I've noticed a wonderful trend among FD owners as of late, which is very much a "less is more" philosophy of returning cars to OEM standards. Perhaps it's nostalgia or a desire to keep the FD a collectors piece... but either way, it's inspiring. That said, the question is; does OEM have to mean 1993-1995 USDM spec? Or can we still improve the vehicle with late model OEM parts / parts from the Mazda family? Here's my list...


Exterior
99Spec Front Bumper
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
This is probably an easy one. But it really is a great OEM update to the car. Just remember all the nice updates that make this really nice; upgraded under panel, brake ducts (Left: F138-43-64XB / Right: F138-43-63XB) & air guide (F138-50-A21).

99Spec Rear Wing
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
Another easy one. But it really is a great OEM update to the car.

99Spec Taillights
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
Another easy one. But it really is a great OEM update to the car.

99Spec / Spirit-R Wheels
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
Both are great options with vastly different price points. However, both add a much needed aesthetic 'bump' over the USDM wheels.

Mazda Tribute Wiper Nozzles
OEM Part Number - EC01-67-50YA
If you've ever had to use the OEM windshield washer sprayers - you know they leave a lot to be desired. This little upgrade gives you "Fluidic" nozzles with a great spray pattern.

Mazda Flying M Badges
OEM Part Number - F138-51-731 (Front) / F141-51-731A (Rear)
The factory badge was short lived and with good reason. A nice refresh is the current model emblems.

S2000 Rear Antenna
HalfSpec (Group Buy Vendor)
Ok, ok... this isn't an OEM Mazda part, but it IS an OEM part and does a great job replacing that tall, prone to breaking antenna with a nice sleek OEM S2000 antenna.


Interior
99Spec / Miata / Protege Steering Wheel
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
A fantastic updated look for the interior. These come from the 1999 FD3S, 1999-2005 Miata and 1999-2002 Protege. All of these are very similar looking. The other point of note is the 99Spec wheels are a direct bolt on, but the Miata/Protege wheels require some minor drilling on the rear hub to make it work. Airbag requires some wiring in either case as does the factory cruise. Airbags are available with the Flying M or Nardi logo.

Miata Head Unit
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
These come from 1999-2005 model year Mazda Miatas, possibly the Millenia. This replacement dual DIN head unit is a nice aesthetic upgrade and is available for both BOSE and non-BOSE models. In addition, it adds some functionality as well, including an optional AUX/Bluetooth adapter to use with modern phones. A custom wiring harness is needed for plug n play installation, but documentation about this is pretty complete.

Miata Chrome eBrake Button
OEM Part Number - NC35-44-033
Ok, this might be pushing it, but it IS a cool little upgrade for your stock eBrake.

RX-8 Homeline/Compass Mirror
OEM Part Number - GK2E-69-220
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
I site the RX-8 because it's the FDs closest cousin, but Homelink mirrors are used in a number of vehicles. This is a nice upgrade adds some modern functionality and lets you ditch the garage door opener.

99Spec Storage Box
OEM Part Number - F110-64-440D
Used in the For Sale Section
This is a nice replacement for the ashtray in the center console. It adds a nice padded armrest for you elbow and a quirky storage box for... small stuff.

Spirit R / RZ Recaro Seats
Used in the For Sale Section
If upgrading the seating is on your list and you want to stay OEM, this is the way to go. The OEM tilt sliders are magical and the look/fitment can't be beat. If you can find a set, most covers are in pretty poor condition - but luckily ESH Upholstery makes fantastic replacement covers.

Flying M Key
OEM Part Number - F1Y2-76-201A
Nice touch. Especially if you're updated to the Flying M Airbag and Emblems.


Engine
99Spec Compression Tube
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
Nice upgrade that does away with the AWS nipple that usually gets plugged.

99Spec Intake Panel
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
Nice upgrade that feeds more air to both the intake and stock intercooler.

JDM UIM / LIM
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
Much cleaner underside that does away with ports for emissions equipment. Eliminates the need for block off plates.

RX-8 Starter
Already Modified from Vendors
Upgraded "high torque" 2.0KW starter from the 2004-2008 Mada RX-8. The starter requires modification for installation, but a handful of vendors offer these as 'bolt-on' units.

99Spec / RX-8 Radiator Fans
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
I'm not sure if there is a difference between the two, but both are newer, include more fan blades (5/7 for RX-8 vs 4/5 for the USDM models) and are a bolt in to the USDM fan shroud. Make sure you get fans from the 2011+ RX-8 as they include the same four wire connector as the USDM model, however, please note repinning of the connector is required.

99Spec Turbos
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
If you want a bit more power this is a nice way to go. Just make sure your source the HT12 / N3G1 turbos which are the "280HP" version from late model JDM vehicles.


Suspension / Brakes
99Spec / Spirit-R Brakes
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
If you want a bit more stopping power, the 99Spec / Spirit-R Brakes are a nice little upgrade. Both feature larger diameter (314mm) and thicker (32mm) rotors and the Spirit-R got snazzy red calipers and cross drilled rotors.

929 Master Cylinder
OEM Part Number - HG31-43-400R-0G
Already Modified from Vendors
If you're upgrading your brakes, upgrading your master cylinder is a no brainer, so why not use Mazda OEM parts? This is from an early 1990s Mazda 929 and is a perfect fit. Lots of documentation out there on needed modifications.

Spirit-R Bilstein Suspension
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
I don't have any tech specs on these - but more aggressive suspension was offered on the Spirit-R models. Manufactured by Bilstein, so it must be good, right?

Bathurst Showa Coilovers
Used in the For Sale Section / eBay
As far as I know, only the Bathurst model FDs got the Showa coilovers. These have adjustable dampening and ride height (up to 20mm).


Please, please feel free to add to this list. Keep in mind the spirit of the project. I know the GReddy SMIC is stock "looking", but it's not an OEM piece. I guess you can make the argument for Mazdaspeed parts, but that's cheating. :P

So what else is there?

 

I'm a huge fan of the 99 spec body. And also widebody kits when done the right way.

But I'd like to think I've updated the OEM look with a more modern head unit and a smaller steering wheel.

Thanks for the tip on those wiper nozzles. Never knew about them

 

Love it! I am definitely heading towards to OEM+ direction. Except I am also going single turbo...

Thanks for the stereo unit btw MATT. Gonna get it installed next week. One step closer to my OEM+ goal.

Already got the 99+spec brake kit. Where can I get an already modified 929 MC?

 

This is great!! I am uh.... already committed... to less OEM in the engine department but these interior and exterior mods are awesome!

 

I actually think any move to "upgrade" older FDs to look like version 5 and 6 FDs is not a great thing at all. Rather than help any collector status, it actually diminishes and cheapens the value of both models. The demand for version 5/6 body and interior parts also dries up the supply of genuine parts making that much harder for owners of the real thing to maintain the authenticity of their vehicles. RZ/Spirit R seats have now been driven up to drug dealer prices due to scarcity and it won't be long before owners of actual version 5/6 cars can't buy new bumper skins or replacement badges...because a great deal of them have been fitted to early FDs. This is already happening with genuine Spirit R gear ***** too.

It also undermines how great the early FDs actually look. The original front end was and remains great - possibly making it slowest aging 1990s car design out there. If you look at SA / series 1 RX-7s that back in the day were retrofitted with FB / series 2/3 bumpers, moulding and taillights, they now look tacky and have lost their original charm...and probably worth less too.

My personal preference is for cars that either maintain proper original appearance or go all out aftermarket.

Mechanical items I'm more indifferent towards - there's usually a good performance reason for going for later model stuff, but I still pity the Spirit R owners who won't be able to get OEM service replacement parts, like cross-drilled 314mm rotors for instance. This stuff isn't being made anymore.

 

No joke, this is what I was going to do for my next fd. Damn.... beat me to the punch lol

Good luck to you with this. The end product is going to be of the best ever made.

 

I would add in the Dual oil coolers to this list.
Maybe even the oem Bose acoustic wave sound system.
The automatic climate control is another great/rare find that really makes the interior look and feel much newer.
R1/R2 strut bar.

 

Here's a video from gracer7-rx7:

The stereo is such a nice touch. PM sent on the MC.


Might have to make an exception and add 'Sideo Pedals' to the Interior list.


We'll steal your women and take your parts. To each their own.


LoL... this is what my build STARTED as... then got out of control. You are more than welcome to use this as a guide... and add to it!

Good points. Dual Oil Cooler is a MUST! BOSE can be hit or miss... I think upgraded speakers is acceptable, no? Auto climate control has always been a dream - but has anyone actually made it work on a USDM model? R1/R2/RZ bar (RZ is the black one?) is another good recommendation.

 

that is pretty much my built right there. still sourcing all the exterior part. ***** expensive lol

 

More or less my exact build/plans, give or take a few items.
But the 99-spec intake panel, got any pictures of it?

 

N3G113201



Being a 2002 model my car has most of this list already . I'm also going for an oem+ approach using optional oem and Mazdaspeed parts.

 

Does that fit directly on the rest of the stock intake? Looks better, and its pretty cheap

 

It does indeed, just need to blank off the hole in the early intercooler ducting.

 

The giveaway is the less pronounced indent on the left there.

Here's the USDM version:



There might be one for sale currently on the 3rd section...

 

I like this trend, the only thing I have to add is either the feed type or 99 Spec OEM side skirts. They really finish of the look.

Vince

 

Edit

 

Thanks for the pictures Im picky on parts that are in peoples face, so ill probably get a new one from mazda, if i dont get my hands on an AutoExe carbon intake instead Might "have" to get the 99-spec intercooler duct also then i guess
Bloody money swamp these cars <3

Or both i got some Feed style now, and i think i have to test the OEM 99-specs also.

 

I like the theme, just not sure what to add....
Does OEM-quality qualify?

 

I actually think it depends... oem side skirts throws off the balance of the car at certain angles. I actually prefer the side skirt less look due to smoother lines and cleaner look.

 

This thread inspired me to get a Homelink rear view mirror and Mazda Tribute wiper nozzles

 

One thing many people goof up are the round tail lights and the later Y-pipe - these parts were introduced in 96, not 99.

Don't forget the 99 side skirts. They are on the heavy side but they look good. And the rear mud guards with it.

Also, the larger front and rear brakes from the 99+ cars.

You can even go REALLY nuts and try and do the later 4-channel ABS.

Dale

 

Good point on the rear lights and y-pipe . Also the OEM side skirts were also available on much earlier JDM FD's, not sure exactly when they came in, but they were in the '93 options catalog. The larger brakes were also available from early on on all RZ models, some special editions and S8 RS models (And obviously the later RZ and Spirit R ). Even the auto Spirit R and the S8 type R & RB models have the smaller brakes .

That last iteration of the FD ABS still had a single brake line to the rear, so not sure how much of an upgrade it is over the earlier systems. Does look cool, though .

Also to add to the list would be the later brake booster and power steering system. Feedback is much better imo .

The later clusters really help make the interior look less dated, too.

I need some of those washer jets!

 

Did they address the plastic AST and radiator seam cracking issues in the later years?

I'd probably still get an aluminum rad and delete the AST if I was going this route.

I know the 99's don't have a PCV valve anymore.

 

I was pretty sure the round tail lights are 99spec. But, you're right about the y-pipe.
I also hear the rubber intake hoses were uprated to not suck shut in later models...

 

Ordered the wiper nozzles on Friday.