tracking a stock FD good or bad? advice and opinions pls!
 

Hello everyone. I've been on this board for quite a bit of time, although I mainly use it for research/info on FDs. I know the 13b has many issues as far as reliability, but I am looking for a new track-car. I might drive it on weekends on the street, but most likely it will just be a track car (road racing) with that in mind:

What is your opinion on tracking an FD that is relatively close to stock (in terms of the engine) I am more of a suspension guy, so most of my cash will be put into suspension/multilink parts if i do get an FD. but given the common and frequent problems of the FD I think there are some engine/cooling related mods I should consider before beating on the motor.


I was thinking of the following mods:

Rebuild motor if it hasnt been done recently,
PFC
radiator
FMIC - maybe?
downpipe
exhaust
vented hood
replace vac lines of course.
and temp/pressure guages for good-measure

with those mods, which will already probly cost around 2500-3000 not including a rebuild, what do you think of the FDs reliability as a trackcar? any idea how long I can realistically expect the motor to last if Its well maintained and just used as a track car?

If there is anything i left out of my list, please let me know.
your advice is greatly valued. thanks in advance
-matt

Here's what I would recommend:

Larger radiator
If keeping the stock nose, enlarge the front opening to bring in more air
Larger single oil cooler or add a stock secondary oil cooler (if you don't have an R model)
Gutted t-stat or lower temp t-stat
Underdrive pullies
Downpipe
Larger SMIC
Electronic Boost controller

Gauges, get Peak/Hold/Warning gauges (as you'll be too busy on the track to pay attention to them). I would recommend Water Temp and Oil Temp (your EBC can deal with the boost readings if you don't want a 3rd gauge).

With the stock turbos, most people don't run higher than 10 PSI on the track due to the amount of heat they put out. In that case, with the EBC you could keep the boost at stock levels and not require an ECU upgrade.

hey great advice, thanks so much. Anyone else have anything opinions to add or advice?

My advice is to listen to Mahjik, he def. knows what he's talking about!

Good luck!!

haha thanks, im listening dont worry. just was wondering if someone could touch on the reliability issue. if I had it rebuilt and did the mods he suggested, is there any real reason the motor might crap after like 10K miles? (I would have to drive about 75-100 miles to each track event) Dont think Ill be towing the car might be pricey to rent a truck and pallete to tow it on. one can only afford so much.

Sure, there are a lot of reasons which could cause the motor to fail. And the #1 reason would be "sh*t happens". All you can do is prepare the best you can and deal with the cards you are delt. :)

I have little trouble with my car and daily drive it along with autocrossing and tracking it often. It's probably one of the most stock cars you'll find here on the forum.

It comes down to maintaining the car properly. People are quick to search out aftermarket "solutions" which in many cases don't improve anything, it's just a new part that isn't worn out. The original OEM parts on the car are closing in on 15 years old. Replace the worn out stuff and be meticulous in your maintenance and the car will let you beat on it hard. My first motor made it to 98K miles and I'm about 45K into my second. Few mods on my car.

https://www.rx7club.com/vbgarage.php?do=view&id=114

DamonB's Un-Mod List

Let me add to the list along with what has already been said.

Make sure your brakes are in good condition, Inspect and service your calipers and rotors, change over to SS or new OEM lines and a good set of pads. Then give the system a good flush with high temp brake fluid.

Replace the stock AST with a new OEM or aftermarket. Older AST's have a tendency to split and dump all your coolant.

I autocross and track my basically bone stock FD (cat back exhaust is the only mod other than gauges) and it has been perfect except for a bad intake manifold gasket last month. 68k on the motor, seems to be just fine.

Suggestions would be to definitely upgrade the brakes (athough I've done ok lately with just aftermarket pads on stock rotors), and all the cooling/reliability mods Mahjik suggested would be great ideas. The motor should be plenty reliable then if you don't go power crazy.

But I'm retiring mine this year for a track/IT FB. Too many stupid people hitting walls at HPDE days for my liking :). Plus IT looks fun.

I can say that it most likely will be fun! While my FD is pretty quick on the track, I had a blast riding in a fully guttted and prepped FC. ;)