AZRR CYM FD Build Coming Together

[RCCAZ 1]

Everyone,

Where do I start. I've owned the car since Nov. of 2000 and she was bone stock with 39K miles when purchased.

I noticed a nuisance coolant problem starting to develop in early 2002 that was diagnosed as an early coolant seal breach, but the problem didn't become catastrophic until Feb of 2008 with 56K miles. Parked in late February and pulled the engine in late March to take it over to Glen and Tom at AZRR for a medium street port. Decided to swap out the stock twins for a responsive smaller single turbo with good low end spool and 400 RWHP as my goal at 14-16 psi.

So, after lacking any motivation to work on the project this summer with garage temps in the 120F range, I finally got motivated in October.

I purchased a monster IC core from Garrett (12 x 24 x 3.5) with the intent on fabricating up my own Vmount. I drew from most of the best ideas I'd seen in our RX communities and designed and drew up all of the parts using heavy construction paper and wood to make mockups of everything from end tanks to mounting brackets.

It's been pretty involving, but I think the end result will be pretty sweet, plus I'll have the satisfaction of seeing something that I envisioned become reality. Hats off to all the kitmakers who came before me. I really appreciate your ideas and inspiration.

So, let's start the discussion. Here's what the car will have in it when completed. Hopefully this captures most everything:

Engine:

AZRR Medium Street port (Balanced Assembly)
Ground X lower intake manifold
Blowzilla TD61 Turbo (GT35R compressor with ball bearing cartridge and T4 divided hot section with 76 mm turbine wheel and 1.0 AR)
AZRR turbo manifold and DP
Dual Tial 38 mm wastegates
Tial BOV
Primaries (2 stock 450 cc RX-8 Renesis injectors)
Secondaries (4 1000 cc Yawpower injectors)
AZRR primary and secondary fuel rails
Weldon fuel pressure regulator
Walbro pump, but probably switching post break-in
Coil relocation kit
Stainless steel OMP lines
Garfinkle oil pan brace
Competiton Clutch lightweight steel flywheel with new ACT street/strip clutch

Engine Management:

Apexi Power FC
New Mazda engine wiring harness

Body (new items):

RE Amemiya AD9 CF hood (painted to match body color)
Shine auto FEED replica sideskirts in CF twill weave
Shine auto old style Amemiya rear diffuser
Aftermarket hood struts.

Below is a shot of the car with my old setup, followed by new pics of the car in it's current state of progress...

Engine will be ready for pickup later this week.

Thanks to everyone who've assisted me so far, especially Glen, Tom and Garrett over at Arizona Rotary Rockets. You guys are the best. Also, hats off to Aaron at Yawpower and Adam from Streetorstrip Concept. I wouldn't be where I'm at so far without all of your contributions!

[RCCAZ 1]

OK, so here are some shots of the shortblock a month or so ago over at AZRR. It's so close now I can taste it. Hopefully this weekend.

[RCCAZ 1]

.... a few pics to show you how I fabricated up my mounts using wood mockups to test fit everything. Also, a shot of the bare end tanks and IC core before welding.

[RCCAZ 1]

Final post for today.... a few shots of the IC welded up and the final fitment images.

[proz07]

nice setup tell me more about this v-mount what kinda radiator are you running custom moddified twin flow???? i keep looking at vmaounts and the only kit i like so far is DEW's. i even applied to do testing on the kit but im a bit aways from him so i dont think hell go for it personally. but id like to find out more about your radiator setup for the v-mount if i end up having to make my own as well. i was gonna ask how you like your fuel setup tunning wise but you dont have it running yet let us know as i was looking at a very similar setup for my x-lim, i never though about dropping down to 450 primaries though. why did you drop the primary size?

z

[spr258]

Nice build. I want mine done. My car is over at AZRR right now. What HP are you shooting for? How has Glen been at the shop besides busy?

[Rotary13B1]

You got a cym!!!!!:o10::o10::o10:

Can't wait to see it all finished Tim! Keep working!:driving:

[RXtacy]

Looks great so far keep up the good work and keep us informed. :icon_tup:

[WE3RX7]

I thought everybody in PHX has an A/C garage, lol.

I plan to move to Queen Creek, AZ in 2010 for work :) I'm really looking forward to the rotary scene out there and seeing that CYM in person!

[RCCAZ 1]

Nice build. I want mine done. My car is over at AZRR right now. What HP are you shooting for? How has Glen been at the shop besides busy?

I know... you bought Chris' car, correct? Sorry for the run of bad luck with the stock motor. She always kept that car pristine. I think Glen will take good care of you. Nice list of mods you've got coming as well. 400 RW is the goal, but I know it will be capable of more. I just need to resist the temptation to go higher once I reach my stated goal. Long term reliability and driveability is MOST important to me (at least right now!) ;). You're right, Glen is EXTREMELY busy right now, but he's having fun playing with their new ultrasonic parts cleaner. It does an incredible job getting old grease and grime off of engine parts.

nice setup tell me more about this v-mount what kinda radiator are you running custom moddified twin flow???? i keep looking at vmaounts and the only kit i like so far is DEW's. i even applied to do testing on the kit but im a bit aways from him so i dont think hell go for it personally. but id like to find out more about your radiator setup for the v-mount if i end up having to make my own as well. i was gonna ask how you like your fuel setup tunning wise but you dont have it running yet let us know as i was looking at a very similar setup for my x-lim, i never though about dropping down to 450 primaries though. why did you drop the primary size?

z

Running a Koyo radiator. The bottom side outlet will be cut off and sealed up. I'm modding the engine side end tank to add a divided end tank and outlet on the drivers side of the rad. I'll post up some of my cardboard mockup pics tonight. 450 RX-8 primaries came highly recommended by Paul Yaw of Yawpower here in Phoenix. He has a longstanding reputation of building some of the best Mazda spec racecars in the country. He feels they are the best stock primary injector that he's ever seen. Incredible atomization. In fact Aaron who works for Paul is running them as stock primary injectors on a Gen 2 bridge port and it idles perfectly. As far as sizing goes I feel the dual 450s will be more than adequate for primaries.

You got a cym!!!!!:o10::o10::o10:

Can't wait to see it all finished Tim! Keep working!:driving:

Hmmm.... I thought you knew about this car Andy. I had it at Sevenstock's IV through IX, but haven't had it there the past 2 years, so maybe that's why you haven't made the connection. Can't wait to drive her next year ;) :)

I thought everybody in PHX has an A/C garage, lol.

I plan to move to Queen Creek, AZ in 2010 for work :) I'm really looking forward to the rotary scene out there and seeing that CYM in person!

Don't I wish my garage had AC. Quite honestly, I think I was just burned out on the car for a few months. It took me some time to get re-energized. Stay in touch if you happen to make it to Queen Creek. We have a great group of people who love to get out and drive!!

[Rotary13B1]

Tim, that wasn't a CA CYM...was it?

[RCCAZ 1]

Tim, that wasn't a CA CYM...was it?

Actually, I bought the car on Ebay from a guy in Hawaii back in 2000 when buying something on Ebay was seen as being really "risky." He was getting zero bids on the car Stateside due to the logistics of shipping, which worked out well for me. I contacted him personally, got him to shut down his auction, then agreed to a price offline. Once we worked out the deal, I transferred funds to him and owned the car for 45 days before I ever laid eyes on her as I waited for the car to be shipped from Honolulu to Long Beach.

Longest 45 days of my life, let me tell you!!


proz07..... here's a couple of pics of my radiator mockup as promised.

[RCCAZ 1]

Oh yea... here's a quick mockup shot of the hood after receiving it back from the paint shop a few months back. Bear in mind that nothing is bolted together in this pic....

[joff]

This car is the reason my wife and I fell in love with FDs (and why we have one ourselves now) and she will be so glad to see you painted that hood. Definitely less ricey and more classy than the raw CF weave.

Ground X intake manifold? Is this another name for the Xcessive Manufacturing LIM or is it something else?

[MrsJoff]

YAA!!! Does this mean we will soon see the big yellow banana on the road? As Jesse said, I love the new hood and I am so glad you painted it. It looks great. Make sure you let us know when you do the engine install. I am sure Jesse would love to help you with it.
Merry Christmas and see you New Years Day up on South Mountain (in your Honda Fit :driving:)!

[Rotary13B1]

Maybe the 99spec front end is in the works? i love that front end.

[spr258]

I know... you bought Chris' car, correct? Sorry for the run of bad luck with the stock motor. She always kept that car pristine. I think Glen will take good care of you. Nice list of mods you've got coming as well. 400 RW is the goal, but I know it will be capable of more. I just need to resist the temptation to go higher once I reach my stated goal. Long term reliability and driveability is MOST important to me (at least right now!) ;). You're right, Glen is EXTREMELY busy right now, but he's having fun playing with their new ultrasonic parts cleaner. It does an incredible job getting old grease and grime off of engine parts.

yes its chris's car and she did keep it in nice condition. Glen has been nothing but positive experience to deal with. I am shooting for around 450-475 but i want it to be tuned 350-400 for everyday driving. reliability is very key in my build as well. nice car and hope it says on the road longer than the other AZRR car. The white car out of tucson. I will have to come see the car when i get back from korea. cant wait to see all the rx-7 people in the az area.

[RCCAZ 1]

YAA!!! Does this mean we will soon see the big yellow banana on the road? As Jesse said, I love the new hood and I am so glad you painted it. It looks great. Make sure you let us know when you do the engine install. I am sure Jesse would love to help you with it.
Merry Christmas and see you New Years Day up on South Mountain (in your Honda Fit :driving:)!

I will definitely let you and Jesse know when I'm starting the install. Yes, Fit will be my likely driver on New Year's day. I should be close on the FD, but more than likely mid to late January on getting her back on the road.

This car is the reason my wife and I fell in love with FDs (and why we have one ourselves now) and she will be so glad to see you painted that hood. Definitely less ricey and more classy than the raw CF weave.

Ground X intake manifold? Is this another name for the Xcessive Manufacturing LIM or is it something else?

Tes!

Maybe the 99spec front end is in the works? i love that front end.

Andy, I really weighed the 99 spec front end, but in the end, I decided to keep the stock front end. I really feel that once you move to the 99 spec front end it moves the look of the car too far away from it's original design intent. I may change my mind in the future, but for now, this is how I feel about the "look" of the car.

[proz07]

ok i think i see what your doing originally a regular replacement koyo, and once you mod it it will be a dual pass with the in/out in the correct spot.
thanks
z

[JBurer]

Pops - great build thread!

Glad you opted to keep the OEM US Spec front end. They look fantastic - much better, in my opinion, than the 99 spec's.

[ihavetwins]

man i need to take a trip up from tucson and check you guys out !

[RCCAZ 1]

Pops - great build thread!

Glad you opted to keep the OEM US Spec front end. They look fantastic - much better, in my opinion, than the 99 spec's.

Thanks Johnny Boy! Got your email... thanks for the support!

man i need to take a trip up from tucson and check you guys out !

You're always welcome. We plan a trip or two each year down your way as well. I'll keep you in the loop if we don't connect before our next outing to the 'Ol Pueblo!

[RCCAZ 1]

Just got back from visiting Glen down at AZRR. Motor should be coming home tomorrow. Until then, here's a couple of pics to show everyone what's going in my ride!!

[toyzzzz]

Looking good Tim, you should make me some extra v-mount brackets.
James

[rotorhead87]

:drool5: I want your motor...and your FD. Everything is really looking good!!! Keep it up:icon_tup:

[RCCAZ 1]

Looking good Tim, you should make me some extra v-mount brackets.
James

Hey James.... funny, you know, everything I'm making for my Vmount kit, I end up thinking... I should just probably make 2 sets, since James is gonna want the same setup once I'm finished. Hopefully it will turn out to meet everyone's expectations ;)

:drool5: I want your motor...and your FD. Everything is really looking good!!! Keep it up:icon_tup:

Thanks rotorhead87. Yea, I've finally gotten off my butt and am starting to make some serious progress. Keep checking in, since this is the season to work in AZ garages, so it will definitely be completed SOONER than LATER.

[RCCAZ 1]

Forgot to post these up earlier. The engine pull shot should have been the first in my thread ;) Also, wanted to give props to Glen at AZRR and show off the excellent port job on my plates and housings. Beautiful, beautiful work!

[RCCAZ 1]

Well, we finally brought her home yesterday. Can't wait to get it installed and fired up. Thanks again to Glen and Tom from Arizona Rotary Rockets for all your hard work. Here's a couple of pics of the engine being loaded up by Glen (left) and Tom (right). Also, a shot of her sitting in my garage (but not for long). It was SOooo cool to have the engine delivered in Tom's REPU!! ;)

[RCCAZ 1]

Got back from visiting my welder this morning. Completed our patchwork on the bottom of the Koyo. Patched 2 holes and moved the drain plug as you can see. Also tacked up my intercooler mounting brackets and installed for a test fit. Turned out incredible (IMO). Next up will be getting the engine installed and completing fabrication of my radiator end tanks with the motor in the car to verify correct positioning and angles for the radiator IN and OUT hoses.

[RCCAZ 1]

Friday, January 2, 2009... thanks to those RCCAZ members who stopped over today to assist and support us in installing my engine. We got it in hooked up to the tranny and installed the motor mounts. Now, just a few days of hooking everything up, then finishing my fab work on the Vmount and remotely locating my battery and we'll take a shot a firing her up. Here's a pic of yesterday's installation activities and a shot of the IC in place for fitment purposes. Looks like it's gonna be sweet!!

[2a_ron]

Glad to see that beautiful motor finally in its home! Great work Tim as always and can't wait to see that beast driving around...

[RCCAZ 1]

Thanks to you as well Aaron. I know from talking with Glen that you've had to jump through a few hoops as well to help us get to where we are today. Much appreciated. Like yourself, I can't wait to get her fired. Thanks again to yourself and Paul Yaw for the most excellent injectors and support!

[2a_ron]

No problem! We surely enjoy working with customers who understand all of the small details and put together a well setup car.

[StreetRx7]

Very nice keep up the good work Rotary4life... lol.. :driving:

[RCCAZ 1]

Thanks everyone. Finished up my radiator mounts tonight, so I thought I'd show off a few new pics. Next will be engine details, connections, then finalizing the radiator tank mods (nearest the engine) by my welder. Stay tuned.

[glenrx7]

looks like a shop did it ...great job rccaz...

Cant wait to tune that thing and gets some killing numbers

[RCCAZ 1]

looks like a shop did it ...great job rccaz...

Cant wait to tune that thing and gets some killing numbers

Thanks Glen... are you saying I should open a shop?? ;)

[prrex4ever]

Beautiful car, awesome build. Congrats.

[glenrx7]

Thanks Glen... are you saying I should open a shop?? ;)


No, just that it looks like a pro did it ...silly, I dont need you as competition

[RCCAZ 1]

LOL.... don't worry Glen ;) Just let me know when you want me to start work on your Vmount :)

[Rotary13B1]

That's looking pretty sweet Tim, what rims are you rolling wit yo?! HAHA

I didn't see you helping out with the motor install, just pointing fingers and barking order I'm guessing? j/k
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3811&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1231034934

[RCCAZ 1]

That's looking pretty sweet Tim, what rims are you rolling wit yo?! HAHA

See current pic attached below. I'd like to switchover to some Gram Light 57S Pros with the titanium lip, but those are HUGE money, so for now I'll probably stick with my Enkeis.

I didn't see you helping out with the motor install, just pointing fingers and barking order I'm guessing? j/k
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3811&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1231034934

LOL.... too funny. Yea you know me Andy... all BARK, but no bite. Someone had to take the picture YO!! Just kicking back and thinking about driving that sucka :driving:

[Hello Roto]

very nice build.. i should start saving for my own FD someday... *sigh*

[RCCAZ 1]

very nice build.. i should start saving for my own FD someday... *sigh*

Thanks for the compliment Hello Roto. Here's a few new pics. Finished all of the radiator/Intercooler fab work today. Pics below show the splitter plate installed inside of my radiator to properly direct flow as well as the finished end tanks and mounting points for my AC condensor.

[stever]

Tim just a teaser picture, you get the rest when we can catch up together. Glen build you a jewel.


Steve

[RCCAZ 1]

Tim just a teaser picture, you get the rest when we can catch up together. Glen build you a jewel.


Steve

Thanks Stever. Can't wait to see your project completed as well!! Hopefully soon for both of us!!

[RCCAZ 1]

Most recent shots. Getting closer. Details, details..... argh!!

[cozmo kraemer]

Looks great Tim!

I may have a brand new OEM fan motor if you want it. I am moving to a different radiator/intake/fan/ac condenssor setup that is much more integrated than the stock adapted setup so I will have that fan motor laying around. I replaced it last year and I was blown away how worn out my 70k mile fan motors were.

Also... if my fan stuff comes soon, we could build a harness extension with my connectors so that you don't have to splice into your harness. We will have to see how the timing works out. I should start getting everything in a week or so.

Your engine bay sure is filling up! With that W/A injection I sold you, what power goal are you shooting for? The limit is going to be HIGH...it is going to be a monster!

[proz07]

hey your running 4 yaw secondaries 1000cc right? whats the ohms for them and how are they wired through the PFC (series or paralell)? i may just end up with this same fuel system. lol come to think of it alot of mine will be close to this build.
z

[RCCAZ 1]

hey your running 4 yaw secondaries 1000cc right? whats the ohms for them and how are they wired through the PFC (series or paralell)? i may just end up with this same fuel system. lol come to think of it alot of mine will be close to this build.
z

My guess would be parallel, and I dont think resistors are needed. However, I've PM'd Glen at AZRR and asked him to comment since he did my build.

[RCCAZ 1]

Looks great Tim!

I may have a brand new OEM fan motor if you want it. I am moving to a different radiator/intake/fan/ac condenssor setup that is much more integrated than the stock adapted setup so I will have that fan motor laying around. I replaced it last year and I was blown away how worn out my 70k mile fan motors were.

Also... if my fan stuff comes soon, we could build a harness extension with my connectors so that you don't have to splice into your harness. We will have to see how the timing works out. I should start getting everything in a week or so.

Your engine bay sure is filling up! With that W/A injection I sold you, what power goal are you shooting for? The limit is going to be HIGH...it is going to be a monster!

Thanks for the offer on the fan motor Brian. I just may take you up on that. Also, if you're serious about your harness connector(s) offer, I may delay wiring of the fans to the last item, just to take advantage of that offer. Thank you!

Power goal is 400RWHP between 14 and 16 psi, which I believe is VERY realistic. I'm thinking it will be in the neighborhood of 425RW if I set my boost closer to 16 psi, but we'll see. Lots of determining factors. The W/I will be used mainly as a safety buffer, especially in the Summertime.

Talk to you soon!

[glenrx7]

One of the worst things you can do to an injector is put a resistor on it.

Tims setup is wired in parallel

[spr258]

How soon is the car going to run? Mine is at the shop right now *fingers crossed* hopefully going to start up tomorrow. I cant wait to make it back to tucson and drive the RX. I cant wait to see your done. Looks great and I know that Glen and Tom do a great job on the rebuild, sometimes too good.

[RCCAZ 1]

How soon is the car going to run? Mine is at the shop right now *fingers crossed* hopefully going to start up tomorrow. I cant wait to make it back to tucson and drive the RX. I cant wait to see your done. Looks great and I know that Glen and Tom do a great job on the rebuild, sometimes too good.

Welcome back next week. You've definitely earned your time off! Yes, I stopped over to check out your ride yesterday. Seems to be coming together nicely. Didn't stay to see if they got her fired or not. Mine is still about 2 weeks away, but hopefully soon for both of us! BTW, I told Tom and Glen that I might be interested in purchasing your "stock" smoked aftermarket turn signals (RX7store I believe). Get in touch with me next week and we'll work out the details.

[spr258]

Welcome back next week. You've definitely earned your time off! Yes, I stopped over to check out your ride yesterday. Seems to be coming together nicely. Didn't stay to see if they got her fired or not. Mine is still about 2 weeks away, but hopefully soon for both of us! BTW, I told Tom and Glen that I might be interested in purchasing your "stock" smoked aftermarket turn signals (RX7store I believe). Get in touch with me next week and we'll work out the details.

They just started it up yesterday!!!! I know how the wait is and how hard it is to just sit on a car and not drive it. I sent you a pm about the turn signals. I hope that glen and tom have a meet sometime and get all the azrr cars together for a cruise.

[proz07]

One of the worst things you can do to an injector is put a resistor on it.

Tims setup is wired in parallel

i understand this but what is the inmepence of the injectors being used in this car? the reason i ask is i want to do a very similar fuel set-up but the yaw injectors i was looking at are 13ohm and wiring them into parallel would put the ohm draw to 6.5ohm's and from what i understand anything under 10ohm's or more importantly over 1-1.3amp's on a PFC will burn up the driver? so are you using a different ohm injectors or do you have an explanation on to why it wouldnt burn up the PFC coils in your setup?
any info is greatly appreciated
z

[joff]

i understand this but what is the inmepence of the injectors being used in this car? the reason i ask is i want to do a very similar fuel set-up but the yaw injectors i was looking at are 13ohm and wiring them into parallel would put the ohm draw to 6.5ohm's and from what i understand anything under 10ohm's or more importantly over 1-1.3amp's on a PFC will burn up the driver? so are you using a different ohm injectors or do you have an explanation on to why it wouldnt burn up the PFC coils in your setup?
any info is greatly appreciated
z

I happen to have 4 780cc's yawpower injectors just lying around here. Took my ohmmeter to one of them and measured 12.5ohms. If the 2 injectors are fed 12V power in parallel, that will be approx 1.92 amps.

If you don't mind me asking here, where did you get the 1.3 amp figure? I also happen to be an electrical engineer designing industrial computer boards very similar to a ECU such as the PFC.

[proz07]

the amp figure isnt exact mind you its basicly what has worked for others in the past without burning up PFC drivers. now youd have to check the drivers in the PFC to get the exact amp but i dont have that ability curently. im just wanting to know what these injectors ohm is to see where they would come out amp draw wise. so that i can chose the correct ohm injectors for my project, maybe these guys know something i dont.
z

[joff]

the amp figure isnt exact mind you its basicly what has worked for others in the past without burning up PFC drivers. now youd have to check the drivers in the PFC to get the exact amp but i dont have that ability curently. im just wanting to know what these injectors ohm is to see where they would come out amp draw wise. so that i can chose the correct ohm injectors for my project, maybe these guys know something i dont.
z

I'm sure AZRR has something figured out. He might be using an FJO injector driver. He's also got gobs of injector capacity so will never probably have to run the injectors anywhere close to 100% duty.

Not that anyone would probably care (electronics are pretty boring stuff to everybody but me), but typically output current capability of a switching circuit such as an injector driver is completely dependent on proper heat-sinking and transistor/FET Ron resistance. (i.e. completely a thermal issue) If anybody has a picture of the internal heatsinks of the PFC injector drivers and their part number, I can compute close to exactly the ambient temperature at which point the silicon will self-destruct at a given duty-cycle/RPM.

[RCCAZ 1]

I think Glen had mentioned at one time that the 4 1000 cc injectors would be run at a very low duty cycle based on the power goals I was looking to achieve.

[RCCAZ 1]

Everyone,

A few new pics from this past Saturday. Afternarket turns now installed on the nose and thanks to Shawn Beniam for stopping over to perform my battery relocation to the rear side drivers bin. Incredible job Shawn, THANKS!!!

[REVIT93RX7]

This is looking awesome. I hope mine looks as good as this. Great work!

[cozmo kraemer]

Do you have an air filter? I have two of those too just sitting around that I can't use. If you need one let me know and I won't throw them away.

[RCCAZ 1]

Already ordered one up Brian, but thanks anyway for the offer.

[cozmo kraemer]

I should have just boxed all of my rotary parts up and gave you the box. Seriously! I end up just throwing all the stuff away...

[RCCAZ 1]

Whatever you do, don't toss it. I have quite a few spare parts that I've saved in case one of our RCCAZ members needs it in the future. Let's talk about what you have before you toss anything else out. ;)

[RCCAZ 1]

New pics from this weekend's progress. Vmount is now done for all intents and purposes. AC condensor will stay in place but not be hooked up until a few months down the road. IC piping is roughed in and the cold side will be final welded this week. Obviously the hot side pipe is still WAY too long, so that will be cut off once my 90 degree coupling arrives.

Couplings should be here by Wed, and a ton of odds and ends to complete this week if we're still gonna fire her this coming weekend. Everything will need to come together for us to be successful. We'll see.

[MrsJoff]

Hey Tim
It is the weekend, is she on the road yet?

[RCCAZ 1]

Wish I could say "yes" but I am i-n-c-h-i-n-g closer.

Received the other ends of the connectors needed to make my fan harness extensions from Fritz Flynn. Other remaining items include assembling WG lines, coolant hoses, install different power steering cooler, figure out my intake system along with a few wiring odds and ends. And.... I need to spend some quality time with the wiffy, on top of not feeling well, so you know how it goes....., but SOON.... we will be there!

[RCCAZ 1]

OK.... we're now within a week for our first start. Keep your fingers crossed. IC piping is now complete and the remote coils have been mounted. Here's a few pics of the most recent progress. Remaining items are fan harness extensions, undertray construction, wastegate lines plus a few other odds and ends, then attach fuel lines, DP, MP and catback and turn the key. We'll see.

[joff]

OK.... we're now within a week for our first start. Keep your fingers crossed. IC piping is now complete and the remote coils have been mounted. Here's a few pics of the most recent progress. Remaining items are fan harness extensions, undertray construction, wastegate lines plus a few other odds and ends, then attach fuel lines, DP, MP and catback and turn the key. We'll see.

Looking good -- are you planning to fab a cold air intake? Looks pretty tight in there right off the turbo for a filter.

[RCCAZ 1]

Hey Jesse. Man, you ask all the tough questions. Thinking of a couple different approaches, but this is the one I've made the most progress on so far. Wish it were a little more visually appealing, but if I build a duct to seal the IC with the hood, I think it will provide the coolest approach "airwise." We'll see.

[cozmo kraemer]

Still no downpipe?

Not much else to do? Vacuum lines...looks like that is about it and it will start. Dont know about road worthiness yet, did you figure out what to do with the PS cooler?

[joff]

Hey Tim, I just tried sending you an email and got an "out of office" autoreply. I can't believe that you'd just up and leave for vacation so close to getting the FD running again. I told Lynn you must have gone on a roadtrip to break in the new motor! :)

[RCCAZ 1]

Try me here at home or PM me. The wife and I are home for our "Spring Break" just trying to get some honey-doos completed around the house as well as completing the FD. Finished the WG lines today and got the radiator hoses attached. Tomorrow will be the PS cooler, then connect the wideband, Ignition box, DP, MP, catback and run the wires for my cooling fans. Finally, connect the fuel lines, pull the fuse to prime the system, load a "swag" map into my Power FC and see if she'll start. More than likely a couple of days yet. I'm thinking Thursday right now, but we'll see. For sure by Saturday.

[RCCAZ 1]

Still no downpipe?

Not much else to do? Vacuum lines...looks like that is about it and it will start. Dont know about road worthiness yet, did you figure out what to do with the PS cooler?

Yes, I do have that "temporary" DP that I showed you the last time you were over. I'll use that for break-in and my first tune. PS cooler will be tackled tomorrow. See my previous post for a short list of to-dos.

[RCCAZ 1]

Here's the latest as of Tuesday. Radiator hoses are now completed as well as installation of the new PS cooler. This eliminates the "stock" snake and replaces it with a much smaller aluminm 4 pass tranny cooler. Should work just great and really helps clear up my ground clearance. Here are the latest pics. Next up is completion of the fan harness extensions, then bolt up the DP, MP, catback, connect the ignition exciter box and wideband, get a map loaded into the PFC, prime it and turn the key ;)

[cozmo kraemer]

You going to be around tonight? I was going to stop by, check out the project and pay you for those hood struts. I was going to come right after work, so around 6-630 or so.

Does that work for you? For some reason you phone number wasn't on my SIM card and my last phone died. Can you PM me your number either here or over at rx7 club? I will give you a call before to see if you are around.

[Rotary13B1]

It's looking good Tim... keep on trucking!

[RCCAZ 1]

You going to be around tonight? I was going to stop by, check out the project and pay you for those hood struts. I was going to come right after work, so around 6-630 or so.

Does that work for you? For some reason you phone number wasn't on my SIM card and my last phone died. Can you PM me your number either here or over at rx7 club? I will give you a call before to see if you are around.

Brian... I'll be there. Call me on my cell if you need to, but yes, I'll be there.

[RCCAZ 1]

It's looking good Tim... keep on trucking!

Hey Andy. Thanks for the encouragement. Nice to see that you're still "lurking" on my progress. Tell Bern and all the other SoCal members Hi from me. Hope all is well.

Here are pics from today. Finished up the harness extensions and buttoned up the lines. Tomorrow starts the "odds and ends" and a complete review of my "to do" list. Then, load a map, install the WB and exciter, top off the battery and see if we can't make some assembly lube SMOKE ;)

[RCCAZ 1]

Getting closer. Planning to try a start later this afternoon (Sat). Wish me luck.

[RCCAZ 1]

Got her running for the first time last night (3/7). Other than a few small fuel leaks and a leaky collector gasket, we should be FULLY good to go once the wideband shows up next week. Thanks to Glen and Tom from AZRR for their support and help with troubleshooting last night. Couldn't have done it without them. Excellent engines, products and support. Also, thanks to Steve Lieber who lent a hand or two as well during the evening. Can't wait to be out there running with you soon Stever!

Here are a few pics of today's test fit on my hood. I'm happy to announce that all of the IC piping clears the hood nicely, and those vents should really do their job in removing the heat this summer. Thanks again to everyone!! Brap, brap!!

[spr258]

Nice build. Glen and tom are great people to work with during a engine build. Im coming up to phoenix today to get a boost controller put on and re-tuned to run 18 lbs, along with running my coil overs and side skirts. If you are around and want to see azrr other project then let me know. I will be at the shop Tuesday and if need be Wednesday. I will be at the dyno on Thursday.

[REVIT93RX7]

Looks terrific. I hope my paint looks this good!

[RCCAZ 1]

Nice build. Glen and tom are great people to work with during a engine build. Im coming up to phoenix today to get a boost controller put on and re-tuned to run 18 lbs, along with running my coil overs and side skirts. If you are around and want to see azrr other project then let me know. I will be at the shop Tuesday and if need be Wednesday. I will be at the dyno on Thursday.

Hope to stop over Tuesday during lunch to meet you. I did see your car during the build. Wow, 18 psi should be nice. Are you running a "splash" of race gas at that pressure? I thought 91 octane was only good up to about 16 psi? Just curious.

Looks terrific. I hope my paint looks this good!

Thanks! Yes, Glenn Roberts at Finishing Touch did a great job of painting the hood, nose and headlamp covers. I'm very pleased with the final product.

[spr258]

Hope to stop over Tuesday during lunch to meet you. I did see your car during the build. Wow, 18 psi should be nice. Are you running a "splash" of race gas at that pressure? I thought 91 octane was only good up to about 16 psi? Just curious.



No glen said i can run up to 18 psi before I have to run AI. I will have two setting on the boost controller. my everyday driving and the second setting in can i need to chase down something. I will be at glens at 1:00 tomorrow.

[joff]

Getting closer. Planning to try a start later this afternoon (Sat). Wish me luck.

Hey Tim, are those wastegate control lines & plastic zipties as close as they look like they are to the manifold?

[RCCAZ 1]

Hey Tim, are those wastegate control lines & plastic zipties as close as they look like they are to the manifold?

They are actually quite a ways away. For lines, I used Parker Snaplocks and their Jiffy hose. Glen says that he's put a torch to the Jiffy hose and it came away unphased. Don't worry... I'll be keeping a close eye on everything, but thanks for the heads up!

[cozmo kraemer]

His wastegate lines are A1! I can attest to that...it is the first thing I look over on any FD I see. Hate to have what happened to me, happen to anyone else.

I can't wait to see this car on the road!

[MrsJoff]

I can't wait to see this car on the road!

Ditto

Actually, I can't wait for a ride in this car!

Looking good Tim.

[classicauto]

His wastegate lines are A1! I can attest to that...it is the first thing I look over on any FD I see. Hate to have what happened to me, happen to anyone else.

Your "event" caused me to redo mine within two weeks of that thread.

I still get a little sick thinking about that! I can't imagine being you! :lol:


Sweet looking FD though, hood fits well. Love the build, good parts choices and a well executed plan. Top notch!

[joff]

His wastegate lines are A1! I can attest to that...it is the first thing I look over on any FD I see. Hate to have what happened to me, happen to anyone else.

I can't wait to see this car on the road!

Wow. It seems everybody has a horror story with this. I will make sure to be very careful with this in my upcoming build, which, BTW, is a step closer from having just bought the turbo today.

[cozmo kraemer]

Your "event" caused me to redo mine within two weeks of that thread.

I still get a little sick thinking about that! I can't imagine being you! :lol:


Sweet looking FD though, hood fits well. Love the build, good parts choices and a well executed plan. Top notch!

Tim has what we like to call, "Attention to detail." :)


If you are me...and after all that work and time, you lose an engine like that...you go NA V8...that is what happens. :lol:

[RCCAZ 1]

Your "event" caused me to redo mine within two weeks of that thread.

I still get a little sick thinking about that! I can't imagine being you! :lol:


Sweet looking FD though, hood fits well. Love the build, good parts choices and a well executed plan. Top notch!

Thanks Classic. Appreciate the compliments! Can't wait to get the final few details sorted out and start the break in period!

Tim has what we like to call, "Attention to detail." :)


If you are me...and after all that work and time, you lose an engine like that...you go NA V8...that is what happens. :lol:

LOLOLOL!!!! Thanks Brian. What a politically correct way to say that I'm anal retentive. Oh well, I love detail, what can I say. From one "detail" person to another, I consider it a huge compliment since I know you've got the bug as well. ;)

[RCCAZ 1]

Well, we ran again on Saturday, this time for more than 30 minutes. Ahhh, the smell of curing heat wrap on your downpipe. Nice ;)

Anyway, all the fuel leaks are fixed now, however, I need to shore up a small oil leak. Wideband will be in on Tuesday, so hopefully we can get a map loaded by Wed and start driving her.

Here are todays progress pics on my undertray and IC hood shroud mockups. Should have these items completed by this coming weekend as well.

[cozmo kraemer]

I think you restrict flow through your radiator a little bit by fully boxing the back side like that. I can't see the 'true' rear opening of the radiator from the pics, but from my recollection, your fans have to be pretty dang close to that panel.

I would at least louver it (if possible) so that your fans have more area in which to push air out of the radiator.


I know a lot of people overlook the rear side of the radiator when addressing cooling concerns. In a stock FD the rear side of the radiator is almost completely blocked by the battery, intercooler/ducting and intake. This is the primary reason for its failure to cool the car properly. Why open up the whole back side of the radiator (with a vmount) and then close it off (even partially) again?

Never the less. Glad things are coming along. Let me know when this thing is rolling.

[RCCAZ 1]

Thanks for the observation Cozmo. IMO, the side panels just ensure that air keeps moving towards the rear of the shroud. I can always take them off if I find the setup to be restrictive. With this car, I've found that blocking off as many air gaps as possible to get more "direct" flow pays huge dividends. The only time it may be detrimental is in stop and go traffic when the lack of ram airflow limits the design's ability to move air. But even then, one flick of the fan switch and voila.... instant airflow. I know that you and I talked about the possible detrimental effects of "reverse flow" if the system were too restricted. That's why I kind of like your louver idea.

We'll see.....

Thanks again for your suggested improvements.

[cozmo kraemer]

Side panels are great! I meant the bottom panel that sort of covers the back of the rad/fans.

If you will be cutting sheet metal soon let me know, I will come over and share my $.02

But it is pretty much worth exactly that!

[cozmo kraemer]

I dont know if I have your email... but the oil pressure wire is sourced from connector x-12 (larger of the two grey connectors up by the diagnostic terminal). Oil pressure is the grey with red strip wire. This just connects directly to the oil pressure sending unit that is mounted over by the oil filter pedestal. I was told NOT to use teflon tape as the sender grounds with its connection to the housing. That is why the threads on it are pipe thread so it seals propperly just with the threading.

This is the part that was really surprising to me... The Japanese car had standard tread on all the sensors, the American engine (LS1) had metric thread on all the sensors like M14x1.5 I think. I had myself a laugh at that one.

[RCCAZ 1]

Thanks Cozmo. I'll try it tonight. PM'd you my email address.

[albertomg]

I agree with Cosmo. I cut a bunch of small squares into my stock undertray and noticed a difference in temps both on track but particularly in stop/go traffic.

In stop/go traffic, the vents in the undertray it resulted in a small difference in cooling temps (~1 degree C) but a slightly bigger difference in air temps and related to heat soak.

Also, I recommend using some of these hose clamps on the silicon coolant hoses:
http://www.breezeclamps.com/ct.htm
I had tried using some expensive, high quality, worm type hose clamps and they would loosen over a few heat cycles. These Breeze constant torque clamps work incredibly well and never loosen up.

[RCCAZ 1]

I agree with Cosmo. I cut a bunch of small squares into my stock undertray and noticed a difference in temps both on track but particularly in stop/go traffic.

In stop/go traffic, the vents in the undertray it resulted in a small difference in cooling temps (~1 degree C) but a slightly bigger difference in air temps and related to heat soak.

Also, I recommend using some of these hose clamps on the silicon coolant hoses:
http://www.breezeclamps.com/ct.htm
I had tried using some expensive, high quality, worm type hose clamps and they would loosen over a few heat cycles. These Breeze constant torque clamps work incredibly well and never loosen up.

Thanks for the real-world feedback both on the undertray and clamps. I may switch to something like the clamps you're specifying. Had my first real-world driving experience yesterday when I took the car on her maiden voyage to our club picnic (30 miles round trip). All went well and temps were extremely cool, especially given the fact that I was running without the undertray. Temps can only get better once I get that completed and installed.

[RCCAZ 1]

Just added a new fuel pump last night (Bosch 044) in place of my Walbro. The Walbro was working OK, albiet my fuel pressure regulator needle would oscillate 2-3 psi while the car was running.

Fuel pressure is now ROCK solid. Wow, that Bosch unit looks like your stuffing a little beer can in your fuel tank, but man, can that sucker pump! Now, once we get her broken in we shouldn't have any fuel starvation issues :) Just wish I would have taken a pic of the pump before install so you guys could see the size difference!

[cozmo kraemer]

Bosch 044

[RCCAZ 1]

Thanks Cosmo. Yup, that's it. Dwarfs the Walbro.

[classicauto]

What'd you do for the pump sock? I know there's a bit of an issue with makigna piece that isn't going to restrict inlet flow to the pump. Chris ludwig hada beautiful bell mouthed piece he advocated. Just curious what you found or used.

[RCCAZ 1]

Actually, Glen and Tom at AZRR fabbed up the sock for me, but from what I remember before install, it appeared to be nearly identical to what Cosmo shows in his post.

[cozmo kraemer]

So did you install your wideband and start breaking this thing in?

I moved up to North Scottsdale so I am a ways away now. I could still help you out on the weekend if you need me to. Just let me know a few days in advance...and Saturdays work better for me than Sundays. If I help you with wiring and electronics can you help me fix my bumper gap? :) Your car's gaps are PERFECT!

[RCCAZ 1]

So did you install your wideband and start breaking this thing in?

I moved up to North Scottsdale so I am a ways away now. I could still help you out on the weekend if you need me to. Just let me know a few days in advance...and Saturdays work better for me than Sundays. If I help you with wiring and electronics can you help me fix my bumper gap? :) Your car's gaps are PERFECT!

;) :) Ahhhh... I'd like to say yes, but unfortunately I'm not there yet. Pulled the IC and piping out yesterday to get it to my polisher. Also pulled the DP and started cutting it up to repair my WG clearance and fitment issues. Hoping to have it all back together by this weekend, which would be a great time to wire the WB. What you're proposing is definitely a fair exchange. I'll call you later this week to coordinate a time on Saturday!

[RCCAZ 1]

OK everyone,

Here are some final pics. Finished up the undertray, although I'll probably pull it later next week to get it powdercoated.

Thanks to Tom and Glen from AZRR for riding with me last night to the Scottsdale Pavillions for the Saturday evening car show. Tom rode shotgun with me and datalogged and made adjustments to my map the entire way. With Tom richening up several areas of the map, I now feel that I can safely drive it through the break-in period. Here are some pics from yesterday with the completed engine bay, side skirts installed, new rear diffuser, etc, etc. Thanks again guys!!! The only thing left to install is my WI setup.

On the way to the event, ambient temps were around 84F and my intake air temp was 29C, water temps were between 84 and 86C. Coming home post event, ambient temps had dropped off into the upper 70s with my intake air temp dropping to 26C and water temps in the same range (84-86) ;)

[joff]

OK everyone,

Here are some final pics. Finished up the undertray, although I'll probably pull it later next week to get it powdercoated.


Now get that thing broke in and tuned so we can see some pretty graphs and numbers!

Also, wicked sounding as you drove off from Pavs last night. Definitely can hear the exhaust port work as it seems a lot louder.

[prrex4ever]

The finished product is AWESOME! One bad as.. FD.

[RCCAZ 1]

The finished product is AWESOME! One bad as.. FD.

Thanks for the props prrex4ever. Now I just need to get a turbo blanket on that sucka. It's putting out a lot of heat!

[FC3S Murray]

no shit, I am so happy I put on a turbo blanket.

FD looks fantastic man!

I have about the same intake temps. 20*C being the coolest ona 65 *F day. Proper heat reduction and dissipation makes a huge difference.

[RCCAZ 1]

no shit, I am so happy I put on a turbo blanket.

FD looks fantastic man!

I have about the same intake temps. 20*C being the coolest ona 65 *F day. Proper heat reduction and dissipation makes a huge difference.

Thanks Murray. Got my turbo blanket Thursday and got her installed on the car. Seems to be making a huge difference in the amount of heat in the engine bay. Great sale and quick delivery from Alamo Motorsports. Here's a pic or two of the blanket installed. Still need to attach safety wire to the two metal buttons on each side of the blanket.

It was a little nerve-racking driving the car the first 30 minutes after install since smoke from the blanket breaking in was coming out my hood vents. Good thing I read about this beforehand or I would have REALLY been concerned.

[RCCAZ 1]

Got the undercoat powdercoated gloss black and reinstalled today. Here's a few pics of the final product uninstalled AND installed. Also a few pics of the completed car. Now, just 1500 miles of break in, and we'll be heading for the Dyno. Just passed the 600 mile mark today.

[RCCAZ 1]

Oops... forgot the best part...:)

[chickenwafer]

Oh snap Tim! I just found your thread. Great stuff man, one super clean FD

[RCCAZ 1]

Thanks! ;)

[RCCAZ 1]

OK everyone,

Installed aluminum WG hardlines over the weekend. Thanks to Glenn and Tom from AZRR for coming over to perform much of the install. Much appreciated guys! They will be selling this kit on their website www.azrotaryrockets.com, so keep an eye out for the kit coming soon!!

Anyhow, after only 900 miles my "state of the art" high temp rubber hose kit had turned to "toast." Lesson one... keep the WG lines as far away from the heat source as possible. I had initially routed my lines NEXT TO the turbo. Bad idea. Lesson two.... now, my WG lines head towards the back of the motor, up the firewall, then around the ABS to my Greddy control unit. Much, much better. Check it out!

[RCCAZ 1]

Everyone,

Finally completed my dyno tuning on Tuesday (7/7). Check out the results here:

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/showthread.php?p=91693#post91693

[classicauto]

Sweet numbers!

I'm hugely impressed with the low boost figures, that thing must be a monster on the street!

Congrats, enjoy! :)

Nice job on the wastegate lines too, they are definetely a vital piece of the system and you don't want a random hole showing up out of nowhere. Those are aluminum lines yeah?

[TitaniumTT]

What'd you do for the pump sock? I know there's a bit of an issue with makigna piece that isn't going to restrict inlet flow to the pump. Chris ludwig hada beautiful bell mouthed piece he advocated. Just curious what you found or used.

Actually, Glen and Tom at AZRR fabbed up the sock for me, but from what I remember before install, it appeared to be nearly identical to what Cosmo shows in his post.

That looks identical to the sock that I purchased from Jay Racing. I think it was ~$50

OK everyone,

Installed aluminum WG hardlines over the weekend. Thanks to Glenn and Tom from AZRR for coming over to perform much of the install. Much appreciated guys! They will be selling this kit on their website www.azrotaryrockets.com, so keep an eye out for the kit coming soon!!

Anyhow, after only 900 miles my "state of the art" high temp rubber hose kit had turned to "toast." Lesson one... keep the WG lines as far away from the heat source as possible. I had initially routed my lines NEXT TO the turbo. Bad idea. Lesson two.... now, my WG lines head towards the back of the motor, up the firewall, then around the ABS to my Greddy control unit. Much, much better. Check it out!

Those WG Hardlines are beautiful. Being an overly anal retentive detail guy myself, your build is incredible. Would love to see it someday:icon_tup:

[RCCAZ 1]

Sweet numbers!

I'm hugely impressed with the low boost figures, that thing must be a monster on the street!

Congrats, enjoy! :)

Nice job on the wastegate lines too, they are definetely a vital piece of the system and you don't want a random hole showing up out of nowhere. Those are aluminum lines yeah?

Yes, driving home from the Tuner was fun. Even at the low boost setting (12.5 psi) it pulls like a freight train! Thanks Classic.... where are you located (geographically)? I agree that they (WG lines) are a vital piece and one where going overboard is not a bad thing. Very happy that my earlier WG line burnthrough incident didn't result in anything catastrophic. Yes, the new lines are aluminum and now that they're headed away from the heat source and up the back of the engine bay I can rest easier knowing they won't melt. ;)

That looks identical to the sock that I purchased from Jay Racing. I think it was ~$50.

Those WG Hardlines are beautiful. Being an overly anal retentive detail guy myself, your build is incredible. Would love to see it someday:icon_tup:

I think it IS the Jay Racing sock. I'm pretty sure that's who Glen ordered the pump through. Yes, I'd love to see your ride as well. I'm always at Sevenstock over in Irvine in September. Would love to get down to Deals Gap and ride the Dragon. Hopefully some day!!

[Rotary13B1]

Any plans for a 99spec front end Tim? = )

[RCCAZ 1]

Any plans for a 99spec front end Tim? = )


Maybe down the road Andy, but for now with SOoo many FDs running 99 specs, heck the average person on the road might mistake THEM for stock and mine as aftermarket ;).

[RCCAZ 1]

Everyone,

Just finished fabbing and powdercoating a custom bracket for my custom AST (7 inch depth versus standard 6 inch) and plumbed it back into the system. Was having a difficult time keeping air out of my system with the AST removed, so I just decided it was time to put it back in and try something new to see if I get a better result. So far, so good!

Also wanted to share some pics of my new shoes. Enjoy!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/120-2094_IMG.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/011.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/013.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/022.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/024.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/026.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/027.jpg

[djmtsu]

Love that PMY.

[AchillesGr]

hi,
one question please.
the koyo is the nflow or the standard one?
i am thinking of purchasing one for a vmount setup and i do not know if the nflow or the standard is suitable.
you have the best setup ....
thanks!!!

[RCCAZ 1]

hi,
one question please.
the koyo is the nflow or the standard one?
i am thinking of purchasing one for a vmount setup and i do not know if the nflow or the standard is suitable.
you have the best setup ....
thanks!!!

It's just a standard Koyo. If you look at post #44 you can see how the top of the radiator was modified to divide flow. Let me know if you have any other questions, and thanks for the compliment...

[prrex4ever]

Car looks awesome with those wheels, very nice!

[RCCAZ 1]

It's been awhile since I posted up and I've added a few new cosmetic upgrades. FEED CF door handle covers and SakeBomb Garage LED taillight upgrade. Also had my son's roommate take a few shots of the car.

A few more things coming in the next month or two. I'll try and do a better job of keeping everyone posted as my projects progress.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/FD6_3092.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/FD1_3092.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/FD10_3092.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/001-3.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/006-2.jpg

[speedjunkie]

What are the specs on your wheels and tires? I started a thread not long ago about that topic if you want to post it there. Up to you of course lol.

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/showthread.php?t=11693

Looks great!! That might be the cleanest engine bay I've ever seen lol.

[RCCAZ 1]

A few new shots. Changed up a few things to add some CF in the engine bay. Also I really liked what Jesse (Joff) did with his fender bolts, so I decided to replaced mine with similar ones!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/003-2.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/001-4.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/004-3.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/005-3.jpg

[Prodigy]

Great Looking Car.... This has been one of my all time favorite CYM's out there...

I think you should replace the old Mazda O emblems with the new "M" style... other then that... very nice build... Just looked at your results, they are awesome...

hope you have been able to enjoy the car the past little while :p

Your car reminds me of rx7rage (on other forum) his for a while had the same stock lines, plus the hood, OEM side skirts, was VR with black volk CE-28n's, now he has the same works as you, and few body modifications (99 spec front end, Feed rear wing etc..)

I think I like yours better :P BTW that V-mount looks amazing... I ight be stealing some of your ideas for when I do mine :p


J.

[RCCAZ 1]

Great Looking Car.... This has been one of my all time favorite CYM's out there...

I think you should replace the old Mazda O emblems with the new "M" style... other then that... very nice build... Just looked at your results, they are awesome...

hope you have been able to enjoy the car the past little while :p

Thanks! Appreciate the props! I have considered the "M" style emblems, but for now.... I'm just taking a break and enjoying it, but it's a great idea, thanks again!

Your car reminds me of rx7rage (on other forum) his for a while had the same stock lines, plus the hood, OEM side skirts, was VR with black volk CE-28n's, now he has the same works as you, and few body modifications (99 spec front end, Feed rear wing etc..)

I think I like yours better :P BTW that V-mount looks amazing... I ight be stealing some of your ideas for when I do mine :p

Thanks... yea Gene (rage) is a great guy and I love his car as well. He and another forum member made it into Super Street this month, so I guess there's still hope to someday get into a mag. We'll see!

Here's a couple pics of what I'm calling my "Amemiya Barn Find" catback. It's a 1995 Amemiya Gravity Muffler that later became their "Dolphin Tail." Hope to have it on the car this weekend with some YouTube clips comparing the exhaust tone with my current RB Dual Tip. Until then, here's a couple "before" and "after" pics!

Before:

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/039.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/040.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/005-2.jpg


Repaired:

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/006-4.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/007-2.jpg

[speedjunkie]

Where did you find that?!

[RCCAZ 1]

My son's friend owns a Honda tuning shop here in Phoenix and bought a container of Honda motors about 12 years ago from Japan. When the container arrived in Long Beach, one of the items in the shipment was an Amemiya full exhaust (damaged but still useable). The exhaust was for sale for more than 10 years in their shop, but had no takers due to the damage. I inquired about it last month and dug it out of their parts pile in the back of their building.

We contacted Amemiya last week and they confirmed that it is indeed one of their "Gravity Mufflers" from the 1995 timeframe. One of their early attempts at what has become their signature "Dolphin Tail" exhaust.

Here's a pic of the Amemiya "muffled" midpipe as well.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/006-3.jpg

[Prodigy]

mmm sexy... that exhaust looks great redone... all polished up and such... so, so pretty


J.

[speedjunkie]

Wow, that is so kickass.

[RCCAZ 1]

Ok everyone,

Here's a few pics of the final install along with comparisons between the RB dual tip and Amemiya exhaust. Actually very similar volumewise with a little deeper tone in the Amemiya. Overall I really love the look of the turndown tail.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/006-5.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/005-4.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/004-4.jpg

Video clip of the Rb Dual Tip

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/th_001-5.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/?action=view&current=001-5.mp4)

Clip of the Amemiya Exhaust with my wife at the controls!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/th_003-3.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/?action=view&current=003-3.mp4)

My apologies for the video quality, but I think you get the overall idea!

Cheers!

[speedjunkie]

That is so sexy, and you can't beat the price.

[Yasser_Hanbali13]

that is one amazing looking CYM.

[aleccentric]

Wow!! I love your car. I always wanted to know how my cym would look like with black Work wheels and FEED style side skirt.

[RCCAZ 1]

It's been quite some time since I posted up any new changes, so I thought I've give everyone an update.

Ahhhh, cool air! Charged with R-12. After 2.5 years, I got off my lazy butt and fabbed up lines, checked for leaks, then charged the system. Working GREAT. Thanks to Fritz Flynn for an old AC line with the required ends for my extension line, and Eric Greenbank (Tripple 7s) for his guidance on evacuating and charging the system. Here are some pics of how I did it!

First off, I planned from the start to eventually have AC 2 years ago when designing my Monster Vmount, so I fabricated mounts for my condenser early on on my radiator. The condenser sat in the car for the past 2 years with the ends covered to minimize contamination.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/014-1.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/013-2.jpg


So, about a month ago, I looked at all of my stock lines and tried to identify a place to mount the dryer. Since the engine bay was extremely short on space I had to get creative. Here's what I came up with. Cut a hole in my bumper support and ran the AC dryer lines through my drivers side headlight assembly, right beside my oil cooler:

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/015-2.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/016-1.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/020-2.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/022-2.jpg

The stock high pressure line (smaller one) required no additional lengthening. Just patient and careful reshaping to get the bends I wanted. Next, I needed an extension line for my low pressure line (larger line) that comes out of the compressor and attaches to the condenser. Due to my Vmount design and shrouding, I needed to create an extension line to make this connection possible. Here's a pic of my solution (note thick black line) for looping the line around my front Vmount support bracket:

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/026-2.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/025-2.jpg

Finally, it was time to pull a vacuum and see if it held pressure. Crap, what's that hissing sound.... a leak in my condenser. Pulled it all apart, got the condenser leak welded up, pressure tested, and viola! Holds 30 inches of vacuum. After that we pulled vacuum on he car for 24 hours to make sure nothing leaked before charging the system!!

Here's a pic with the intercooler reinstalled:

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/003-2.jpg

This install was actually not that bad. You just need to take your time, get creative with line fabrication, and stick with it. Hopefully this thread will inspire more Vmount owners to give AC installation a shot!

I drove the past 2 years from Phoenix to So Cal for Sevenstock through the SW Deserts without AC and vowed that last year would be my last hot ride. Hopefully it will continue to hold true. So far, so good!!

[speedjunkie]

Nice work! I'd love to re-install AC in mine, but I doubt I ever will (and don't really need to up here in CO). My AC didn't work that well when I had it in the car, so I didn't see any reason to keep it when I went VMIC. But I'd like to have some of the creature comforts back in a road-worthy beast, I think that's the best of all worlds haha.

Have you done any tests to see if you have a rise in water temps, and if so, how much?

Again, that is fantastic work! And on such a sexy car to boot!

[RCCAZ 1]

Nice work! I'd love to re-install AC in mine, but I doubt I ever will (and don't really need to up here in CO). My AC didn't work that well when I had it in the car, so I didn't see any reason to keep it when I went VMIC. But I'd like to have some of the creature comforts back in a road-worthy beast, I think that's the best of all worlds haha.

Have you done any tests to see if you have a rise in water temps, and if so, how much?

Again, that is fantastic work! And on such a sexy car to boot!

Thanks for the kudos. Watertempwise, my freeway watertemps cruising are now in the 88 to 90C range where before they ran 86 to 88, so my unscientific analysis says about 2 to 3C rise when running the AC. Again, nothing to worry about since the Vmount runs so much cooler!

[speedjunkie]

Oh that's not bad at all, especially to have the comfort of the AC. Gotta love VMIC haha.

[proz07]

ill tell you what id love to reinstall A/C in mine... only think i kept was the compressor though you think itd be possibly to mix and match parts fittings from other mazdas and then do do the custom lines like you have...

You say you made the custom lines? did you just cut and weld new piping in where needed? how thick is that tubing cant be much? if thats all there is too it hell ill be at the pick and pull getting the rest of the bits i need and tigging up some lines in a hurry... i love my A/C cars its just too hot without it.

z

[RCCAZ 1]

...I'll tell you what id love to reinstall A/C in mine... only think i kept was the compressor though you think itd be possibly to mix and match parts fittings from other mazdas and then do do the custom lines like you have...

If you have a local automotive AC shop they could probably fab something up for you. If you could find a good condenser that would help, however the local shop may have something similar in size condenserwise. It's worth a shot.

...You say you made the custom lines? did you just cut and weld new piping in where needed? how thick is that tubing cant be much? if thats all there is too it hell ill be at the pick and pull getting the rest of the bits i need and tigging up some lines in a hurry... i love my A/C cars its just too hot without it.

z

The "small" high pressure lines were from my stock system and were just slowly rebent to get the shapes I wanted. Started with a coat hanger and created a "template" for the shape before I started reshaping my stockers. The "large" diameter low pressure lines are also stock, however the one that loops around the front of my vmount and connects to the condenser in my pics is a custom extension that the AC shop helped create for me. Bought the FD HP hose ends for this custom hose from a forum member who was parting out his FD. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions or things I can help with!

[proz07]

Doesn't sound as difficult as id imagined the first time. thanks ill have to do a bit of research and part collecting but i think A/C is in my FD's future again! oh ya

z

[RCCAZ 1]

Been quite some time since I posted up. Finally getting started on my Euro-style water injection system. Tank will be fabbed out of aluminum and will be completely hidden behind the rear cargo panel.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/005-9.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/006-9.jpg

[Monkman33]

Fill method for the tank?

[legatia]

Sweet exhaust!

[RX-7FD3S]

awesome exhaust :D

[RCCAZ 1]

Fill method for the tank?

Here's a sketch of what I'm envisioning. Tank will use the stock windshield washer fill hole on the rear panel.

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

[general7]

Nice car!

[GorillaRE]

Here's a sketch of what I'm envisioning. Tank will use the stock windshield washer fill hole on the rear panel.

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

I would place a "baffle wall" with 1/8" holes near the bottom, around the pump supply line on the drivers side tank. Splitting the tank into two tanks was good idea and WILL assist in the "slosh" effect. None the less, I would recommend you add the baffling.

-J

[RCCAZ 1]

I would place a "baffle wall" with 1/8" holes near the bottom, around the pump supply line on the drivers side tank. Splitting the tank into two tanks was good idea and WILL assist in the "slosh" effect. None the less, I would recommend you add the baffling.

-J

Agreed. Baffles are part of the plan. I'll keep posting up pics as the tank takes shape!

[REVIT93RX7]

Who was the maker of your rear diffuser. Great build by the way.

[RCCAZ 1]

Who was the maker of your rear diffuser. Great build by the way.

Diffuser is the SHINEAUTO Amemiya Street Diffuser. Thanks for the props!

[RCCAZ 1]

Latest updates. WI tank fabrication and install completed!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/006-10.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/003-10.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/008-3.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/009-5.jpg

2 in 1 Diff brace purchased and installed as well as Banzai Racing tranny brace and mount!!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/001-13.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/001-14.jpg

[speedjunkie]

That tank is MONEY! I love it. I tried using just the stock tank...not NEAR big enough lol. But even the one tank on that side looks way bigger.

[RCCAZ 1]

That tank is MONEY! I love it. I tried using just the stock tank...not NEAR big enough lol. But even the one tank on that side looks way bigger.

Thanks! Yea, the two tanks combined hold ~1.8 gals. More than enough for an aggressive track session and probably enough for an entire day at the track. Glad you like it!

[RX SE7EN]

All those pretty lines and then a quick disconnect type fitting? :(

I have found those leaking multiple times.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/003-10.jpg

[speedjunkie]

Thanks! Yea, the two tanks combined hold ~1.8 gals. More than enough for an aggressive track session and probably enough for an entire day at the track. Glad you like it!

Hell yeah, that should be well more than enough lol. I'm using the stock front tank now and I think it's like 3/4 gallon or something and it lasts me quite a while. You'll be just fine lol.

I love your whole car, so I'm not surprised that I'd like the tank lol.

[RCCAZ 1]

Wow, hard to believe it's been a year since I last posted up to this thread. Well, I've added a few goodies this year. I'll post up a few pics in the next day or so. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

First off is my decision to pull my turbo manifold and hot side to send off for custom Inconel heat shielding. Beautiful result and highly functional. I highly recommend the folks at Alloy Racing Covers in Anaheim. Also plumbed in a couple of EGT bungs while I had it all disassembled.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/InconelShielding_zpsa83c91f3.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/InconelShielding_zpsa83c91f3.jpg.html)

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/EGTprobes_zpsf4de99a2.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/EGTprobes_zpsf4de99a2.jpg.html)

Secondly, I shaved the air pump bracket off of my front housing and nearly missed Sevenstock due to leaks... a long story, but it's fixed.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/Shavebracket_zps3e2babd7.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/Shavebracket_zps3e2babd7.jpg.html)

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/LatestEngine_zps738c7742.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/LatestEngine_zps738c7742.jpg.html)

Took advantage of having Tri-Point Engineering at Sevenstock to finally order their incredible front sway bar that I've had my eyes on now for a couple of years and got her installed. The bar is SO badass!!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/StrutBarNew_zps37751427.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/StrutBarNew_zps37751427.jpg.html)

Finally, added a little bling to my door sills. Chrome door latches and some cool vinyl from Turbojeff. Easy to install and really cleans up the door sill.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/ChromeDoorLatch_zps28550d04.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/ChromeDoorLatch_zps28550d04.jpg.html)

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/TurbojeffDoorSil_zpsf084dd80.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/TurbojeffDoorSil_zpsf084dd80.jpg.html)

He has plenty of sets available and ready to ship. Check him out in the new product development area on the OTHER forum :)

http://www.rx7club.com/group-buy-product-development-interest-3rdgen-rx-7-269/carbon-fiber-door-sill-applique-1049243/

[speedjunkie]

Good grief! Talk about attention to detail LOL. Looks fantastic, as always!

[RCCAZ 1]

Good grief! Talk about attention to detail LOL. Looks fantastic, as always!

Thanks Speedjunkie. Yea, I'm running out of ideas, so I think the car is pretty close to completion. A few details here and there still that need to be completed, but I need to find a new project soon to occupy my mind (and time). We'll see!

Interesting note on my water tank, I filled it off earlier this month before leaving Phoenix for Sevenstock and the tank lasted until I rolled into the hotel near California Speedway. That's a five hour drive. Now granted, a lot of the trip was cruising (i.e., out of boost), but there were enough "boosted" portions on the freeway to keep a smile on your face :) Good indicator of capacity.

[need RX7]

I love this car. The color is great, the engine bay is great, the thousands of little OCD details are great, and it all adds up to a beautiful package. The stance and wheel fitment are just right, aggressive without looking broken like a dorifto car. Every time I see a picture of it, I reflexively right click->save as without even thinking about it :biggthumpup:.

[RCCAZ 1]

I love this car. The color is great, the engine bay is great, the thousands of little OCD details are great, and it all adds up to a beautiful package. The stance and wheel fitment are just right, aggressive without looking broken like a dorifto car. Every time I see a picture of it, I reflexively right click->save as without even thinking about it :biggthumpup:.

Wow, thanks for that compliment. It's been a 12 year labor of love building on some of the best of designs from this community and adding in my own purpose-built ideas. I've had a great time doing it. May need to look for another project soon to ad to the mix. Right now, garage space is the limiting factor. We'll see!

[RCCAZ 1]

Another new small mod. Added the IRP Master Cylinder brace :)

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/photo13_zps883be8cd.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/photo13_zps883be8cd.jpg.html)

[RCCAZ 1]

A couple of new additions in the past few months. First off, added EGT bungs and probes to my turbo manifold along with interior gauges. Front housing is monitored by the left gauge shown, rear housing by the right gauge. Finally, my fabricated fire extinguisher bracket similar to the Sakebomb design, but wider to accommodate my aftermarket Bride seat rail. Mount design incorporates the DRAKE bottle mount, readily available on Ebay.

Open for operational monitoring

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/IMG_1832_zps8c1fc4bc.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/IMG_1832_zps8c1fc4bc.jpg.html)

Closed and hidden when not in use

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/IMG_1833_zps89e72957.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/IMG_1833_zps89e72957.jpg.html)

Custom bottle mount

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/image11_zpsedc68223.jpeg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/image11_zpsedc68223.jpeg.html)

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/IMG_1771_zps7fb8edb1.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/IMG_1771_zps7fb8edb1.jpg.html)

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/RCCAZ_1/IMG_1770_zps265a15ff.jpg (http://s684.photobucket.com/user/RCCAZ_1/media/IMG_1770_zps265a15ff.jpg.html)