Project Moneyb@gzz
Project Moneyb@gzz
Hey guys. Well, since this is my first fd rx7, I decided to make a thread of her build-up. I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this, but I didn't see a Build forum, so I decided to toss it in here in the SE regional forum, since I live in Florida. Mods, if there is a better place for this, feel free to slap me silly in the face with a wet noodle, and move the thread. 
So to start with, she's a 1993 RX7. I call it Project Moneyb@gzz since I've already spent over a grand just in parts and tools, just days after I received her on the truck from Jon (allrotor93, great guy!)
First off, I'll be replacing all her bushings and pillowballs, so I bought a 12 ton hydraulic press from harbor freight, got some of the sockets needed to help me... I just need to find steel bars somewhere. If not, I'll try finding wood or something. And safety glasses. And yes, I'll be using the bushings removal thread that's in the FAQ.
I'll be documenting this build over time. For now, I just plan on restoring a few key components beyond suspension... she's probably gonna need new brakes, definetly need a new set of rims and tires, and I'll go from there.
So to start with, she's a 1993 RX7. I call it Project Moneyb@gzz since I've already spent over a grand just in parts and tools, just days after I received her on the truck from Jon (allrotor93, great guy!)
First off, I'll be replacing all her bushings and pillowballs, so I bought a 12 ton hydraulic press from harbor freight, got some of the sockets needed to help me... I just need to find steel bars somewhere. If not, I'll try finding wood or something. And safety glasses. And yes, I'll be using the bushings removal thread that's in the FAQ.
I'll be documenting this build over time. For now, I just plan on restoring a few key components beyond suspension... she's probably gonna need new brakes, definetly need a new set of rims and tires, and I'll go from there.
*sigh*
Allright, mid-break update. I'm about to head out and get a late lunch/early dinner since I haven't eaten since breakfast. Either way...
Holy eff!
So removing all the arms in the right rear suspension was easy enough. I decided to do one section at a time. Well unfortunately, the SuperproFD kit that I bought, for some reason, did not have all the bushings that I've been taking out of the upper control arm and another one of the control arms. Fortunatly for me, the previous owner seemed to have replaced his bushings with what looks to be nylon ones... or maybe they're poly, but who knows. Either way, theyr'e aftermarket, and they're in good shape. So, I only replaced a couple of them and the two that I couldn't find in my kit I decided to leave in.
I did replace the one pillow ball in the upper control arm but...
The biggest worry? Well, I was gonna replace the inner damping bushing on the lower rear control arm, but I found that I do not have that bushing. Plus, despite following the guide, I've been having a very hard time trying to remove that particular bushing. So instead of damaging it, I've decided to try and find another one to buy and replace it. Preferably with the inner damping bushing already installed, but if not I'm sure I can get a new one from mazda.
So when I get the new control arm, I'll install the pillowballs and install that, then the right rear will be finished. The left rear will go quickly since it's the same process, I just won't funk up the lower control arm this time. lol.
As for the front, I may have to wait on that. I don't have pillowballs to replace the ones in there, and there are a few that are quite 'effed up. But the bushings are good.
Holy eff!
So removing all the arms in the right rear suspension was easy enough. I decided to do one section at a time. Well unfortunately, the SuperproFD kit that I bought, for some reason, did not have all the bushings that I've been taking out of the upper control arm and another one of the control arms. Fortunatly for me, the previous owner seemed to have replaced his bushings with what looks to be nylon ones... or maybe they're poly, but who knows. Either way, theyr'e aftermarket, and they're in good shape. So, I only replaced a couple of them and the two that I couldn't find in my kit I decided to leave in.
I did replace the one pillow ball in the upper control arm but...
The biggest worry? Well, I was gonna replace the inner damping bushing on the lower rear control arm, but I found that I do not have that bushing. Plus, despite following the guide, I've been having a very hard time trying to remove that particular bushing. So instead of damaging it, I've decided to try and find another one to buy and replace it. Preferably with the inner damping bushing already installed, but if not I'm sure I can get a new one from mazda.
So when I get the new control arm, I'll install the pillowballs and install that, then the right rear will be finished. The left rear will go quickly since it's the same process, I just won't funk up the lower control arm this time. lol.
As for the front, I may have to wait on that. I don't have pillowballs to replace the ones in there, and there are a few that are quite 'effed up. But the bushings are good.
Update!
Replaced all the pillowballs in the rear suspension. I have not done the differential mounts yet... mostly because after looking at them, they look pretty good and aren't cracked.
Oh, Gringo Grande got me the control arm I needed
Pretty awesome. I also did not use all the bushings in my kit, so I may try selling them to get a bit of money back to put towards something else.
Either way, after installing them, I also attempted to fix the right rear ABS gripe I'm having... basically after starting the car, the ABS light is not on, but once I start rolling the right rear brake feels (and sounds) like it's dragging until it "pops" loose, and the ABS light comes on. I still have brakes...
So since I had it up, I checked the sensor and stuff. Sensor was ok, so I put it back on, put the tires on, and rolled out. The ABS light did not come back on! I had proper ABS control throughout the drive, and I tested the system a couple times too (read: Slammed on the brakes. lol) So my only guess is that maybe the sensor was out of adjustment or something. Either way it works now!
The car rides a lot better now too. I did notice the rear clunk once, but that sounded like the LSD and that was during a hard acceleration test. So i think the bushings are good back there, but I may replace them eventually anyways.
Next up : Boost gauge.
Replaced all the pillowballs in the rear suspension. I have not done the differential mounts yet... mostly because after looking at them, they look pretty good and aren't cracked.
Oh, Gringo Grande got me the control arm I needed
Pretty awesome. I also did not use all the bushings in my kit, so I may try selling them to get a bit of money back to put towards something else. Either way, after installing them, I also attempted to fix the right rear ABS gripe I'm having... basically after starting the car, the ABS light is not on, but once I start rolling the right rear brake feels (and sounds) like it's dragging until it "pops" loose, and the ABS light comes on. I still have brakes...
So since I had it up, I checked the sensor and stuff. Sensor was ok, so I put it back on, put the tires on, and rolled out. The ABS light did not come back on! I had proper ABS control throughout the drive, and I tested the system a couple times too (read: Slammed on the brakes. lol) So my only guess is that maybe the sensor was out of adjustment or something. Either way it works now!
The car rides a lot better now too. I did notice the rear clunk once, but that sounded like the LSD and that was during a hard acceleration test. So i think the bushings are good back there, but I may replace them eventually anyways.
Next up : Boost gauge.
Installed the boost gauge! Pretty easy job. Unfortunately the gauge I bought from my vendor was BROKEN! Busted! No-go, kimosabe!! Pretty lame. But he's gonna send me a new one so it's all good. Until then I have an open vacuum line sucking and blowing into the cabin. LOL.
An update!
Allright, so I know it's been a while since I"ve updated this, but I've been busy with school, work, riding my bicycle everywhere, and being a bit lazy.
First off, let me say that I'm very hungry, and somewhat drunk, and I have chicken and a potato baking in the oven.
Second of all... I recently installed a wideband gauge, specifically an Innovative gauge. Works like a charm.
Finally, I've found that I had an exhaust leak this entire time since I bought the car. At first, I didn't think much about that "tapping" noise the engine was making, until it started to get a bit louder and much more annoying recently. So I asked around and allrotor (the guy I bought the car from) said it's probably an exhaust leak.
Troubleshooting it was fairly easy yet exhausting and frustrating at one point. I noticed that exhaust was spewing (i like that word...) from the turbo section. Makes sense in a way lol. I'm new at this car too, so yeah.
Either way, I started with the downpipe. That was good, and then I had a friend hit the throttle while I looked up at the turbo and exhaust piping from beneath. Word of advice: Make sure to do this outside and limit the time you're under the car if you have an exhaust leak there. I made sure I didn't spend more than half a minute under there at a time. Remember children, carbon monoxide poisoning can be a bitch! XD
Anyways, I could see that the exhaust was spewing from the top somewhere.. just didn't know where.
So tonight, starting at about 4 or 5 pm, I began to take everything apart.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the culprit:
It took me the past six hours, but I finally got the entire turbo setup out of the car. That's when I found that gasket. I was right about one thing... the exhaust was spewing from the top. It goes on the turbo towards the aft of the car.
The sequential turbo
And this is where the gasket goes on the exhaust manifold
And a random nut that was cross threaded and broke the bolt. Fortunately there's still enough of the bolt left to put a new nut on.
My baby is a dirty girl.
And finally... random snowflakes I made at work
First off, let me say that I'm very hungry, and somewhat drunk, and I have chicken and a potato baking in the oven.
Second of all... I recently installed a wideband gauge, specifically an Innovative gauge. Works like a charm.
Finally, I've found that I had an exhaust leak this entire time since I bought the car. At first, I didn't think much about that "tapping" noise the engine was making, until it started to get a bit louder and much more annoying recently. So I asked around and allrotor (the guy I bought the car from) said it's probably an exhaust leak.
Troubleshooting it was fairly easy yet exhausting and frustrating at one point. I noticed that exhaust was spewing (i like that word...) from the turbo section. Makes sense in a way lol. I'm new at this car too, so yeah.
Either way, I started with the downpipe. That was good, and then I had a friend hit the throttle while I looked up at the turbo and exhaust piping from beneath. Word of advice: Make sure to do this outside and limit the time you're under the car if you have an exhaust leak there. I made sure I didn't spend more than half a minute under there at a time. Remember children, carbon monoxide poisoning can be a bitch! XD
Anyways, I could see that the exhaust was spewing from the top somewhere.. just didn't know where.
So tonight, starting at about 4 or 5 pm, I began to take everything apart.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the culprit:
It took me the past six hours, but I finally got the entire turbo setup out of the car. That's when I found that gasket. I was right about one thing... the exhaust was spewing from the top. It goes on the turbo towards the aft of the car.
The sequential turbo
And this is where the gasket goes on the exhaust manifold
And a random nut that was cross threaded and broke the bolt. Fortunately there's still enough of the bolt left to put a new nut on.
My baby is a dirty girl.
And finally... random snowflakes I made at work
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