My 6 year FC project

WE3RX7 · 12-12-2010, 11:59 PM

A post worth posting finally.

It would seem like I might have a good powerplant for the FC now. Unfortunately, its not the RE I was planning on.

I've actually returned to the original swap plan, and I'm going REW. I have my reasons and both RE and REW have pros and cons. What I'm looking at now though is that this engine might mean I'll have a running car again within the next 12 months, lol.

Pros are - couldn't pass up the deal on the REW block, no issues with sleeving housings (looking at you B

), more support, more parts OTS and ultimately a quicker build. Cons of course being a little less power and response, but hey... REW still makes great HP and leaps and bounds over the 13BT in the earlier cars.

I got the engine from a guy who is going LS in his FD (from the "other" forum), so I feel as I'm balancing things out to the car gods.

The car had only 46k on it in 2006 which "unknown" mileage until now but most likely had around 60-70k on it. The motor was running when pulled from the car but I did have to drive a total of 9 hours to acquire it.

It was filthy, but just a quick spin feels like the engine's healthy. I can only go on what the previous owner stated which was before they pulled it, it was boosting and was "as fast as his evo" so I don't believe the engine to be weak.

Started the tear down process to get it on the stand and came across a little "gem".

If my research proves correct, this was an early reman engine. Most likely in late '93. That being true, this engine "should" have less than 60k or so miles on it and hopefully good/reusable internals.

I haven't torn it down yet, but plan to after xmas.

For now, it sits just like this:

The best part is, if I decide to sell off the stock twins, aftermarket dp, dual oil coolers and other misc parts from the engine I will literally have an almost free REW running engine. Can't beat that!

This is the first time in almost 3 years I've had an engine worthy of putting in the FC.

WE3RX7 · 12-13-2010, 09:39 PM

As a friend just pointed out... the numbers above the RK93 could be a date 9/29/08. So I'm a bit confused and really have no way of confirming. Anybody want to try and shed some light?

Maybe it was remaned in '08 with used '93 housings?

WE3RX7 · 01-06-2011, 09:37 PM

Uhg, wheels wheels wheels.... after talking to B again today my mind got jumpstarted back at looking into the track set of wheels for the FC project. I'm still needing to wrap up the rear suspension and undercoating before I dive into rebuilding the engine, etc but I hope to have the car set around DGRRXI as far as underneath goes. Looks like the summer I'll spend rebuilding the engine, getting the cage in and probably paying off bills, lol

Anybody deal much with CCW for wheels? I'm looking at these right now:

They look like a great wheel company and they offer any size, offset, and multiple color combinations, so thats a win in my book. I've emailed them for specs on the wheels and am just waiting to here back...

Need to get pricing on a panasport C8-17 as well...

2gslse · 01-07-2011, 02:10 AM

Ccw!!!

one320fc · 01-07-2011, 11:42 AM

I hate you.... I love those wheels!!!

diabolical1 · 01-07-2011, 03:44 PM

quite the impressive build you have there. i'm not sure how i missed it. i am particularly impressed with your work on the undercarriage. you have introduced me to a few parts (the tie rod stuff and LCA brace) that interest me for my own project (whenever i get to actually start working on it

). not to mention the amount of time you have waited ... that, in itself, deserves special props. i wish you the best for your project and congrats on your marriage and child. good luck.

WE3RX7 · 01-07-2011, 10:36 PM

Thanks Diabolical1... I will be happier once the car is back on the road. I'm cool with however long it takes though.

The LCA brace from Mazdaspeed may be hard to acquire now, but I'm pretty sure other manufacturers still offer a similar bar. You can also look into finding a convertible subframe, it has the extra brace already built in.

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-07-2011, 10:40 PM

or or OR.... you could weld in a crossmember to mount the REW and then sell the MS bar

I've seen this car in person and the care that went into the floor of the garage is more than some people put into their entire builds. She'll be a beaut when done.

WE3RX7 · 01-08-2011, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

I've seen this car in person and the care that went into the floor of the garage is more than some people put into their entire builds. She'll be a beaut when done.

You actually remember the floor!!?? I swear I thought you were in zombie mode by that time.

Yea, I need to kick my own ass into gear. Maybe I should unload the black FC and just use that to get my wheels, lol... hmmm that means RX8 returns to daily duty

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-08-2011, 12:17 AM

I was

But I put one of those 2 part muscle gloss floors down in my garage I remember the PITA that it was....

And you still need to show me the stash of parts in teh basement too don't forget.

What color did you paint her? IBM from the FD's?

Speaking of wheels.... I gotta call ya tomorrow to talk about your wheels and more importantly... what goes behind them

WE3RX7 · 01-08-2011, 12:29 AM

Yea, give me a ring.. .I'll be painting an FB engine bay so I should be around..

Its hard... wheels are so much $$ but so are what goes behind them!

WE3RX7 · 02-26-2011, 01:55 PM

Ok.. a little update. Now that winter is through and I'm making headway on the RX8 I can turn my attention back into this car. I've made it through the christmas holiday, having a baby and all the taxes so I'm free and clear

I hope to update this thread more frequently in the coming months and things will hopefully move faster now.

I didn't go with the CCW classic for now. Those funds are being held towards, um... "other" parts that go under the fenders

BUT... that being said, I still needed to get some wheels so I can move forward with getting the other parts and get the car on the ground. These wheels will be the track wheel, thus keeping the CCW's in mint shape for photo ops

This has been an all time favorite wheel of mine, even tried getting them for the rx8 a few years ago but they were sold out then.

So here it is. The track setup.

17x9 +20 5Zigen FN01RC Hot in Titanium. Same on all four corners. I'm still debating on tires, but it looks like with the right adjustment a 255 should clear fine up front.

In the rear, a 275.

Here are some shots for you...

Simple, yet sexy:

From inside, as you can see, I've actually got a decent amount of room. I have to cycle the suspension some more, but I should be clear (I'll be stoked to get a 255 up there):

A shot from the top. Again, the suspension is hanging right now, but still, its flush with my wider fenders:

Mmmm... can't wait to get the rest of the car done. Its funny how a simple wheel can excite a man:

As for other updates... The rear end is currently under construction, suspension, gas tank restoration, etc.. that should hopefully be all wrapped up around end of April, then the car goes back on the ground, gets interior attention, then off to the welders for the cage, then home again for a while.

I have started the teardown of the block and will get some pics up shortly (sorry none now, I have a present in the garage I'm trying to keep hidden for a few more weeks but it keeps popping up in my pics). I'll get pics up shortly...

Oh, finally - Brian, you'll hate me, but I'm using the engine adapters for the REW. Talked briefly with Ryan at Shook and he states it will take 500ftlbs tq to deflect .030" at the mount. I'm good with that.... If they brake or ungodly rigid, I'll change it up...

***TitaniumTT*** · 02-26-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote: