thePorkInternet

So i've been dailying my 82 rx-7 for a while now, and i've also been autocrossing it on the weekends.

now that I've been getting a bit quicker around the track, and i've been wanting to take it to the actual road track a couple towns over. (while keeping it as my daily)

So naturally i want some better braking power. i am not super worried about power right now. (mostly since i live in a smog state.)

So i know the go too is usually the FC subframe swap. I would love this mod, but i have some questions:

what are people doing about having mismatched lug patterns?
is there an easy (relatively speaking i suppose) similar conversion for the rear? i would really love to have the fb lug pattern all around, especially if it gets me good brakes all around :P

im not really sure of the cost of this versus fb mods. I desperately need something on my car since my shocks all around are completely shot.

My other option would be technotoytuning (which im currently more inclined to do due to time) But i know im going to want the R&P steering eventually. plus i loose the ability for a good lug pattern from the fc. But then i still have to source a big brake kit (or at least replacement oem brakes)

I guess what im asking is oninions on fc swap versus full fb upgrades?

i do have plans on swapping to a 13b one day too, so i guess that is another plus one for the fc swap

j_tso

iTrader: (2)

Get new shocks first then your seat time will be more enjoyable.

What kind of brakes are you running now?

thePorkInternet

Currently I have bone stock brakes. When I got the car it required a brake and lamp inspection (because insurance deemed it totaled in 2001 long before I even was able to drive)

So I replaced the calipers and pads. (but not the rotors since they looked ok) and the brake booster and master cylinder. (And all the fluid a couple times)

I'm thinking heavily of doing the slotted rotors and some good pads for the front front racing beat, but I can't seem to find anything like that for the rears

j_tso

iTrader: (2)

The fronts do most of the braking anyway. I wouldn't splurge on slotted rotors just yet unless you know you're already getting brake fade, but that's going to happen on regular brake pads so upgrade those first. Hawk HPS is a general favorite for street, autocross, and lower speed tracks.

Do you have rear drums? Porterfield has upgraded brake shoes.

thePorkInternet

I have discs in the rear.
I need new rotors any way, should I just get oem?
My steering also seems pretty sloppy, a good freshen up is definitely in order. Are there any particular parts I should go about upgrading?

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Get the existing brakes, steering and suspension sorted first before deciding on a huge project like an FC subframe swap or the other mods you mention.

For the brakes the HPS pads are ok but they will squeal like a pig in DD mode and dust a lot. I went with some centric ceramics on the front and they have worked great (hard drives in the NC mountains), no fade and very little dusting. The slotted rotors are nice from RB, I'm using them and they do help the fade when I had stock brakes on them for awhile. Also switch to a high temp brake fluid. I use a DOT 4 fluid to control heat induced boiling from braking hard.

Back in the day the stock brakes were more than enough for these cars since they only weigh about a ton. Lots of folks waste a lot of money and time on upgrades when all they really needed was to make the stock OEM stuff work like new and then maintain it.

thePorkInternet

Thanks for all the help guys!

another thing im having a hard time finding is some good aftermarket wheels. This is pretty much purely for looks, i really don't like the stock wheels. I know this has been discussed before, but info all seems pretty old. it looks like 15's are still the go too? i would like a little bit more agro look, but i think ill take what i can get here since good wheels seem few and far between.

Ill fight the urge to just go buy the most expensive and nice looking parts for now :P I can't seem to find many of the stock steering/suspension components online at the usual places. Should i just go down to my local auto parts store and get them all Import Direct?

dankekong

iTrader: (2)

I (along with other Rx7-ers) love the Konig Rewind 15" wheels. They are 7" wide and it seems a 205 width is the go to for tires.

As for the stock steering parts, I would just get them from the local auto store. They have most of the good aftermarket brands. Also, for springs/struts/etc you can look at other threads and find what you're looking for. Of course RB and Mazdatrix have a decent selection.

aeenox

I would save up and get the t3 coilovers and stuff like that. But 1st I would replace all the old bushing and tie rods on the suspension. I just say save up for the coilovers because a couple months ago I installed tokico illumina front struts and rear kyb agx shocks, to me the car still handels like crap (way better than it did before but still sucks). I should have saved my money for the t3 coilover setup instead.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Go to RockAuto for all you steering and suspension stuff. Get all moog everything.

Then go to RB or Mazdatrix and get springs and a bushing kit. Add a good strut/shock set from tokico. Then see how it all feels. Maybe toss in the SS brake lines too.

DreamInRotary

iTrader: (49)

This would be the list I would recommend too, in this order.
1. New front steering components
2. Tighten steering box
3. Polyurethane bushing kit for front and rear, go black graphite-impregnated so they won't squeak as much over time
4. Stainless steel brake lines from Apex Brakes, good guy there
5. New brake pads and rotors all around
6. Lowering springs and struts/shocks

I bought all of my front suspension components from RockAuto and bought all MOOG parts except the adjusting rods between the inner and outer tie rod ends (weren't in stock at the time). They are cheaper than anywhere else and a great company, I order tons of parts through them honestly.

Polyurethane bushing kit comes from Energy Suspension, well-priced kits and what we all use.

Stainless lines from ApexBrakes, he's a super good guy and I love his lines. He has great prices too with many colors available.

Whatever brakes and other suspension components you choose, up to your budget and timing when buying.

Check my build thread in my signature for some pics of redoing the front suspension in an FB, I went into a lot of detail.

Best of luck!

TheRX7Project

iTrader: (3)

FYI you can get a lot of the poly bushings from RockAuto also, and a lot cheaper than RB or Mazdatrix. I got my front swaybar links, Energy Suspension brand, for ~$15.