What did you do to your FB today?
10-26-12, 02:37 PM
#1626
Rotary Squid
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: boise
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well after acquiring this fb from a kid who when i asked him how is fb drove replied, "whats an fb i have a mazda." he also said he and his grandpa replaced plug wires and plugs and alt and all kinds of stuff so i knew something was up. the car drove ok but stumbled a lot especially at low rpm, it seemed mildly decent at upper rpm.
so i get it home and check out the ignition setup. msd box and 3 coils but one stock coil is not in use. all plug wires are coming off the dist at this point. so after lots of reading and investigating i find that he had run the spark plug wires not only to the wrong plugs but also to the wrong housings! it was ultra backwards and i have no idea how it ran like this and im sure damage was done already due to his and my own ignorance on rotary ignitions. so i decide to go back and hook up the coils to the plugs in a std msd direct fire setup and fix the trailing so its at stock spec and see what happens.
all i can say is WOW! the car used to die at idle when choke would release and sometimes at intersections, the tach was off and it had no power below 2500rpm. now it has soooo much more power down low, more power to 7k, never dies, starts way better in the mid 30* temperatures we've been having and is now a rocket ship when accelerating out of turns. i couldnt be more pleased at how large the improvement was... it doesn't misfire or have any flat spots, power band and throttle response is almost comparable to fuel injection. although this scares me because i cant stand to think what damage was being done to the engine with the previous ignition setup.
so today i acquired a relay and wired in the electric fan correctly, which the PO had wired directly to hot wire off the ignition.
now i need to get a thermostat and do a coolant flush. she just wont warm up at all in these temps even around town, I'm guessing the car doesn't have a thermostat in it or its stuck open. the temp gauge moves a tiny bit, only to the very bottom notch and won't go any higher.
all in all, i love this car. Its a rewarding experience every drive.
so i get it home and check out the ignition setup. msd box and 3 coils but one stock coil is not in use. all plug wires are coming off the dist at this point. so after lots of reading and investigating i find that he had run the spark plug wires not only to the wrong plugs but also to the wrong housings! it was ultra backwards and i have no idea how it ran like this and im sure damage was done already due to his and my own ignorance on rotary ignitions. so i decide to go back and hook up the coils to the plugs in a std msd direct fire setup and fix the trailing so its at stock spec and see what happens.
all i can say is WOW! the car used to die at idle when choke would release and sometimes at intersections, the tach was off and it had no power below 2500rpm. now it has soooo much more power down low, more power to 7k, never dies, starts way better in the mid 30* temperatures we've been having and is now a rocket ship when accelerating out of turns. i couldnt be more pleased at how large the improvement was... it doesn't misfire or have any flat spots, power band and throttle response is almost comparable to fuel injection. although this scares me because i cant stand to think what damage was being done to the engine with the previous ignition setup.
so today i acquired a relay and wired in the electric fan correctly, which the PO had wired directly to hot wire off the ignition.
now i need to get a thermostat and do a coolant flush. she just wont warm up at all in these temps even around town, I'm guessing the car doesn't have a thermostat in it or its stuck open. the temp gauge moves a tiny bit, only to the very bottom notch and won't go any higher.
all in all, i love this car. Its a rewarding experience every drive.
Last edited by chrisfc; 10-26-12 at 02:41 PM.
10-27-12, 12:32 AM
#1627
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Join Date: Aug 2012
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We put a new clutch in the red one, put one of the "new" spare transmissions in, swapped the good wheels and tires from the white one onto it, stripped more interior, and prepped little stuff for autox in the morning..... Oh wait you were supposed to register on Friday. Well we won't be racing it but it sure ran good and was a lot of fun around the shop.
Gave mine a wax.
10-28-12, 12:31 PM
#1630
I replaced my motor mounts on the EV RX-7. I had thought I had broken the left one but that turned out to not be the case. But it was good to change them anyway. It looks like they had been changed once before with non OEM mounts. I put the correct OEM mounts back in. The ones that were in the car were rock hard and the new ones are quite compliant.
Also have been replacing the bulbs with LED's and I had what I thought were the correct bulbs for the License Plate but they were not. The ones I had obtained were 89LL compatible and the one I took out is about 1/4 the size. That bulb is labeled only Stanley 12V 6W. So does anyone know what this bulb designation really is? The owners manual doesn't say. The lookups online say it should be an 89LL but that is not true on my 85 GSL or 85 GSL-SE.
All was not lost because the bulbs I got turned out to be a great fit for the backup lights. They are a slightly brighter cool white light. Original 1156 bulbs pull 2.1 amps each and the LED replacements pull 0.039 amps. An additional 50 watts for your car stereo to use when backing up <grin>.
Also have been replacing the bulbs with LED's and I had what I thought were the correct bulbs for the License Plate but they were not. The ones I had obtained were 89LL compatible and the one I took out is about 1/4 the size. That bulb is labeled only Stanley 12V 6W. So does anyone know what this bulb designation really is? The owners manual doesn't say. The lookups online say it should be an 89LL but that is not true on my 85 GSL or 85 GSL-SE.
All was not lost because the bulbs I got turned out to be a great fit for the backup lights. They are a slightly brighter cool white light. Original 1156 bulbs pull 2.1 amps each and the LED replacements pull 0.039 amps. An additional 50 watts for your car stereo to use when backing up <grin>.
10-30-12, 02:06 PM
#1635
Identified my clutch leak to the master cylinder and at least part of it is inside the passenger compartment. I figured I would be able to smell it. DOT 3 has a distinctive odor. But the previous owner smoked and I cant smell it over that.
Time to order a master cylinder.
Time to order a master cylinder.
10-30-12, 06:25 PM
#1636
Identified my clutch leak to the master cylinder and at least part of it is inside the passenger compartment. I figured I would be able to smell it. DOT 3 has a distinctive odor. But the previous owner smoked and I cant smell it over that.
Time to order a master cylinder.
Time to order a master cylinder.
I love my parts guy... in stock $60 out the door
10-30-12, 07:05 PM
#1638
Old [Sch|F]ool
The nice thing about a 60+lb skidplate is that I just plow right over downed branches in the road without slowing down
Ha ha, tree chunks! You won't get my oil cooler this time! *WHAM* Sayonara, sucker!
Ha ha, tree chunks! You won't get my oil cooler this time! *WHAM* Sayonara, sucker!
10-31-12, 09:37 AM
#1640
死*神*
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Delaware
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car was under water last I heard (yesterday). Today is payday and the day I was sposd to take it through inspection. I'll go see it today as soon as my check arrives here at work. If it is still driveable, Ill run it through inspection real quick so i will be allowed to park it at home (where it woulda been safe from sandy, so **** you neighbors).
Ill post more later.
Ill post more later.
10-31-12, 09:43 AM
#1641
car was under water last I heard (yesterday). Today is payday and the day I was sposd to take it through inspection. I'll go see it today as soon as my check arrives here at work. If it is still driveable, Ill run it through inspection real quick so i will be allowed to park it at home (where it woulda been safe from sandy, so **** you neighbors).
Ill post more later.
Ill post more later.
I took mine out for its second to last drive of the year. Sad, sad trip. But it will all be ok coming out of storage in a few short months with a few necessary upgrades
10-31-12, 10:52 AM
#1642
死*神*
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Delaware
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thanks! just got paid, so I am leaving work (thanks to a ride lol) going to survey the damage. she should be alright, my son said the water line was near the bottom of the door. Im hoping it means below the floor pan but we will see. if it got into the floor then my ECU is probably toast, but its all irrelevant till I get to see her. Like I said, if she starts then Ill take her through the inspection lane. once I got blue and gold on her *** end then I can finish teh damn thing without random fines and fees associated with neighbors calling the cops every day for it being untagged
10-31-12, 01:32 PM
#1643
Rotary Squid
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: boise
Posts: 40
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^^^ hopefully the electronics are ok, I'd hold the neighbors solely responsible for all water damage!
Did a little routine fuel filter replacement today. I was getting a bit of fuel cut at wot in 3rd around 75mph, can't be having that... The fuel that came out of the old filter was brown and gross. Guess for now I have to keep the tank above 1/8th or the filter is gonna get some debris to work with.
Gonna go take her out for a nice drive in the twisties
Did a little routine fuel filter replacement today. I was getting a bit of fuel cut at wot in 3rd around 75mph, can't be having that... The fuel that came out of the old filter was brown and gross. Guess for now I have to keep the tank above 1/8th or the filter is gonna get some debris to work with.
Gonna go take her out for a nice drive in the twisties
10-31-12, 08:33 PM
#1645
死*神*
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Delaware
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no issues with the water. I seen the line on the wheels but it never hit the bottom of the car except my torquearm and some exhaust.
so the drama happened after I got to the DMV. I waited for 90 minutes and had to shut down every time we moved so it wouldnt overheat. Anyhway, since I was next in line I left the motor running. then as he waves me into the inspection bay I smell something electrical and look down to a small fire on my center console. so I shut the car down against the guys wishes. thenhe said well I guess you failed the tailpipe test. I said yeah Im not starting it again till I leave. so he says lets try your lights and nothing.,all the wires in the center console are toasted.
Anway, I found the source of that fire and fixed all the wires and connectors so it wont happen again once I got home.
So looks the vin onthe car and says, "this is an illegal vin" of course my loud mouth tried to explain why the vin is wrong according to their computer. he says no,the vin is wrong becuase the car is stolen,which it is not and I know that for a fact. Then they site me for not having a catalytic convertor. I then explain to him the car never came with one. his response was "yes it did, i been doing this when you werent born yet, it even says so in the computer" I simply tell him his computer is wrong because my RX7 came with a thermal reactor. he also states that every american car after 1975 has cats, well this isnt even an american car.
then after all that he says well it doesnt matter because you have performed and illegal after market engine swap.Uh,NO MR IDIOT! DE Law states that the engine swap laws do not exist prior to 1980 hence the reason I bought this damn SA22C.
So I was assigned a date with the county sheriff at the DMV bright and early tomorrow morning. they are going to discuss whether or not my car is illegal or not. I mean really it blows cleaner than the 12a ever dreamed of so whats the ******* problem. even his partner was like"dude,let it go man,look a tit this took a ton of work to do"
He also got me for not having a carboncanistor installed. oops, I nevergot around tothat part. sotruely my bad.
so the bad news if the sheriff says its a clean car than I can get a 15 day pass, but will require a 12a swap to pass. and on top of that the T-tag wont keep the county away from trying to scrap the car.
Im just gonna sell it. open to offers guys.
so the drama happened after I got to the DMV. I waited for 90 minutes and had to shut down every time we moved so it wouldnt overheat. Anyhway, since I was next in line I left the motor running. then as he waves me into the inspection bay I smell something electrical and look down to a small fire on my center console. so I shut the car down against the guys wishes. thenhe said well I guess you failed the tailpipe test. I said yeah Im not starting it again till I leave. so he says lets try your lights and nothing.,all the wires in the center console are toasted.
Anway, I found the source of that fire and fixed all the wires and connectors so it wont happen again once I got home.
So looks the vin onthe car and says, "this is an illegal vin" of course my loud mouth tried to explain why the vin is wrong according to their computer. he says no,the vin is wrong becuase the car is stolen,which it is not and I know that for a fact. Then they site me for not having a catalytic convertor. I then explain to him the car never came with one. his response was "yes it did, i been doing this when you werent born yet, it even says so in the computer" I simply tell him his computer is wrong because my RX7 came with a thermal reactor. he also states that every american car after 1975 has cats, well this isnt even an american car.
then after all that he says well it doesnt matter because you have performed and illegal after market engine swap.Uh,NO MR IDIOT! DE Law states that the engine swap laws do not exist prior to 1980 hence the reason I bought this damn SA22C.
So I was assigned a date with the county sheriff at the DMV bright and early tomorrow morning. they are going to discuss whether or not my car is illegal or not. I mean really it blows cleaner than the 12a ever dreamed of so whats the ******* problem. even his partner was like"dude,let it go man,look a tit this took a ton of work to do"
He also got me for not having a carboncanistor installed. oops, I nevergot around tothat part. sotruely my bad.
so the bad news if the sheriff says its a clean car than I can get a 15 day pass, but will require a 12a swap to pass. and on top of that the T-tag wont keep the county away from trying to scrap the car.
Im just gonna sell it. open to offers guys.
10-31-12, 09:31 PM
#1646
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 73
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Installed the energy suspension sway bar end links from racingbeat. Big improvement, considering that before they werent hooked up. Tommorow change some gaskets and fine tune.
10-31-12, 09:37 PM
#1647
no issues with the water. I seen the line on the wheels but it never hit the bottom of the car except my torquearm and some exhaust.
so the drama happened after I got to the DMV. I waited for 90 minutes and had to shut down every time we moved so it wouldnt overheat. Anyhway, since I was next in line I left the motor running. then as he waves me into the inspection bay I smell something electrical and look down to a small fire on my center console. so I shut the car down against the guys wishes. thenhe said well I guess you failed the tailpipe test. I said yeah Im not starting it again till I leave. so he says lets try your lights and nothing.,all the wires in the center console are toasted.
Anway, I found the source of that fire and fixed all the wires and connectors so it wont happen again once I got home.
So looks the vin onthe car and says, "this is an illegal vin" of course my loud mouth tried to explain why the vin is wrong according to their computer. he says no,the vin is wrong becuase the car is stolen,which it is not and I know that for a fact. Then they site me for not having a catalytic convertor. I then explain to him the car never came with one. his response was "yes it did, i been doing this when you werent born yet, it even says so in the computer" I simply tell him his computer is wrong because my RX7 came with a thermal reactor. he also states that every american car after 1975 has cats, well this isnt even an american car.
then after all that he says well it doesnt matter because you have performed and illegal after market engine swap.Uh,NO MR IDIOT! DE Law states that the engine swap laws do not exist prior to 1980 hence the reason I bought this damn SA22C.
So I was assigned a date with the county sheriff at the DMV bright and early tomorrow morning. they are going to discuss whether or not my car is illegal or not. I mean really it blows cleaner than the 12a ever dreamed of so whats the ******* problem. even his partner was like"dude,let it go man,look a tit this took a ton of work to do"
He also got me for not having a carboncanistor installed. oops, I nevergot around tothat part. sotruely my bad.
so the bad news if the sheriff says its a clean car than I can get a 15 day pass, but will require a 12a swap to pass. and on top of that the T-tag wont keep the county away from trying to scrap the car.
Im just gonna sell it. open to offers guys.
so the drama happened after I got to the DMV. I waited for 90 minutes and had to shut down every time we moved so it wouldnt overheat. Anyhway, since I was next in line I left the motor running. then as he waves me into the inspection bay I smell something electrical and look down to a small fire on my center console. so I shut the car down against the guys wishes. thenhe said well I guess you failed the tailpipe test. I said yeah Im not starting it again till I leave. so he says lets try your lights and nothing.,all the wires in the center console are toasted.
Anway, I found the source of that fire and fixed all the wires and connectors so it wont happen again once I got home.
So looks the vin onthe car and says, "this is an illegal vin" of course my loud mouth tried to explain why the vin is wrong according to their computer. he says no,the vin is wrong becuase the car is stolen,which it is not and I know that for a fact. Then they site me for not having a catalytic convertor. I then explain to him the car never came with one. his response was "yes it did, i been doing this when you werent born yet, it even says so in the computer" I simply tell him his computer is wrong because my RX7 came with a thermal reactor. he also states that every american car after 1975 has cats, well this isnt even an american car.
then after all that he says well it doesnt matter because you have performed and illegal after market engine swap.Uh,NO MR IDIOT! DE Law states that the engine swap laws do not exist prior to 1980 hence the reason I bought this damn SA22C.
So I was assigned a date with the county sheriff at the DMV bright and early tomorrow morning. they are going to discuss whether or not my car is illegal or not. I mean really it blows cleaner than the 12a ever dreamed of so whats the ******* problem. even his partner was like"dude,let it go man,look a tit this took a ton of work to do"
He also got me for not having a carboncanistor installed. oops, I nevergot around tothat part. sotruely my bad.
so the bad news if the sheriff says its a clean car than I can get a 15 day pass, but will require a 12a swap to pass. and on top of that the T-tag wont keep the county away from trying to scrap the car.
Im just gonna sell it. open to offers guys.
this is one of the worst things I have ever heard.You're too far away :'(
10-31-12, 09:47 PM
#1648
Racing is life.
Went over the car again.
Bled brakes.
Found issue with master/booster/somewhere.
Threw stuff and cussed a lot.
Ordered parts.
Removed master cylinder and capped off booster.
Bled brakes.
Found issue with master/booster/somewhere.
Threw stuff and cussed a lot.
Ordered parts.
Removed master cylinder and capped off booster.
10-31-12, 10:02 PM
#1649
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: New Orleans, La
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Does the pedal go all the way down and still not stop the car? If so itd be either the brake booster or the vacuum line from the brake booster.
11-01-12, 12:12 AM
#1650
死*神*
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Delaware
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ok, got the electricdal situation completed. I now have a legitimate light switch so that wont blow bulbs no mo. I found out it was the head light switch combo setup I was using that melted into fire. so, that had to go. Still need to figure out the horn on wheel thing so I will simply weld bar stock over the outer case of the steering shaft. it'll have a hole in it with a floating copper piece simlar to the original except all will be steel and welded instead of plastic. This also
I also came up with a plan to fix the other two issues the addressed. I will rig up a charcoal canster setup so they will be happy, and in reality it is a good thing I just wasnt aware that it was needed or important till I read up on it. (small things you forget when building from scratch). I am also going to have an exhaust shop weld in some high flow cats. they should help quiet the car some and maybe even make it mild on the streets.
All this just pushed back my goal of getting a heater installed in this thing. honestly Im hoping the sheriff just gives me a get it fixed notice so I can have the timeto do it. my neighbors will be pissed when they see the paper in the window saying its allowed in my driveway (dicks)
I also came up with a plan to fix the other two issues the addressed. I will rig up a charcoal canster setup so they will be happy, and in reality it is a good thing I just wasnt aware that it was needed or important till I read up on it. (small things you forget when building from scratch). I am also going to have an exhaust shop weld in some high flow cats. they should help quiet the car some and maybe even make it mild on the streets.
All this just pushed back my goal of getting a heater installed in this thing. honestly Im hoping the sheriff just gives me a get it fixed notice so I can have the timeto do it. my neighbors will be pissed when they see the paper in the window saying its allowed in my driveway (dicks)