's name, that will also be suspicious as I don't look 50 years old. Due to these restrictions I have to first remove the turbo, and register the vehicle as a non-turbo. I can then drive the vehicle on the road after it obtains the registration.

There is one alternative however. If you know somebody who can do a RWC and will pass the vehicle (e.g. say it is non-turbo/safe to drive/whatever you need it to say) you can get away with pretty much anything during the registration process. What happens after is up to you, as you still need CTP which will be voided, and the inspector could lose his/her license and/or face financial penalties. Always an option if you just want to register the vehicle, while your still working on it though. Alternatively you can apply for a day permit to and from a location, or get a licensed individual to test the car for you.

Any other questions feel free to ask? Here is some QLD specific links to the websites for more information if you are curious.

Registering motor vehicles and motorbikes -

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Registrati...spx#secondhand

Renewing registration -

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Registrati...istration.aspx

Road Worthy Certificate/Safety Certificate -

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Registrati...tificates.aspx

Moving unregistered vehicles -

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Registrati...-vehicles.aspx

funkjaw

iTrader: (3)

Wow that is all very interesting... seems like a suck fest to me lol but whatever not much you can do about it.

Well I would post this on the 2nd gen section of the forums if this doesn't get addressed here in the new technical section. Or even try an Australian mazda/rx7 forum because it would make sense if someone has done this before over there. Good luck!

Jdrift

Wow that sucks, good luck dude.

J4M-MOe

Thanks guys. I use to live in the states (was born there actually), got dual citizenship and travel back twice a year. The US has it so good in terms of car culture. Maybe not some other things but hey...what else matters right?!

I'll try moving it to 2nd Gen and see if someone can help. Otherwise it looks like my mechanic friend is going to be answering a lot of questions.