Video Log Of The Restomodding Of My '76 RX-5 Cosmo (New Vid Jan 5/2023)
In September of 2007 I purchased a '76 RX-5 Cosmo from a local wreckers, only hours before it was to be crushed.
http://www.aaroncake.net/misc/RX-5%2...ger%20Side.jpg For the past three years, the car has been sitting in my storage area while I finish other projects. Now, it is finally time to start working on the Cosmo. My plans have changed a little over the time that I have had the car, from a complete factory perfect restoration, to highly modding, and finally settling on a "resto-modding". The idea being to modernize the car and make it a little more contemporary without completely violating the factory styling. Thus, I have decided the following loose guidelines for the build: -6 port turbo 13B making 300HP and 300FT-LBS -Megasquirt 2 or 3 -Dark metallic blue exterior, dark maroon interior -Large (18" or 19") 5 spoke wheels -Air suspension -Shaved locks and door handles -Most chrome trim shaved http://www.aaroncake.net/misc/RX-5%20Interior2.jpg Now from the pictures, you'd think the car was a basket case, but that is only partially true. It appears that the car was someone else's project, and they got as far as to do some body work, put it in primer, and then randomly disassemble parts of it. For the most part, it is complete minus a few minor and major components. I'm sure that I'm going to be hunting for some parts, and what I can't find, I will create. I'm planning to do this restoration as a series of videos. I don't want to toot my own horn, but my Project Tina threads are legendary. While those threads kick all kinds of ass, I'm going to take the video approach this time. http://www.aaroncake.net/misc/RX-5%20Engine.jpg Over the course of this project I will just reply to this thread as I YouTube each video. To get things started, here is the "intro" video taken 3 years ago when I purchased the car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWmHLbUyY0k And now, to start this project off, here the first official video! In this video, the Cosmo has just been brought into the shop and I do a quick cleanup while taking an inventory of the parts I have. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZfDYpkYgWk Stay tuned (and subscribe to this thread) for more. I already have enough footage to put together both engine removal and engine disassembly videos, so more to come soon! |
hay buddy let me know if you have any thing to trade i have a few pieces seem to be missing and you may have a few pieces in need so drop me a line if your interested
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Thank you for the offer. I don't really know what I have unless you are looking for some of the trim that I don't need. Finding parts is going to be difficult so I will keep you in mind.
Oh, just noticed your avatar. That's awesome. I used the same image to make the title screen of my videos after a little minor editing. |
cal mazmart in atlanta. i believe they will have a bunch of parts you will be looking for.
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Can't say I agree with 18 or 19 inch wheels, but it's you're car and your project. I'm sure it will turn out nice and have quality effort put into it. :)
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Hey Aaron if you are going for a that "resto-modding"look why not going with a 4 port bridged motor.A nice solid bridged motor with some nice ITB controlled by the MS ems?That way you have that old school rotary hotrod sound running with today's technology.You know something different 2 do,you already have a nice turbo rotary so why build another one?A nice suspension,brake setup using modern technology,a nice set of wheels,that metallic blue paint that you want,you know what i mean?that old school look but build with 21 century tech.Good luck with the project Aaron!and im looking forward 2 see her finish!
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jeeze man where do you find the time and money to do this? most people struggle to build just one project, and here youre starting another one. mad props.
btw i found the video a bit entertaining, not sure if it was posed to be this way or not |
Originally Posted by SirCygnus
(Post 10232282)
cal mazmart in atlanta. i believe they will have a bunch of parts you will be looking for.
Originally Posted by beefhole
(Post 10232414)
Can't say I agree with 18 or 19 inch wheels, but it's you're car and your project. I'm sure it will turn out nice and have quality effort put into it. :)
Originally Posted by joeylyrech
(Post 10232879)
Hey Aaron if you are going for a that "resto-modding"look why not going with a 4 port bridged motor.A nice solid bridged motor with some nice ITB controlled by the MS ems?That way you have that old school rotary hotrod sound running with today's technology.You know something different 2 do,you already have a nice turbo rotary so why build another one?A nice suspension,brake setup using modern technology,a nice set of wheels,that metallic blue paint that you want,you know what i mean?that old school look but build with 21 century tech.Good luck with the project Aaron!and im looking forward 2 see her finish!
This turbo setup will have very different goals then my RX-7. A small and responsive turbo which makes instant boost and carries it to 6.5-7K will make the car a joy to drive. I'm hardly even porting the engine. Since I'm going to use GSL-SE irons, the secondaries and aux get left alone. The primaries will be made taller. The Cosmo housings have tiny exhaust ports so I'll need to enlarge them, but by far less then most builds.
Originally Posted by thejallenator
(Post 10235936)
jeeze man where do you find the time and money to do this? most people struggle to build just one project, and here youre starting another one. mad props.
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Are you going to shorten the shifter? I could imagine, it being up so high, it would get irritating quickly.
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well no life or not i love waht you do! keep up the good work, cant wait to see an update:icon_tup:
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i'm subscribed. this should be interesting.
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I thought mazda and datsun began selling cars with burgundy interior beginning in 1979. I guess I;m wrong with mazda since this one is a 77. GL with your project Aaron. I'm sure you will have fun with it and get it going in no time.
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wacky my 76 has burgundy also
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Part 2: Engine Removal
The 2nd video, covering engine and transmission removal, is posted:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgsbVp22pOE This video shows stripping down the engine to prepare it for removal, then finally removal of the engine and transmission as one unit. Normally I don't pull both at the same time, but it just seemed easier to yank them out simultaneously. |
Looks like I can learn something here.... subscribed:icon_tup:
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Originally Posted by _Ko0LaiD_
(Post 10237167)
Are you going to shorten the shifter? I could imagine, it being up so high, it would get irritating quickly.
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Old school 4 port 13B and RX5 Cosmo trans!I know people that will do anything for having that combo...are you gonna sell it?
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iam intrested in that carb!! pm me
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Originally Posted by Aaron Cake
(Post 10236732)
They would have interior trim for a 34 year old car that barely sold in North America? ;) If so, then sweet! Most of the mechanicals are just RX-4 and 1st gen stuff, which I can get at the local parts store/Mazda dealer.
i know the have the grill and the air dam and multiple other things man. call them up and talk to paul, or sheldon. |
I have enough footage for another video, but it will be a little while before it gets done. Just trying to decide whether I should combine engine disassembly and cleaning into one...
Originally Posted by _Ko0LaiD_
(Post 10237167)
Are you going to shorten the shifter? I could imagine, it being up so high, it would get irritating quickly.
Originally Posted by joeylyrech
(Post 10239231)
Old school 4 port 13B and RX5 Cosmo trans!I know people that will do anything for having that combo...are you gonna sell it?
Originally Posted by kevk
(Post 10239363)
iam intrested in that carb!! pm me
Originally Posted by SirCygnus
(Post 10239598)
actually, yes. they have a handfull of these just sitting outside and some parts stocked in their warehouse.
i know the have the grill and the air dam and multiple other things man. call them up and talk to paul, or sheldon. |
cant wait for updates.
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I am loving the video logs you are doing, really takes watching someones build up of a project to the next level!
It especially helps a first timer like me feel a little more confident about working on a car. Mad props bro :) |
Originally Posted by Aaron Cake
(Post 10236732)
They would have interior trim for a 34 year old car that barely sold in North America? ;)
-billy |
Nice Save!
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Originally Posted by bwaits_
(Post 10242989)
Nope, all the old school stuff is long gone sans Ricks cars in the back.
-billy and per rick the cars in the back are not there..... LOL although if i ever get over there and inventory that may change |
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