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RX-7 1st Gen Specific (1979-85) RX-7 1979-85 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections |
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#1 |
one Apex @ a time
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Culpeper VA
Posts: 272
Rep Power: 18 ![]() |
cleaning engine bay
any one have tips on cleaning the manifolds? I have some light oxidation on the gsl-se and wanted to clean it up a bit for the car show at DGRR !!! I will post up some pictures later on today.
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#2 |
ORD - Old Rotary Dude
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Pelham, AL
Posts: 319
Rep Power: 18 ![]() |
Kinda depends on what types of tools you have. If you don't have a bunch to choose from, a cordless drill with a wire brush on the end will clean it up nicely. Probably want to use a brass brush since it is a softer metal. Don't forget the safety glasses as shards of the brush will come flying off.
If you have a compressor and an angle grinder, I'd suggest a mandrel with a 3m scotch brite pad. This would make quick work of it. Hope that helps. |
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#3 |
RCC Addict
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: VA
Posts: 1,812
Rep Power: 19 ![]() |
I know you probably want to leave the manifold on - for a quickie job, try the aluminum polish they sell in the small cans at autozone -
Rub hard until it turns black and then wipe the black residue clean... |
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#4 |
RCC Contributor
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 530
Rep Power: 18 ![]() |
I just picked up a couple of small wire brushes for the dremel for $3 each. Doing everything that is aluminum on the engine. The brushes cut right through it and shine it up almost like chrome in a matter of seconds. Nothing to it...
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#5 |
RCC Addict
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: VA
Posts: 1,812
Rep Power: 19 ![]() |
^ But it'll oxidize really quick if you do that, just an FYI - I did that years ago.
I used to polish a lot of parts by hand and its hard to keep them looking good. Sanding with a dremel and 100 grit paper and then again with 600-800 makes a nice surface, than hit it with some jewelers polish and you're set. We ended up just powdercoating most parts though since it lasts longer w/ less maintenance. I'll have to do a write-up at some point w/ pics from my previous parts. |
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#6 |
RCC Contributor
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 530
Rep Power: 18 ![]() |
I wonder if there's a way to preserve the finish once its been polished? I thought about a good coat of wax, but figured it would just cook off. Is there a type of clearcoat that would withstand the temps, and be able to bond directly to metal? Gotta be some way to keep the bling dammit!
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"Learn from the past, or it will become your future...." '85 GS 12a + LSD/Sterling carb/Respeed coilovers/Respeed front swaybar/Respeed adj. rear spring perches/Illuminas/Bilsteins on rear AutoX vids @ http://www.youtube.com/user/Kentetsu1 |
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#7 |
Rotary Fan in Training
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 59
Rep Power: 18 ![]() |
Yea mothers mag polish or eagle one. They leave a waxy coating that preserves the shine for a bit.
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www.pbandjracing.com |
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#8 |
RCC Contributor
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 530
Rep Power: 18 ![]() |
Thanks for the tip Carl, I'll give that a shot and see if it helps. After polishing, the aluminum does develop a dark/dull color after only a day or so.
![]() I'm installing a 2nd gen water pump housing this weekend. I was amazed at the weight difference! That 1st gen housing weighs a ton! I also got a new 1st gen water pump, which looks like it will fit on the new housing, and it is also aluminum (which is cool, and a lot lighter than the original). |
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#9 | |
Big Daddy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 419
Rep Power: 18 ![]() |
Quote:
http://www.por15.com/
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Hell hath no fury like a rotor blown. |
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