325Pilot

Hi all, I'm trying to help a friend with his 88 rx-7 non-turbo coupe. I am actually visting from the Roadfly E30 boars of which I am a very active member, which is why my name is "325Pilot" We have done the basic work on the car, tuned it up, it all runs good, no major problems with the car, or any engine problems as far as I can tell, however I am not used to working on these engines. I am wondering if the same basic things apply to a rotary car as to an standard internnal combustion; IE, opening up the intake and exhaust for better breathability, getting more cold air in, and performance software.

1. First, software, does the entire computer need to be replaced, or is it a swappable chip? My e30 has a chip that can be swapped, really easy. Who makes the best software? How much does it normally cost? Where is the best place to buy this software?

2. Do headers do much for a stock non-turbo engine? Will a good cat-back make any difference with no other modifications? I know they don't do crap on a stock engine on my car.

3. What are the best ways to open up the intake? Does adding free-flow filter on this car make sense? sorry to refer to my car again but that's where all my knowledge is, but on mine, The stock intake breathes cool air where a cone needs a very extensive heat shield to see any benifit. Would a panel filter or cone be best? Are there any other reasonably priced aftermarket high-flow intake parts that would make a differnce on a stock engine?

4. What is the differential ratio in this car? Can it be swapped to lower gearing for more kick from the engine?


Basically, I'm looking for reasonably priced ways for him to make a little more, power with few or no other modifications, where does the best bang for the buck lie?

13bpower

1. An N/A FC wont need any computer reworking. When heavily modified an SAFC (piggyback fuel controller) is used for some final fine tuning.

2. Headers, Catback, high-flow cat, race pipe... all excellent ways to gain power.

3. Any kind of cone intake will help. A cold air box is just that much better, not a must though.

4. Stock is 4.1 for a 5 speed. 3.9 for the crappy auto. The only stock diff that would swap on is the VERY, VERY rare 4.3 that came stock on the GTUs in 89-90. Expect to pay $400+ for a good used one.

Mod in this order.
1.Catback
2.Headers, racepipe or High flow cat
3. Intake

When that is done you should have an Idea of what to do next.