Hi! I'll be taking part in a Drag race with my modded 13bt RX7. So far the mechanics have built an extended port with their so called heavy duty 2mm apex seals. With a TO4E, FMIC, Microtech MT-8, 8 injectors. Will be running about 22psi. And semi-slicks.

Question 1) Can these so called Apex Seals able to withstand 22psi?

Question 2) What kind of HP am I looking at with this setup?

Question 3) What are my chances against a 2.2L DOHC V-Tech, with a TO4E boosting 2Bar in a Honda Civic body? It's currently Champion.

Need your expertise.

Thanks!

 

As far as your chances of beating the dohc v-tech, it all depends on the driver and how well the cars are tuned. The thing about drag racing is that there are just too many componants that can have an effect on time slips(chassis, tires, driver, tuner). If you just recently upgraded your turbos to the t04e, I suggest you set it for about 15lbs, do plenty of testing before you start raising the boost. You got some expensive equipment there, you should really take your time and tune things properly. Get on a dyno machine, keep good track of your air/fuel ratio and once you finally get it tuned right then you'll have to work on your driving. A good driver can make well over a second difference in the 1/4 mile. You'll need atleast 30-40 runs down the track to get a feel for how to launch and how to shift. So be patient and don't be too eager go out and beat the world. Good luck! happy rotoring!

 

Thanks! Will be taking your advise for the steps in drag racing. Anyway, the civic here is only the current 2WD champion. But fastest still goes to a highly tuned R34 GTR V-Spec producing at least 800hp, running with a Holliger Sequential Box, 3.0L Tomei block with twin Apexi RH6 ball bearing turbos. So back to my question, are there really 2mm heavy duty apex seals? Cause have not come across anyone using them. And the TO4E that I'm using has a rather small exhaust housing (A/R0.84), isn't this rather constricted for the 13BT? Pls advise.


Thanks!

 

That is a rather small a/r. There are many pro drag racers here running 600+ hp on the stock mazda 2mm apex seals, so I think you'll be fine.

 

Thanks Bro! So have you got any idea, what's the break-in period for my engine before I get it in for the drag? Just got my extended ports, new heavy duty 2mm apex seals( Just as durable as the ceramic ones. which they claim) and port polish. I have already run-in about 1000KM. Will this be sufficient for 1.5bar of boost?

 

If you've gotton your 1st oil change in you should be O.K.

 

I have heard that some pro racers do not break in their engines AT ALL prior to running >1.5 bar of boost. Of course, this could be just because they dont care much about longevity...

 

Initially, my mechanic was using this engine for the drag.
It was not properly 'Runned In'. And they had it boosted at 1.5Bar. The engine lost compression after that. And when it was opened up, they found that the tips of the apex seals have shattered. Is this becuz the seals were not strong enough? Or was it becuz the engine was not runned in properly? I am afraid that it will also happen to me. Though, I have already had already travelled 1000KM. Pls advise.