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tuscanidream's fc3s build: rotary-works v-mount kit review

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Old 11-10-10 | 05:10 PM
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RI tuscanidream's fc3s build: rotary-works v-mount kit review

Well, I couldn't decide on a FMIC because they all had their flaws in my eyes (thread). So I said, "**** it. V-mount or nothing!" I can now sleep easy knowing that everything will be exactly how I want when finished. I recently purchased my S4 T2. This will be my first mod. It is not a daily driver. I have all winter to tinker and build me a reliable car for summer. Install will be postponed until a few other parts arrive.

I figured I would write a review on the v-mount and let you guys follow my installation.

Initial review (pre-installation)
Rotary Works Intercooler and Radiator V-Mount kit for RX7 FC

Ordering and support
The website lacks proper photos and description. I had no real idea of what I was receiving. I created a user account because I planned on making multiple orders with rotary-works. However, logging in at checkout fails and you must enter all your user information anyways.

I sent an email to support asking if I could get different color couplers with the kit, and what oil cooler they recommend if not included in the kit (Optional, not included). A week went buy without a response so I just ordered the kit anyways. Another week later when the product is almost here, I receive an email only partially answering my questions. Poor email support. I have yet to try telephone support.

Shipment
I received an automated confirmation upon purchase. I have placed two orders with them so far and each was shipped early in the morning the next or same day. (we are on different time zones). I just wish that the shipping prices were shown before the checkout process.

When the kit arrived, it was extremely well packaged. Packaging is very important. No one wants damaged goods. A+ guys. I wish I didn't have to sign for one of the packages. Thank god I didn't miss the fedex guy!

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Contents
Everything seems to be of high quality, besides the BOV. I think it is a counterfeit Greddy Type-S. Some people have said that they are the same besides the diaphragm (being of less quality) and others have said it to be identical of Greddy. I have no idea. Quality welds, quality couplers, and t-clamps.

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Last edited by tuscanidream; 11-10-10 at 05:22 PM.
Old 11-10-10 | 05:10 PM
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Bedside Test Fit
There is no directions and table of contents. There is a huge back of bolts (tons of extras?!). I think there is an extra coupler and 45* pipe. Am I doing something wrong? There is also a bracket and threaded spacers that seem to not have a home in the kit.

The lower radiator nozzle seems to hang about an inch lower than the bracket. The kit utilizes 45* elbows that tend to pop off (so the word on the net is). I knew of both these issues from this thread. Keep in mind that he did in fact install the kit very wrong.

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Extra pipe? ^^^^

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Mystery brackets and threaded spacers? ^^^^
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Last edited by tuscanidream; 11-10-10 at 05:21 PM.
Old 11-16-10 | 03:07 PM
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Looks like fun...

I'll make a thread soon about my KTEK v-mount setup. This kit seems to offer more questions than answers...
Old 11-16-10 | 03:15 PM
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Install it already!
Old 11-16-10 | 04:04 PM
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^I'm with him.
Old 11-16-10 | 04:17 PM
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how much $ ?
Old 11-16-10 | 06:41 PM
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1200 I think, it's on their webpage.
Old 11-16-10 | 08:34 PM
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Looks like they listened to our bitching on the retarded coolant pipes. Remember the bottom pipe used to head straight down to the pavement?

In this case that the issue looks to be solved, i'm considering.
Old 11-16-10 | 11:40 PM
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I would guess those brackets and bolts tie the intercooler to the radiator closest to the pulleys. Just a guess though
Old 11-17-10 | 03:33 PM
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Here's the rest of the parts I was waiting on. Saturday is "Start on Roto Day!" I got to get some liquid energy for the fellas too.

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Originally Posted by sharingan 19
Looks like fun...

I'll make a thread soon about my KTEK v-mount setup. This kit seems to offer more questions than answers...
Do it! I'm curious to see it.

Originally Posted by Nick_d_TII
Install it already!
Saturday is "Start on Roto Day!" I wanted to sell some ninja parts and clean the garage a bit first. I also had some other little nick nacks from Rotary-Works still in the mail.

Originally Posted by rotaryracer1
how much $ ?
$1,100.00


Originally Posted by RXILVER7
I would guess those brackets and bolts tie the intercooler to the radiator closest to the pulleys. Just a guess though
There is already a set of brackets included for that purpose. I didn't show it in the photo. I'm still stumped. I guess I'll find out eventually.
Old 11-17-10 | 03:44 PM
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lose the ac with this setup huh?
Old 11-17-10 | 03:52 PM
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Sounds like the product is a amazing value but there is a huge lack of customer service and communication from the company. Is that an accurate assessment? Did you specifically ask them about installation instructions? That is almost unbelievable that it didn't come with any.
Old 11-17-10 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Hypertek
lose the ac with this setup huh?
Old 11-17-10 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 13bpower
Sounds like the product is a amazing value but there is a huge lack of customer service and communication from the company. Is that an accurate assessment? Did you specifically ask them about installation instructions? That is almost unbelievable that it didn't come with any.
I did not ask them about installation instructions because I'm sure it's nothing I can't figure out.

I did ask them a question via email about the engine mounts after hours and received a response an hour later.
Old 11-20-10 | 11:17 PM
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Pre install. I find lots of oil residue and a tiny bit of vertical shaft play on the turbo. As well as tons of shitty wire repair jobs.
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How it sits as of tonight. Fan and radiator removed. A/C in the scrap pile. Pineapple ninja crank timing cover installed. Lower gilmer drive test fitted. The upper radiator/back intercooler support that sits on the frame needs "fitment". Its a bit too wide and a mount hole is a bit off. All I got too today.
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Old 11-20-10 | 11:45 PM
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hopefully you dont have a lowered car......if you do you will hate the kit as much as I did!
Old 11-21-10 | 12:27 AM
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Definitely need to modify the radiator. Put the lower input on the side. Figuring out radiator hose is also gonna be tough
Old 11-21-10 | 10:05 PM
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ya kinda wish they had listened when I said they needed to mount the lower radiator neck on the side......like i did to mine.
Old 11-21-10 | 11:17 PM
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They did it to their own FD car

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Old 11-28-10 | 05:09 PM
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updates ?, this is looking good. Wanting to get this kit in a few months.
Old 12-02-10 | 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by RX7(613)
updates ?, this is looking good. WaNnting to get this kit in a few months.
No real updates yet. I've been super busy. Sunday is my next roto day and hopefully I'll get each bracket fitted. The bracket closest to the engine that sits on the frame and the front intercooler bracket needs "fitment". I'm a little disappointed in that. I mean, they are clearly off. Hopefully the lower radiator and oil cooler support will fit fine.

I also had to buy a brake line tool to make a nice bend to move the pcv out of the way of the throttle body tube.

Anyways, in short- expect an update this weekend.
Old 12-02-10 | 04:47 PM
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+1 all of my brackets where off and had to be redrilled
Old 12-02-10 | 09:23 PM
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It makes you wonder what they mocked it up on to even make the kit in the first place if the holes are off by so much. It's too bad they didn't take a little more time with the design, this could have been a great option for some people.
Old 12-02-10 | 11:01 PM
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I had no work today so I spent a few hours working on the car.

I "relocated" the pvc valve. Cut off the intercooler brackets from the engine lift mount and painted it (drying).

Throttle body tube now fits. However, I wonder how another tube is supposed to attach to it with that crazy angle it would have to make!? Does the brake thing have to be moved?

I also grind the front frame support tube off. The Rotary Works replacement tube seems to install ahead of where the old one was. I had to remove the plastic around the front bumper that channels air. I hope the holes are drilled to leave clearance (under the frame) for the nuts that hold the lower radiator support on! These two pieces should have been welded together. I will see how it fits better next time.

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Old 12-03-10 | 04:03 PM
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Well... I spent a couple of hours again. No work (sucks).

Needless to say, my mechanic isn't happy with the fitment of this kit.

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Not one bracket "just fits". Every bracket will require "fitment". So here is the fitment summary so far:

Front intercooler bracket/upper radiator support: holes that attach to the radiator support are lined up horizontally but are completely off vertically. Not even close. You can tell by holding the bracket in your hand just standing in front of the car.

Bracket that sits on the frame closest to the engine: Too wide and the passenger side mounting hole needs to be oblong.

replacement frame bar/oil cooler: will not side up high enough to bolt. It either needs the square part trimmed, or part of the tacked on sheet metal on the car grinded off.

replacement frame bar/oil cooler and vmount lower radiator support: one hole through each side on the bottom, closest to the front of the car, is off. The hole needs to be oblong.

They sent me the wrong water pump pulley too. Hole in the pulley is 15mm when it should be 17mm. Support said they offer both sizes. Waiting to hear back from their warehouse (left message). On their website, it only gives you the option for sizes of the alternator. Thats crap.



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