Vega's FD Build
 

This is a somewhat costly multi-year build, so I will not be updating very often. I like to take my time and make sure everything is researched fully and work be done the best it can be. I plan on doing all of the work myself besides actually building the custom engine. I will leave that to the pro's.

The RX7 massacre and my friend being silly:

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Starting from the ground up:

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http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...a/SANY0009.jpg



Some items came in by freight:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...SANY0008-1.jpg

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So far some work done:

Car stripped down to chassis
Superpro bushings installed all around
Purchased Racing Brake big brake kit w/ slotted and drilled rotors
Some new interior pieces
New black carpet
Clutch and brake pedal (original FD was auto)
Sway bars and new end links
Fortune kit arrived
Custom rear subframe chromoly diff bracing

I plan on the car being a combo street/road course/auto-x car. I do not care for drag racing. Right now my goal is a upgraded LS-7 w/dry sump or LS3. Goal power is around 650 flywheel NA. Although, I have not completely ruled out a 20B FI. I know everything points towards a LSx for the best bang for the buck in almost every category, but the sweet sound of 3-4 rotors and it's uniqueness still lures me in!

Some other mods planned: 18"/19" staggered concave wheels of undertermined brand. Most likely some decent meat out back maybe around 335-345mm to get the power to the ground. Two tone paint scheme, I am thinking bright yellow and red (not). Custom alcantara/piano black interior (hello glare?). 4-point cage. Viper T-56. Working A/C and power steering (although still looking into manual racks). KAAZ LSD with treatment. 300m axels. Full emission compliance. Retain ABS.

Not much of the Mazda will be left when I am done, but it should be a fun build.

Cool project! really hoping you opt for the 20B. Keep us posted!

Ya, I still haven't ruled out the 20B FI but my concerns would be the longevity of the engine under hard conditions. I have been following your build over at cardomain. Look's great. Do you know what kind of numbers you will be putting down with that engine?

yes! this is the project i was looking for... I will wait and see what your updates are. How much did you get your fortune kit for?

how much was the car? Any tips on removing the seats or any interior parts?
What color combo are you going to go with?

Thanks

Thanks Callsign Vega! Will have a good update shortly. Any day now the engine will be ready to fire up.
Initially the car will be around 350-400. After tune and some new BNR twins I'm shooting for 400-430ish if all goes to plan.
That will be enough power for me, for awhile anyway. Have been really focusing on the suspension components as well as chassis braces, driveline braces. Want to make sure everything is as stiff and responsive as possible.

Any updates Callsign? how goes the battle?

I actually wasn't planning on buying the Fortune Kit so early in the build but I found one on Ebay (the Real Veilside kit) from a project that fell through at a body shop for $7500 shipped. I reckon I'd jump on it seeing as thats $2-3K savings directly from Veilside through a vendor. Beware though, there is a UK company that is selling fake Fortune kit's on Ebay for 5,000 Pounds.

I am actually pretty impressed with the kit quality. Everything goes together really well, comes with all hardware etc. The headlights are good quality Hella brand from Germany. I can see why the kit cost's so much.

I bought the '93 with a blown engine, automatic (better diff gear ratio I think), absolutely clean title with 91k miles on chassis for $5400. I am not sure about tips for interior, just remove all of the bolts and when you release the panel clips do it gently as not to break the plastic. ;) I haven't decided on color really, definitely nothing bright. Leaning towards a subtle two-tone like dark grey/black or black/dark blue.

Sounds great. I have been thinking about if I want to remove the armor "bumps" or not. My next step will be to sand down the engine bay to prep for painting. I think the order I will go is engine bay paint > sound deadoning interior/underbody > chassis paint > suspension/subframe work and install > Interior seats/rollcage/wiring/carpet/interior panel work > Engine install/fuel system > Fortune install/paint > New windshield.

Only thing I am worried about is hitting my head with helmet as it has a sun-roof. At 6'4" I barely fit, but I do like the small "cock-pit" feel of the RX-7. If I were to buy another FD, I think I would opt out of the sun-roof. I plan on getting super low seat and seat rails and see how it goes.

Have you seen the group buy for the front strut tower brace with option master cyclinder brace? I plan on getting one.

I like the plan you have mapped out, seems like a very logical flow! I really want to do the sound deadening as well, but will have to do it over the winter at this point.

Really glad I had the armor bumps sanded down, like the smooth flow of the kit without all that effect, but to each his own. Think it could look sweet with the right paint combination.

I haven't come across the front strut tower brace GB but plan to search for it now. Thanks for mentioning.

My body guy pushed my delivery off until next friday, so looks like another week. So eager to complete this project it's driving me crazy! Being on this end of the build after a year is much worse then the beginning, it's like waiting for christmas as a kid. lol.

The strut brace post is down below in the group buy section. The more people we get the cheaper it will be!

Look forward to this!

The headlight system is high quality, yes!

ls7 :)