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

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

Can't wait to see the finished product!

Any new updates?

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

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...DGRR2012-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...dgrr2012-3.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...4at71203AM.png

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ckOutlines.jpg

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...RX7-FD3S-2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...RX7-FD3S-1.jpg

More update to catch up til NOW.

More pics of my car from DGRR 2012...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...echFD3SRX7.png

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/OmarMBFD.jpg

Me on the Dragon at DGRR 2012

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...enny/Biker.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...iftATL2012.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7...3e48b548_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7...7a41c203_b.jpg


And little update on the project car..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/photo4-3.jpg

Waiting on few things..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/photo4-3.jpg

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

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

Unbelievable car.

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

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

#watingpatientlylikealittleboy


~Shar

Looking good man!

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

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

Thank you!

Anyhow, Now bit more update..

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...MorningFD2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7.../MorningFD.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...wBeautiful.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/DSC_3899.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/ATA_5771.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/ATA_5887.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/DSC_3887.jpg

June 28th, 2012Update..

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/IMAG0237.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/IMAG0242.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7.../Fruitland.jpg

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

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

Here is the first one that I stripped.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...7_2274397_.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...7_2274404_.jpg

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

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

MS air filter in good shape
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...57964813_o.jpg

RE-Amemiya Plug wires in excellent condition
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...88495180_o.jpg

and the RE-Amemiya Steering column pod and boost gauge. I actually contacted RE-A 2-3 years ago about getting this unit but they said they stop production and was not going to make it.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...32287705_o.jpg


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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...G_3002copy.jpg

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

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


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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo23.jpg
RE-Amemiya Carbon Fiber Fender mirrors

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo24.jpg
I had to ditch my last bumper because it was messed up by my old body shop. Luckily a friend in New Orleans helped me and sold me his personal bumper.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo25.jpg
With the carbon RE-Amemiya N1 undersweep on the bumper. This is just a test fit and getting the car ready for the paint and body in a week or so.

More updates coming friday.

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/MSseats1.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...enny/TIAL1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/ENGINE1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...DTIALMPFab.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...nny/Chase1.jpg

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

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

sema

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


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

Here are few more pics of the progress..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo33.jpg

New side panels on rails :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo34.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo30.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo29.jpg

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


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/image-1.jpg

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

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

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

July 23rd, 2012 - Update!

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

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...StanceUSA4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...StanceUSA5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...StanceUSA6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...StanceUSA9.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...StanceUSA8.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...StanceUSA7.jpg

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

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

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

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7.../Powerflex.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...Powerflex2.jpg

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

July 24th, 2012 Update..

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/MPFab01.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/MPFab02.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/MPFab03.jpg


We started to tear it down..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/MPFab04.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/MPFab09.jpg

and

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/MPFab12.jpg

everything out!

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/IMG_3735.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/IMG_3736.jpg

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

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

Here is when it was just built.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...479_631811.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...80_4086416.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...77_6448344.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...76_8283611.jpg

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...nny/photo1.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/photo4-4.jpg

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/DSC_4381.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...y/DSC_4382.jpg

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

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...60338396_o.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...enny/Fritz.jpg


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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...26693891_n.jpg

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

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

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

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

Thanks! LOL!

Aug. 13th, 2012 Update...

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo39.jpg

Then spent couple of hours taping up the engine..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo42.jpg

And here is the finished engine :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7.../photo45-1.jpg


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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo46.jpg

More to come later this week...

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

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

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


anyhow.. more update..

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo50.jpg
Lightened twin disc Exedy Clutch - Front side
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo51.jpg
Back side

I also installed all new plugs
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo53.jpg

repainted the inside of the back.. and clean up counter weight.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo52.jpg

flywheel torqued on.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo54.jpg

Discs in..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo55.jpg

And now, its on :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo56.jpg

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

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

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

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo61.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo62.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo64.jpg

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

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...ny/photo63.jpg


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