Rotorhead87's Cosmo 13B-RE FC3S build-up

[rotorhead87]

Hello everyone! This project began back in July 2005, and is near completion. I bought this 1987 Turbo II from the original owner for $2000 as a highschool graduation gift to myself. She was completely stock, rust-free(except for the sunroof...of course) FC with 112,000 miles with the two big mufflers and the Mazda aero kit. Here are a couple pictures of when I first brought her home.
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/10/29416372098.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6924453)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921241259.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961144)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/692120089.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961075)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921200964.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961080)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921200847.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961074)

Stock Interior minus the factory AM/FM cassette player
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921205796.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961092)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921205767.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961091)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921205629.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961088)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921205791.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961090)

Stock Engine Bay:
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921151255.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960948)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921151221.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960949)

More will come as I will try to place each project step in chronological order. I hope you all enjoy!:001_005:

[need RX7]

w00t!!!

[Whizbang]

very nice! gotta love red turbo IIs

[rotorhead87]

As soon as I got the car, it was too tempting to start working on her. As you can see on the interior pics I had the radio replaced with gauges. I wanted to go all out with this car so I did what I could do for free WEIGHT REDUCTION!!! The car already came with a manual rack:icon_tup:, the ABS was gone, cruise control was done, out with the spare tire and jack, and speakers and radio ripped out. I wanted to chip the sound material off but I chose not to just for the sake of noise comfort, plus way too much work under Florida's sun.

Here's what I had the radio replaced with. It's a black aluminum plate with Autometer Sport-Comp gauges: oil temp, oil pressure, water temp, and voltage
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921205762.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961093)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921205891.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961098)

[rotorhead87]

Okay well in Aug/Sept 2005 there was a private group buy going on at the fabrication shop for Wolf 3D V4 standalone ECUs, so I went on ahead to get one. At the same time two friends of mine, whom are brothers, decided to stop working on their FB and FC, due to their job schedule and women:banghead: Well that came to benefit me at the time because they had alot of good brand new stuff I could use on my car. They gave me all their stuff so that I could put it to use, of course they weren't free but making random payments is alot easier on my pockets then dropping the account. I'm just lucky to have really cool friends I guess

Here are some pictures of all the good stuff I got:

This ecu burnt my wallet. Oh well only the best, no time to get cheap!
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303650.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961191)

HKS undivided cast manifold
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303675.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961190)

Garrett T4/GT40 "Blowzilla" turbo. Specs: .70 compressor; 1.00 exhaust
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921304746.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961216)

Be-Cool electric fans
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303991.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961199)

Aeromotive fuel regulator and inline fuel filter
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303723.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961194)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303733.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961193)

Moroso battery box and Autometer Sport-Comp Boost Gauge(I got the other gauges from my friend also)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303639.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961192)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303860.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961196)

[Whizbang]

is that an FD manifold?

[stylEmon]

ooooh, this is gonna be good.

[WE3RX7]

Its hard to tell - but I'd be curious if that turbo will clear the LIM config on an RE motor w/ that manifold.

More pics please :)

[rotorhead87]

is that an FD manifold?

Nope...that manifold was originally for a Series 5 motor.

[rotorhead87]

Okay everyone another update:

Hmm...if I can recall I been driving the car for a good 4 or 5 monthes; I swear those were the best driving days of my life so far. The car never flooded on me or never gave me any trouble, except for a bad battery. She always started for me on the first crank. Anyways I saved up over the holiday season working my ass off at the nursing home. Eventually I saved up just enough for another upgrade on my baby. One night just checkin out stuff on ebay trying to figure out what next to purchase. Well I happened to run into a beautiful set of wheels I just had to have. Anyways I went ahead and got them with my mind set on "Only the best." Here's some pictures.

Mazdaspeed MS-01 17''x8'' +35 and +30 offset
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921241359.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961148)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303611.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961189)

Lucky me again JR Fabrication and Performance had a set of used tires that I could have for free. Kumho Supra 712 225/40/17 and Kumho MX 255/40/17. I took the center caps off because of the fear of losing them due to heavy construction and thieves. Oh and also figured it would look nicer to clean up the 20 year old calipers and paint them up.
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921200577.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961066)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921200487.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961065)

http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921200425.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961064)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921200610.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961068)

http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921200576.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961067)

Enjoy everyone theres much more updates to go!!

[need RX7]

Beautiful!! I am very jealous. What are your plans for the motor (porting, etc?)

[rx7 vinnie]

that is the same route im going on my t2....the 13b-re swap. I will post pics of what I have so far.If you have any questions lemme know what I can do to help:icon_tup:

[rotorhead87]

I apologize for all the essay long posts, RN school is a bit*h with the 20 page reports I just got use to writing alot. I realize most people are here just to view the good stuff, in which I hope everyone enjoys.

[rotorhead87]

Beautiful!! I am very jealous. What are your plans for the motor (porting, etc?)

Anyways to "need RX7" - Thanks for the compliment...It's crazy to port the Cosmo motor after you compare the 13B-RE intake runners to the 13B-REW and S4/S5 intake runners.There is a quite noticable difference in size between all the other motors. Anyways I could have just left it stock but me being me I just had to have JR Fabrication put a large streetport in search of extra power.

[rotorhead87]

that is the same route im going on my t2....the 13b-re swap. I will post pics of what I have so far.If you have any questions lemme know what I can do to help:icon_tup:

"rx7 vinnie"-I really appreciate for your offer of help, but like I said the motor is pretty much dropped into the bay and near completion. I'll have the pictures up eventually I just wanted to make the thread in order of occurrence.Your project is looking pretty good also its nice to see another RE motor out there. I look forward to seeing your FC progress, so I'll keep in tune.

Is that exhaust manifold ceramic coated?

[rotorhead87]

Okay new update everyone!

After getting the wheels and tires on I got to drive on them for two or three months. After those few months my RX-7 would only stay on for a couple minutes before it stopped running. It came out to be the alternator taking a dump on me. Well I decided screw buying a new/reman alternator and save up for a Cosmo 13B-RE. Well this was a hard time for me because she had to sit not running for a couple of months I felt like the alcoholic on a withdraw trapped in mental asylum. Well I got the motor from Canada it was completely blown in both the front and rear housings. So being completely screwed with a worthless motor it left me no choice to rebuild the motor. Instead of paying full price for genuine Mazda parts, I used my friend's Mazda Motorsports account to buy all the gaskets, seals, housings, etc. for the rebuild. As parts arrived to my home I wanted to polish some of the parts like the turbo compressor housing, rotor housings, manifolds, etc.

Here's some pictures of the parts:

FD3S Rotor Housings because they have the bigger exhaust ports, and also I had the exhaust ports opened up a bit. Sorry no detailed pictures of the ports
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921304754.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961217)

Brand new S5 waterpump and housing.
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921304845.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961219)

Various parts from the Cosmo:
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921304436.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961210)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921304459.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961209)

Polished parts that took me a couple of weeks to do:
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303448.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961180)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921230286.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961113)

http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921230244.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961111)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921230144.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961108)

http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6920501728.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960796)http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6920501276.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960782)

Please leave a message and feel free to ask any questions. I hope everyone enjoys!

[Kane]

That polishing job is baller - upkeep will be fun ;)

[rotorhead87]

^ thanks man...can't have pros without the cons.

[Kane]

I think my laziness would = chrome powdercoating. HAHA

[need RX7]

I apologize for all the essay long posts, RN school is a bit*h with the 20 page reports I just got use to writing alot. I realize most people are here just to view the good stuff, in which I hope everyone enjoys.

Nonsense! I like reading in detail what people are doing. Rather than, 'this is my turbo, this is my ECU, these are my wheels...' I like long drawn out technical explanations. :lol:

[rotorhead87]

I think my laziness would = chrome powdercoating. HAHA

Not entirely true laziness...looking from the big picture you technically did work your tail off to pay for the powdercoating lol.

[rotorhead87]

Okay just another quick update everyone.

At the time before the college shut down the police training field, my college would allow SCCA to use the field to hold autocross event every month. They closed the place down because locals constantly complained of the noise. Stupid of them to do that, since they closed it down 3 or 4 kids have lost their lives illegally street racing. Anyways I really got into autocrossing and I figured it was time to retire the twenty year old suspension. Well I figured if I was gonna change things up, I'll upgrade the majority of the 7's suspension.
Anyway I bought a complete set of Energy Suspension bushings, Delrin bushings, Mazda Motorsports competition transmission, motor, and differential mount. As for the struts, JR Fabrication & Performance decided it would be best to build my baby a custom coil-over suspension. It consisted of KYB AGX shocks, Suspenion Specialist springs, and a Bilstein coilover kit. Thinking of the future JR Fab & Performance decided to go ahead and reinforce a rear cross member, clean up rear trailing arms, and control arms for when my car is ready to begin rehaul. I recently bought a set of front and rear cusco strut bars, so I'll have pictures of them eventually.

Here's a picture of my custom coilover set: fully adjustable KYB AGX struts, 250lbs and 350lbs Suspension Specialist springs , Bilstein coilover kit, and Ground Control camber/caster plates
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921303328.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961178)

Cleaned up control arms with energy suspension bushings...yes those control arms are polished
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921304159.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961202)

Rear cross member you can't see in the picture but all the seams are welded together solid. Also a cleaned up set of rear trailing arms.
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6921304280.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4961205)

Cusco OS-T front and rear strut bars
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5345/cuscouz3.jpg

That's it for what my suspension setup consist of. Enjoy everyone!:seeya:

[85rx-7gsl-se]

This car looks sick man

[SpooledupRacing]

wow this looks very familiar ;)

[rotorhead87]

wow this looks very familiar ;)

What do you mean by that?

[SpooledupRacing]

alot of what u are doing I am doing to mine (and will be doing) lol

Good work keep it up

[rotorhead87]

Ohhh...I thought you meant by when I tried to make a build thread on rx7club a while back before the dictators managing that forum went retarded.

[SpooledupRacing]

lol no not at all.. thx for doing this here though it is good to see others and how and what they have done :)

[rotorhead87]

This car looks sick man

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment.

[rotorhead87]

As you all know or own an RX-7 with +15 years of age, items on a have a tendency to breakdown eventually. In one of my previous post I stated that my alternator broke on me and I refused to buy a replacement. Well the car sat in my driveway for a couple of months. For those couple of months I had a feeling of no progression, like I started something I won't finish. Anyways I decided to work on any normal 20 year old RX-7 would have. In my case slight rust spots on the sunroof, dented front fender, and little other dents.
I decided to replace the front fender and sunroof because the amount of work to bring them back to normal would be harder and more time consuming then just simply replacing them. As for the dents I used that Pop-A-Dent seen on TV commercials. The Pop-A-Dent worked nicely to an extent, but I wouldn't recommend using it if you have a really nice paint job though. Also I decided to remove the rear and side skirts just to clean it up underneath.
Here's just some dumb snap shots:

Side skirts removed, there was alot of dirt build up = weight(not pictured: on the passenger side the rocker panel was dented like it was curb hoppered at on time.)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/692050259.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960815)

Rear Skirt removed. It crazy that the glue held on for 20 years, but in some places the glue didn't hold. The unglued areas would rub thru the paint in areas that are hidden. Thankfully it was just surface rust in those rubbed areas, so that skirt is definately not going back on my car plus it won't be fitting my mufflers correctly in the future. Oh and I know you love those mufflers!!!
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6920502631.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960816)

Front fender removed, you might be able to see the bent rocker panel.
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6920502585.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960814)

Rear and side skirts all together
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/3/6920502717.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4960819)

I hope you all enjoy what I have so far!

[rotorhead87]

Alright here we go again....As the car sat for a while, at the same time the 13B-RE was being ported rebuilt, etc..etc...Well to let time pass and have the sense of productivity I decided to pull the tired S4 turbo motor out. When the alternator died I pulled it out and never put it back in. Well thankfully my friend who allowed me to use their garage and tools to pull the motor lived a couple of blocks away, so I ended up driving the car there on just a full charged battery. It took me a couple of days to pull the motor out because I was trying to balance out a full-time college schedule along with work. Here are some pictures of the motor when it was being pulled out. BTW I happened to only broke 2 or 3 bolts throughout the process. WooHooo!!

Here's the stock S4 turbo motor all stock
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/521/pict3021rm7.jpg

Radiator, intercooler, oil cooler, air box removed
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/927/dcp0329jk2.jpg

Getting ready to pull the motor
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/9648/dcp0330af5.jpg

And out she goes...
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7127/dcp0337hg6.jpg

The aftermath of 20 years. Not bad at all just a little bit of surface rust under where the battery was loacted at.
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/1589/dcp0340hq4.jpg

Finally the hideous exhaust is scrapped and tail light were with me getting reconditioned.
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/8771/dcp0343wg1.jpg

[Phoenix7]

the wheels look great on the car! Good job and keep us updated. I love the sig too.

[need RX7]

Lookin' good!

[rotorhead87]

Thanks for the compliments everyone!

[rotorhead87]

I'm gonna go ahead give you all another update.

Let's see....Since I had polished a bunch of parts I figured it just wouldn't be right to drop a clean motor into a 20 year old dirty engine bay. I decided to go ahead a clean and prep the engine bay for paint. I was going to go ahead and keep the stock royal maroon metallic since I really like the color. I also wanted to go ahead and try to go for a sleeper look and bought a vert hood.

The dirty engine bay I decided to take on...:banghead:
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/4041/dcp0338cw4.jpg http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7610/dcp0347pq4.jpg


After a few good washes with a pressure washer, drenching with degreaser, scotch-brite pad, and alot of elbow grease.
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/641/dcp0352yw8.jpg http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/773/dcp0351fc5.jpg
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/121/dcp0348fn6.jpg http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7933/dcp0353qb6.jpg

Getting prepped for paint covering and taping up pieces.
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7247/dcp0367ig3.jpg http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8373/dcp0366yn5.jpg
http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/3313/dcp0411xt3.jpg http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5700/dcp0424vu9.jpg

Just finished getting sprayed...Gotta love wet paint
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/6408/dcp0383wl6.jpg http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5287/dcp0409ic0.jpg
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/295/dcp0410cr4.jpg http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4539/dcp0430ld2.jpg http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/989/dcp0420ro9.jpg

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I don't have any pictures but I reconditioned the rusty brake booster and replaced the leaking master cylinder. Also I removed all the exhaust heat shields and painted them with high temp aluminum silver. It's amazing how little things in the engine bay can either ruin or enhance the visual appeal of the engine bay;this just goes to show everyone.

Well I hope everyone enjoys the work I've done so far as much as I do!:001_005:

[stylEmon]

looking great. Nothing beats a nice engine bay. What else are you going to do to "Simplify"?

[rotorhead87]

There really wasn't much to "simplify" afterwards just complication. Other than what I have in the pictures I believe I removed the stock ECU and the ABS ecu and wires, all of the A/C components underneath the dash except for the blower motor for those rainy days. Can't really think of anything else since it's been a while.

[stylEmon]

are gonna relocate the battery, clean up the coil mounting area?... stuff like that.

[rotorhead87]

Oh yeah..definately I got a Moroso battery box and a Optima ready to go in the hatch area (not yet installed) and I had the coils relocated elsewhere. You'll see soon I'll eventually have pictures posted up.

[rotorhead87]

Okay just some more picture updates

I'll just be posting stuff of what I got for the car because at the time nothing much was going on because I was busy with RN school and work etc...but I did manage to get some depth in my pockets and buy a few essential and BS over a couple of months.

Full ACT clutch kit: Streetlite flywheel, Xtreme pressure plate, and sprung 6 puck clutch disc.
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6748/dcp0235yc2.jpg

I love junkyards but I got a set of S5 tails and side mirrors, S5 spoiler, and FTP lenses for $130. I decided just to hang on to the spoiler.
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6251/dcp0266zo5.jpg

Ebay mazdaspeed steering wheel, NRG steering hub & quick disconnect, HKS turbo timer, and the autometer dual pod with fuel pressure and boost sport-comp gauges
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5020/p9290014tv7.jpg

Koyo radiator and 24''x11''x3'' bar & plate intercooler
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5180/dcp0239mh6.jpg
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/1828/dcp0240tx5.jpg

TurboXS type-H RFL --> super loud
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4329/dcp0283rr4.jpg

[87 t-66]

nice

[rotorhead87]

While I was saving up throughout the months passing by, the 13B-RE that I bought blowned up was in the process of being rebuilt. During those times all I could think was "Damn, is it really gonna be worth dumping all this money on my car!" I figured I would go ahead and stick to that old saying of "If your going to do it, do it right the first time." It makes sense to the common mind. There is also another neat saying using the words: Cheap, Reliable, Fast you can only have two out of the three.

I saw this somewhere a long time ago I thought it was really true:
- You can have a car that is Cheap and Reliable, but it isn't gonna be Fast
- You can have a car that is Fast and built very Cheap, but sure isn't Reliable
- You can have a car that is Fast and Reliable, but sure the hell isn't Cheap!!

Okay enough with the sayings. I had the bought brand new seals, gaskets, fittings, etc for a complete rebuild. The new FD3S rotor housings I bought got their exhaust ports opened up a bit, water jacket modification, machined for pinning. As for the steels they were relapped, machined for pinning, and of course given a large streetport. I had 6 extra 12a dowel pins put into the motor. Since emissions is of not concern to Florida, anything to do with helping the environment is gone. I had the oil metering pump removed because I just couldn't trust something so old and very expensive to do it's job on my new motor. As for the UIM and LIM I had them port matched and smoothen all the runners alot <---actually required alot of welding. Lets just say if I were to shine a flash light into a runner, you would be able to see a tad bit of the actual light source. Alright lets get to the pictures. Sorry everyone, I cannot post pictures of the porting and pinning by request of my builder.

Polished eccetric shaft
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3079/dcp0258fv0.jpg

S5 rotors with OEM 2mm 2-piece apex seals, also double sprunged
http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/9579/dcp0257ly1.jpg

The upper intake manifold before and after. Do you see what I mean about alot of welding.
http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/852/0719061510ii4.jpghttp://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4436/0719061509nt4.jpg
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/1751/dcp0325qw0.jpghttp://img253.imageshack.us/img253/505/1213060720vq7.jpg

The lower intake manifold before and after.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6958/dcp0276fs3.jpg
after having all the excess aluminum removed
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6572/0525061247nb8.jpg
Lastly polished
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6205/dcp0267el3.jpg

And last the pinned,ported, polished bastardized motor composed of piece from all the other generations...my Cosmo 13B-RE block.
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1091/0809061328df3.jpghttp://img363.imageshack.us/img363/8540/0809061329rz3.jpg

Since the FD rotor housings were brand new it would be a great chance to do anything to assist the motor in cooling. So I had the Water Jacket modification done at the shop. Exactly like this picture from racingbeat's website. Here's their explaination of the modification for those who wonder why:

"The Rotor Housing Water Jacket Modification is intended to improve cooling in the hot zone of the rotor housing to increase both housing and seal life. This modification involves cutting grooves in the water jacket in the vicinity of the leading and trailing spark plugs to increase heat transfer out of the housing inner surface. The modification can be performed on a new rotor housing, and is only appropriate for race and the most extreme street use."

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/964/11488qf2.jpg

[rotorhead87]

Yeah...I know that the block looks assembled on the table. I just had the housings all put together just to get a glimpse of what it looks like. You get the idea!

[WE3RX7]

Looking good - very similar color choice for my block.

Who did the polishing on the manifolds or were they just dipped?

[rotorhead87]

I actually did the polishing myself...not the best polishing job in the world but good enough to my standards. I don't believe I did too bad for a first timer with a full time college schedule.

[WE3RX7]

I guess I'm slightly confused on the welding though - did you cut it apart to smooth out the interior and then weld it all together again? What are your thoughts on the gains that would make?

I dont plan to go to that extreme on my RE but power output should still easily make 425whp...

[SpooledupRacing]

couple questions..

Who polished your e-shaft and how much or did u polish that to?

Double sprung apex seals.. u mean u have 2 large and small springs behind your apex seals.. what purpose does that serve and is it something that is known to be good to do?

[rotorhead87]

I guess I'm slightly confused on the welding though - did you cut it apart to smooth out the interior and then weld it all together again? What are your thoughts on the gains that would make?

I dont plan to go to that extreme on my RE but power output should still easily make 425whp...

Your right...The manifold had several areas cut out to smoothen the interior and decrease air turbulance that could potential disrupt the smooth air flow that were aiming for. Also cuts allowed access where the dremel couldn't reach through the main opening. My fabricator also widened the degree of curvature in the primary runners to smoothen the air flow. If you look into your manifold,in some area, there are large bumps (thick areas of the manifold) those areas were also ground down. Over here at the shop my fabricator has done it to an FD manifold. I believe it's an awesome modification though it required a ton of work, it has been already tested on a 13B-REW. At first the FD has a T78 turbo, streetport and stock UIM and LIM it put down 311rwhp @ 11psi on a dynojet. After being port matched and having what was done similar to my UIM, the FD was redynoed to 342rwhp at 11psi.

That's awesome that your setup will be in the 400's, I'm hoping to be in that power range with my setup.

[rotorhead87]

couple questions..

Who polished your e-shaft and how much or did u polish that to?

Double sprung apex seals.. u mean u have 2 large and small springs behind your apex seals.. what purpose does that serve and is it something that is known to be good to do?

My fabricator (JR) at JR Fabrication and Performance did the polishing of the eccetric shaft. I don't know an exact price on polishing it because it just a standard of his to sit all parts in parts cleaner and haing everything as clean as possible for every build, but I can ask if you would like. I honestly think it wouldn't cost a whole lot because he just places it on his lathe machine and gets them done real quick.

lol Thats what I meaning to say about the double sprung apex seals...your right. Let me get back to you regarding the purpose of the double springs that way I don't put wrong information out there for you and other readers out there.

[rotorhead87]

Okay I spoke with my builder and the reason for the double sprung apex seal is because while under boost the strength of the extra spring will allow for a better seal to conteract the stress it is experiencing.

[RotaryXperiment]

who is building your motor if u dont mind me asking?
looking good btw!

[Phoenix7]

cool build...you learn something new everyday. Keep it up man!

Can't wait to see what gains you get from all your mods.

[djmtsu]

This car is going to be retarded fast.

[rotorhead87]

who is building your motor if u dont mind me asking?
looking good btw!
Thanks!

JR Fabrication & Performance
1718 SW Biltmore Street
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34984
(772)343-0510
Builder/Fabricator: JR Shoun

cool build...you learn something new everyday. Keep it up man!

Can't wait to see what gains you get from all your mods.

Thanks alot! I've got alot more interesting modifications to post up I just don't want to spoil them right now. So stay tuned. Another thing about the double sprunged apex seal that may make sense in my mind is that after long period of time that extra support would help rather than a single spring being wore out after all stress given to it.

This car is going to be retarded fast.

I hope so, only time will tell................................:dunno:

[SpooledupRacing]

Now is there 2 big AND 2 little springs? or do u use 1 of each and just ad 1 more big or 1 more little one as a "helper"

I get the idea just curious how this works

looks great keep it up buddy.

[rotorhead87]

Oh man....I don't know if I can recall the past that well, it been a loooong time since I had that motor put together. LoL...Sorry! let me get back to you on that question too. I want to say two large springs and one small one, but don't take my word for it until I get back to you asap.

[SpooledupRacing]

and if u can get me a price on the polish of the e-shaft that would be cool, I would love to send mine out to get polished.

[rotorhead87]

No problem I'll do that for you as soon as possible.

[WE3RX7]

If you get a chance after the build to swap out for a stock UIM/LIM, I'd love to see the difference you get with all that work, 20+whp is worth it for sure, especially if it means you can achieve that level at lower boost...

[rotorhead87]

If you get a chance after the build to swap out for a stock UIM/LIM, I'd love to see the difference you get with all that work, 20+whp is worth it for sure, especially if it means you can achieve that level at lower boost...

You know I should do that because I have another RE motor sitting at the shop. I know for sure there's gonna be a difference because with all the port matching and changing the flow of air it'll be like try to breath with a straw after running a mile. Actually right now my other friend who has the same except setup in a 10th anny, but minus the streetport, UIM/LIM port matching, FD housings & TB. He put down I believe 303rwhp@10psi on a mustang dyno with a crappy tune.Oh I also forgot to mention both the 10th anny and the T78 FD let off on the dyno at 7500rpms.

[SpooledupRacing]

No problem I'll do that for you as soon as possible.


No hurry at all but when u do that would be awsome if u could relay the price I may send some business his way then :)

GREAT build I love the way u are going at it looks real good keep it up!

[rotorhead87]

I figured it's time for a small update everyone! Well since everything is now assembled and all the machining and porting done, it was time to see how this power plant is going to look like. I was so happy to see it all together that day. The motor looked so good, it was beyond what I was expecting. Many people complimented on the motor that it came to a point where the shop just had to cover it up and hide it because just some people had that certain look in their eyes. It was basically looking at a $8,000 piece of fine machinery on a engine stand ready to roll out of the shop anytime. Anyways as you all know the Cosmo 13B-RE is not a simple drop-in and bolt up motor. JR Fabrication & Performance made me some custom chromoly motor mounts to hold this beast down in my FC.

Here are some pictures of the motor all put together.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/862/1110061522eq9.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8200/1110061521ld9.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6126/1110061529la3.jpg

Here are those custom Chromoly motor mounts:

This mount is on the oil filter side. It mounted onto an aluminum plate...lol yeah that too was polished.
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1614/1110061519ia5.jpg

This is the turbo side motor mount. It's a pretty damn solid mount.
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/824/1228061415qf7.jpg

[RotaryXperiment]

which oil pan are u gonna use?

[SpooledupRacing]

dude i just wanted to say WOW.... very nice.

[StreetRx7]

Banzai Racing sells these mounts for cosmo into FC an for 3RD Gen Motor into FC....

Great build by the way.. I did one about 7 months ago...
With Haltech E6X,1000cc 1600cc injectors,1x walbro, hks manifold, ACT clutch, hugh front mount, an T04E Turbo .81ar stock rebuild... Runs great...

[rotorhead87]

which oil pan are u gonna use?

The original oil pan that went with the Cosmo motor.

dude i just wanted to say WOW.... very nice.

Thanks! I hoping to get the same response when she running one of these day.

Banzai Racing sells these mounts for cosmo into FC an for 3RD Gen Motor into FC....

Great build by the way.. I did one about 7 months ago...
With Haltech E6X,1000cc 1600cc injectors,1x walbro, hks manifold, ACT clutch, hugh front mount, an T04E Turbo .81ar stock rebuild... Runs great...

Yeah I was just about to buy a set from them, but then my fabricator said that he'll just build me a custom chromoly/aluminum cosmo motor mounts...so whatever floats my boat, I'm very much happy with how they turned out.

That setup sounds badass. An other client had a setup somewhat exactly like your but with a 13B-REW and good coilover set. That car was an awesome auto-x car putting shame on those expensive hooked up porsches and corvettes. Do you happen to have any pics of you ride, I'd love to catch a glimpse of it? Thanks for the compliment also!

[WE3RX7]

Good progress man - I cant wait to see it settled into the new home...

[rotorhead87]

I think I'm gonna do a new update for everyone! Since I just graduated from Indian River State College this month with an Associate Degee in Nursing I'm officially one test away from getting my Registered Nurse license WooHOO. Well I'm here bored off my ass so I figured hell why not give you all some more eye candy. This will be pretty interesting to many of you but its all pretty cool. Check it out and enjoy!

Nothing special here I just wanted to show off the stock 13B-RE pulleys repainted to a graphite color.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/332/1110061528lr9.jpg

Here is a custom polished secondary fuel rail built by JR Fabrication & Performance and if you look just underneathe it is the primary fuel rail from a FD motor. The FD3S primary fuel rail was modified to fit the 13B-RE block. As for my injectors I am running Marren 1600cc top-feed injectors for the secondaries and Blitz 850cc side-feed injectors for the primaries.
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4440/1110061527js8.jpg

This is a special piece I found really cool because I was able to see JR Fabrication & Performance make it from a chunk of solid 3" aluminum bar to this beautiful fuel Y-Block. It's mounted onto a custom aluminum bracket underneathe the UIM. As you can also notice the two painted silver bars, in the first picture, are placed to support the UIM.
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5060/1122061638uz1.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9695/1122061637js9.jpg

And last....my LS1 coils I got off an 01' Chevy Camaro SS they were basically brand new and best of all free. A previous client of the shop worked for a chevy dealership and they would end up throwing away perfectly good parts everyday. Anyways as you can see I have them mounted to the motor; reason is to decrease the amount of resistance by significantly shortening the wire distance from coils to spark plugs. Matter of fact they lay on the same bracket the Y-Block rests on. As for ignition wires I'm using the red MSD 8.5mm for a Chevy Silverado 1500 (not pictured).
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6339/1110061526ov6.jpg

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/8266/1110061525fs7.jpg

I hope everyone is enjoying what I have so far...Feel free to drop a line everyone. Thanks for viewing, I have much more to show!!!

[sk8world]

If you are going for big numbers and want to flow air thru the plenum nicely you may want to have the RE upper mani cut open and grind out the plates that direct air off the TB. I will attach a pic for you.

[sk8world]

here you go

[SpooledupRacing]

Just remember this...

Coils hate 2 things.. vibrations and heat... with them mounted to the engine they will get JUST THAT..

Mount them to the firewall and safe the life of your coils.. trust me I sell coils for SAABS and VW's all day long... all of which are mounted directly on the engine..

I think even the FD guys want to move the coils away from the engine.. and any "gain" you think u may get from having them so close really wont be a gain at all.. plug wires are one of the LEAST hp related items for an engine.

Looks great..

[rotorhead87]

Thanks for the advice Spooledup. My other friend who has a 10th ann'y has the same exact coil set up and 13B-RE motor. So far his car has been running as a DD for alittle bit over a year and not a problem has occurred yet. Hopefully nothing goes wrong anytime soon.

[rotorhead87]

If you are going for big numbers and want to flow air thru the plenum nicely you may want to have the RE upper mani cut open and grind out the plates that direct air off the TB. I will attach a pic for you.

I didn't have the UIM cut directly like the picture you provided. I had section from each side and bottom of the UIM to allow access to the grinder to level out all the high spots inside of the manifold. The entire inside of the UIM and LIM manifold is smoothen for better air flow.

[sk8world]

sounds very nice. With a real tuner it should make a ton of HP!

[rotorhead87]

New update for today!!!

Well if I can recall the same time that I was still cleaning the engine bay at my friend's garage the motor was sitting on the stand waiting for me to bring it, it's reconditioned home. During the time of waiting JR Fabrication wanted to experiment on just building some stuff for my motor. We were talking about heat shield wrap for the turbo and down pipe one day and a few days JR fabricated a heat shield made from a sheet of stainless steel. Being that my motor was polished and kinda showy in a way...:dunno: I thought about by a polished oil catch-can off ebay just to add that little extra shine to the rest of the motor. Well again I brought this up to JR and he said to not buy that heavy piece of crap off of ebay, I'll just build you one that 10x's better.A couple months before that happened, our hook up at the Chevrolet dealership was collecting aluminum A/C canisters from some recalls, I believe.Anyways at the shop he took two of those small canisters, cut them in half, welded baffles inside, and then welding them together along with necessities to build a oil-catch can.

Here's the custom stainless steel heat shield that blocks direct heat from the turbo and downpipe.
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3493/1122061630vu9.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/8223/1122061632fw4.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4229/1122061631tf4.jpg

And here is my custom polished oil-catch can bolted onto where the A/C compressor bracket was bolted onto.
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8586/1128061202do0.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8017/1128061201gr1.jpg

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1240/1228061416wm9.jpg

[rotorhead87]

Now since that I had the motor ported along with the manifolds, I might as well go ahead and have a throttle body modification done. If you ever get a chance or have seen the differences between the brass throttle plates of the 13BT and the 13B-REW you'll notice a big difference. The REW TB has two big throttle plates in the secondaries and one small throttle plate in the primary, as for the 13BT all the plates are of similar size to the small plate in the REW TB. As you all know already that I'm trying to flow large amounts of air efficiently to feed the motor. Well any ways here at the shop JRFP started to bore out REW TB primaries to have all matching size plates in the primary and secondaries. The draw back of this modification was that I had to buy two FD TB because I could not find anyone that would sell the same exact size brass plate we were searching for. I ended up buying a good used FD TB from Herblenny and stripped TB from an other FD owner in Gainesville, FL awhile back. With this modification it help with the airflow by probably enhanced the primary size by 30% larger.

Here is the original plate on the left and the new plate installed
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/2292/0815061818dd8.jpg

The old plate laying on top of the new one just for you all to see how much the size difference is.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8383/0815061819oa0.jpg

From the inside
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/343/dcp0290ir0.jpg

The FD throttle body all polished on the outside and the inside.
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3423/dcp0285gw4.jpg

The the throttle body installed onto the motor.
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7835/1122061633tv7.jpg

Sorry everyone about the really crappy pictures, but I hope you enjoy.:icon_tup:

[RotaryXperiment]

coming along really nice. now u need some elf/total oil in there ha!

[rotorhead87]

Is that oil any good? Its the first time I've heard of that product brand.

[need RX7]

Comin' along real good. :icon_tup: This thing's gonna be a beast when it's done. :driving:

[Teenwolf1393]

hey rotorhead, looking good . hopefully your motor treats you right

next time im in Port st lucie you gotta give me a ride.

[SpooledupRacing]

WOW.. very nice man.. looks GREAT.. keep up the good work!

[rotorhead87]

Thanks everyone for the great compliments.

hey rotorhead, looking good . hopefully your motor treats you right

next time im in Port st lucie you gotta give me a ride.


I feel confident that my motor will be good to me for a long run. That just because my builder built many 24hr 12A race motors that never see below 5,000 RPM. Definitely man next time your in town it would be nice to meet you and take you for a speed run. Hopefully it'll be running and have it's 2,000 mile engine break-in period completed by the time your back. Just keep in touch:icon_tup:

[rotorhead87]

Nothing crazy. The shop finally had an open slot for my car to begin swapping over all the goodies. These are just pictures of the car on it way to the shop.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/103/p2040005ek4.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5886/p2040001nc3.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9826/p2040004de7.jpg

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1556/p2040003pa8.jpg

I know I stole the idea of hanging the piston off the rear, but I thought it was the coolest idea. From what I heard Honda guys say "That's messed up man" about it. Technically I did get the piston out of a Honda.......push-mower.:)

[rotorhead87]

Alright this where it begins to get alot better. Since I already had all the suspension parts preassembled with new energy suspension and delrin bushings along with the custom coilover kit, it was all just bolt-in and go. Within the first couple week of my car being at the shop I prepped for the installation. I ended up pressure cleaning and degreasing areas that have major dirt/grease build-up and washing the entire underbody to remove the 20years of collecting road debris.Plus theres nothing worse than working underneath a car and getting dirty in your eyes. Along with all the suspension part out it probably would be wise to go ahead and upgrade the brake system...gotta be able to stop when shes haulin'. I shopped around and tirerack had a close out deal on powerslot rotors. Well I ended up purchasing powerslot slotted brake rotors for all four wheels. As for pads I didn't want super performance pads that were extrememly harsh on the rotors also I didn't want loud pads either, so I ended up getting a set of EBC "Red stuff" ceramic brake pads. Just to top of the brake system I went ahead and bought stainless steel brake lines from mazdatrix for all four corners. While redoing the front brakes I was noted that it would be good time to replace the tired out front wheel bearings since they were kinda grinding already. By the time I knew it the car already had pretty much a brand new suspension and was noticably lower.

I didn't get a chance to take alot of pictures but I'll add more pics to this post once I get a chance to snap a couple.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9973/imag0112ce7.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9894/p9290022fc5.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/9431/p9290021wh8.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/7361/p9290023co3.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Is that a new custom auto-camber adjust band you got there??

The wheels look good... I'm a fan of the gold and red, well... gold on anything really :)

[s4.5 turbo gxl]

this is one nice well documented build thread. Keep up the good work. bet you cant wait to get it on the road.

[rotorhead87]

Heh Thanks! I try to keep it neat for fellow rotorheads to easily refer to. As everyone can probably tell by some of the pictures I'm kinda breaking my chronological order of occurrance during this build. If figured I'd just go by sections like to stock==>to repaint bay==>to motor===>to suspension==>to etc,etc....OooOHhh yeah I can't wait just to hear her purring for me again, I've been balled up in major boost withdraws going onto 3.5 years now.

[rotorhead87]

Now for my exhaust. It basically a custom turbo-back 3'' inch splitting into dual 2.5'' inch stainless steel piping. It made from a modified RacingBeat downpipe connecting into an oval Borla XR-1 racing muffler. Exiting the muffler the pipe split into a 2.5'' inch Y, then exiting into the two OBX mufflers. I had the cat removed since it was a power restrictor and we have no emission regulation here in FLA. As for the JGS wastegate since it was a V-band, it won't simply work with the HKS manifold. JR Fabrication and Performance made me a custom adapter fabricated to fit the wastegate and plumb the WG with a Burn's flex pipe back into the exhaust, instead of venting it into the atmosphere. While everything was out, it was best to go ahead a purchase all the rubber hangers from Mazdatrix to ensure a proper fitment. I haven't had a chance to hear it yet, but I'm sure it'll sound good. I'll post up vids/soundclips once shes running, but for now just pics everyone.

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/4366/0316071653ak7.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9399/imag0136by9.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/9590/imag0138vd8.jpg

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6390/imag0135aw6.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4861/imag0134rd1.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/8224/p9290020vx6.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3961/p9290019jt1.jpg

Let me know what ya think? :001_005:

[Kane]

Yep - those are some big pipes.... I like it.

[Teenwolf1393]

shes coming along quite nicely. i cant wait to hear it

[WE3RX7]

Looks really good... my only concern are the tips being so close to the bumper. Being a boosted car and having a high chance of flames/heat, I'd look at adding some bumper protection :)

What did you use on the heat shields for the exhaust? Just high-temp paint or ??

[rotorhead87]

Ehh... not really a fan of bumper protecters, but I get where your coming from. As for the heat shields I just sanded and cleaned them up, then sprayed them with high degree engine paint in a aluminum color. I know already that the paint isn't not gonna last but they do look nice for now...soo O'well.

[rotorhead87]

Now for the electronics I have the Wolf 3D mounted in the glove box. You all have seen the HKS turbo timer mounted on top of the steering column. As for tuning I'm aiming to get the best possible tune out of the motor on the street. My plan is to minimize the time spent tuning on a dyno, not that I'm being cheap but if I can have the car tuned to the streets I personally believe it would be much better. Speaking of tuning the Wolf has memory cards that save tuning maps for different setups. In my case I have two cards one map for running E85 and the other for pump fuel. Anyways to aid in street tuning I went ahead and bought the Innovate LM-1 wideband controller and the LM-3 auxbox datalogging system.

Here's the Wolf mounted into the glove box it has hand-controller that plugs into one of the serial jacks, but I don't have it on right now. This is probably gonna sound really ghey to alot of you, so flame on but I'm thinking about having a removable tray that I can set my laptop onto to during tuning or monitoring.
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1598/p9290015zn3.jpg

The Innovate datalogging system
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5402/101007214402nk3.jpg

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/460/101007214400tz8.jpg

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1185/101007214401wn3.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Almost ready to fire it up????? When do you think you'll have it ready?


The laptop tray isn't a bad idea, others have done it.... personally I just set it in the seat next to me though, lol... set the resolution high enough to read at a glance, lol...

[rotorhead87]

As of now it still needs a alittle bit of wiring to do, finish up the intake for the turbo, and plumbing the fuel system. I have to save up for new stainless steel lines and fittings for the fuel system<---not so cheap. You'll see the fuel system setup on my next update.

Here's an example picture of what the laptop hooked up to the ECU would show.

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/4454/00000895621111yt0.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Do you need AN fittings for the fuel line? I've got a handfull of new ones laying around the garage I have no use for I can hook you up w/ for cheap....

[rotorhead87]

Well...I don't know exactly the right angles/amount of fittings I need to complete the system. Maybe I'll give you a shout in the future. Oh also what brand are they?

[WE3RX7]

No worries, just let me know. I usually over buy a ton of them for misc projects. I'll have to check, but I think mine came from Summit this time around... they are the typical blue/red AN anodized finish.

[rotorhead87]

My fuel system setup:

Okay currently as of now the fuel is about 75% completed. I need to have all new bigger stainless steel fuel lines ran from the tank to the engine. Beginning from the tank to the injectors. I'm still using the original fuel tank no rust anywhere inside or out. JR Fab & Per modified the fuel pick-up with a now aluminum tube, -10 AN fittings, and Aeromotive SS fuel filter. Sucking the fuel thru the pick up is the Aeromotive A1000 external fuel pump with another SS fuel filter encased in a Aeromotive inline filter case. From there I should have the lines on soon, so I'll just add to this post when it's completed. The lines then go to the Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator into the Y-block & fuel rails. Last the Blitz 850cc side-feed primaries and Marren 1600cc top-feed secondaries.

Here's the fuel pick up

Before:
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/9650/8688turbofuelpumpvl5.jpg

After:
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2491/dcp0375zt7.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3526/dcp0372qh1.jpg

I removed the spare tire and decided to have the fuel pump mounted rear. I know it's gonna be super loud and annoying inside the car, but no one on the outside will suspect this big fuel pump.

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/9347/p9290018ib4.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9316/p9290017aw7.jpg

Last the fuel pressure regulator mounted onto the side of the UIM.

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/7287/copyofp9290024ts4.jpg

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/3951/p9290008pf9.jpg

New to add to the fuel system setup:

Here is my new stainless steel fuel and return lines.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/8476/imag0190pk9.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3514/imag0211jv9.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Almost there, cant wait for vids of it firing up!!

[Kane]

I like it!

[rotorhead87]

Here's my last update before the end of 08'. Now that I have the motor dropped into the engine bay with all of the wiring hooked up, but stilling looking like a mess. When planning the design setup for my 7 I wanted something different or at least a "not so common" setup. So I thought it would be a cool factor to have a V-mount intercooler setup done. After doing alot of research and designs I went ahead and requested for fabrication of brackets, aluminum ducting, and modifications that are needed to be done to have a functional VMIC setup. As for the radiator I have a Koyo and for the intercooler its a 24x11x3 core with 2.5'' inlet/outlet. As for the intercooler piping the intake side was custom made from 2.5'' aluminum U-Bends. For the outlet side JR Fab&Performance modified the stock Cosmo 13B-RE elbow to fit the 13B-REW throttle body. Anyways... on with the good stuff. Enjoy and Happy NeW YeaRS!!!!

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8062/p9290036re2.jpg

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/1684/p9290029aj7.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8044/p9290028rr7.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/4118/p9290027mz5.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/3038/p9290024en8.jpg

The fabrication setup isn't completely finished yet as you can tell. More of the ducting still needs to be completed along with blocking off the area where the radiator and intercooler V or meet at. I hope you all like it and let me know what you think!! :001_005:

[need RX7]

Nice!! Haven't checked this thread in a while, looks like you've made alot of progress :icon_tup:. Can't wait to see it fired up. :driving:

[WE3RX7]

Your kicking me 13B-RE ass on progress, lol.

Looks good though. Interesting setup on the VMIC too. I'm sure you're thinking of a good hood to use by now :)

Cant wait to see it done and all cleaned up....

[rotorhead87]

Been a while since I last updated so I guess I'll update. Well since I now have the VMIC setup in my FC, all of you are probably wondering what hood setup do I plan to use. Originally I was planning to join the group buy for the sexy style hood awhile back, but I decided not to. When I looked at the location where the vents were on the sexy style hood they were a bit further back than I wanted. I'm not bashing on that hood but I was more looking for vents that would sit directly over the intercooler so that we could place a seal between the hood and the intercooler. The reason being is so that all the air that passes thru the intercooler will only go out the vents. Since I had that N/A aluminum hood we decided to cut the hood and mount a fiberglass vent. I found vents similar to the sexy style from I believe "Raceonusa," anyways I went ahead a bought it and now have it fitted onto the hood. I'm sure you'll either like or dislike with what I've done with it, but everyone has their opinions. So on with the PICS!!!! I thought I had more pics of the vented hood but I'll be sure to get more pics when I get around to it.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/807/imag0052oa5.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/3974/p9290007sf2.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/7907/p9290012rw7.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8559/imag0053bc3.jpg

With the hood supports all cut up the aluminum hood is extremely lighter, but much more flimsy feeling. It so light that dropping the hood from about 2.5 foot drop doesn't completely close onto the hood latch as would a steel hood. I think I might end up having to use hood pins, but I hoping I don't have to.

[WE3RX7]

Not bad. Are you planning on molding the vents to the hood completely or leave it somewhat "styled" as though it was added on? Just curious...

Start that sucker up!

I would use hood pins, regardless BTW... and don't wreck head on!

[rotorhead87]

I thought about molding the vent to the hood, but in the long run with the hood being so flimsy the molding would end up cracking from driving, Florida heat, and opening/closing the hood. When I bought the vent it came predrilled so I'll just end up riveting or bolting the vent onto the hood. Who knows maybe one day I'll get a pair of those fiberglass rear fenders that I could pop on just to match that style.

Haha....shes just isn't gonna start up right now. I just got my new stainless steel fuel line. Now it just has to be bent to the car. Soon one of these days she'll move.

[WE3RX7]

Lol - I have to live vicariously through you right now....

You'll have to make DGRR one year with that car. Maybe we'll both have 13B RE FCs by then up and running....

[Nopis1O]

Sweet ride and yes i agree. with that set up DGRR is a must!!

[rotorhead87]

lol WE3RX7 you probably don't have to wait too long (fingers-crossed) WE3RX7 til' I get a video up here one day. I just added a picture of my fuel return line post #99. I ordered the rest of the fittings/lines and 1/2'' braided hoses but those idiot part dealers "forgot" to place the order. Also just a little bit more wiring for the ECU and datalogging system.

DGRR is definitely on the "to do list one day" along with Bay Bottom Crawl and Sevenstock. I need to complete all the cosmetic flaws before I attend to any major events like such. It would be a damn shame to have a clean bay and motor in a multi- primer colored FC.

[WE3RX7]

Bay Bottom Crawl, is that the key west bar crawl??

Sounds good... I'll keep checking back in to see how its going....

[rotorhead87]

Okay not much too update on I been really busy with full time college. I been working on the elbow/intercooler pipe. Anyways I'm using an FD's throttle body which has 4 mount points. We decided to use the original 13B-RE's aluminum elbow, but it has 3 mounting points. Anyways JR Fab & Per welded an adapter so that the elbow would fit. At the same time I had the thicker parts of the pipe ground down to reduce any turbulance inside. I been working on it here and there, still needing some work :banghead:. So here's my progress so far.

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3419/pa050001gi5.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/913/pa050006gc5.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/633/pa050005la2.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/8540/pa050004gt1.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4729/pa050007iy5.jpg

You can go to post #102 to use as a "before" picture of the elbow/piping

[rotorhead87]

WooHoo!!! I finally got my stainless steel fuel and return lines completed. All I can say is that they are beautiful. I had the lines bent exactly to the factory lines. They're definitely noticably larger in diameter then factory lines. For my fuel lines I'm running 1/2'' inch, and as for my return lines I'm using 3/8'' inch.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/1537/imag0210jn7.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8194/imag0211qr2.jpg

All we have to do is plumb the lines in and then the fuel system is completed. The motor is not quite ready to fire up, but it's getting VERY close. Just need to finish up all the little things that seriously adds up quick.

[WE3RX7]

Did you do the bending w/ a hand tool or some kind of JIG? I was thinking about going this route as well with mine vs all braided stainless.

[rex3]

Nice fuel lines that's the same size I am using. If ya don't mind what size turbo are using? Pretty much look's like same setup in my Rx2 you are going to have fun.

[rex3]

I see now you are using a gt40 turbo car is going to hit hard on boost.

[rotorhead87]

Just a quick update: well I checked on the progress of my car this weekend and I got REALLY good news. Now that the fuel system and all the fittings were now connected all we need to do is prime the lines and add all the necessities. Really what is left for it just to fire up is the last wire connection to the coils. I can't wait just to hear her again after three years. What really sucks is that I won't be able to drive it because alot of little things still have to be done, such as the VMIC ducting/intake piping/data logging/mounting the hood vent/ etc plus I don't have sufficient funds for registration and insurance.
Well hopefully we can have my car started up within this month or next. Vids will be coming!!!!

[WE3RX7]

Patience is not my vurtue, j/k. Good to hear...

[Nutsid]

Count me in for the updates on this thread. The car is being done absolutely fantastic. I'm really impressed with the progress up to this point.

[rotorhead87]

Wow...very swwweeett finally hit the 3,000 views on my build. I guess that's not too shabby for a thread posted 5 months ago. Anyways I'm happy to see everyone is enjoying (or hating) my build thread. Thanks everyone!!!!

[MaczPayne]

Man, 3 years! The anticipation has to be killing you!

[WE3RX7]

finally gave this the "5 star" rating it deserved... :) its only right after 3k views!

[BSC Motorsports]

Looks good. Should put down some nice #'s.

[rotorhead87]

finally gave this the "5 star" rating it deserved... :) its only right after 3k views!

Thanks dude, I appreciate the hell outta the props!!!

Looks good. Should put down some nice #'s.

Thanks! I'm hoping she'll put out some good numbers. If she breaks into around 325-350whp I'll be happy.

[rotarybeat1287]

OMG! Best thread I have read in a long time! Car is phenomenally beautiful bro! I love the attention to detail in everything. This is how a build thread should be. Great job and super nice car so far. I want to have something like this one day w/ my FC.

[rotorhead87]

Damn! I really need something new to post up for everyone to see. Well...I guess for those who are following this build not much has been done lately. I've been really busy with school and trying to find a RN position so that I can get this Associates degree to pay off for the three years I sacrificed. Anyways as for the car we got a hold of the LS1 plug-in for the ignition coils so it just a matter of hooking them up and getting all the ducting/ little stuff done before she can fire up.

[WE3RX7]

Sounds good, March was a slow month for many I think...

[rotorhead87]

Finally a new update!!! Still not running yet but she should be ready to fire up next week. Well since the last update a lot of small meticulous things were completed. All of the new stainless steel fuel lines are completed along with all of the braided hoses. All of the intercooler piping is finished just needing some polish. Ducting for the VMIC is just now starting mocking up the aluminum tray. As of now we just need the right serpentine belt for the pulleys, the return hose for the radiator. Hopefully is all works well by Monday I'm going to have to post up a video of the first time start!!!.

All of the hoses and fittings connected. They just need to be cleaned and primed so that they're ready to go.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2160/imag0279.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5868/imag0280.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1409/imag0278.jpg

Here's the beginning of the formation of the VMIC ducting. Pieces still needed to made for the triangular block-offs for the sides where the intercooler and radiator meet at. Also the lip to scoop the air flow from the nose of the car.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1231/imag0282q.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6800/imag0281.jpg

[need RX7]

Nice :icon_tup: Can't wait to see it start up :driving:

[rotorhead87]

Well it is finally OFFICIAL after waiting soo patiently she finally fires up and running. It was great seeing it fire up on the very first try. Too bad I don't have any videos of it, but it was just really loud because of the big exhaust leak at the down pipe. Here's how she stands when she started up. As of now all of the ducting for the VMIC is completed, rebuilt my clutch slave cylinder, new camber adjuster, and waiting for my new starter(started to act up) & coolant overflow tank from a FB. After that just need to bolt on the hood vent, so I can register and insure the 7 for the 2k breakin' period!!!

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/218/imag0290z.jpg

[need RX7]

:party:

Congrats man

Oh yeah, vids are required ASAP :D