Mazda Rotary Club

General => New to MRC - introduce yourself => Topic started by: DreadedRx7 on February 27, 2016, 03:17:22 PM

Title: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on February 27, 2016, 03:17:22 PM
Hi, my name is joey. I'm currently living in usa with my wife but we are moving to the uk, Middlesex area in the middle of march.

It has always been a dream of mine to own and build a rotary and it looks like this will finally be my chance.

My car over here is an 85 nissan 300zx that I converted from na to turbo and have done too many mods and repairs (lol)

Anyway, I plan on getting an FC rx7 (s5 hopefull) and my idea is to just build a solid na daily driver that can pass mot and keep emissions compliant all year.

Now for mods I really want to do the full racing beat exhaust kit. The issue is there is no cat converter included, so I'm n wondering what you guys do as far as high flow cats?

Perhaps installing one instead of the presilencer, but I like the fact that the racing beat exhaust keeps the exhaust a pretty true dual.

Perhaps welding a high flow cat into each side? But then I'm thinking I'm going to have to split the air valve that pumps air unto the cats.


.....anyway any help or incites will be very appreciated.

Other mods I'm interested are upgraded springs and shocks all around, aluminum radiator and electronic fans, pulley upgrades and alternator upgrades. Perhaps an intake filter uograde aswell.

And if the engine is needed of rebuild I wanted to do a street port on front rotor and bridge the second.

Thanks for reading!
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: clive on February 27, 2016, 03:57:29 PM
Hi  joey and  :welcome: to MRC

Hope you can find the Gen 2 you want and it sounds like  you may even get one in time to come to one of our events.

It may help to know that over here pre-1991 cars don't need a Cat.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on February 27, 2016, 03:58:29 PM
Welcome mate. ;D

i think you dont need a cat in uk pre 1992 mate. so dont have to worry about that.

which car do you have in mind? post a link?

Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on February 27, 2016, 04:14:12 PM
Ok no cat is good, so what do you guys run to pass mot? It doesn't look like there are any provisions in the racing beat kit to allow any air to be injected into the exhaust?

And I'm guessing then that you are able to put the right gasses out of the exhaust to pass the testing.

You mention cats aren't needed pre 1991.... but I kind of want one high flow cat because I want it to run clean.


Also my wife wants me to wait until I get my uk driving license ( about 1 year after we move) to get my rx7, as like a present so to speak.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on February 27, 2016, 04:19:35 PM
Not sure on the legalities but i think cats became mandatory circa 91 92 so where tested with a cat limit pre that is a no cat test. So airpump can be disconnected electrically. But if you want to fit 1 there is nothing stopping you it just wont be tested for it.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on February 27, 2016, 04:21:12 PM
Due to the fact rotaries eat cats its common for people to put the cat on for test and remove after.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on February 27, 2016, 04:26:42 PM
From what I understand about these cars, premix 2 stroke oil in the fuel tank is a good idea,  but obviously not fir mot test day. Lol.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on February 27, 2016, 04:34:14 PM
Never really thought about that....ive had rx8s with premix in the tank pass cat test just making the cat work even harder!
Is your heart set on an fc? Rx8s are very cheap here in uk helluva lot of car for little money
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on February 27, 2016, 04:45:38 PM
I'll admit, I'm pretty set on an fc, or even fb gsl-se

I like the simplicity of pre obd2 cars, and just the look of them.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on February 27, 2016, 06:53:26 PM
So I had some clarifications and it seems that pre 1993 doesn't need to pass exhaust emissions. So I'm free to run the full racing beat system. I'm going to end up installing a wideband o2 in it so that I can adjust what I need to in hopes of keeping a 14.7 afr at idle and  cruise rpms.

I forgot to mention in mods I also want to do a high flow oil cooler and projector /hid headlight conversion, alternator upgrade if neccesary, radio head unit and subwoofers.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on February 27, 2016, 07:03:46 PM
Thanks for clarifyling that mines a 92 k and mot guy said no cat test i didnt argue !
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on February 28, 2016, 12:00:10 AM
Can anyone clarify optimum ignition timing for na application? I've read that these cars run rich so I'd imagine that means I can push timing advance a little farther.

In the world of z31, the vg30e reacts in a great way with a few degree increase in spark timing advance 
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on February 28, 2016, 09:58:00 PM
So it looks like leaving base ignition timing alone is the best idea.  I plan to eventually get the rtek7 v 2 upgrade. Specifically for the disabling of was and mod. I plan to run premix so disabling the oil metering pump didn't sound like a bad idea, and full racing beat exhaust deletes the cat so disabling aw will be great. Also to have the ability to tune fuel and timing will be nice. Haven't decided if I want to learn how to tune it myself or to pay a professional.  I know I want it to run stoichiometric at idle and cruising, while having enough fuel and timing under load to make the most of my mods and not hurt anything.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 04, 2016, 05:31:17 AM
If anyone is interested to see my z31, here is a link to my for sale ad.
http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/5475085020.html
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: C J R on March 04, 2016, 09:05:06 AM
Cool looking retro car. Welcome to MRC. Keep checking the Events section and come along to some shows when you move over to UK. You'll find we're a friendly bunch and happy to talk Rotary all day.  :D
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on March 04, 2016, 09:27:47 AM
Yeah coolas..quite rare over here alot have sucuumbed to the dreaded rust! Happened to silvia s12. Paint and crud holding it together!
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 05, 2016, 04:46:07 AM
I'm deleting the post for sale.  My friend has committed to buy the car. Here is the description and I'll host the images and post later

Cold ac, new rack, performance springs and struts, new clutch installed. No fluid leaks at all.. cruise power windows and locks, power antenna. Voice warning, all the bells and whistles 

Any questions or concerns ask please

Need sold asap. Moving to england in 2 weeks.

I've taken good care of the car. I simply can't afford to fix it as it is before making the move.

Car comes with new in the box racing struts for the rear, poly rear spring seats and trans damper bushings, and extra front spring seats.

Has brand new tires all around and all new front brake pads, rotors, calipers.


Mods include but are not limited to
Suspension techniques lowering springs 
Tokico hp blue struts front and rear 
Rebuilt garrett t3 turbo running factory boost with reciept for rebuild (coolant cooled turbo )
Cm 3" downpipe
Custom 2.5" header back mandrel bent exhaust with n1 style 4.5" tip muffler
Intake plenum phenolic spacer
Intake manifold block off plates
Gates racing timing belt
Prw2 ignition module upgrade
Fuel pump relay for full power
87t 5 speed ecu
Wiring modified for titania o2 sensor (which is installed)
Autometer boost gauge 
poly trans and engine mounts 
poly steering rack bushings, 
Poly front spring seats.
kicker replacement speakers in all spots, head unit with USB charger and aux input, switch installed to put power antenna up and down.
Repaired any bad sections of engine wiring harness.
Custom 2.5" aluminum turbo charge pipe.
Window tint
Louvers 
Smoked 50/50 tail lights 
Switchback led turn signals
Headlight louvers 
Sleepy eye mod for flip up headlights


Maintenance includes new head gaskets, oil seals all around, water pump, crank gear, fuel pressure regulator, coolant temp sensor,

Needs transmission rebuild or transmission swap. (71c transmission ) Also needs minor rust repair and new windshield.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 11, 2016, 01:42:09 AM
So the car sold to my friend and I deleted the for sale post. I'm leaving the pictures here for reference and so I can remember all that I did.  I like to think it will inspire me to build my rx7 right.  (http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131324_zpsoqrry8ot.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131340_zpsgkkfgkx0.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131352_zpsuzieejrx.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131408_zpswbaclvdj.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131433_zps7cmke0us.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131453_zpsttdsqouc.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131544_zpsbcfqkx4q.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131653_zpswsiictfo.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131803_zpsgaetff3e.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131922_zpsivh2gymw.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131939_zpskypxkokd.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131949_zpsv8eskqtk.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_132043_zps6jt2kp8c.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_132102_zpswcll7q6u.jpg)
(http://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p735/lesJoeypaul/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160229_131641_zpsiunzfob8.jpg)
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 16, 2016, 12:06:00 PM
Quote from: boosted on March 04, 2016, 09:27:47 AM
Yeah coolas..quite rare over here alot have sucuumbed to the dreaded rust! Happened to silvia s12. Paint and crud holding it together!
Going to respond on my own thread, as to not clutter someone elses.

I was digging around last night and found one I think an 06 with something like 64k miles, that had just been rebuilt and street ported and had goopy seals, etc. Had a 12 month warranty on rebuild and the shop was only asking around £3000

That sounds like a heck of a deal! Considering I'll pay way more for an s5 rx7 in similar condition ( perhaps double)

Also looks like there is an abundance of aftermarket parts for the 8.

As for echaust, rb header, high flow cat pipe, amd rb dual exhaust outlet looks great for me. And upgrading radiator and intake filter kit.

I'm assuming the 8 has an electric fan?

If I do go this route,  I'll definitely still premix, probably 5 oz a full up, is the fuel tank a 15 gallon tank like the fc?

Thank you for all the help.

Also it'll be a daily that can get my 1 year old around,  and my wife is a gear headlight anyway so she'd love driving it.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on March 16, 2016, 12:20:27 PM
The 8 is a fully modern car twin electric fans, electric seats ac, sat nav, leather TC the lot. the achilles heals is the coils must have new gen C coils or aftermarket upgrades. Buy from a fellow gear head and you cant go wrong....there are some dogs out there however. The pz special edition is also i nice example modified from new by Prodrive the rally whizzes.  :))
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 16, 2016, 05:43:35 PM
Quote from: boosted on March 16, 2016, 12:20:27 PM
The 8 is a fully modern car twin electric fans, electric seats ac, sat nav, leather TC the lot. the achilles heals is the coils must have new gen C coils or aftermarket upgrades. Buy from a fellow gear head and you cant go wrong....there are some dogs out there however. The pz special edition is also i nice example modified from new by Prodrive the rally whizzes.  :))

Def liking the idea of it. Any opinion on how reliable the bridge port is on the renesis?  I heard not to bother on hr rx7 because the bridge will break on the long run. If that's the case I'll just stick with a heavy street port. I want this engine to last a long time, and if bridging it sacrifices the reliability, then I really don't want to do go thst way
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on March 16, 2016, 05:54:25 PM
The bridge option is fairly new and i think im the only 1 so far who has blown up ha ha!   But in fairness in was in a 560kg Westfield on slicks and oil starvation got it plus i stuck in in the  tyre barriers at about 60mph.
I there are a fair few rebuilders out there now offering the Bridge all with excellent warrantys. Haywards is 2.5 ys or 30k. And Rotary Revs are extendable year on year. Prob best to speak to 1 of the rebuilders.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on March 16, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
this is a bridged engine in my westy....shes getting ready for Phase 2!  ???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo28klUXd6k
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 16, 2016, 07:53:07 PM
Excellent.  I def have an idea on the direction I want to go with this. Thank you for all your input. My wife and I fly out tonight and are landing in London tomorrow morning. Looking forward to attending meets.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 20, 2016, 08:44:17 PM
Have arrived safely in the uk, currently in Hayes area, will be in high Wycombe for the next few days as well.  Would love to meet up and chat with anyone in the area.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on March 21, 2016, 09:48:44 AM
Welcome to the UK!

Theres a big show at Silverstone race circuit on the 24th April mate...Japfest ! Not just rotarys all the jap marques!. Defo a show to go to! but all modesl of Rotarys will be there and will give you the chance to see them all together and make your mind up which 1 you want.
really worth attending lots to see and do!

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj23N7rv9HLAhUIqA4KHTpTAHYQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.japfest.co.uk%2F&usg=AFQjCNGy-MthvA41Np1N_YeOMBoua9uAzw&sig2=f6XYGXji8q0OTkF7TR7uCw&bvm=bv.117218890,d.ZWU
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on March 21, 2016, 04:18:31 PM
Yes we are def going to jap fest. Are there any local meets or groups on facebook?

And I'm quite decided on a Gen 1 rx8. The space and power to £ ratio sounds almost too good to be true. I won't be getting it until I can secure my visa, but it's something to work towards.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on April 04, 2016, 05:08:07 PM
Any suggestions for bolt on turbo kits? Just wanna see what's tried and tested in the rx8 community. I've seen several different kits offered online with prices ranging from $4000 to $7000.
I would definitely like to keep the car able to pass mot ( will it with a turbo kit?) - I assume it should still pass as long as the factory emissions control are intact and it actually passes the gas analyzer.

Things I'm looking for with a kit are ability to run low and high boost settings. Able to be driven daily, with a goal of close to 500 whp.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on April 04, 2016, 05:13:30 PM
Essex Rotary have a rx8 turbo....Astons personal car i believe and Clive on here RX8 is turbo'd...ill wait til Clive comes along here, he will steer you in the right direction....its a route with many twists and turns however....
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on April 04, 2016, 05:36:39 PM
Quote from: boosted on April 04, 2016, 05:13:30 PM
Essex Rotary have a rx8 turbo....Astons personal car i believe and Clive on here RX8 is turbo'd...ill wait til Clive comes along here, he will steer you in the right direction....its a route with many twists and turns however....

Cheers. Is there a better section in the forum to post this on?
And I'm familiar with what comes with turbo cars haha. But yeah I figure iif I'm spending so much in a kit, it should work properly.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on April 04, 2016, 05:40:36 PM
Heres fine me thinks...have a read of Clives rx8 racecar thread lots of info in there....alot of the conversions go back to cable throttle so you lose the traction and stability control and due to the exhaust ports being side mounted and pretty much ported out to max this is a known weak area.
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: clive on April 04, 2016, 08:28:26 PM
Things have moved on in the land of RX-8's but as with any search for power it comes with a cost ;).

The RX-8 with Goopy Apex seals would be a good start as these are ideal for taking a Turbo on board.

With the right like this one on the link and an Adaptronic to tune it properly something approaching 400 is now achievable and the car still drives like an NA RX-8-------no lag  8)

http://www.racingbeateurope.com/brx8--borg-warner-twin-scroll-turbo---b-932-p.asp
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on April 05, 2016, 10:09:00 AM
Quote from: clive on April 04, 2016, 08:28:26 PM
Things have moved on in the land of RX-8's but as with any search for power it comes with a cost ;).

The RX-8 with Goopy Apex seals would be a good start as these are ideal for taking a Turbo on board.

With the right like this one on the link and an Adaptronic to tune it properly something approaching 400 is now achievable and the car still drives like an NA RX-8-------no lag  8)

http://www.racingbeateurope.com/brx8--borg-warner-twin-scroll-turbo---b-932-p.asp

It appears the kit from greddy is NLA through greddy but I did come across another vendor selling a greddy kit for £4000. Does sound like a good deal and I'd prefer the low mount kit to the top mount.

Can anybody verify if I'll have trouble with mot at all with a turbo converted 8? I'm assuming that I'll have to Register then conversion with dvla.
I will be doing supporting mods first like radiator uograde,  and should need rebuild I'll use goopy seals ( although I heard they don't hold up well above 8500 rpm? That's what I was told when digging around for fc rx7 info)
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on May 24, 2016, 11:44:33 AM
After much thought and consideration,  I've changed direction.  I'm now planning on getting an fb. Perhaps 83 or later. I want to keep it carburated and run the 12a until it dies. Mods I plan on are just racing beat full exhaust and maybe racing beat induction. And perhaps slightly modding the stock carb. Ignition and suspension upgrades and just enjoy it. I will run premix.
After I kill the 12a I will throw in a 13b with weber 48 down draft carbs and rb manifold.  Then once that goes I will have it rebuilt with a full bridge and goopy seals. Might upgrade to weber 52 at that point. It's a long term goal to end with the bridged carb 13b.

I'll likely throw an s5 13b into it (of course depends what is available. I want the higher compression lighter rotors)
Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: boosted on May 24, 2016, 01:36:07 PM
It really boils down to what you want the car for....
Daily
Show
Track
Or a bit of all 3.
Fb nice i want 1 but saving that for when im older else i wreck it with spoilers n go faster track bits...

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: soon to be fc owner
Post by: DreadedRx7 on May 24, 2016, 03:21:39 PM
Quote from: boosted on May 24, 2016, 01:36:07 PM
It really boils down to what you want the car for....
Daily
Show
Track
Or a bit of all 3.
Fb nice i want 1 but saving that for when im older else i wreck it with spoilers n go faster track bits...

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

It will be a daily. .. That will see an occasional show and 1/4 mile.
I want it to be clean and original looking with rear louvers and a slight drop.