Project Black Betty My RX2 Build
02-20-07, 08:16 PM
#1
Project Black Betty My RX2 Build
Well, I figured it was time to start a thread about my project RX2. I spent a lot time looking for the perfect candidate, and finally found something I wanted to use. It is already painted jet black, and has a very clean interior. I have owned it for about 9 months, and have just begun work on the suspension. Next is the engine. 
Here is a pic of the 8.8 rear end. I know the shot is crappy but you get the idea. The rear end is out of a 1998 ford explorer. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, the Explorer rear end is a 31 spline, big bearing axle. Additionally, you get 11 inch disc brakes, and the 5 X 114.3 wheel pattern. Finally, they come with LSD, and if your lucky 4.11 gears. I had 9" inch ends welded on, So I could use larger stronger 9" axles and big bearings. This rear end should be bullet proof.
More to come.
Here is a pic of the 8.8 rear end. I know the shot is crappy but you get the idea. The rear end is out of a 1998 ford explorer. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, the Explorer rear end is a 31 spline, big bearing axle. Additionally, you get 11 inch disc brakes, and the 5 X 114.3 wheel pattern. Finally, they come with LSD, and if your lucky 4.11 gears.
I had 9" inch ends welded on, So I could use larger stronger 9" axles and big bearings. This rear end should be bullet proof. More to come.
02-20-07, 08:26 PM
#2
Next is the suspension. The rear shocks are bilsteins that have been converted over to coilovers. For those of you looking for replacement shocks in the back, these are standard FC, (Second Generation, Series 4, 5) Shocks. They are the same size and fit perfectly. You will just need to modify the tops with your hardware and mount them. I went with Coilovers, but I am pretty sure you could make stock TII springs work.
Again pictures suck, but you get the idea.
Again pictures suck, but you get the idea.
02-20-07, 08:38 PM
#4
Next is the front suspension, and brakes. Again this is a custom Bilstien coilover that ISC racing put together for me. The spindles had to be sent in to him and enlarged to accept the newer, fatter, bilstien P30 insert. The tops are Ground Control Camber/Caster plates. I had to do some cutting to make them work. If I had to do it again, I would just get the Noltec camber plates, and avoid the cutting. If you look closely in the last picture you can also see the new 24MM whiteline camber adjustable swaybar.
02-20-07, 08:46 PM
#6
Here are some pictures of the how the strut tops fit in the car.
Here are some pics of the new tie rods, and ball joints. Before you ask,
RX7 first gen inner tie rods will work, you just need to open the hole on the steering linkage by an 1/8 of an inch or so.
Here are some pics of the new tie rods, and ball joints. Before you ask,
RX7 first gen inner tie rods will work, you just need to open the hole on the steering linkage by an 1/8 of an inch or so.
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02-20-07, 08:58 PM
#8
Here are some shots of the brakes before they went in. I looked at the possiblity of putting in Second Gen brakes, or adapting other brakes to work, I was looking at $600 + I would be using dodgy bearing spacers. When I compared that to a new big brake bolt on package for only $900, I knew it was a STEAL!!!! For the price I got new custom billet hubs with a choice of wheel patterns (5 X 114.3 for me) Billet 4 piston calipers and bracket, and an 11.8" 2 piece drilled and slotted rotor. This is very nice kit that Tony at the Racing Store puts together. He has kits that start at $500, bolt on!
02-20-07, 09:45 PM
#12
Originally Posted by RE Matsuda
RX-2 looks mean as hell, all blacked-out like that. What wheel/tire set-up are you planning to run with those huge brakes?
I got a set of 17" ROTA D2's just to get her rolling, black with chrome lip, but I will probably go with a custom set of 17's when everything is done.
02-20-07, 10:14 PM
#14
Altered Beast
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Originally Posted by Jesuscookies
Hey RE Matsuda, how's that 7 running?
I got a set of 17" ROTA D2's just to get her rolling, black with chrome lip, but I will probably go with a custom set of 17's when everything is done.
I got a set of 17" ROTA D2's just to get her rolling, black with chrome lip, but I will probably go with a custom set of 17's when everything is done.
Going Aussie-style with the 17s eh? Can't wait to see it :thumbsup:
02-21-07, 07:43 AM
#18
Rotary Loco
Looking Goooood !!
Keep those updates, pictures and lessons learned posted. it helps newbies like me to the hobby. You, Doc Holiday, Wacky, 13B-RX3 and Islandsnow are some of hero's and my motivation to keep working on it! Real projects by real people!
Andres
Keep those updates, pictures and lessons learned posted. it helps newbies like me to the hobby. You, Doc Holiday, Wacky, 13B-RX3 and Islandsnow are some of hero's and my motivation to keep working on it! Real projects by real people!
Andres
02-21-07, 01:03 PM
#21
*** Bless The USA
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Originally Posted by Jesuscookies
Thanks Lupe. How you like the 8.8?
I love it !!!! I was wondering if you had ever went to one or not !!!
I bought one for my corolla too
Looks very nice, though !
