A few new projects

[gmonsen]

I have a number of small projects I am working on over the winter that all involve some fabbing. Here are some pictures.

Here's the new aluminum grille surround I had made...
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Exterior%20Photos/Aluminum%20Grille/MVC-010F.jpg

And, here's the screening behind it to hide the radiator and plumbing...
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Grille/8_100_5883.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Grille/6_100_5881.jpg

Here are some strakes or spears I'm playing with to add to the side vents. They'd be tapered and polished more...
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/3_100_5899-1.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/5_100_5920.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/5_100_5909.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/5_100_5909.jpg

Here's a new emblem I'm making. It will replace all the other emblems. The front one will be in the middle of the grille and the rear one will be centered over the keyhole for the hatch lock. I am making one that will have a red "7" with an aluminum surround and a cream white inside...
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Rx7%20Emblem/NewRx7EmblemA005.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Rx7%20Emblem/NewRx7Emblem3piece001.jpg

And I'm making a few up out of all metal. Here's a test. The final ones will be well made and polished, but I'm trying to see what it would look like...
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Intake%20Plenum%20and%20Runners/2_100_5937.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Rx7%20Emblem/4_100_5939.jpg

And, I'm making a new intake plenum for the 20b. But, its just started. (It needs a LOT more air.)
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Intake%20Plenum%20and%20Runners/Plenumandintake1001.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Intake%20Plenum%20and%20Runners/2_100_5922.jpg

[Prodigy]

I have always Loved the way you have Modded your NA 20b, its so classy and understated... great Job with the aluminum grille surround, looks fantastic, and the emblem looks good too (seen the thread a few days ago on the other forum)

I think instead of building a new Intake, you should go the Route of ITB's, cause it would add to the sexiness of your engine bay, plus add a bit more power...

buts that's what I would do, either way your car will look great (based on its track record so far)....


J.

[gmonsen]

Thanks for the kind comment. I'm looking at doing ITB's over the winter, but want to go through this step, because I want to see how far I can go as simply as possible first. If this produces a certain amount of power, I might stop.

Gordon

[lh6601]

You definitely think outside the box with your mods. Looks great and should add some class and sophistication to that old bird.
Its sad that I just called an FD an old bird. :(

[gmonsen]

Here are a few newer photos of my "old bird"...

Gordon

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/5%20Pointz%20Meet/DSCN0681.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/IMG_0138.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Exterior%20Photos/Rx7FrontViewModified.jpg

[Prodigy]

That is almost my perfect rendition of a FD that could be used a DD.... this is the only FD that I would say emits "Class" where most make it kinda ricer (including mine) yours is just pure simplicity and sophistication in one.... It looks really great... one of the Few FD's a person could take to a Red carpet event...

Man I'm jealous... :D


J.

[gmonsen]

You know, I have spent a serious amount of time and money -- as I constantly keep repeating -- just making the car what it could have been. Its meant to be an upscale evolution of the 7 had Mazda continued with the body a la Porsche and evolved it.

I am more in love with the car than when I bought my first one and think this is now close to what I've been trying to do. The thing is that it doesn't really show well at all. In pictures of the exterior or interior, people can see a few things that are different, like the aluminum grille and rear valance and some people notice the wheels. The Spirit R brakes (new thanks to K Hiraishi) look good, but no one recognizes them as being anything other than stock. Some of the newer things, like the emblems may be noticeable as well.

The interior shots show a really nice interior, but there's no way anyone can tell that its not stock (or mostly stock) from pictures. Of course, it is more or less the stock design, just made out of the best materials. The seats, being modified, padded, and leather covered RZ seats, look fairly stock as well, although they are closer to the Recaros Porsche puts in the GT3. The padded and perforated leather headliner and visors can only be seen from inside. Bunch of other stuff, like everything being leather and metal and no plastic or vinyl. But, again, you can't see it.

Even the motor is understated and a bit different, being naturally aspirated and not going for maximum power by any means, but a very pure rotary power and power suited to the chassis.

Gordon

[Prodigy]

Its like a small British sports car from the 1960's... it may be small, kinda slow compared to others, and sometimes a shore to upkeep, but the feeling and joy from driving it is like nothing else ever conceived....

It is a very very understated car, I am hoping one day to have the pleasure, of just seeing it in person, and maybe if my words are smooth and your gas tank is full, going for a short little drive to fully appreciate and understand all the thought and effort (plus time and money) put into your build... Your approach for this car is quite uncommon for cars such as the FD, or even NSX, Supra's, GTR's in my opinion... It would be a great Grand Touring car, where most of the above mentioned, the owners would hate to drive them for more then 2 hours consecutively....

Yours is one where a drive through the mountains can be enjoyed, by not having to stop at every rest stop to give ones body/back a break, and check fluids etc..

Truly one magnificent and smooth purring beast...

J.

[gmonsen]

If you're ever down this way, look me up for a ride. There are some Canadians who come down for our August Carlisi event. Any chance you're going to 7stock this coming September? I'm going to be there.

Gordon

[lh6601]

Beautiful car.

[Prodigy]

If you're ever down this way, look me up for a ride. There are some Canadians who come down for our August Carlisi event. Any chance you're going to 7stock this coming September? I'm going to be there.

Gordon

I'm a couple thousand clicks west, north of Montana, currently I live in a city that is in the middle of no where... (google maps "fort mcmurray" and you will see where currently reside) the city where my FD is "Red Deer"

I'm Hoping too attend 7 stock this year, although I will see, if finances and school all fall into order... If I do it will be my first year attending the legendary event...

Whats this August Carlisi you are referring too?

J.

[gmonsen]

Here are a bunch more pictures of some of the things I find more interesting. Hopefully, some of these are new.

Gordon

Here are a few photos of the brakes. They are brand new Spirit R brakes, which are slightly larger than the stock brakes at 314mm diameter. The pistons are different than stock and each rotor is individually dynamically balanced. The rears are slightly larger and have different pistons as well. I liked them, because they were larger and better, but still Mazda. I like the Brembo-like red calipers with silver white Mazda.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Spirit%20R%20Brakes/IMG_0258.jpghttp://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Spirit%20R%20Brakes/IMG_0261.jpg

This interior photo shows the new seat redo with the perforated leather and more padding for my old ass. You can't believe how comfortable these are, especially since they started as the RZ racing shells (the CF on the back is covered with the same black leather that covers every interior surface except the cream white perforated headliner). The console was "metalized" (shot with silver dust and copper ad nickel plated) and then painted black. The ashtray was chromed. (Maybe a bit much.) The short shift gear shift knob is a Voodoo aluminum knob that I had Joe powder coat black with the shift pattern etched and filled in white.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/IMG_0126.jpg

A little closer shot. All the surfaces -- other than the metalized plastic on the dash, console, and doors -- is black leather, but, all in all, it looks pretty stock, even though not one piece you see is original. Every piece was redone.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/IMG_0129.jpg

I kind of like this rear under valance I had made out of aluminum. It replaces the stock black plastic one that always melts where the cutout is for the exhaust tip. My exhaust exits downwards before the valance, so there's no cutout for a tip or any tip for that matter. Fits exactly as the stock unit.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Exterior%20Photos/Rx7%20with%20Aluminum%20Valance%20and%20Grille/IMG_0014.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Exterior%20Photos/Rx7%20with%20Aluminum%20Valance%20and%20Grille/IMG_0016.jpg

And, of course, I really like the front grille surround I had made out of aluminum as well, which I'm still finishing off with the new screen and emblem.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Exterior%20Photos/Rx7%20with%20Aluminum%20Valance%20and%20Grille/IMG_0008.jpg

I love this photo taken behind the driver's seat. It all looks completely stock, but, again, it isn't. Everything is black leather (the same leather hides BMW uses), including the bins.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/DSCN2554.jpg

And I had them repeat the bin ribbing pattern in a few other places, like the subwoofer box in the rear.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/Picture115.jpg

This closeup of the ashtray is interesting, because, while you can see that the ashtray is chrome, you don't notice that the entire console is metal as well, but painted black. The area surrounding the console is black leather and the seats are red leather.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/Picture113.jpg
Here's the console area after being plated and painted.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/IMG_0163.jpg

Here's the back of one of the door pieces, showing the copper plating a bit.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/IMG_0172.jpg

One of the things I've always hated is not just plastic in the interior, but plastic vanes in the air conditioning and heating vents. So, I had them taken apart, and actually individually chromed and then reassembled. You don't notice them very much, but you do notice them when you're driving. The black plastic vents themselves are, of course, also metal plated and painted black.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/IMG_0171.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Interior%20Photos/IMG_0160.jpg

[Prodigy]

So let me make sure I understand this correctly.. you took the factory plastic surround (gauge, shifter etc...) had it plated, then shot with some more metal coatings to give it some texture, then painted black to make it look even better then stock...

Had the same plating/painting done to every vent (after disassembling then) and got the fins chromed to add that little touch of class....

then had every piece of remaining plastic in the car covered in a BMW quality leather, and had some added some "ribbing" in certain areas to match/add a bit more texture, pattern to the interior...

My favorite part is still the rear valence and front grille surround out of aluminum.... with it emulating the surface under it, it will either lighten the car (like in the posted pics) or it can darken it to a whole new level... adding a bit of personality and flare to the car itself (imagine how it would look parked over a handicapped stall, reflecting that blue)


You know how I feel about your work you have done to this car...

looks great... I would "rep" you, but this forum does not have the option...


J.

[gmonsen]

Thanks, Prodigy. I'm pretty sure I have the honor of spending the most money for the least noticeable changes, but, yes, that is what I did.

Thanks, again. If we ever run into each other, you should take a drive. Its enlightening and fun.

Gordon

[Prodigy]

Yeah but there is a certain humbleness that comes with building such a project as this... that's one reason I like/respect this car and your work on it so much. You were not making it to be a cry to attention, where as quite a few FD's are... you knew the look of the stock was alright, you just wanted it that little bit more refined, higher quality, since Mazda had to make the budgets and cut the quality on quite a few things, you are just making the Interior to what it deserved to be in the first place... IMO

Its a classy car... where mine may look alright, but the interior will not feel nearly as solid as yours, nor will any passengers have the same appreciation, that they do in yours... Mine looks somewhat neglected (going to get it running awesome first, then Iron out the small things I don't like)

In the words of Jeremy Clarkson, yours would be something like the Spyker C8, where its a car that you "wear" not so much as drive, it brings with it a certain expiation, or ambiance. Where as my car (although currently not running) would be more in the Gumpert Apallo camp, where it sacrifices creature comforts for a more "track based" performance... although I'm guessing yours would still run circles around my car, that is until I learn how to drive...


Either way, you have done a magnificent job... you up classed the FD from a 90's jap import with nice design and poor execution to a nice design and superb execution...

Now just throw some ITB's on it and call it "done"


My name is Jon.

[gmonsen]

Thanks a lot, Jon. It means a lot when someone really gets what you're trying to do. I'll get those ITB's on right away!

Gordon

[diabolical1]

absolutely outstanding. i really like your approach to modifying.

[gmonsen]

Thanks, Diabolical, as well. Here's another bit that I really like, but you don't see: an Atomic Rex manual rack.

I did the looped line manual steering conversion on my first FD and tasted the “feel” that manual steering provided. I never tried the Mavel manual conversion. When Atomic Rex came out with their new billet aluminum CNC-machined manual rack, I bought the first one shipped here. Its a fair bit of money, but cheap for what it provides.

Not only is there great feel, but it is also quicker at 2.4 turns lock-to-lock. It is also much more precise due to the different (better) machining of the rack and gear, as well as the much more substantial solid aluminum mounting blocks to the subframe. This makes a tremendous change in the way the car feels, the way it turns in, the way it handles overall. [However, I am close to buying Atomic Rex’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) kit that provides assistance at parking speeds, since it’s a bit much on occasion.]

Here’s the Atomic Rex manual rack next to the stock rack. Talk about hidden bling:
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Other%20Rx7/MVC-001F.jpg

Here is a picture showing the mounting blocks to affix the rack to the subframe:
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Other%20Rx7/MVC-003F.jpg

And, here’s the rack installed in the subframe:
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Other%20Rx7/Steering20Rack-Fitted2001.jpg

[TitaniumTT]

Gordon, Any idea when the ITB's will be installed and when your beautiful girl will be on the dyno? I'd love to "accidentally" swing on by ;)

As for the Atomic Rex rack, Dave has always song that peices praises and now that you mention this electronic assist... I am quite intriqued. I depowered my 15.2:1 rack by what many have suggested is the only way to do it - crack the thing open, remove all the power steering seals and even the springs on the end seals and then welding the quill solid - ultimate feel. Maybe I'm getting old but my rack is getting a little heavy in parking situations and I'm quite curious about it all. Do you have any links or information other than what I've found on the forums which is very limited?

[gmonsen]

Hey, Brian... We're going through some interim development to understand a few things better. We started with the stock UIM and 60mm throttle body and then tried a 90mm throttle body. Both ran out of air at around 5500 or so. I have bought the parts for the ITB's, but haven't started building them. What we are doing is trying a different upper intake setup with a plenum about twice the stock plenum and runners that will act to increase velocity. So, we are going to dyno the car with the stock intake and video it and then take it off while still filming and put on the new intake and plenum and dyno it again still filming. The idea is to document the changes it made. Then, depending on the results, we'll finish the ITB's and do the same video thing again going from the new in take to the ITB's and dynoing them. This way people will see the range of things they can do to get to different power levels with the NA 20b. Dave is probably going to do this in about 2 weeks. Happy to let you know when in advance.

Depending on a bunch of things, I'll decide what I want to end up with...

Gordon

[neofreak]

Cars like this are really inspirational next to all of the beater FDs that are the vast majority nowadays.

Do you have any links that explain the process that you used to reinforce the plastics?

[gmonsen]

Neofreak... There's a thread somewhere on the other forum in the interior section. Its fairly simple though. They shoot the plastic with silver dust under extremely high pressure, so that the silver dust imbeds itself into the plastic. That makes the plastic now electrically conductive. That means they can electroplate the plastic in copper and then nickel just as you would a raw steel bumper. I had most of the plastic plated in copper and nickel and then painted black, although the astray and air duct vent slates were further plated in chrome instead of being painted. The work was done by Paul's Chrome in Pittsburg and they are very very good. I hope that helps.

And thanks for the comments on the car. It is meant to be what the car could have been. Its not a fast and furious car obviously.

Gordon

[neofreak]

Gordon, I'm blaming you for making me think about buying a second FD!

I'm so tempted to get another and make it classy, and leave my current one race-y.

ugh!

:)

[gmonsen]

Neofreak... Hehehe... I'm might go the other way and do a 20b track car.

Gordon

[gmonsen]

Things are coming along on my projects. There are a few more that are not in this thread and I'm going to at least toss something in here on that.

But, first, the second iteration of the emblems is done and on its way to me. Second, the vent pieces are done and I'll put them on the car and take pictures. Third, the back of the grille opening will be cleaned up by the screen going in.

Finally, my motor is about to go back together with the new intake plenum, runners, and cold air intake. I have a thread on the plenum and runners in the 20b section. The bottom line is that the motor will be back together next week and I should have some dyno results shortly thereafter.

Sort of the final thing is the exhaust. It is the last thing we are working on before Deal's Gap. The idea of the new exhaust system is to (a) increase NA power and to (b) make a nicer looking exhaust.

Not to ramble on about the obvious, but NA motors are tremendously effected by the intake and exhaust volumes and speeds and I think rotaries are particularly sensitive to these effects, much in the same way 2-strokes are extremely sensitive to intake and exhaust changes, in addition to porting. As I said, I have made an entirely new plenum and intake runners ducted through a NACA duct in the hood on the drivers side.

3-Stage Smart Exhaust
But, I am losing hp due to the straight through 3 inch exhaust. At lower rpm, a smaller pipe would speed up the gas flow notably, but that would in turn create more back pressure at higher rpm. The solution is a small pipe at lower rpm, adding another similarly-sized pipe at somewhere around 4,000 rpm, and then adding a quick open air (laker-style) sidepipe above something like 7,000. There's a simple drawing of it:

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Exhaust/NewExgaustSystem2003.jpg

The pipes are added and taken offline by smart remote actuators that open and close butterfly valves separating the pipes and controlled by the Microtech. Ferrari did this with the Modena on.

Dual Thru-Bumper Exhaust Outlets
I have never been excited about the FD's exhaust location and how it exits through the plastic valance. When I first got this car in 06, I had a lot of ideas, including a different back end and exhaust:

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Cars/2006OrigRx7Sketch007.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Cars/2006OrigRx7Sketch001.jpg

Well, I did go that far, but did put on the aluminum rear under-valance that has no exhaust opening in it. I designed an exhaust that goes into the rear bumper and into a stainless steel resonator box welded into the middle of the aluminum impact absorption crossmember. The inside of the bumper skin will be covered in DEI fabric good to 2000 degrees and the rest of the bumper interior will be filled with insulation. The 2 exhaust tips exit through the bumper:

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Exhaust/NewExgaustSystem1002.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Exhaust/DualThruBumperExhaust005.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Exhaust/ThruBumper2ndView006.jpg

[TitaniumTT]

Damn Gordon! You're gonna beat me too it. After seeing the valance on your car I started thinking about doing this EXACT same thing. Thought about it on the FC but the rear end of that car is just not conducive to doing anything like that. But the FD, well, she's perfect. Well done sir. Is the entire rear exhaust setup going to be ready for Deals?

[gmonsen]

Just adding another design that might fit the back end better.

Gordon

The design sort of repeats and enlarges the shape of the side markers...
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Exhaust/ExhaustOutlet5003.jpg

[To_Slow]

That looks awesome...

[gmonsen]

Here's a sharpied-over version. Can't color between the lines. Like pencil.

Gordon

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/New%20Exhaust/ColorExhaust005.jpg

[diabolical1]

i really like that last rendition.




on a totally unrelated note, it sort of reminds me of the 1970(?) Dodge Charger.

[TitaniumTT]

The 1969 and 1970 Dodge Chargers had the length wise rear tail-lights. The 1968 Charger had the individual lights in the rear like that. The '70 had the front loop bumper, different door vents. '69 had the "vented" front bumper with the splitter in the middle where the '68 didn't. The '68 Charger is on my list of top 3 sexiest cars of all time (along with the FD). When I was 18 it was between a '68 Charger with a 383 and a 727 but I couldn't get the seller down far enough to be able to afford the car, a 4-spd trans, the proper floor boards etc etc etc. A few months later I bought my FC and the rest as they say, is a horrible uncontrolled downward spiral :rofl: I know, quite a leap.

http://px6.streetfire.net/0001/37/81/1667318_600.jpg

http://px6.streetfire.net/0001/37/41/1667314_600.jpg

[gmonsen]

I have all these projects going on and for one reason or another, we are in wait mode for various things. So, I have to make do with the small things that are getting done. Of probably the least interest to me, but interesting all the same, I got the side fender vent "strakes" ("spears", aluminum lines or streaks...) done and they are being polished. This is a bit like the guy sitting by the side of the bed and telling the naked girl how good it is going to be, but... they came out better than I had expected. I'll pop them back in tomorrow when they get back from the polishing shop and post pictures.

Gordon

[ChaserAero]

Get yo shine on get yo shine on.

Quality work!

[gmonsen]

UPDATE SIDE VENDER VENT TREATMENT

Not much of an update. Like I said. Everybody is waiting for parts or pieces of some sort to be made. Several things are close, but as we all know, it takes more time than it should. :)

Anyway, here are some pictures of the aluminum strakes I designed. This is one of the more controversial little projects I took on and so I want to say again that I try a lot of things and that not al of them make it. I've wasted a fair amount of time that way.

I designed 3 aluminum strakes for each of the two side vents. However, I designed them so that I could see how 2 strakes would look or how 3 strakes would look. I haven't polished them yet or decided whether they look good, but thought I'd put up some (poorly taken coming in out of the snow) pictures. The strakes fit into the vent opening perfectly and are positively mechanically affixed.

I think I like the views with 3 strakes... They somehow seem to relate better to the wheels spokes. Take a look at each in relation to the wheels and see if you understand what I'm saying.

Gordon

2 Views with 3 Aluminum Vent Strakes
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/2_image001.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/2_image001-2.jpg


3 Views with 2 Aluminum Vent Strakes
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/2_image001-1.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/2_image001-4.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Projects/Vent%20Side%20Strakes/2_image001-3.jpg

[TitaniumTT]

Damn Gordon, that looks goooooooooood! I like the 3 better personally.

BTW, are you still planning on being at Dave's tomorrow? We're braving the cold and I'll be there damn early in the morning.

[gmonsen]

Brian... I'm not sure how its all going to work out. I had expected a lot more to be don e, but suppliers are killing us. I may make it. If I don't, could I ask a favor? Could you get some more shots of the 3 strakes? (I wish the snow was off it...:() Anyway, I particularly would like to see a front three quarters view where you see the front aluminum grille, the wheels and these new strakes, if you have time. Even a cell phone picture or two.

Gordon

[2gslse]

Gordon I saw the vents and like three better. is your car gonna be ready for deals or you driving another one down?

[gmonsen]

2gslse... I'll be there for Deals for sure. I was the first reservation at Nantahala... Got the suite with the pool table. :)

Car, btw, will be done (again) in two weeks. I am really hoping for some big power gains.

Gordon

[Sideo]

looks good! ive missed a few of those on the club its nice to see all organized in one thread.

[gmonsen]

I know a lot of you guys are also on the other forum, but I thought I would post a few pictures here as well. I am now 99% done with the engine bay, done with the interior and exterior, and just have the dual exhaust project to go for the summer.

The only things to be done to the engine bay still are the air intake piping and filter. I was going to put a NACA duct in the hood and essentially do a ram air thing, but I decided I didn't want to cut up the hood and make it obvious that there was something going on there.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the engine bay. I've eliminated a lot of stuff. Moved the fuses and relays up front under the radiator cooling shroud. Put the AST there. Added that shroud thing. Redid the plenum and runners in cream. Moved the coils to directly across from the plugs. (Also added that neat little ricer Honda S2000 START button and covered the interior and exterior door handles in black leather.)

Gordon

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Motor%20Photos/Engine%20bay%20cleanup/DSCN0629.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Motor%20Photos/Engine%20bay%20cleanup/DSCN0651.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Motor%20Photos/Engine%20bay%20cleanup/DSCN2493.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Motor%20Photos/Engine%20bay%20cleanup/DSCN2492.jpghttp://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Motor%20Photos/Engine%20bay%20cleanup/DSCN2495.jpg

And, here's at least the final color of the intake piping, though the pipes will go straight down to the grille.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/gmonsen/Mazda%20Rx7/Motor%20Photos/Engine%20bay%20cleanup/gmon_white.jpg

[Cpnneeda]

Gordon, I've read a many of your threads/posts and seen all the ideas you came up with. To date I have tried just 1. Quiet Car. I plan to coat the interior of my WRX and RX-7 with the stuff, but after reading your experience wth it, I was sold. First coats in the WRX will happen this weekend.