RX-2 and RX-3 rear disk brake conversion
 

here's the deal. someone I know made mounting brackets to convert the existing drum brakes system into a disc brake. he is selling the mounting kit for $75.

the other things you would need are junk yard items from an 84 & 85 GSL. Rear disc, rear caliper and e-cable. The other modification would be the brake line using the stock item in one end and the RX-7 on the other.

If anyone is interested, send me PM.

Hi Mel,

There'd be a marked for this type of kit for REPU too!!!

brad,
sorry no kit but i will hook you up with this guy so he can make the brackets. the only problem I can see is where to get the calipers and rotors.

We need bigger fron brakes on the REPU's, the rear drums are pretty beafy and dont do too bad, its the front non vented POS's that always do most of the work and glaze over on me. Lately i have been hauling 1st gen 7's and other stuff on my 16ft double axle trailer with no trailer brakes behind the REPU, and i have to be very careful. I would for sure be interested in a big front brake kit.

CJG

Maybe try wilwood; I was looking though their site today looking for anything I might be able to use on the front of my Rx2. I did come across this, http://www.wilwood.org/ds245.pdf

I was thinking maybe trying to see if that might work, or even mod it a little bit. I have a buddy that works at a water jet cutting place, so I could always draw it up on cad and have him cut it for me, brackets that is.

I agree CJ, front brakes on REPU are in need of improvement. non-vented discs and those yucky wedge style calipers.

I'd be happy to get GSL-SE rotors and calipers on front of REPU. Or B2600 fronts.

You know, I am friends with www.sevensonly.com who made a BIG brake front and rear kit for 1st gens using Outlaw calipers . . . . next time I'm at their shop . . . . might ask them. But limited market and all.

How does REPU do hauling all that weight CJ? I'd guess 3500lbs including trailer. Does it do OK going up hills? Does the trailer *push* the REPU when cornering? I've been contemplating towing my racecar with the REPU but am concerned with HP and brakes. And I have electric brakes on front wheels of dual axel trailer.

Thanks,

Ya it does tend to push a little bit but not too bad. If you have trailer brakas that would be a big bonus. I just tow it around locally, no big trips. The front coils in the truck have been vut so the front is pretty slammed out. Once i hook up the trailer the rear comes down to match the front, there is probably still another 4-5inchs in back befor it hits the bump stops, so there is no worries there. The pwr is allright, Right now it has a big street port with stock carb and shitty header. and really bad ignition, i can still get up ANY hill with loaded trailer in 2nd gear, most hills in 3rd. I have a weber 48 IDA that im puting on, probably good for another 40hp, the stock carbs really hold the monster street port back, i cant pull any more than 5500 out of it right now due to bad ignition etc. Plus im putting better coils on, wires plugs etc. new header, should pull anything i want. I towed my friends old like 70 volvo station wagon on it, that car is extremely heavy plus trailer, load had to be close to 5000 lbs. Towed it really pretty good, Just make sure there is enough air in the tires.
My advice, If your towing a ligtweight race car, arond 2k, i would get a good double axle trailer, get better front brakes or at least some front carbon kelvars for the truck, big street port with good carb ignition and exhaust, ACT street strip clutch for the starts, and this thing will tow anything any where. I will try and get some pics up sometime.

CJG

Thanks CJ,

Not to beat a dead horse but how does the REPU do up STEEP hills, I'm talking towing over the Grapevine in southern california. 4400 foot summit. That mountain is known to kill many cars per year! My '99 V6 Amigo tows the 2100lb 1st gen and 1300lb trailer with trunk loaded to gills in 4th gear 50% of the time, 3rd gear 50% when needed to get it moving quickly. About 60mph going up the steep hills, 75 on flat earth no prob but not reccomended.

How would your REPU do in this scenario? I hope well enough. Looking for a cheaper alternative to Amigo with more trunk room :)

Yeah I'd like to see some pics of a REPU towing a heavy load!

I havent towed anything over a pass yet, but i have been over the pass your talked about in someone elses car and i know about how long and steep that is. I have driven but not towed over several local passes that get about that high in elevation. I could maintain a 100mph plus in my red truck easily with no load over passes with no prob. In your case with that pass though, i know its always a lot warmer down there. I think with a big street port and carb etc, I think it would tow great. My only concern would be cooling issues since your in a much warmer climate than i am up here in cool rainy WA. I would make sure that you ave new hoses, radiator is freshly boiled out or at least really clean so it works good, new or mabe even gutted t stat etc. just so it will stay cool. The main reason why these tow so good is because that 4.625 rear end the 74's had, that puts you right in that 4-5k rpm range when on the highway. Not too good for gas milage, but with a street port, the pwr is there and you can realy pull stuff, just keep that wound up and it will tow anything. Just remember though that you would need a pretty good clutch and at least new brakes if not upgraded pads or something. I will try and get some pics. I think the truck right now with all the 10 year old shitty ignition, stock carb etc. tows just as good as my dads 83 f250 ford with a 300 inline 6. Once i get my carb and stuff on i know i could out tow that any day. The ford just has good brakes. Any ways i will definetely try and get some pics.

CJG

GREAT Info CJ. Thanks. Yeah, I wouldn't tow without some Porterfield R4S pads on there. I cleaned out the stock 3 row core radiator myself with Barkeepers Friend, Lime Away, and Castrol Super Clean. Etc.. Etc.. Etc...

It's 90-110F on the Grapevine during the summer and snows a few times during the winter!

The 4.625 saves the day again!

Ya i see you run the jbridge in your car, so im sure you know how the higher rev range of a rotary can raelly make a difference. Put the car on the trailer and do a couple test tows, i think you will see the the limiting factor is going to be a clutch, but with a good clutch your good. Pull onto the on ramps and run it up to 6k-7500 or so and the trucks really move out with a load. I will get you some pics of my trucks hooked up to the trailer.

CJG

im still waiting for a pix from that guy.

From me? I almost got some yesterday, but my friend forgot his camera.

CJG

sorry, i tried to edit my post last night but the server was too busy. i was refer to the bracket.