twin-turbo RX-7 "resto-mod" project! (details & pics)

[RX-7 Steve]

This is my vintage-red 1993 Mazda/Efini RX-7 twin-turbo:




In my opinion, the 3rd-generation RX-7's design is close to perfection; it looks great and it runs great, so for a purist like myself there isn't much to modify. Here's a list of the few subtle modifications installed:

Performance Modifications: Fluidyne radiator, P.F. mid-mount intercooler (with ram-air ducting), P.F. stainless-steel high-flow exhaust-system, P.F. turbo-boost gauge, HKS turbo blow-off valve, K&N cold-air intake (with ram-air ducting), Cusco front strut-tower bar, KONI adjustable coilovers, MOMO short-throw shifter, Bridgestone Potenza S-03 rubbers (front: 235/45ZR17, rear: 255/40ZR17)

Cosmetic Modifications: O.E.M. R1 front lip-spoiler, O.E.M. '99-'02 J-spec tail-lights, O.E.M. Efini badges, 17" x 8.5" Super-License 3-peice alumnium wheels.




I recently ordered and installed a brand-new clutch-disc, pressure-plate, pilot-bearing, master-cylinder, and slave-cylinder (all O.E.M. equipment).




I also gave her some new engine-oil, differential-oil, and O.E.M. spark-plugs.




Today, I acid-washed the back of the wheels to get rid of the mineral-deposits and sediment forming at the seams where the spokes and lips of the rims are bolted together.

Before:



After:



Also, the entire vehicle was thoroughly cleaned, a process including a wash and wax/polish of all exterior paint/alumnium, treatment of all interior leathers/plastics/vinyll, a full engine-bay detail, cleaning of the wheel-wells and suspension components, and under-car pressure-wash.

The next step in my RX-7 "resto-mod" project is to upgrade the already potent twin-turbo 13B to a turbo'd 20B or N/A 26B, but that will be later on down the road. She's currently running on a rebuilt motor with near perfect compression and sounds and runs great, so there really is no rush for me to replace the motor right now.

(more to come)

[my99cavy]

thats a very nice car you have yourself steve I have always been a pretty big fan of the rx-7. that front lip spoiler really sets off the front of your car without having to put on an intire front bumper. whats the stock HP on that and how much are you running with the current mods you have done??

[RX-7 Steve]

Thanks, bro. Yeah, I love the R1 lip-spoiler; I think these cars look naked without 'em. I wanna get the lip-spoiler from '99-'02 J-spec RX-7's; they are more efficient at creating downforce, and channeling air to the brake-cooling ducts and around the sides of the car.



I dunno what my BHP or 1/4mile times are; I haven't gotten her dynoed yet, and I have no intentions of drag-racing her.

[my99cavy]

that lip spoiler in that picture you just posted looks amazing IMO. i def think you should go with that one. yeah I didnt think you were going to drag her. to pretty to be draging if you ask me.

[RX-7 Steve]

Yeah, I will definately be getting the '99-spec lip-spoiler (we're trying to convince a certain company to make a carbon-fiber version of that lip). We're also trying to get a carbon-fiber version of this rear-diffuser, the only aftermarket exterior part I'd ever put on my car (except for wheels).

[my99cavy]

yeah man both of those on there the '99-spec lip-spoiler and that rear-diffuser would really look amazing on your car. you have some great plans for you rex. keep posting on newly added things.

[RX-7 Steve]

Hey, what do you think of this carbon-fiber headlight-conversion?



I think they look badass, plus they save weight and increase aerodynamics at night. Still, I think pop-ups are so classic and getting rid of them would kinda make me sad.

[my99cavy]

^all i have to say about that conversion is DAMNN. that looks really really badass. but I hear ya on the pop ups being a classic. but sometimes you have to sacrafice for what looks better. and I think the conversion looks much better.

[RX-7 Steve]

The thing about that particular headlight-conversion (the only design I like) is that it only looks good fron the front; When you look at it from the sides they bulg up like bubbles and do not flow with the lines of the car.

[my99cavy]

oh really?? do you have pics of a side shot? I think I know what your talking about though. I have seen some celicas with headlights the bulge at the top. I didnt like how they look. I dont know what it looks like on the rex though so I really couldnt tell ya my opinon without seeing some pics.

[RX-7 Steve]

I managed to find a side-view, but the hood isn't down so you can't really get a sense of how "bubbley" they are.



I also found this pics of the entire unit; it sure is a sexy peice:

[my99cavy]

well from that view they dont look all thatbad IMO. but that guys car could use a nice detailing. that whole unit sure is sexy like you said.. the light on the left in the unit looks like a fog light if seen before. maybe im just dumb or something lol but back to the topic I would highly consider doing the conversion.

[RX-7 Steve]

I am definately considering it. The entire conversion, including the carbon-fiber housings, transparent covers, bulbs and components, cost about $1000 USD. The sell generic versions of this kit for much less but the carbon-fiber is cheap and the lights suck.

[my99cavy]

$1,000 you say huh?? doesnt seem too bad if you ask me. well be sure to keep an update with whatever you do.

[RX-7 Steve]

I will definately be getting these carbon-fiber side-splitters to go with the lip-spoiler and rear-diffuser, to complete the aero-package.



I like that front-end too. It is an exact replica of the O.E.M. '99-'02 face minus the molded license-plate holder. The intercooler and oil-cooler air-ducts are larger, and looks great with the '99-spec lip-spoiler. (looks demonic with the headlight-conversion! )

I'd get the O.E.M. foglights to go with it if I got that front-bumper.