looks like a perfect time to add my favorite FD mod.

MANUAL STEERING

if you want to do it the easy way grab a hacksaw and cut the two steel hydraulic lines coming out of the steering rack.

turn the steering 3 times lock to lock to drain most of the fluid out of the rack and loop the lines.

there are lots of threads for further info. the FD drives easily manual and you regain road feel.

manual since 99

howard

 

If you decide to go manual, there's the AtomicRex rack (replaces entire rack, but expensive):
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=832782

or the Maval conversion (convert OEM rack to manual):
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=manual

or the looped version that Howard mentioned...

Looks like you're serious about this project!

 

I would love to do that, but all of my funds are already allocated. I would just do the loop line conversion but since I primarily drive it on the street, I'm worried that it might not be worth it. It sounds like the loop line conversion makes it quite difficult to turn the wheels at low speed.

 

you don't need to change the rack... you just have to loop the lines, then you get to remove the PS pump which helps change sparkplugs as well as freeing up engine compartment room.

it is no problem turning the wheel at low speed.

hc

 

So you are supposed to drain the fluid out as much as possible and then loop the lines?

 

yup.

 

I found Damian's thread helpful (naturally):
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...power+steering

and this:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/powersteering-removal-kit-428946/

I've only looked into it, but my current plan is to fix the leaks and keep the PS for now.

 

I had to fabricate a bracket last night to get the front bumper installed because the middle of the bumper was about 0.5" lower than the hood. Now Otis meeting up nicely but I still have a lot of work to do with it.

 

Looks good. Great looking bumper, IMO.

Do you have a good source for sheet aluminum (not too expensive)?

Also, did you move all the hardware from the stock bumper over to the new bumper? I'm in the process of drilling out the rivets and moving the upper brackets and rubber seals over to my new bumper.

 

I haven't done any of that yet. I'm not even sure if I will do any of it actually. I will probably fabricate new brackets since everything up there is going to be new. I haven't bought any sheet aluminum in couple of years so i don't even remember what I paid for the stuff I have. I do have a new hook-up on it though. Let me know if you need any and maybe we can pick it up at the same time to save you some cost. I think the guy is in Boulder. I'll let you know when I find out more.

 

When my manifold arrived yesterday, I couldn't keep myself from putting a few of the pieces together.



I wasn't really excited about where the M-Spec intercooler was mounted in the other pictures I've seen so I mounted it about 3 inches lower with the upper tab being on the underside of the cross brace where the rebar goes across. This required me to make some new "L" shaped brackets that mounted to the bottom of the frame to give me a place to attach the intercooler using the tabs on the sides. This also allowed me to put more of an angle on the intercooler to match the angle of the inside opening on the bumper.



Here's a shot with the bumper back on. I will need to do a small amount of trimming on the inside of the bumpber to take off about 1/2" at the top of the opening.

 

Nice work. Good to see you have an assistant...

 

My assistant is always willing to help out in the garage. Right now his name is Shock Top.

 

that reflection on the manifold begs you never to run the car :-P i like the front bumper as well. no doubt it will help get air to the necessary places.

i love pics. keep them coming. seems like you already have most of the supporting mod before you went single?

 

How will you attach the bottom of the bumper?

 

Great thread, well done. I'm sure it will be nice to drive again after the 2 year wait

 

I attached the bottom of the bumper by epoxying a piece of aluminum channel on the bottom of the opening for the intercooler and then fiberglassing over it. Then, I made some brackets that bolt up to the spare holes in the brackets for the tow loops.

 

why not just get a undertray?

 

I'll probably fabricate one after I get more of the car back together.

 

what kind of bolts are you using to mount the turbo to the manifold?

 

I haven't really thought about it. The kit came with some studs. Why do you ask?

 

I just checked my tracking on the Sakebomb twin 25 row oil cooler kit and it will be delivered today. I should have some pics of the installation and fitting it to the Sanai front bumper this weekend.

After a couple of days worth of work, and more fiberglass, I finally managed to get the bumper to fit properly. I'll post some more pics of it and what i had to do this weekend as well.

 

Nice work keep it up. I'll be starting my singal conversion along with a big street port

 

I got my dual oil cooler kit in today. It went in pretty easy as far as the coolers themselves go. Here's some pics of the kit, I'll post some more of it installed later.

 

Nice build!! If it's not too late....and you seem pretty good on the fab work..I say you go Vmount.. help further keep those engine temps down.. partnered with your oil coolers....you'll be ready to rock!!