Project: "Last RX-7" by Herblenny

[Herblenny]

Brief information about me...

My name is Philip Sohn. I been in rotary scene for over 10 years and have owned my share of rotaries (RX-2, RX-3, 1st gen RX7, 2nd gen RX-7, 10 or so 3rd gens, RX-8, Eunos Cosmo 3 Rotor, etc).
Here are few pics of the cars I've owned..

1993 MB RX-7, 1972 Orange RX-2 coupe, 2004 Lighting Yellow GT RX-8
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/0622081601.jpg

1985 GSL-SE RX-7 mint!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/96933739.jpg

1991 RX-7 convertible (first rotary I bought)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/3a22d1d3.jpg

1973 RX-3 coupe (track ready)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC00646.jpg

1993 RX-7 base blk/blk (my first FD)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Blk%20FD/45140_425324508926_532683926_5056604_7365992_n.jpg

1991 Eunos Cosmo 3 Rotor
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/1.jpg

1994 SSM FD (My other project)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/185385_10150264195948927_532683926_7820994_7763271 _n.jpg


I also run one of the biggest rotary car event called, 'Deals Gap Rotary Rally' (www.DealsGapRotaryRally.com).
http://image.modified.com/f/34320366+w750+st0/modp_1010_01_o+deals_gap_rotary_rally+attendees.jp g

And if someone ask me what my specialty is, it would be 3rd generation RX-7. I've owned more of these than any cars and have built 3-4 of them in the past. I personally think FD3S RX7 is the best car Mazda has produced and one of the top sports car available in the 90s and still one of the best today. For the past 8 years, I been collecting rare parts, manuals, magazines, and been lucky that some vendors appreciated my build and sponsored me (Thank you Exedy USA, WORK Wheels, Disc Brakes Australia, and Bride). Last year, I made it on to the cover of Modified Magazine and recently featured on S3 Mag.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/4554/rx7cover.jpg

Modified Mag feature: http://www.modified.com/features/modp-1001-1993-mazda-rx7-and-1991-eunos-cosmo/viewall.html
Modified Mag feature about my event: http://www.modified.com/events/modp-1010-deals-gap-rotary-rally/viewall.html

After over 10 years of owning and now my life is starting to change (Married and with a young son), I am wanting to build my "Last RX-7" and go out with a bang. I been studying and researching about 3 rotor RX-7 and that is what my "Last RX-7" will be.

From Now til SEMA 2012, I will be posting here my build process... Pretty much from a stripped chassis to show/track ready RX-7. This is almost 10 years of making in which that I been collecting parts for about that long... and how things comes around in full circle. So, please check often as I'll be posting detail process of this build.




Now to my build!

Friday Nov. 4th, 2011 - It was my last day at SEMA 2011 in Vegas, talking to some of my sponsors and checking out the cars at SEMA. But my main goal was to find a vendor/sponsor who will show my "Last RX-7" next year. After talking to few, I approached my sponsor Disc Brakes Australia (http://www.dba.com.au/) who graciously supported me in the past with my other RX-7 and RX-8. I had this 5-10 minute spill all lined up and asked the owner of DBA about my car being at their booth next year. After 2 sentences out of my mouth, owner said, "Sure!". I didn't know what to say at that point.. I think I just mumbled on and finished pitching the car even though I already got an OK from the owner. He said, he will love to have the car and right and there, my dream of building a car to SEMA has begun!!!

Sunday Nov. 6th, 2011 - I flew back to Birmingham, AL day before and I got sick. This is the day I'm heading to New Orleans, LA to pick up my rolling chassis to begin my "Last RX-7" project. I was pretty sick in the morning where I went into UAB Hospital ER to make sure I was ok to travel. They gave me some antibiotic and I decided to head down there to pick up this 1993 Red RX-7. With help from a good friend John Lewis and loaner trailer from my best friend Leo Huang, we drove to New Orleans to pick up the FD.

And here it is!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/VRFD2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/VRFD1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/VRFD6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/VRFD5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/VRFD4.jpg

Thanks to my friends in New Orleans, Jack and Jonathan from Gorilla RE (www.GorillaRE.com) I got the car loaded and then we went out to eat :)

Monday Nov. 7th, 2011 - We left New Orleans and headed back to Bham to drop off the car at my friend Walker Morgan's shop. He is by far the most professional and best fabricator in town. His skills are by far the best I have seen and he himself have worked on several SEMA cars and such. His company webiste is: www.mpfab.com

Car leaving New Orleans
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/373883_10150365163818927_532683926_8515803_1619149 828_n1.jpg

At Walker's Shop! www.mpfab.com
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/392987_10150365585203927_532683926_8518072_2343051 81_n1.jpg

[Whizbang]

truely your last Rx7?

[Herblenny]

Wednesday, Nov. 9th, 2011 - Been searching for my missing parts and trying to put my engine together so we can test fit it in the car.

Here is my 20B/3 Rotor, built D series engine. Engine was built by my builder Luis Canizales. I consider him to be one of the top builders in the country.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B4.jpg

Test fitting the motor mounts.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B1.jpg

Different flanges for the manifold.. trying to decide which ones to use.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B2.jpg

Ready to transport!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B3.jpg

Wednesday Nov. 16th, 2011 - I was going to install the engine earlier, but due to rain, I didn't get to until now.. I decided to delete PS, AC.. So, I used Mavel manual rack to install the 20B.

In the engine bay!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20Bisin7.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20Bisin6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20Bisin2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20Bisin4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20Bisin5.jpg

[Raksj04]

I remenber picking up that Issue of Mod. Nice cars. I was woulding when you said you had a cosmo. I thought there is only one of those in the states which was in that issue.

[Herblenny]

Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, 2011 - Today, I took couple of my strut tower bar to test fit it on the car. Make sure if it will clear the UIM (No pics). Unfortunately, both bars did NOT clear. I also cleaned up the car a bit and pulled the body electric harness off of the car.

Monday, Nov. 28th, 2011 - I was thinking about the clearance issue and decided to go with Atomic Rex manual rack. I think this should give me additional 1/4 to 1/2 inch more clearance.

Wednesday, Nov. 30th, 2011 - Made a deposit for Atomic Rex manual rack.. We shall see how much space I'll have. If I could drop 1/4+ inch, I should be able to use my Cusco D shape strut tower bar without an issue.

Friday, Dec. 2nd, 2011 - A Japanese rotorhead in KY helped me out with translating the wiring diagram for the super rare, Defi DSSC. Thanks Yuki Sawai!!!

Defi DSSC is one of the rare item that never sold in USA and Defi did not allow this item to be sold outside of its dealers. Total of about 400 were made and I believe I might be the first in USA to put it in an FD.

Here are some pics of the unit.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSC7.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSC6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSC5.jpg

[Whizbang]

do you still own your cosmo?

[DriFD3S]

I hope the build exceeds your personal expectations!
and I wish you blessings, health, and companionship with your project!

[Ian]

Subscribed.... Seems like your starting out fast. I take forever doing things.

[rdgt99]

Can't wait to see this finished up!!

[RICE RACING]

Phil, that is sik!

[JShiz]

wow. I'll be watching this

[PortedRotorTuner]

I know you will make this car be the next envy. As you are meticulous
in making sure it is done right. This is also one of my dream builds.
So I am also Subscribed. I can't wait for the updates and the finished
product! Thanks for sharing with us Phil! :patriot:

[20b 3rd gen]

this is going to be a EPIC build, lol hurry up thou so you can help me with my car, lol

[MazdaMike]

Definitely interested in this one, gonna be awesome.

[-xlr8planet-]

Any news on this? Its the best thing I´ve ever seen

[Herblenny]

December 6th, 2011 I got a call from my fabricator and he said he checked on the pricing for the Stainless 321 and going to order some for the new manifold set up. This means, my old SS 321 manifold with Racing Beat header flange is for sale!!! If you are interested let me know :)

Here are pics of my old flange set up!

Here are the pics and placement of the turbo.. Turbonetic T76.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/3rotorFD2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/3rotorFD1.jpg

In the car with Hinson 20B /Pettit Subframe with this manifold with Garret T76 with T3 flange.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSCF0038.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSCF0028.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSCF0040.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSCF0041.jpg

[85rx-7gsl-se]

T3 flange? That seems incredibly tiny for a 20B.

[Herblenny]

T3 flange? That seems incredibly tiny for a 20B.

Its easy to convert to T4.. Just happens to be that T3 was on it when I bought it.

Info on T3 vs. T4... just in case :)

T3
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/monkeymagic/T3flange.gif

T4
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/monkeymagic/T4flange.gif

[Herblenny]

December 8th, 2011 - My fabricator/friend Walker Morgan has explain to me how he was going to build the new 20B manifold. We've decided to use bit more expensive, 321 Stainless for the new manifold. I'm excited to see how its going to turn out!! Until then, I need to start working on the wiring for the car..

Here is a translated DSSC wiring diagram... Only one in the WORLD!!! :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSCwiring.jpg

[pdxhak]

Awesome project! Good luck :)

[Raksj04]

Its easy to convert to T4.. Just happens to be that T3 was on it when I bought it.

Info on T3 vs. T4... just in case :)

T3
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/monkeymagic/T3flange.gif

T4
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/monkeymagic/T4flange.gif

How are the bolt holes 1.00? should they be between 2.37 and 4.30???

[speedjunkie]

It says they are .438 for the T3 and .406 for the T4.

Some of the numbers on the T3 diagram don't make sense though.

[Herblenny]

yeah I realized that after I posted that the numbers were weird..

I'm going to take detail pics of the manifold this weekend so I can sell it and make my new one. This one is made of 321... that I know for fact.

[Herblenny]

December 9th, 2011 - Today, I was thinking about stripping my MB FD and start thinking about what I'm going to do to the exterior of the car... I started looking over some old builds I did and thought about turning my MB to what my Blk FD last looked..

My 1st FD / my 'black fd' and how it last looked in my possession..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_7818.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_7813.jpg

I'm going to start parting out the MB this weekend!!!

[JhnRX7]

December 9th, 2011 - Today, I was thinking about stripping my MB FD and start thinking about what I'm going to do to the exterior of the car... I started looking over some old builds I did and thought about turning my MB to what my Blk FD last looked..

My 1st FD / my 'black fd' and how it last looked in my possession..

I'm going to start parting out the MB this weekend!!!



DIBS on the AutoEXE wing insert if it is not part of the plan!!!

The car will look much better wingless ;)



Are you planning on going flat black again? You definately should because it looks AMAZING!

[RICE RACING]

RX7's look super gay without wings IMHO :o13:
Flat black looks cheap and nasty, worst finish I have ever seen on a car, not sure why people do this?

Anyway personal taste is like an arsehole, everyone has one :001_005:

I hope you water inject the 20B and make 1000+bhp from it, make the ultimate performance car :seeya:

[Herblenny]

DIBS on the AutoEXE wing insert if it is not part of the plan!!!

The car will look much better wingless ;)

Are you planning on going flat black again? You definately should because it looks AMAZING!

I thought about wrapping the MB.. but its too much work.

Unfortunately, I'm going to keep the AutoEXE wing and maybe use it on the SSM.

RX7's look super gay without wings IMHO :o13:
Flat black looks cheap and nasty, worst finish I have ever seen on a car, not sure why people do this?

Anyway personal taste is like an arsehole, everyone has one :001_005:

I hope you water inject the 20B and make 1000+bhp from it, make the ultimate performance car :seeya:

Damn Pete!! Well, I hate VR :)

[JhnRX7]

Unfortunately, I'm going to keep the AutoEXE wing and maybe use it on the SSM.



Yeah it will look good on the SSM. I had to try :lol:

[Herblenny]

December 13, 2011 - I didn't get much accomplished over the weekend... Kid, wife, holiday season, plus my old house that i'm trying to get rid of is sucking all my spare time I have.

Yesterday, I finally ordered my new wheels for this car from WORK Wheels.

http://www.workwheelsusa.com/media/wheels/27/1003/colors/324.jpg

I'll most likely use these on the street and my RAYS/VOLK RE30s on the track.

WORK CR Ultimate is their newest Emotion Series that are much lighter and stronger than previous CR series. I'm super excited to get them and now they are available in 10.5 width.

[mfisher12]

which mazda dealer was that picture at...i went to mazda training in Atlanta with the old guy behind your car!

[Herblenny]

which mazda dealer was that picture at...i went to mazda training in Atlanta with the old guy behind your car!

Used to be called Trussville Mazda but now its called Serra Mazda.
Danny Files is a great guy!! We got an alignment there.

[rdgt99]

Phil, have you decided on paint color yet?

[Herblenny]

Phil, have you decided on paint color yet?

Rodney, I have an idea but haven't decided on that color for sure... I should in next couple of months.

[Herblenny]

December 16th, 2011 - I've received some sneak peek pictures of the turbo manifold yesterday. Walker Morgan from www.MPFab.com did an excellent job.

Here are few pics from the pics he sent me!

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk16/DealsGapRotaryRally/20Bmanifold3.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk16/DealsGapRotaryRally/20Bmanifold2.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk16/DealsGapRotaryRally/20Bmanifold4.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk16/DealsGapRotaryRally/20Bmanifold1.jpg

Its made with Stainless 321, which Walker did his magic on them to look like this... Not sure if many of you seen how 321 comes form suppliers, but they looked horrible.

I'm heading over to the shop on monday to take some high res pictures with my dslr and also bring him the mid pipe and catback for him to test fit to make the DP.

Those of you who haven't heard of MPFab.com, he has worked on several exhaust systems for high end SEMA cars and custom hot rods. He also developed turbo kids for bikes and other sport compact cars.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFAB.jpg
For more information about them, go visit: www.MPFab.com

[Raksj04]

I want to pet the manifold, can I pet it?

[20b 3rd gen]

Walker always amazes me with his welding abilities, i feel like im watching a master fabricator in the making, i remember when he 1st started learning how to build turbos back in the day @ turbo specialties with Bryan, now they both have shops of their own and they both do superb work now

[Herblenny]

December 19th, 2011 - I went by MPFab.com this morning to drop off my titanium catback and a midpipe so, he can start working on the turbo placement and DP. I also had a chance to take a look at Walker's handy work. Man was I impress with his fabrication skills :)

Here are some better pics I've taken.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/manifold2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/manifold1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/manifold3.jpg

I have yet to see bottom mount turbo set up on a rotary and I'm excited to see how all is going to turn out!

[RCCAZ 1]

Wow, so the turbo will actually be positioned down low as shown in a couple of previous posts? Should be VERY cool, not to mention the benefits of moving the heat source away from the engine block AND shortening the hotside piping to your IC. I take it that you're planning a front mount? Cant imagine there's enough room in there for a vmount IC.

Can't wait to see more progress. It will be interesting to see how they route the DP.

BTW, manifold is sick bro. Can't recall if I've ever seen welds THAT nice.

[Herblenny]

Its not quite welded yet :) Just tacked.

We are going for a V mount set up. Its going to be interesting but I think it will work.. and also retain the hood latch :)

Mr. Walker Morgan (from www.MPFab.com) is pretty amazing fabricator and have done some cool stuff before.. including exhaust system for my Eunos Cosmo (dolphine tip).

I will keep you guys updated on the build...

[speedjunkie]

Hmmm, I'm needing to get a manifold fabricated now also. And that one looks AMAZING so far.

[Herblenny]

Hmmm, I'm needing to get a manifold fabricated now also. And that one looks AMAZING so far.

I would definitely recommend Walker Morgan from www.MPFab.com but he is kind of far from you. But he does amazing work!! see below :)


December 22nd, 2011 - I went over to MPFab to check out the manifold progress and lend a hand if needed (not that I can do much). We also wanted to test fit the turbo and get some measurements and clearance.. But in order to finish everything up, I need to get the new steering rack.

Anyhow, here are some Walker Morgan's handy work (www.MPFab.com)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker02.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker01.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker05.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker03.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker15.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker13.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker09.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker21.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker19.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker18.jpg

[speedjunkie]

I'll PM you, Phil.

I keep forgetting you're mounting this turbo upside down, it keeps throwing me off LOL. That manifold is gorgeous.

[WE3RX7]

Scavenger pump in the works for that turbo setup?

[TitaniumTT]

I would definitely recommend Walker Morgan from www.MPFab.com but he is kind of far from you. But he does amazing work!! see below :)


December 22nd, 2011 - I went over to MPFab to check out the manifold progress and lend a hand if needed (not that I can do much). We also wanted to test fit the turbo and get some measurements and clearance.. But in order to finish everything up, I need to get the new steering rack.

Anyhow, here are some Walker Morgan's handy work (www.MPFab.com)


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker05.jpg

GOOD LORD! Someone knows how to run a TIG...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Walker%2012-21-2011/walker19.jpg

That's just cool!

Looking great Phil, might have to head a little farther south in April ;)

[Herblenny]

I'll PM you, Phil.

I keep forgetting you're mounting this turbo upside down, it keeps throwing me off LOL. That manifold is gorgeous.

PM replied! Yeah, Walker from MPfab.com is doing an amazing job! I have now known him for about 3 years and he's a fantastic guy with very professional business ethics. He is one of very few guys who gave me a due date and who finished the work ahead of time.

Scavenger pump in the works for that turbo setup?

Scavenge pump is at MPFab and we are currently deciding on where to place it.

GOOD LORD! Someone knows how to run a TIG...

Looking great Phil, might have to head a little farther south in April ;)

Definitely! You know you are always welcome!!

[TitaniumTT]

Scavenge pump is at MPFab and we are currently deciding on where to place it.

And that extra little something special that we talked about? What are his thoughts on that?

Definitely! You know you are always welcome!!

Thanks Phil, I appreciate it, hopefully I'll be able to take you up on it next yr!

[Herblenny]

And that extra little something special that we talked about? What are his thoughts on that?


I think on the same line as us.

Update!

December 26th, 2011 - After a full day at work, I decided to take the dash apart and get it ready to get it recovered by my interior guy tomorrow..

Here are some pics of the stripped dash..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_2782.jpg

re-enforcement bar and wires..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_2783.jpg

I'm also re doing the center tunnel and door panels.. Should take about a month..

[Herblenny]

December 30th, 2011 - Not much update on the car... but in a rotary related thing, I had a chance to go see some rare historical rotary cars in Nashville, TN.

Thanks to Founder/Director of Lane Motor Museum, I had a chance to see, hear, and touch some historical and super rare rotary cars.

Here are some pics from my private tour.

1967 NSU Spider - This is the first production rotary car with single rotor, rear mounted engine.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries29.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries31.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries28.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries33.jpg

Another Rare NSU Ro-80 - A Birotor sedan

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries04.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries09.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries07.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries08.jpg

Citroen GS Birotor - I knew about the NSU, but did not know about this Citroen vehicle.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries38.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries27.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries24.jpg

And finally a super rare Citroen M35 Prototype single rotor vehicle... This is the only one in USA.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries18.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries15.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries19.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Lane%20Motor%20Museum/RareRotaries16.jpg

[speedjunkie]

I'd love to have seen those. I didn't know Citroen made any rotary cars either. I like those single post steering wheels, but I wonder how stable they are haha.

[MaczPayne]

That is amazing. You learn something new everyday!

[20b 3rd gen]

Man Phil, i wish i could have gotten off to go with you...........lucky S.O.B lol.

[RICE RACING]

Hey Phil, you know I have actually driven a RO80 :) back in 1993.

They have the characteristic PP idle, the coolest thing though is how it "bucks" in gear at light load and the no clutch system on changing gear, you just put your hand on the knob (BDC style) and it "responds" lol (disengages the clutch) and lets you change gear.

The bloke who had it was one of my customers in my engineering job and he was a scientist who bought it from new and even had spare motors for it, I got to see the internals and the PP intakes were tiny tiny lol.

Interesting piece of history :)

[speedjunkie]

...and the no clutch system on changing gear, you just put your hand on the knob (BDC style) and it "responds" lol (disengages the clutch) and lets you change gear.

Now THAT is cool! Not the BDC part LOL, but how to shift without a clutch.

[Herblenny]

Man Phil, i wish i could have gotten off to go with you...........lucky S.O.B lol.

LOL! I hear ya John :) But it was a very hectic day!!

Hey Phil, you know I have actually driven a RO80 :) back in 1993.

They have the characteristic PP idle, the coolest thing though is how it "bucks" in gear at light load and the no clutch system on changing gear, you just put your hand on the knob (BDC style) and it "responds" lol (disengages the clutch) and lets you change gear.

The bloke who had it was one of my customers in my engineering job and he was a scientist who bought it from new and even had spare motors for it, I got to see the internals and the PP intakes were tiny tiny lol.

Interesting piece of history :)

I actually took a video of this running.. I'll see if I can upload it somewhere..


January 4th, 2012 - Happy New Year!!!
Well, not much have been done to the car as I was busy at work... Also, I'm about to trade this shell for an R1 shell without the sunroof. Hoping to do that this weekend.
Anyhow, the little time I had, I stripped out the dash and refinished the rusty metal dash frame.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DashFrame1.jpg

I sanded it down to bare metal, treated with rust inhibitor, and primed it.

I then sprayed with gloss black then quick shot of gunmetal and clear the whole thing.. Shouldn't rust again :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DashFrame2.jpg

I'm heading to my fabricator's shop (www.MPFab.com) to pull the engine out and get it ready for this weekend's shell swap.

[TitaniumTT]

It's in the details! Nicely done Phil

Trading for a non-sunroof car? I drove 800 miles and towed for 800 miles specifically for a sunroof car!

[Herblenny]

It's in the details! Nicely done Phil

Trading for a non-sunroof car? I drove 800 miles and towed for 800 miles specifically for a sunroof car!

I didn't want all three cars to have sunroofs :) Also the car that I'm getting, I know personally from my earlier years. Bit of history in it and I think that makes it even more the reason for me to get it.

[Herblenny]

January 5th, 2012 - My clutch for the 20B came in today from my favorite clutch company, EXEDY CLUTCH!! Here are few pics :)


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ExedyClutch1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ExedyClutch2-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ExedyClutch4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ExedyClutch5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ExedyClutch7.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ExedyClutch8.jpg

[FC Zach]

That's Beautiful Phil! :lurk5:

[TitaniumTT]

Also the car that I'm getting, I know personally from my earlier years. Bit of history in it and I think that makes it even more the reason for me to get it.

I see... I understand

Clutch.. LOVE IT... I love my Exedy twin... wouldn't trade it for anything

[9krpmrx8]

Nice man, makes me wish I could fabricate.

[Herblenny]

January 10th, 2012 - Well, I would of made an earlier update but I had to put 14 hour day at work yesterday and didn't have much time to tell you all what happened to my trip.

Well, last week I was running around town trying to get my shell ready for a swap with an R1 shell (without sunroof) that a friend of mine had in GA. So, I had to pull the 20B out, get the hatch from my friend's shop (which I was going to paint it and put on my MB FD), find a trailer, and a friend to help me tow it. Because my fabricator does not come in on saturday, I also had to go there day early to pull the car out so I can load it day after.

Saturday morning (Jan. 7th) - We loaded up the car and got to my friend's place in GA. We started taking stuff off of his car and started to transfer to my shell.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ATL3.jpg

During this process, the car smelled really bad and we found some crazy stuff. Like dead mouse :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ATL2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ATL1.jpg

I guess the car was sitting outside for awhile and a mouse made a nice home out of this RX-7.

Since I was going to strip this car to bare metal, I didn't really care about the smell or the dead mouse.... but I did care about what I found next, a bent frame that lead to bent head light assembly mounting points. This is a bad sign as when headlights are mounted and pop ups go up and down, the geometry is messed up so the lights might not line up. At this point, I was quite upset.. Just because I asked my friend to check the car as he knew the car was in an accident before. Also because my car was on hold for 2-3 weeks as my fabricator couldn't cut anything on the shell because of this swap. And I wasted my weekend, other people's time, etc just because my friend didn't take 10 mins to check over the car carefully and to see where the accident was. But he's a friend and he feels bad and going to help me out later so I cant be mad at him.

Anyhow, we loaded the car back up and drove it back to my fabricator.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ATL5.jpg

Hopefully, I'll have more fabrication updates later this week!

[Herblenny]

January 12, 2012 - Last night, I went over to www.MPFab.com to install the 20B back in to the car and get the car ready so that owner of MPfab.com can start building the exhaust system and the V-mount.

Since its important that everything needs to sit the way it is, we needed to install the tranny, ppf, catback, MP, etc... but like always, we ran into other issues..

Issue #1 - Defined Auto kit did not level the engine.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2059.jpg

This might be because I had issue lining up one of their motor mount bracket and I had to enlarge the hole in order to get the brackets to slid into the motor. But, that's not it as one of the top hole should of kept the height in order..

Issue #2 - Correcting leveling issue.

We measured everything to make sure if it was the mount or if it was the car. After measuring the chassis, subframe, core support, etc, we came to the conclusion it was the mount. So, we added couple of spacers to see how much it was off..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2060.jpg

After adding the spacers (3/8 inch), we had other issues.. which is now the engine was sitting bit to high and PPF was hitting the tranny tunnel. So, we lifted the engine, pull the passenger side mount and cut 3/8 to level it back out. After that, we wanted to make sure if everything else was going to fit so, we dropped the sub frame and bolted the oil pan on to double check everything...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2063.jpg

At this point, everything seems ok after cutting but the PPF still seems bit close to the top of the tranny tunnel.

Next, I'm going to bring my AutoEXE braces so Walker from MPFab.com could build the exhaust that will clear all the bracing.

[RX SE7EN]

Are you sure the car itself was level when you checked the engine? It's pretty difficult to tell if the car is exactly level when it's on a lift.

Issue #1 - Defined Auto kit did not level the engine.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2059.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Thats a valid point... The racks are usually not perfectly level, etc...

[Herblenny]

Yep, we checked the car's chassis, lower the car to the ground, checked multiple different part of the car, etc..

[Herblenny]

January 15th, 2012 - Not much update over the weekend so here is a random pic of my MB FD :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MBFD1-2.jpg

[Herblenny]

January 18th, 2012 - Got my wheels in from WORK Wheels (http://www.workwheelsusa.com/).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2068.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2070.jpg

WORK CR Ultimate aka Kiwami.

Spec: 18x9.5 +30 and 18x10.5 +23

[Herblenny]

January 19th, 2012 - Few pics of the update...

Interior.. took the dash out and put just the rebar to hold the steering column in place..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1218.jpg

Also installed my Ti Catback

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1206.jpg

And my MB FD was featured in S3 Mag and they are using one of the photo of my car on their website..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/S3Mag.jpg
www.s3mag.com

I have a ton of photos of the new set up tomorrow...

[DriFD3S]

Looks like you are doing a great job sir,
Keep up the mind blowing work!

[Herblenny]

January 20th, 2012 - Update from my fabricator's work. Walker Morgan from www.MPFab.com did an awesome job on these parts.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1203.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1204.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1201.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1202.jpg

Downpipe :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1209.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1215.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1214.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1210.jpg

Inside the DP.. you could almost see through..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1208.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Project1-18-1207.jpg

[Prodigy]

Looks fantastic... When seeing those welds my hand might have started to move towards my pants... I may have had to stop it :D...


I tink the down pipe on your car should be renamed the 'jog-pipe' or something...

I mean since really... It's not really down as it is straight back....
Lol


Looks great.... It will almost be a shame that it will be driven... :P



J.

[speedjunkie]

Man that fab work is beautiful.

[Rx7Spaz]

Watching this precision build makes me want do something with my fd :) I can't wait to see this in action! It's going to sound beastly, makes me quiver with anticipation!

[RCCAZ 1]

Not quite quivering :), but damned impressive! Curious to see your lube solution for the turbo, but I'm sure you guys have a viable plan. Can't wait to see more. Have you picked a color for the car yet?? Get moving... SEMA is only 10 months off!!! Hope to see it there in person!! If Seventock ends up being a week or two either side of SEMA would be great to see it there as well!

[Herblenny]

I'll be using one of these for the turbo... should work but real world testing is required.

http://turbowerx.com/Scavenge_Pumps/Exa-Pump/files/page23_1.jpg

http://turbowerx.com/Scavenge_Pumps/Exa-Pump/Exa-Pump.html

I haven't picked the color but will be doing it within a month... as the shell will goto the body shop in mid Feb.

[Herblenny]

January 22nd, 2012 - I've ordered a new wastegate from a friend from the past who owns www.znperformance.com

Gave me a great deal the Tial 44mm MVR wastegate!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ZNPerformance2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ZNPerformance3.jpg

www.znperformance.com

While I was at it, I also ordered one of these from ZNPerformance..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ZNPerformance1.jpg

[Boosted FC]

Build looks awesome Phil. Can't wait to see the finished result.

[RICE RACING]

Can't wait to see the results after BDC tunes it ;)

Will you run a HC methadone injection set up ?

You know its the way of the future, just make sure you remove those mixers on the injectors, I hear they can fuck you motor :Chevy_anim:

Great build BTW :bowdown:

[Herblenny]

Can't wait to see the results after BDC tunes it ;)

Will you run a HC methadone injection set up ?

You know its the way of the future, just make sure you remove those mixers on the injectors, I hear they can fuck you motor :Chevy_anim:

Great build BTW :bowdown:

LMAO!!!! You know me... I'm a masochist and a complete moron.. which means, I'll let Brian Dumbass Cain to tune it :)

Naw... I'm going E85 :)


January 27th, 2012 - Not much update... I got my new tires the other day and just dropped them off this morning to get it mounted. There is only one place in Bham, AL that I would let people touch new wheels... and only because they have the right machine to do so... Corgi Artiglio Master and Hunter load balancer. This shop also uses special weight for your wheels.. expensive, but worth it!

Wheel Spec: The New WORK CR Ultimate 18x9.5 Front and 18x10.5 Rear

Tire Spec: Toyo Tires, R888 - Front 255/35, Rear 295/30

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/WORKTOYO.jpg

[Herblenny]

February 3rd, 2012 - Few things happened since last update...

Toyo R888s are mounted on the new wheels and now back at the house.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/R888.jpg


20b stainless flange is machined flat and ready.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20bflange1-1.jpg

All the exterior plastics have been pulled and fenders are on for test fitting.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/update1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/update2.jpg

and testing out the bumper..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/update3.jpg

[rxspeed7]

Just outta curiosity, if you don't mind, what do you do for a living? Lol.

Car looks absolutely sick man.

[Prodigy]

He kidnaps children and sells them on the black market, producing outrageous returns on his effort, thus allowing for such large amounts of money to be spent on 7's....

lol

J.

[Boosted FC]

He is working on the next manned flight to the moon for NASA.

[jerd_hambone]

He invented the wheel. So he gets massive royalty checks from all over the world.

[RCCAZ 1]

February 3rd, 2012 - Few things happened since last update...

and testing out the bumper..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/update3.jpg

Phil... is that the Amemiya nose, and where did you get it? Is Shine making that one??

[Herblenny]

LOL! I'm a middle class man that do not drink, smoke, and spends all the spare cash on rotary cars... You should see how much I money I saved when I stopped drinking and smoking and going out :)

RCCAZ, its RE-A nose and Ken wants to make it but now its hacked in pieces :) about 3 months the body and all should be done.

February 12th, 2012 - Not much update as I been spending my spare time trying to get my old house in order and put it back on the market. Some idiot kicked down my door to the garage and I had to get that fixed and been painting the interior to update the house a bit... This housing market is killing me and I need to sell this so I can dump it in to this project.

Anyhow, Only car thing I did since last update...

Put these Mazda posters I had (for about 7 years) in my garage..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/posters1a.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/posters1.jpg

And got my spoilerless hatch painted MB and mounted (pics later).

[WE3RX7]

Those are my favorite posters... some of the new dealerships are still using them...

[speedjunkie]

Wait, someone kicked down your door? WTF is up with that?! Were they trying to steal something or what?

[Herblenny]

Wait, someone kicked down your door? WTF is up with that?! Were they trying to steal something or what?

Yeah... they kicked my old house garage back door... The house is empty.. but my friend thinks they were trying to scope out to steal copper or something.. Anyhow, all is fixed and hope it sells soon..

more update.. or even less update..

February 16, 2012 - Not much update as I'm currently waiting on parts to finish the V mount set up and such..

Mean while, I'm working on my MB RX-7... Took the CF hatch and the wing and now... going wingless...

sorry for the bad pic.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/wingless.jpg

[Herblenny]

February 21st, 2012 - Not much of an update as I'm waiting for few things to come in to finish up the project..

One thing that did come in is the intercooler core from http://www.bellintercoolers.com/

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo47.jpg

Waiting on couple of things that are suppose to show up in next 2-3 weeks... Then the car will go through quick changes from that point on..

[TitaniumTT]

NICE! That's how you do an intercooler! Built to fit... love it!

Also liking the wingless, or sort of wingless MB

Are you bringing any rotaries to DGRR this year Phil? Or is little John driving you again?

[20b 3rd gen]

LOL Brian, little John. I think he's driving this year.

[Herblenny]

NICE! That's how you do an intercooler! Built to fit... love it!

Also liking the wingless, or sort of wingless MB

Are you bringing any rotaries to DGRR this year Phil? Or is little John driving you again?

Thanks Brian! I'm hoping to bring the MB to DGRR.. I drove it today and took some pics (see below). But man, I was spinning everywhere!! I guess the payment is still kind of chilly.

LOL Brian, little John. I think he's driving this year.

Little John=== LOL!

February 26th, 2012 - I've bandaid fixed my ignition issue on my MB FD and drove around town today. Also, thought I snap some recent pics with the new hatch and the cleaner look.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FEED-RX7-Spoilerless2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FEED-RX7-Spoilerless3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FEED-RX7-Spoilerless4.jpg

[Herblenny]

March 5th, 2012 - Update from my fabricator Walker Morgan @ MPFab.com
Walker who's a professional, keeps me updated on the progress on the set up. One of the reason why I think he's a true professional. I've never asked him for a pic and he sends them to keep me informed. Also, he's awesome about meeting his time frame (he's would of finished it all but he's waiting on few things I've ordered.. so, its my fault).

Anyhow, he sent these pics of the wastegate setup.. But there is a chance we might change it up a bit.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab-RX7-FD3s-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab-RX7-FD3s-2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab-RX7-FD3s-3.jpg

[Herblenny]

March 15th, 2012 - Well, I been so busy with so much stuff, I haven't had time to update this until today.

Let's see what has happened since.. Picked up my new catback that I bought several months ago...

RE-Amemiya Dual Dolphin tip Catback

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/REA31.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/rea41.jpg

Took about 4-5 hours to polish it back to new like state. This exhaust will go on my MB FD.

[WE3RX7]

I have the same creeper... Wish I had the same muffler..

[RCCAZ 1]

No updates?? SEMA's coming......:)

[rxspeed7]

looks amazing!!!!!!! WOW!!

How thick is the tubing on the manifold after the collector? Like right before the header?

[Herblenny]

I know.. I been so busy, I haven't had a chance to update...

April 5th, 2012 - Its been awhile since I last updated and I have quite a bit to post up.

To start, I got my Radiator and the core from Bell Intercoolers (www.bellintercoolers.com)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-Intercooler1.jpg

MPFab did some quick mock ups to see how its going to line up.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-MPFab1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-MPFab4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-MPFab3.jpg

[Herblenny]

April 6th, 2012 - I been also working on the MB FD.

For the MB, I got hold of rare RE-Amemiya dual Dolphin tip catback.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/REA21.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/rea41.jpg

i had a bit of an issue taking the old one out and took 4 hours vs. normal 30-45mins.. All because of this one nut!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2430.jpg

Pic of installed catback (bad pic)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_2435.jpg

[RCCAZ 1]

I know.. I been so busy, I haven't had a chance to update...

April 5th, 2012 - Its been awhile since I last updated and I have quite a bit to post up.

To start, I got my Radiator and the core from Bell Intercoolers (www.bellintercoolers.com)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-Intercooler1.jpg

MPFab did some quick mock ups to see how its going to line up.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-MPFab1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-MPFab4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-MPFab3.jpg

Holy mother of mergatroid!! How thick is that IC core? Looks like 10 inches thick! Wow!! You'll need to be careful on your mounting system as to not have any rubbing between that chubby core and your rad. Looking nice!

[rxspeed7]

How thick is the tubing on the manifold after the collector? Like right before the turbo?

[Herblenny]

Holy mother of mergatroid!! How thick is that IC core? Looks like 10 inches thick! Wow!! You'll need to be careful on your mounting system as to not have any rubbing between that chubby core and your rad. Looking nice!

I have more completed pics... I'll post it later on.. I'm trying to catch up on the progress.

How thick is the tubing on the manifold after the collector? Like right before the turbo?

Its all pretty thick 321. Why do you ask?


April 6th, 2012 Part B - MB Strut tower... AutoEXE

Front was fairly easy to put on.. Minus getting rid of Garfinkle brace.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MB-RX7-FD3S-1.jpg

Rear was bit more challenging as I had to cut the panels.

Before:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FDwhatIdid1.jpg

During:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FDwhatIdid2.jpg

After:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo2-4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_3496.jpg

I also decided to put the Bose tube back in.. In someways, I kind of missed it :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_3503.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_3502.jpg

[RCCAZ 1]

How did you attach the cargo cover clips to the bottom of the brace or is the cover just free floating in there??

[Herblenny]

How did you attach the cargo cover clips to the bottom of the brace or is the cover just free floating in there??

Cargo clips are attached to the brace like stock.

[Herblenny]

April 9th, 2012 - Update on the build.. Walker Morgan from www.MPFab.com is doing great job on this build!!

Here are the pics :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/306584_317880764946535_100001738432277_871877_1519 446969_n.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/526643_317881161613162_100001738432277_871878_1138 231689_n.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/537156_317881354946476_100001738432277_871879_1825 601849_n.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/529175_317881791613099_100001738432277_871882_3424 7742_n.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/398967_317881971613081_100001738432277_871883_1811 46649_n.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/530153_317882188279726_100001738432277_871884_1469 315900_n.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/541325_318218414912770_100001738432277_872863_1081 874348_n.jpg

[djmtsu]

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/199/693/disgusted-mother-of-god.png?1321272571

[2gslse]

I feel sorry for any small critters that cross your path if they don't get caught in the V-mount they will be shredded by a turbo the size of a bucket.

Looks great so far if TT ever logs back in he will harass you about using A/N line for coolant hoses though.


When is the projected date of completion?

[RICE RACING]

Where are you going to put the fan for the radiator?

[knonfs]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7-Bell-MPFab4.jpg



More info on that thermostat housing, please :302:

[Herblenny]

I feel sorry for any small critters that cross your path if they don't get caught in the V-mount they will be shredded by a turbo the size of a bucket.
Looks great so far if TT ever logs back in he will harass you about using A/N line for coolant hoses though.
When is the projected date of completion?

LOL! Most likely it will rarely see normal street :)
I have to get it all done by mid Oct this year.. I'm going to be investing a lot of time starting May... and I think its doable.

Where are you going to put the fan for the radiator?
Back of the radiator :) Probably low profile 12-14 inch.

More info on that thermostat housing, please :302:

Not much to say..


April 10th, 2012 - Thanks to Chris Ludwig of Ludwig Motorsports (http://www.lms-efi.com/) will be helping me with the EFI solutions. I got these coils from him and going to figure out where I'm going to mount them in the engine bay..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Ludwig-Motorsports.jpg

[2gslse]

Phil, about your coils TT is the man to talk to about them I am using the same ones on my 13B-RE and they are under the intake nice and tight he a pic on here.



So... challenge to mount the QuickSilver coils under the manifold accepted.....

BAM!!!

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11592&stc=1&d=1329367749

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11593&stc=1&d=1329367749

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11594&stc=1&d=1329367749

[knonfs]

Not much to say..

That sucks :( I am looking for one, and the only one that I've seing like that its the pro-jay one, which eliminates the thermostat, and it uses a NPT fitting :001_07:

[RCCAZ 1]

Project is looking great Phil. Do you and Walker have any plans to add an alumimum flap to the drivers side of your IC ducting (as shown) to seal that side of the front opening? Just a suggestion. Love the build!!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/philFRONT2.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/philFRONT.jpg

[hades]

Holy Fuck thats an awesome build in progress

[vincentrx7]

Nice Phil....What hp are you going to make and what trans are you using. It looked like a stock FD trans it I remember correctly. If you are going stock, you should drive my car at DGRR and see what you think of mine. It has been built by Liberty with face-plated gears...it is the same as SK8Worlds..maybe you drove his??? Let me know if you want to check mine out.

[legatia]

Subscribed!

[RX-7FD3S]

god damnit, you always get all the good stuff Phil :(

[Herblenny]

Thanks for the kind words guys!!

Nice Phil....What hp are you going to make and what trans are you using. It looked like a stock FD trans it I remember correctly. If you are going stock, you should drive my car at DGRR and see what you think of mine. It has been built by Liberty with face-plated gears...it is the same as SK8Worlds..maybe you drove his??? Let me know if you want to check mine out.

Bobby, I'm shooting for 650-700.. We'll see if I could do it or not (E85).
I'll be using a stock tranny and I now have 3 spare ones just in case :)
I would love to check it out if you don't mind.

[Herblenny]

Phil, about your coils TT is the man to talk to about them I am using the same ones on my 13B-RE and they are under the intake nice and tight he a pic on here.

Problem I'm having is that because the LIM is lowered, I don't think coils can fit under like the 13B RE.

Project is looking great Phil. Do you and Walker have any plans to add an alumimum flap to the drivers side of your IC ducting (as shown) to seal that side of the front opening? Just a suggestion. Love the build!!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/philFRONT2.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/philFRONT.jpg

We are still working on things and I think there is a plan set to do that.. Engine related fab work should be done in next month or so... after that, its all about paint and body... and making the engine bay pretty :)

[general7]

I'm almost speechless... looks bad ass!! :D

[C. Ludwig]

Saw the car last weekend and the pictures don't do the fab work justice. Phil really hasn't even shown pictures of the most impressive of the work. His man Walker is the real deal. One of the radiator hard lines that goes from round, to oval, and back to round tubing, all while making several bends, looks like something you would see in LMP or Indy Car.

Can't wait to see the finished product!

[RCCAZ 1]

Any new updates?

[Herblenny]

I will try to update a little today.. Been super busy at work since DGRR and now I'm finally catching up...

[Herblenny]

OK... Well, I'm going to start updating this thread a bit more regularly since I'm starting to wind down.

To start, My event, DGRR 2012 Happened in Mid April and I was concentrating on that..
We had a great turn out and I think many rotary guys had great time. More information about this event, goto: www.DealsGapRotaryRally.com

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DGRR2012-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/dgrr2012-3.jpg

I also got pulled over by TN LEO.. but did finally got to drive on the Dragon (been 4 years).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ScreenShot2012-04-24at71203AM.png

The unfortunate part was I blew two PowerFC's the very last day when I was about to roll back home. Luckily help of rotary friends and DGRR sponsors, I was able to limp back home vs. tow truck.

Here are the list of DGRR 2012 sponsors. Please support these vendors who support my event.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DGRR2012ShirtBackOutlines.jpg

[rxspeed7]

I wonder how big of a whole in the ozone layer we help to create during the DGRR? lol

[Herblenny]

Also during my time off, I made a carbon license plate for the SSM 99 bumper... Finally!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SSM-RX7-FD3S-2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SSM-RX7-FD3S-1.jpg

[Herblenny]

More update to catch up til NOW.

More pics of my car from DGRR 2012...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AssaultechFD3SRX7.png

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/OmarMBFD.jpg

Me on the Dragon at DGRR 2012

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Biker.jpg

Then I showed my MB FD at the Formula Drift under Exedy Clutch tent.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FormulaDriftATL2012.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7199164868_aa3e48b548_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7199164788_6c7a41c203_b.jpg


And little update on the project car..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo4-3.jpg

Waiting on few things..

[DriFD3S]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo4-3.jpg

I literally almost spilled energy drink everywhere,
because when I saw this I said out loud "HOLY SHIT, FUCKING WOW"

That is going to be a car that will never see tail lights.

[Mitchocalypse]

Unbelievable car.

It may have been posted earlier on my attention was more draw to the pictures - but do you have plans to remove / reinforce that bumper where it is cut by the v-mount? (You can see it in the picture above?) So much innovation going on right here and I love it!

[blizzaga]

I've been outta the scene and I come across this...amazing work Phil!

#watingpatientlylikealittleboy


~Shar

[Mazdabater]

Looking good man!

[Herblenny]

Unbelievable car.

It may have been posted earlier on my attention was more draw to the pictures - but do you have plans to remove / reinforce that bumper where it is cut by the v-mount? (You can see it in the picture above?) So much innovation going on right here and I love it!

The core support will be connected back to the IC.. So there is a some what of a plan to connect and better support the bumper..

I've been outta the scene and I come across this...amazing work Phil!

#watingpatientlylikealittleboy


~Shar

Thank you Shar! But a lot of credit goes to Walker from www.MPFab.com

Looking good man!

Thank you!

Anyhow, Now bit more update..

About a month ago, me and a local photographer decided to shoot my car early morning in Bham, AL area.. This was some of the results.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MorningFD2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MorningFD.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/HowBeautiful.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_3899.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ATA_5771.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ATA_5887.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_3887.jpg

[Herblenny]

June 28th, 2012Update..

Things that I would do for rotary cars... Again, this isn't quite related to this build but related to my 20B Cosmo and what I would do for some of the rarest parts in the country.

I've followed this front clip for over 2 years.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMAG0237.jpg

It was owned by a friend Drew in ATL, GA and I found out about it just as him and his business partner was going separate ways. Due to separation, car was in a limbo and I was unable to purchase the parts. Couple of parts I wanted are, RE-A steering column pod and the RE-A bumper add on and the bumper.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMAG0242.jpg

After the Drew sold his half off, the front clip ended up going to his old partner... when I asked to purchase these parts, the new owner refused to sell to me the 2 parts and wanted me to purchase the entire clip. After refusing, he tells me he will never sell it to me. About 2 years later (last month), friend of mine gave me a lead and located the new owner of the clip. New owner ended up being a guy in florida whom I bought 2 x 3 rotors about 7-8 years ago. What a small world!!
I ended up driving from Bham, AL to Fruitland, FL to finally pick up the parts I been waiting over 2 years!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Fruitland.jpg

Loaded up the SUV and came back to Bham... all in 48 hour trip :)

This was my 2nd 20B clip I stripped..

Here is the first one that I stripped.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/4226_87291100377_637860377_2274397_.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/4226_87291145377_637860377_2274404_.jpg

After this 3 rotor project is done, I'll be using the new front bumper and the extra hood I have and re paint the cosmo.

[Herblenny]

June 29th, 2012
Other cool things I got from the Cosmo Front clip from Florida are:

MS air filter in good shape
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/415824_10150859789418927_1957964813_o.jpg

RE-Amemiya Plug wires in excellent condition
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/469687_10150859950313927_488495180_o.jpg

and the RE-Amemiya Steering column pod and boost gauge. I actually contacted RE-A 2-3 years ago about getting this unit but they said they stop production and was not going to make it.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/468333_10150864506868927_1232287705_o.jpg


And my Cosmo as it sits today... Pulled it out of my garage to do some electrical stuff done for the house.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_3002copy.jpg

[WE3RX7]

I think that clip was on eBay for a while... saw it a few times... good buy though!

[Herblenny]

I think that clip was on eBay for a while... saw it a few times... good buy though!

Yeah, you are right.. I was told by a friend that clip made it on to ebay. Hence I how I was able to contact the new buyer.


July 9th, 2012 - Finally some update... Here are some sneak preview pics of what the car will kind of look like exterior wise.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo23.jpg
RE-Amemiya Carbon Fiber Fender mirrors

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo24.jpg
I had to ditch my last bumper because it was messed up by my old body shop. Luckily a friend in New Orleans helped me and sold me his personal bumper.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo25.jpg
With the carbon RE-Amemiya N1 undersweep on the bumper. This is just a test fit and getting the car ready for the paint and body in a week or so.

More updates coming friday.

[Herblenny]

July 13th, 2012 - Today's Update for the week.

Well, to start, I've got my rare red Mazdaspeed seats from Japan. I've seen the white and black ones (I have one of the black) before but never seen one in red. I have a fellow rotary guy in Japan who helped me get these seats and just got them cleaned and reconditioned to near mint condition.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MSseats1.jpg

Also Walker Morgan from www.MPFab.com have installed my new Tial MV-R wastegate and the new BOV. As you can tell, the new theme is silver and black :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TIAL1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ENGINE1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FDTIALMPFab.jpg

And finally after many many many months of wait, phone calls, etc etc. I finally got my new manual brake system (just a test fit).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Chase1.jpg

Next week is the tear down, and the shell and all the body pieces goes to Paint and Body @ Goolsby Customs (www.GoolsbyCustoms.com). Jonathan Goolsby is one of the top painters in the country who won last year's SEMA GM Design award!! Can not wait to see what he will do with this car. Will post more details as car now goes in to the final stretch!!

[Rich@SR]

What is your time frame to have it done now? And are you planning on unveiling it at any particular event? :biggthumpup:

[RCCAZ 1]

what is your time frame to have it done now? And are you planning on unveiling it at any particular event? :biggthumpup:

sema

[Herblenny]

What is your time frame to have it done now? And are you planning on unveiling it at any particular event? :biggthumpup:

It needs to be done in next 3 months. Its getting close and can't wait..
Yep, See below.. SEMA...

sema


July 19th, 2012 - MPfab.com / Walker Morgan has been finishing up the engine bay so we can't send the car to the paint and body.

Here are few more pics of the progress..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo33.jpg

New side panels on rails :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo34.jpg

I was trimming the bumper most of the afternoon.. making sure it fits perfect.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo30.jpg

Pic of my heavy duty sway bar mount and sway bar :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo29.jpg

One off fenders by Shine Auto :) Thanks to the owner Ken, he made me a one off FEED fenders for this build. I been two toning like this on my other FD and decided to continue on..


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/image-1.jpg

Finally, MS seats... waiting to be shipped from Japan!!! Can't wait to get them!

[RXTASY]

Wow! Looks like you are doing it right!
Beautiful car!

[Herblenny]

Wow! Looks like you are doing it right!
Beautiful car!

Thank you! I'm hoping this would be my last big project for a long time and been collecting parts for years..

[Herblenny]

July 23rd, 2012 - Update!

Well, I'm getting ready to start putting things together and getting stuff out of the boxes and checking to be sure I got everything for the last min assembly..

Here are some of the stuff I've gotten..

Stance USA - Pro Comp 3 Coilovers (http://stance-usa.com/sus/products/coilovers/procomp3)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/StanceUSA4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/StanceUSA5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/StanceUSA6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/StanceUSA9.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/StanceUSA8.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/StanceUSA7.jpg

My reason for picking this unit is: great price, great customer support from Stance USA.. and I've heard great things about their products from racers and street drivers.

Product looks to have great craftsmanship and quality. I can't wait to install them.

[rdgt99]

Glad to see lots more updates...lol. Can't wait to see this in person.

[Herblenny]

Thanks Rodney!! Its coming together.. You going to IA this weekend in Charlotte?

July 23rd, 2012
I got these also.. Now I need to go press these in..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Powerflex.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Powerflex2.jpg

[rdgt99]

Hadn't thought about IA. Are you making the trek?

[Herblenny]

July 24th, 2012 Update..

Car is about to leave MPFab and we are finalizing few things. Here are some pics..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab01.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab02.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab03.jpg


We started to tear it down..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab04.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab09.jpg

and

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MPFab12.jpg

everything out!

[Herblenny]

July 26th, 2012 - Everything has been taken off and the car is now at Jonathan Goolsby's, 'Goolsby Customs' (www.GoolsbyCustoms.com).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_3735.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_3736.jpg

There, car will be painted using latest BASF water based paint. Can't wait to see what Mr. Goolsby will do with this car!!

[Herblenny]

I think I forgot to post about the engine...

Here is when it was just built.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/n532683926_1627479_631811.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/n532683926_1627480_4086416.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/n532683926_1627477_6448344.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/n532683926_1627476_8283611.jpg

Its from the last year Eunos Cosmo 3 Rotor, "D" series motor, broken down and rebuilt with ported intake, less restrictive 13B-REW exhaust sleeves, Balanced rotating assemblies, Lapped housings, and all new seals and gaskets... And built by one of the best builder I know.. Luis Canizales.

[Herblenny]

July 31st, 2012 - Over the weekend, I had a chance to pick up a unique parts for this car... One of them being this, FEED GT II R wing.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo1.jpg

And yesterday I had a meeting with Mr. Goolsby at Goolsby Customs about how the car is going to be built... and brought bunch of carbon parts :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo4-4.jpg

[Herblenny]

Aug 6th, 2012 - Update from past 7-8 days...

Well, On my way to pick up some goodies for this project and my MB, I stopped off last weekend at the Import Alliance in Charlotte, NC. There, I saw this yellow FD with K swap.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_4381.jpg

Up on closer inspection, the turbo set up seemed very similar to my 20B project. See if you can compare..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_4382.jpg

I did talked to the owner and they did a great job putting this car together in less than 3 months. Its definitely different... but not sure if this is something I consider a 'better' option to 13B or LSx. I was told it should make mid 400whp using GT35R. That's about what you would get from 13B. Also, unlike 13B, K seems to sit much higher. That's definitely not an advantage over 13B.

After my trip to IA, I headed to Charlottesville, VA to pick up some goodies!!
Some of the back roads were amazing up there (not as cool as Deals Gap :) ).

Here is a photo taken inside the 4 Runner, on our way up.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/616445_10151001981733927_1560338396_o.jpg

Picked up my goodies from one of FD fanatic, Fritz Flynn... here are his collection of VR FDs. I've also been to his 'warehouse' and I'm sure he has few more FD's sitting around there.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Fritz.jpg


After my 1300 mile trip, I took 3 days off/worked and made other trip up to Louisville, KY to visit Chris Ludwig from www.lms-efi.com .

Chris is working on my Haltech PS2K harness and also using mil-spec connector for all the Haltech and Defi Super Sport Cluster (DSSC) stuff.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/302434_10150999275918927_2026693891_n.jpg

This week, I'll be beautifying my short and long block and ordering some goodies :)

[WE3RX7]

Nice trip... didnt even stop by passing through my stomping grounds huh.. what roads did you take in cville? We have a lot of great roads in that area....

[MrNizzles]

OMG, what a beautiful build and thread, thanks so much for moar pr0n! I love you!

[Herblenny]

Nice trip... didnt even stop by passing through my stomping grounds huh.. what roads did you take in cville? We have a lot of great roads in that area....

Sorry man, I pretty much head up there and left after picking up the parts.. Not sure what roads... as I just went up from Greensboro to Charlottesville.

OMG, what a beautiful build and thread, thanks so much for moar pr0n! I love you!

Thanks! LOL!

[Herblenny]

Aug. 13th, 2012 Update...

Well, the car is at one of the best paint and body place in the country... Jonathan Goolsby @ Goolsby Customs (www.GoolsbyCustoms.com).

While the car is there, I've decided to freshen up the engine..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo39.jpg

Then spent couple of hours taping up the engine..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo42.jpg

And here is the finished engine :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo45-1.jpg


Also, Goolsby Customs started to test fit the panels...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo46.jpg

More to come later this week...

[WE3RX7]

Nice taping job... I've done that in the past and don't think it turned out as well.. its very difficult to tape around a sealed engine so kudos on that one. Why didn't they just do the paint work when the engine was apart?

[Herblenny]

Nice taping job... I've done that in the past and don't think it turned out as well.. its very difficult to tape around a sealed engine so kudos on that one. Why didn't they just do the paint work when the engine was apart?

Thanks man! its also the tape that you use.. I used this new tape and it works much better. Traditional blue tape tends to bleed a little and this seems to do much better... I found this when I was painting my friends house.

We didn't paint it initially as I didn't know what color I was going to go with. Glad I didn't as I would of re did it :)


anyhow.. more update..

Aug 14th, 2012 - Today, I finished up the engine by touching up few spots, and decided to paint the UIM, LIM, and install the Exedy Clutch.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo50.jpg
Lightened twin disc Exedy Clutch - Front side
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo51.jpg
Back side

I also installed all new plugs
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo53.jpg

repainted the inside of the back.. and clean up counter weight.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo52.jpg

flywheel torqued on.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo54.jpg

Discs in..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo55.jpg

And now, its on :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo56.jpg

[rxspeed7]

Looks amazing!!!! Although one question, how come you aren't running the oil line to the center bearings?

[Herblenny]

Looks amazing!!!! Although one question, how come you aren't running the oil line to the center bearings?

We didn't think about it when building this engine.. Maybe next time.

Aug. 15th, 2012 - This morning I decided to finish what I started yesterday... UIM and LIM.

To start, I took some of the cast marking off by filing them off.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo61.jpg

After about 1-2 hours of this, I taped it up and sprayed with the same gray I been using, with high temp clear. I initially thought about doing wrinkle red, but after painting the short block, I think it might be bit off.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo62.jpg

I let it cure over night and using a file, I took the clear and paint for the machined look, "3 ROTOR".

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo64.jpg

And to tie in the exterior of the car, I took one of the carbon fiber panel I had and made an insert. This took bit of time as I didn't have the right tools and used some sand paper and file to make the rectangle.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo63.jpg


Next is TB and some of the accessories to match everything.. So, more pics in next couple of days.

[WankelsRevenge]

It always amazes me how after some of the amazing advancement made with clutches, we all still use those cheap alignment tools when installing them. But hey whatever works right?

[Herblenny]

Aug. 17th, 2012 Update.... Some body related updates.

Goolsby Customs did quite an update since I brought the car to them about 2 weeks ago.. They have now install most of the panels and lining them up.

Here some pics..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo1-1.jpg
fender, lights, and bumper

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo57.jpg
Front bumper, lights, canards, and undersweep

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo65-2.jpg
FEED wing, lip spoiler, etc

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo70.jpg
Rear wheel well cut for the FEED fender flares..

[Herblenny]

Aug. 20th, 2012 Some minor update but not much to show... anyhow, more pics :)

How the car is sitting now..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo6-1.jpg

Test fit the UIM..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/386842_10150960016280378_1452910723_n.jpg

[Herblenny]

Aug. 23rd, 2012

Couple of things to update you guys..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo5-2.jpg
Car's coming along with all the panels are on except for the fender mirrors.. I'm hoping to pick out the paint color tomorrow or early next week.

I also started to work on other things attached to the engine.. I stripped down the throttle body (TB), cleaned it, and painted simple black with polished ends. Hope all ties well together at the end.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo73.jpg

And finally, the writer of this article contacted me and told me about the rare 767 4 rotor race car (http://www.stanceworks.com/2012/08/an-afternoon-with-an-icon-my-date-with-the-mazda-767b-at-road-atlanta/).
http://cdn.stanceworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mazda-767b-race-car-title.jpg
It was being rebuilt at the famous Jim Downings in ATL (Also developer of Hans Device). I made call to a friend at Downings and found out that it was still in ATL, GA. I planned to head over there and couple of days before, a friend and manager of Mazmart, Paul Thomas, decided to organize an event for those interested in seeing. I than talked to Paul to find out when, rescheduled and went to see this rare 767..

And here are some pics from it.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Mazda767B3.jpg

And I got to see it before everyone got there and took few of these without the crowd.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Mazda767B.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Mazda767B2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Mazda767B1.jpg

i'll post a video of this in couple of days.

[reddozen]

Good stuff man... I would have gone, but I had court all day Wednesday, and a funeral Thursday...

[Herblenny]

Good stuff man... I would have gone, but I had court all day Wednesday, and a funeral Thursday...

Sorry you missed it. Court and Funeral?? Hope all is good?


Aug. 26th, 2012

Let's see what I've been up to...

Friday, I went over to my long time friend, Bryan at www.BNRSupercars.com to use his sand blast to clean up some suspension parts.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo74.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo75.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo76.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo77.jpg

And yesterday, I was pressing on some Powerflex Bushings. I heard great stuff about them and once the old stuff were pushed out, install was a simple hand press in. I was amazed how easy it was since I've installed a set of Delrins in the past. Quality of Powerflex bushing were awesome!!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo80.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo78.jpg

But I did break something... Lack of sleep and hurry to get the job done, I did this..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/422229_10151045499573927_196029302_n.jpg

Luckily I had a spare :)


I also decided to refinish my Alcon calipers for this..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo79.jpg

Did a pretty good job on one, but other one, I kind of messed up and have to re do it..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AlconCalipers.jpg

Anyhow, Tomorrow, I'm re blasting the one I messed up and re doing it.

[Herblenny]

Sept. 2nd, 2012 Well, I been busy trying to fabricate some stuff and re-doing my caliper that I messed up.

I had a chance to re-sand blast and re paint them.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo88.jpg

now looks perfect :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo89.jpg

Also, an announcement of new LIM for 20B!!

I was lucky enough to hear about this LIM 6 months ago and now I can show it off to you guys.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo90.jpg

This one isn't my photo.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/617010_4597523055443_419430727_o.jpg

More information about the LIM and more pics later...

[RCCAZ 1]

OK Phil, so SEMA is less than 2 months from now. Are you still planning to make it?? Seems to me like there is still a TON of work and reassembly to be completed! :)

[Herblenny]

OK Phil, so SEMA is less than 2 months from now. Are you still planning to make it?? Seems to me like there is still a TON of work and reassembly to be completed! :)

Yup!! Ton of stuff to do in less than 2 months..


Sept. 5th, 2012

Worked on few this over the past few days..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo93.jpg
Cluster surround, fiberglassed and process of smoothing out.

making my own MS R-Spec signal lights :)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RspecReplica1.jpg

Studded everything and shorten bolts so I could put FD chrome nuts and bolts for the LIM.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20BXcessive1.jpg
This was from about 3-5 FD engines :)

And starting to test fit everything and such..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20BEngine.jpg

[sk8world]

Some really cool parts in this build. That turbo setup looks mean!

We just need to mini tub it and fit some skinnys and fatties on it... :lol:

[730RWHP12A]

a work of art! very nice. cant wait to see it completed!

[Herblenny]

Some really cool parts in this build. That turbo setup looks mean!

We just need to mini tub it and fit some skinnys and fatties on it... :lol:

I knew you were going to say that :) One day Mike,... One day..

a work of art! very nice. cant wait to see it completed!

Thanks! Hopefully soon...

[Herblenny]

Sept. 10th, 2012

Well, some update.. but before that, some of the goodies that are going in in this car..

Aluminum rack..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AtomicRack.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AtomicRack3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AtomicRack2.jpg

Carbon Shaft.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/CarbonDriveShaft.jpg

FEED trunk thingy in carbon :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FEEDluggage.jpg

[rotarylyman]

Does your "FEED trunk thingy" sit in place of the spare tire?

[Prodigy]

Yes it sits in the spare tire well...

I remember when you first got that Phil... I was so green with envy... Lol


J.

[Herblenny]

Yes it sits in the spare tire well...

I remember when you first got that Phil... I was so green with envy... Lol


J.

LOL! naw.. its pretty much useless as it holds some of my cleaning products :)

[Herblenny]

Sept 13th, 2012

I finally took some time to work on the rear diffs of the FD RX-7s.

Here are some pics of the diffs.

Stock vs Kaaz
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Kazzvsstock.jpg

After cleaning the case, sanding it down, and re painting it with epoxy paint,.. I put the new covers on.

Stock vs. Greddy higher fluid capacity cover.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/GreddyvsStock2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Greddyvs.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/GreddyvsStock.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/GreddyvsStock4.jpg

[Herblenny]

Sept 16th, 2012 - Little bit more update...

Took some time getting the transmission painted and such.. Some color scheme.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo7-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Starter.jpg

and becoming a master of taping :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Bellhousing.jpg

Also, plugged the oil metering hole :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/OILMeteringplug.jpg

and another angle of the painted diff..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Diff.jpg

[RCCAZ 1]

Looking good Phil. How long before the body shop completes the paint?

[Herblenny]

Looking good Phil. How long before the body shop completes the paint?

Thanks! Well, hopefully within 2 weeks.. Til then I have interior stuff to finish and then assembly time.

[Herblenny]

Sept 19th, 2012 Updates from past 3 days..

I had the rotor hats made for the Disc Brakes Australia rotors and got them refinished in similar black.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20BRX710_zps21958a2f.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20BRX708_zps4de17c95.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20BRX709_zps2dcf10ce.jpg

Cleaned up and repainted the RZ calipers.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20BRX702_zpseec7ad20.jpg

I also replaced the diff bushings with Powerflex bushings.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20BRX711_zps083d862c.jpg

[FerociousP]

Weird question.

How do you know how much fluid to put in the diff with that different cover since the fill hole is in a different place. Do you fill a set amount per Greddy specs?

Also, this grey color is growing on me. At first just seeing the engine pieces I had my doubts, but since you are keeping the theme over alot of components in the build (and doing it very cleanly), it adds a nice consistency.


Good work!

[Herblenny]

You fill it to the same level height as the stock. I know the plug on the back top seem like the fill hole/level, but actually the level hole is moved to the side(can't see it). I guess you could also use the hole on the back top to fill it...

Yeah, I been debating about the color scheme and I'm trying to keep things less flashy with colors. I'm trying to keep it conservative and little more classy. I hope all goes together at the end and not disappoint too many rotorheads :)

[Pete_89T2]

Yeah, I been debating about the color scheme and I'm trying to keep things less flashy with colors. I'm trying to keep it conservative and little more classy. I hope all goes together at the end and not disappoint too many rotorheads :)

FWIW, I approve :biggthumpup: Looks nice and classy, and is coming together quite well!

[Herblenny]

FWIW, I approve :biggthumpup: Looks nice and classy, and is coming together quite well!

Thank you!

[Herblenny]

Sept. 25th, 2012 Update...

Couple of updates... I got my Takata Harness today.. Actually it was shipped to my paint and body guy vs. to my home... and I could could of gotten it 2 week earlier..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Takata.jpg

Takata came up with new design... and color. Hope it will take some time for people to fake this..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TAKATA_2.jpg

And testing on my bride seats..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TAKATA_3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TAKATA_4.jpg


And refinished my pedals and added discontinued widefoot, heal toe pedal.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7Pedal.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Widefootgas.jpg

[9krpmrx8]

Awesome stuff man.

[tnn]

this is porn

[RICE RACING]

This is up there with the BDC and HC threads in General as favorites for me :302:

[Herblenny]

Awesome stuff man.

Thank you!


this is porn

Thanks!

This is up there with the BDC and HC threads in General as favorites for me :302:

LOL!! Me too! :)

[Herblenny]

Sept. 30th, 2012

I'm debating about the interior and test fit the Takata Harness on the Spirit R Recaros.

Let me know what you prefer?

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Recaro_Takata_1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Recaro_Takata_4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Recaro_Takata_3.jpg


Also, got my VS-XX refinished/powder coated and put new Toyo T1-Sport tires. I've heard great things about these and can't wait to test them out.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/VS-XX-TOYOT1Sport.jpg
**They are not going on this 3 rotor project car**

[Herblenny]

Oct 4th, 2012

Past couple of days, I decided to strip off my spare RZ hub assemblies and fix up the rotor back plates and such.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo16.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo17-1.jpg

Fronts fixed and degreased... Test fitted the new DBA rotors.. Shaved some metals so DBA rotors can freely spin.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo15.jpg

Rears fixed and degreased

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo18-1.jpg

My good friend Bryan from BNR Supercars is going to let me use his cabinet to blast the rust and such off so I can get the prettied up today.


Also, I received some goodies from Turbonetics.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo13.jpg

Their GT-K 1050!!!!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo14.jpg

[RCCAZ 1]

Hoping to see this beast on your layover in Phoenix.

[Herblenny]

Hoping to see this beast on your layover in Phoenix.

Yeah! Hope I could find a place to stay that night :)

[Herblenny]

Oct 11th, 2012

Some update...

Hubs cleaned, blasted, and ready to paint..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo19-1.jpg

And painted.. and ready to be put on the car.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B_DBA_FD3S.jpg

Cleaned, sanded, and painted axles..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B_DBA_FD3S_2.jpg
close up.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B_DBA_FD3S_1.jpg

I also got my ID1000's. Bought them from Full Function Engineering. Awesome service and makes some cool stuff for rotaries! Thanks guys!!!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B_DBA_FD3S_FULL_Function.jpg


Also, got the eye bolts for the Takata Harnesses.. Can't wait to install them and go for a ride ;)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B_DBA_FD3S_Takata.jpg


And finally,

The engine... Oil pan on, Oil pan brace on, and mounted on my spare FD subframe.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/20B_DBA_SEMA.jpg

[tweiss3]

Looking great

[9krpmrx8]

Sweetness.

[WE3RX7]

Did you put new boots on your axles or were those original?

[Herblenny]

I'm currently putting the car together for SEMA and I can't upload what's being going on..

I'll make this short and share 2-3 pics.. including the render done by amazing artist and designer, Greg Thompson. He did an amazing job rendering the car with few pics I sent him and list of goodies I was going to put on. Just amazing!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/PHILSOHN_fd3sDBA-1.jpg

Hint of couple of parts..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RX7_SEMA_2012_1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Goolsby_RX7_2.jpg


I'll update the full car on my way to SEMA..

[DougC]

I envy you so much having the all around ability to do these projects and have these cars. I want to in the future be on your level or rotary collection.

[13bpower]

I love the detail........nicely done...

[Herblenny]

Update - November 8th, 2012

Its been about 2 weeks since my last update... Since than, I've put the car together (not running) in 8 days, went to SEMA Las Vegas, and came back to Birmingham, AL.

I'll try to go through the journey over next 2-3 days.. And I promise you guys, there will be ton of pics :)

To start, I was waiting for my paint and body guys Jonathan Goolsby and his crew to paint the body so I could start working on the car.

Paint we've chosen was BASF Mercedes AMG Imola Grey Metallic with hint of darker tint.

Here is a picture of the car before and after the shell was painted.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/7194B4EE-DA66-4E18-8C7B-27E61B0A03AB-14764-00000617CE73D25C.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/106CA142-99B0-4188-B7A1-55C7740011CA-14764-00000612E413E603.jpg

Car at this point had nothing on it except stock suspensions and some old school VOLK wheels to roll the shell around.

More coming when I get some more photos uploaded..

[chawleyfc]

Hey I saw you and your car at sema I was talking to you about my fc.

[Fendamonky]

Oh that paint is SEXY!!!!! I like!

[Herblenny]

Update - Nov. 9th, 2012

Update continues..

When i first saw the car after paint, I decided to clean up the wheel wells and put a nice new coat of undercarriage paint.

But til then, I also decided to drop the rear subframe and do it right :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDa07.jpg

I then taped up the wheel arch and went to town with the paint.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDa12.jpg

Front after paint..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDa06.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDb2.jpg

Rear painted and with new subframe and new diff on.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDb3.jpg

[Fendamonky]

I'm confused, did you purchase a new rear subframe, or just freshen yours up?

[RCCAZ 1]

Hey Phil,

Now that SEMA is over and the cat is out of the bag, can you post up some detailed pics of the final project? Would love to see copious amounts of detail. Can you show us yet or is there a pending magazine article keeping you from showing the final product? Sorry I missed you on your overnight here in Phoenix.

Thx!

[t_g_farrell]

Heres a video of Phils car at SEMA. Nice work! Its looks fantastic.

GZDpl_SkRgs

[rx7 vinnie]

Grey honda?!?!?!?! I keel you!!!!

[Herblenny]

I'm confused, did you purchase a new rear subframe, or just freshen yours up?

I had a spare front and rear subframe that I refreshened up and installed. I might do something new to this one once I get it all cleaned up and such.. :)

Heres a video of Phils car at SEMA. Nice work! Its looks fantastic.

GZDpl_SkRgs

LOL! All I can say is, I wasn't the happiest guy to be told a 'Grey Honda'.

Grey honda?!?!?!?! I keel you!!!!
vinnie, Thanks again for lettine me borrow your trailer!

Hey Phil,

Now that SEMA is over and the cat is out of the bag, can you post up some detailed pics of the final project? Would love to see copious amounts of detail. Can you show us yet or is there a pending magazine article keeping you from showing the final product? Sorry I missed you on your overnight here in Phoenix.

Thx!

Yeah.. I have a mag article coming up.. So, I can't post too much of the final stuff :)

[Herblenny]

Update... Nov. 18th, 2012

Putting in the Engine and trans..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD04.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD03.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD02.jpg

I've decided to drop the subframe and install the engine by sliding it under and lifting it up and bolting the subframe..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD06.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD05.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD07.jpg

After that, we started it bolting up all the suspensions and brakes..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDb5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDb6.jpg

front

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD09.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD11.jpg

front and rear
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD10.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD12.jpg

front and rear completed.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD17.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD16.jpg

[Fendamonky]

Brilliant way to do the engine install!! lol, seriously, it seems like it's a lot easier to do it that way =)

I've never heard of alcon brakes, where did you find them?

[Herblenny]

Update - Nov. 19th, 2012

While Goolsby Customs were working on the panels, I went to pick up the trailer for SEMA in Nashville, TN from a buddy of mine (Thanks Vinnie!).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDc2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDc3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDc4.jpg

Love the graphics! :)


Panels were added..
Rear flares, hatch, wing..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe05.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe06.jpg

Front fenders with with RE Carbon mirrors.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe07.jpg

Closer look of the rear flares..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe03.jpg

FEED wing and flares.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe04.jpg

Feed fender brace

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe01.jpg

Old school wheels on :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe08.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe09.jpg

And time to transport it to my fabricator's shop (www.MPFab.com).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe10.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe11.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe14.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe18.jpg

[Herblenny]

Update Dec. 6th, 2012

Well, I been busy with other stuff and totally forgot to continue with my sega... not that anyone cares.. Anyhow, here are some more pics and more of previous build progress.

Arriving at MPFab.com

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe24.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe23.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe21.jpg

New OEM parts..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FDe26.jpg

Mr. Walker Morgan started to install the goodies..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S1.jpg

Turbonetics Inc. GT-K 1050 Turbo
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_MPFab1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_MPFab3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_MPFab2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_MPFab4.jpg

Bracing that I had, refinished and installed.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S5.jpg

Figuring out where to mount the reservoirs.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_MPFab5.jpg

Front bumper on.. and the Rmagic with the covers.. We decided to leave them off..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_MPFab7.jpg

[9krpmrx8]

Is your car featured anywhere? I have seen a few SEMA pics but nothing complete.

[Herblenny]

Is your car featured anywhere? I have seen a few SEMA pics but nothing complete.

Not yet.. but Modified Magazine will feature it soon..

[RICE RACING]

I believe its featured here > http://www.superhonda.com/forum/f146/vtec-gay-he-says-120818/

[Herblenny]

Seriously Peter?
If you are joking at least put some smileys on

[RICE RACING]

:piggy: "Grey Honda" :biggthumpup:

LOL :tongue1:

:grouphug:

[93rx7r1]

This is an awesome build!!

[rx7 vinnie]

I think Rice was referring to the video on post #208..... Phil got trolled!

[Herblenny]

Its been awhile... I'm going to update some tonight..

Finishing the body parts..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_MPFab8.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas01.jpg

front done!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas02.jpg

Very first shot of the car coming out of MPFab, just before loading on the trailer.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas06.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas07.jpg

Walker taking a shot of his work.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas09.jpg

Car loading in the trailer..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Trailer_FD_3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Trailer_FD_1.jpg

On the Brap Brap Brap trailer :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Trailer_FD_2.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Is it safe to assume that this is the car you're bringing to DGRR this year?

[Herblenny]

Is it safe to assume that this is the car you're bringing to DGRR this year?

Maybe...

[Herblenny]

Some photos from my journey to SEMA 2012..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_a8.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_a7.jpg

Saw several of these..

This car from NYC was heading to SEMA...
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_a3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_a2.jpg

Later found out that the 350Z was in the caravan with one of my rotary friend from NYC... Manny who owns this FD.
http://www.more-japan.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121101-200053.jpg
http://www.more-japan.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121101-200103.jpg

I've known Manny for many years and one of the few rotorheads who's been in FD's for over 10 years. I think he had his FD since 1994??

Anyhow, 3 day trip to Vegas, we saw several of these..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_a9.jpg

many many semi's and many of the wind power stations.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_a4.jpg

And finally made it to Vegas..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_Strip05.jpg

and to the convention center.. in que to get the car in..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_Strip07.jpg

[Herblenny]

At SEMA update...

Sorry for the lack of update.. I'm going to share my experience at SEMA.

Well, as you guys have read, I have put the car together in 6 out of 8 days after chasis was painted. Due to lack of time, car is a roller... which made it very difficult at SEMA.

First, we couldn't unload the car until we were placed at a certain location to unload. We waited over 2 hours between central and south hall, waiting someone for us to goto a specific location to unload.

Finally after 2 hours, we were moved to front of central to unload the car.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_Strip09.jpg

From here, they couldn't figure out where I was suppose to park. We now waited another 2 hours til someone figured out where I needed to park.. which was front of North Hall.. a good 1/4 mile away from where we drop the car off, through the central hall, to North hall.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/SEMA%202012/SEMA_2012_FD3S_Vegas_Strip10.jpg
Waiting to be moved.. again..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/at_SEMA_3.jpg

While waiting, Enjuku Racing posted this photo on their facebook page... First photo to be leaked with all the panels on..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/135820_420070788048325_416037867_o.jpg

And finally made it to my spot... and before decals got on.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/177351_10151051992435378_179821010_o.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/169105_10151051992860378_918755316_o.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/54282_10151051992505378_1085568783_o.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/77468_10151051992715378_1584097125_o.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/56284_10151051993120378_1499366262_o.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/665800_10151051992980378_375698673_o.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/664661_10151051992480378_2090954154_o.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/616138_10151051992380378_1783302844_o.jpg

[RCCAZ 1]

Looks good Phil. Incredible job getting this thing completed in time for SEMA. Have you adjusted the rear stance lower since these pics were taken?

[Herblenny]

Looks good Phil. Incredible job getting this thing completed in time for SEMA. Have you adjusted the rear stance lower since these pics were taken?

I have..I had to take it off and send it back to Stance. They been great and new set up made it much better. Will post pics of that later..

[WankelsRevenge]

Is that the grey honda I heard so much about?

[Herblenny]

We didn't have time to really finish the interior pieces.. So, when I got back from SEMA, I pulled them out and sent them to Goolsby Customs to get it refinished.. They were ready today and picked them up!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/BE272957-CD25-4FAA-B07C-0B3A2683CABA-7155-000004533492711E.jpg
Defi Cluster gauge surround that I made.. Man! Love the finish!!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AF155F99-437A-43CA-BD1C-4E6B3980E2EB-7155-000004530F289495.jpg
Prosport center speaker pod..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DB793509-CC01-475C-9298-050F44D2EEF7-7155-000004536E3779B3.jpg
Center console that I made.. again.. Goolsby customs did a great job with the paint.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/03D81F07-FC57-4270-8872-E6BAA056E47F-7155-0000045328A942CC.jpg
Some of the other interior parts..

[Prodigy]

Good Lord that looks splendid!!!!

I'm in the process of refinishing my plastics with plasti dip.. hot every thing but 1/3 of the gauge hood sanded down, need to fix it first then finish sanding prep then paint...

I really enjoy how simple it all is with the buttons and such removed.. makes it look elegant/classy.... which in my mind matches the rest of the build so far...

Simple and Clean


Good work Phil...

you always seem to be raising the standard when you get the chance...


J.

[Herblenny]

Should I update this thread?? I don't even know if any of you read this one..

If so, please post.. more than 10 of you post on this thread wanting me to update, i'll start transfer all the updates from other forum here.

[RICE RACING]

Should I update this thread?? I don't even know if any of you read this one..

If so, please post.. more than 10 of you post on this thread wanting me to update, i'll start transfer all the updates from other forum here.

I read it, and seem to be the only one who does not post in BAW!
update me :)

[FC Zach]

I read it, and seem to be the only one who does not post in BAW!
update me :)

Same here!

[almoststockfc]

I would love to see more updates. I thought you had put it on the back burner for a while.

[GySgtFrank]

of course we want updates. We love pictures, even if they don't involve crayons.

[chibikougan]

Update MEOW!

[Prodigy]

In for updates...

:D

J.

[Pete_89T2]

Please update, I don't go to that other forum often :cheers2:

[chibikougan]

I got impatient..:rofl:


Still in for an update here...

[Johnny_K]

I follow this thread.

[t_g_farrell]

Moar pics dammit!