"KIMI" - The RPM 1st Gen S2 (with bits of S3...)

[Casey]

Fantastic, about 200miles clocked up to Rotorstock 8 and back, plus Wii66 took her on the sprint track for a shakedown. Hypo tha Seanp also got a chance to give her quick test drives around the private roads.

Throughout, not a single problem. The sealant on the diff housing has sealed the leak; she used a little oil, but nothing unexpected for the mileage and use. No loss of coolant. Temps and oil pressure remained fine throughout.

I wasn\'t sure about her going on the sprint circuit until I completed the journey up and found she drove so well - a real, real pleasure to drive. Handling is far better than I expected and the when that 2nd carb opens she is a real delight, and just wants to go:3gears-lh.

Will66 managed the sprint circuit in 63 seconds, in a car he\'d driven only 4 miles, and knowing I had to drive it home when he\'d finished. Bearing in mind standard RX-8\'s were doing 56-60 seconds, I\'m well chuffed Kimi managed 63 with some "restraint". I\'m uploading some pics to Flickr as I type this - I will place a link here later. In the meantime, this is one of my favourite pics of Will66 and Kimi in action on the sprint circuit.....click on image for larger version.

[Will66]

I like that shot, she\'s a pleasure to drive.  Steering is a bit vague about the straight ahead and has a lot more turns lock to lock than the RX8 but there\'s plenty of feel through the rim, brakes are good and strong and it\'s quite grippy despite the old tyres we had on.  I did lock the fronts when I was trying to suss out the brake pedal feel but only briefly.  
 
It requires a different driving style to the RX8, provided you can get the front turned in on an RX8 you can simply drive around the corner on the throttle with the limited slip rear diff keeping the power on between the wheels and the multi-link rear keeping both wheels on the ground even with the DSC off.  I think because the FB has a live rear axle and an open diff, the same technique results in the inside rear wheel spinning power away.  It seemed to like a silky smooth style far more.
 
Very impressed with the motor though.  I\'ve not been in any other FBs but Kimi was getting to an indicated 60 mph from a standing start before braking for the first corner, my RX8 was getting to an indicated 75 mph before braking.  I\'ve got no basis for comparison but I reckon ours is a good motor. It pulls well from low (for a rotary) revs too.  In the RX8 I was swapping between 1st and 2nd gear on the sprint track and I simply left Kimi in second, initially in deferency to her 28 year old transmission and a desire not to leave Malcom stranded on his drive home, but also because it felt unnecessary to drop into 1st.

[Casey]

I\'m still amazed at how well she drives (engine, gears and handling), and was very impressed with how she looked on the sprint circuit.

OK, here\'s a link to a set of photos of Will66 driving her how she was designed to be driven............

We won\'t be doing this every day, but it seemed a good idea to give her a good workout and see how she performed :mmmm

BTW, a very rough calculation suggests we are getting about 20mpg.

Flickr Pic Link

[mpk490p]

nice photo, good to meet you too

[lennycarloff]

Kimi sure looked good out on the Sprint track ,it just goes to show what lots of time and a strained relationship can get you , hope to see her out more
Jim
:cheers

[johnnyboy]

Hi Guys.
 
With the expierence you have gained on S2/S3 back axles, is there any way I coiuld put S2 hubs on an S3 axle?
 
I have an S2 and I want an LSD, but also want to retain 13" wheels. I have come across a couple of S2 LSD\'s on american Ebay but they are expensive, unknown condition and shipping would be horrifying.
 
Best option appears to be an MX5 Torsen, but that fits an S3 axle...
 
Any suggestions?
 
John

[Will66]

Johnnyboy.  Unfortunately our experience doesn\'t stretch that far.  I\'m pretty certain we\'ve got an S2 Axle of some sort.  We\'re possibly looking into a new one since our axle casing is very rusty and there\'s a possibility of finding an S3 axle easier than an S2, at which point we\'ll possibly be into a similar set of circumstances as you.  An LSD would be good too but that\'s another discussion!

[Casey]

Help! Georgous weather today so planned to take Kimi for a drive before the winter weather set in. She started fine, pushed the clutch pedal down and thought "that\'s a bit light!" Sure enough, tried (gently) to engage reverse to get out of the garage to be met by a noise that clearly showed the clutch hadn\'t disengaged . Checked clutch hydraulic fluid level - fine, and no leaks obviosuly apparent.

Shame, as I was really looking forward to a drive in the sunshine.

Any ideas on the likely cause?

[David Nock (RIP)]

Most likely clutch slave cylinder seals or master cylinder seals Malc.

Test first by trying to see if the slave is extending and pushing the clutch fork, I suspect not.

Second I would put a bleed line on the clutch slave and see if you can get any fluid out of the nipple when the pedal is going down?

If you can get fluid out try and block the pipe into the slave somehow, (clamp flex pipe) to see if you can get pressure as well.

Those tests should show the way. Unlikely to be anything inside the clutch if it parked up OK?

Hope that helps.....Dave

[Casey]

Thanks Dave; yes, she was parked up 3 weeks ago after a ~250 mile excursion with no problems at all. My first thought was a dodgy hydraulic seal somewhere too. I doubt I\'ll get a chance to jack her up to take a look until next weekend now. Thanks for the advice on the diagnostics to perform.

Oh well, I was just getting to the point when I was thinking we should start on some "winter" project work on her. Looks like the list of work has just been extended (it\'s a long list already) :Giggle

[Will66]

Damn, smells like something in the Hydraulics though so shouldn\'t be an impossible fix.

[HypoThermia]

When you get back Malc, check out something called Belsona. (belsona.com) It\'s a fabulous plastic metal. I used it once to repair a cylinder block that was blowing between cylinders. Once set you can actually machine it, saw it, anything that you can do to metal.

Just had a quick peek at that link to belsona.com and got a.... Japanese flute orchestra! I know these cars need some special attention, though that does sound like an interesting way to repair a car :rollin

I think this is the stuff that you\'re after... www.belzona.com/

Fingers crossed for Kimi...

Ian.

[shaunwil]

You can buy rebuild kits for both ends.

Shaun

[Casey]

Most likely clutch slave cylinder seals or master cylinder seals Malc.

Test first by trying to see if the slave is extending and pushing the clutch fork, I suspect not.

Second I would put a bleed line on the clutch slave and see if you can get any fluid out of the nipple when the pedal is going down?

If you can get fluid out try and block the pipe into the slave somehow, (clamp flex pipe) to see if you can get pressure as well.

Those tests should show the way. Unlikely to be anything inside the clutch if it parked up OK?

Hope that helps.....Dave

Thanks Dave; clamped flexible hose and pressure on the master side is fine, so concentrated on the slave side. When the clutch pedal was operated (still VERY light) the fork moved back about 1/2". I\'m guessing that is not enough and merely the free play before the springs on the pressure plate start to operate. Tried to bleed the slave, only to find I couldn\'t. There was so much air getting in from somewhere that I got more air coming out than fluid!. There was evidence of some fluid in the rubber boot, but not a lot. Decided to remove the slave and inspect. The bore, even well inside the cylinder, looks corroded and is rough to the touch, so I\'m guessing new or refurbed slave cylinder needed?

Any advice from anyone on the best place to source a replacement cylinder?

Also noted, when checking pedal adjustment for any problems that the height adjustment bolt is completely missing! Hopefully I\'ll find a suitable bolt and locknut lying around the garage somewhere

[Ian65]

Casey,
I bought 2x master cylinders and 2x slaves last week for £87.00 shipped inc all duties.... so £43.50 for a complete set.....
here\'s the link...

http://www.rx7fb.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=286

don\'t bother trying to rebuild it.... it\'s probably the roughness of the bore that\'s done the seal so a new seal won\'t last long.... bin the slave and stick a new one on.
UK dealers will absolutely sting you for a new master or slave.