lol, did you give up on the fc?

 

That's like saying:
My turbo isn't making full boost because one of the intercooler couplers is loose. Let's transplant a 600hp 3-rotor setup into the car to fix that problem.

You don't _NEED_ a short shifter to fix the boot...the shifter boot is a simple 15 minute job and is totally unrelated to buying a short shifter other than the fact you remove the boot to get to the shifter. You just WANT the short shifter (understandable). Beware the mod-itis slippery slope...

Since you are "going to extremes", Bert, you just need to admit you no longer "a little bit pregnant" with the mod disease, sell the fresh NA drivetrain for a pretty penny and do the T-II swap.

Mod-itis seems to be contagious with Josh shoehorning in Jon's megahorsepower setup. Make sure your supporting systems are functional before you start asking for big hp or quick shifts, like spending the $$$ to freshen the transmission and differential fluid (more important you freshen that brake fluid, though).

--Ashraf (mod-itis Angel's advocate)

 

Well I finally took the plunge and had a new top installed on the convertible. I think the real motivating factor was the new rip I caused when I put the top up a couple weeks back... (it was like 40 degrees out...tops don't like the cold and after 14+ yrs it was due anyway). To make a long story short I had Auto Interiors and Tops(Raleigh) install the Robins vinyl top. I went ahead and replaced the sagging headliner as well. So far I'm very happy with the results. Just picked it up today. I'd highly recommend this company for the work even if it did take a bit longer to finish than they said. Seems like a pretty good business. Anyway, I figured I'd post this on the Raleigh forum in case any other vert owners are looking to have a new top installed.

Keith

 

The brake system has been upgraded, new rotors, pads, s/s lines, and yes even brand new crystal clear synthetic fluid. Never got to drive 'em, but it is on there. As you know the cooling system is all new. The tranny is coming apart for a 5th gear synchro and inspection already had a basically new ACT clutch in there but I am probably going with the RB sprung 6 puck disc(though I may wait for the street strip disc to wear out), but a SRMotorsports aluminum flywheel will definitely be installed. Obviously, the fuel system will be upgrades, along with the intercooler, computer(not like there is a choice when going singel), urethane engine mounts, Greddy pullies, and anything that even looks questionable on my way out. The suspension & interior will be next on the list with a set of Tein Coilovers going in, but this will be the springtime projects. For now I am going to finish the drivetrain first.

Bert, Ashraf is right, the short shifter won't come with the boot, or at least it didn't when I installed one in my FD. Get the shifter, call Mazdatrix and order the boot or you will still feel the warm breeze(which ain't so bad in winter )

Wait maybe I have chronic case of mod-itis. When I think of the money already invested and the money I still have to spend...ouch. I am taking donations. The Institute for Men with Outrageous Rotary Expenses (M.O.R.E)

 

Yeah, I'm in the middle of replacing the MC and putting on a new reservoir, since the original one is filthy and, I think, starting to leak. Man, that brake fluid was nasty stuff. After this weekend I'll be running nice, clean new syn fluid in the braking system. I guess I'll have to go with SS lines after that.

I put an Apexi intake on a few weeks ago and want to go with the CAI if I can find a means of doing that without cutting a lot of metal. I need a new shifter since mine has a ton of free play in it and the hot air coming into the cabin from the center console. I just need to rebuild the shifter, is there a rebuild kit for the factory shifter? Just getting around to alot of long needed maintenance on the car.:0)

 

Hey Keith, missed you at the GRR but great to hear that you got the car back. We'd all like to see the new top when you can make it to another drive-in. I saw a red vert over in the shopping center off Glenwood where Best Buy is located this past Sunday, I thought about you but don't guess it was yours. Come to think of it I've seen this car several times in the northwest Raleigh area but can never locate an owner. We are all gonna have to watch for this vert and tag the person who owns it.

 

I need to rebuild the shifter anyway, way too much play in it, the shifter boot is OK but I was thinking of upgrading to leather and a leather boot for the parking brake.

It sounds like your case of mod-itis is terminal not just chronic, you can charge everybody that wants a ride to recoop some of your costs. Josh are you still planning on bringing your fiero up to VIR? Maybe we could designate MORE as our preferred charity.

 

Bert, Can you post a picture of the intake? I have asted a ton on bad intakes that wont fit. Thanks.

 

I am hoping to make the trip up there. It is all contingent on getting that oil pan gasket in. It is a pretty bad leak. I would also like to get my suspension swapped over, before going out that way. put me down for a 70-80% chance of going.

 

I don't have a picture now but will take one when I put the new brake MC on and post it. This kit consisted of the permanent cone filter, intake adapter plate, 4 metal support brackets and all the necessary screws and bolts. It fit perfectly and I am very happy with it.

 

Compared to finding parts for RX7s it aught to be easy to get gaskets and such for a GM car, Oh that's right they don't make fieros anymore either! You know how to pick classic cars man.

After you get the FD back on the road I'd love to see it at VIR against some of those BMWs, and Porsches. Handling and power, your new setup will be almost as good as driving an FC :0) !

 

I'd love to take it up to VIR and definitely will, but I am sure there are some guys with driving skill that would spank me while driving a modded Yugo.

I already have the oil pan gasket, it just isn't a friendly job. I hope to pick up my FD motor and turbo this weekend as well as remove mine, so it may be next weekend before I get the motivation to change out the gasket. It is a pretty bad leak about 1/2 quart a week. Maybe a quick tightening will help if they were kind enough to use a rubber gasket from factory.

 

Bert,

Mazdaracing ( http://www.mazdaracing.com/ShiftKit.asp ) and I think Mazdatrix have full short shifter kits that include new bushings for a decent price. I'm thinking of getting the mazdaracing shifter with the blue shift ****, at least after I get new tires and SS break lines.

 

Those ***** are pretty trick, Ray. I like 'em. I wish they were weighted.

 

Thanks for the link, I like the shifter kit. That would make a nice Christmas present from my wife. My kids can give me the shifter ****. Thanks again Ray

 

I have a Yugo. If you feel like fixing a broken axle, we can find out

 

Keith,

I feel your pain. I finally killed my Miata top a few weeks ago doing the same thing. I think my sentiments were along the lines of: Oh, bugger. It's a nice night to have open-air, I don't care what the thermometer says, guess I'll just deal with it and break out the duct tape at home.

I'm glad I bought my replacement top ahead of time in anticipation of the inevitable.

I'm about to wrap up my self-installation tonight/tomorrow. Not too bad, a few new tools had to be acquired, but not an unreasonable job for a seasoned mechanic (although the Miata top is much simpler and cheaper than a vert, I think someone could do a 'vert RX-7 top themselves if they were so inclined).

How bad was the bill for the installation, if you don't mind my asking?

Regards,
--Ashraf

 

Why do you say that? I could run a carefully selected single turbo on a stock ECU fairly safely (and it has been done before). It isn't what you would have in mind for a single conversion, but it can be made to work. Heck, you can chip the stock ECU to run a full-blown single if you really want to, but a PFC is more flexible.

Regards,
--Ashraf

 

Hmm. Depends on how much of a scrounger you are. I don't seem to have a ton of trouble finding a part when I really need one. Mike and I have used domestic parts in a pinch for RX-7's we've worked on that needed a gasket or part "yesterday". You just have to be crafty...

Yawn. The FD "kills" most of those things in STOCK form. It just makes the margin greater with more power. His car in "final form" will have to set its sights higher - properly driven Vipers and Corvettes become your targets with a single turbo.

Regards,
--Ashraf

 

I have a used MazdaRacing short shifter Kit I will sell, With a black rotor engraved Billet Shift ****. Very slick. Email me if your interested. Shortest shift ive ever felt out of a stock transmission. Carl

 

Look here:
http://www.ncrscca.com/Pdf/Track%20Records.pdf

Note the course record for the ITD class...is in fact...a Yugo.

Regards,
--Ashraf

 

The Yugo did handle well... it just took forever to get it to the top speed of 65 mph, and when you did something broke.

 

LMAO. well there you have it. i told you i would lose. honestly, i consider myself an above average driver, but that is only because the average driver is so low on the scale. i am sure most track drivers could run circles around me, literally.

 

Steve, PMed ya.

 

[/QUOTE] Josh shoehorning in Jon's megahorsepower setup. [/QUOTE]


Hey its not shoehorning. It will fit perfectly... Now what I am doing, That is shoehorning. Lets just hope it turns out ok, then I might be able to join you guys at some of these track events. Josh you are going to love that turbo, even on a roadcoarse. You can always keep it in a gear where lag is not an issue, and there is nothinng quite like being propeled down the straights by 500 HP

Jonathan