My FC's: garage queen, forum car, Whitey.
12-05-08, 02:41 PM
#26
For the poster who asked about this:
The belts are not attached to the A-pillar. For a few years, starting in the late 80's, some cars came equipped with passive restraints. The one seen is of the type where the shoulder belt clip moves back along a track around the door frame when the ignition is turned on and the door is closed. You can unclip it in case of emergency (i.e. you crash, the door is stuck, and you need to get out fast). My parent's 93 Ford Escort has it (yes, the car still runs - I'm the one who takes care of it). I've seen them in mainly Fords, Mercury and Mazda's.
Now back to topic....
Really like the Red and the white car. The 'Forum' car looks too 'unfinished' for me, but one ride and I'd probably not give a **** about looks.
The belts are not attached to the A-pillar. For a few years, starting in the late 80's, some cars came equipped with passive restraints. The one seen is of the type where the shoulder belt clip moves back along a track around the door frame when the ignition is turned on and the door is closed. You can unclip it in case of emergency (i.e. you crash, the door is stuck, and you need to get out fast). My parent's 93 Ford Escort has it (yes, the car still runs - I'm the one who takes care of it). I've seen them in mainly Fords, Mercury and Mazda's.
Now back to topic....
Really like the Red and the white car. The 'Forum' car looks too 'unfinished' for me, but one ride and I'd probably not give a **** about looks.
12-05-08, 04:50 PM
#27
BDC Motorsports
Yep, I owned it for a while. I had big plans, but ended up not doing much to it other than clean up some of the wiring and adjusting the cold start map so it wouldn't flood when below 60F outside 
The current owner has it parked out at Lake Ray Hubbard area. The Haltech wiring got bad enough the motor would cut out when the car went over a bump... He took it all out and re-wired it very professionally. this guy ownes an 8-sec full tube frame $70k drag car, and says the RX7 is more fun!
The car is still otherwise running on the exact same base tune you gave it before Tony sold it: somewhere around 17psi, off the wastegate I believe. Scary fast with a lot of room to stretch that turbo out. I found it to be kind of a one-trick pony though, difficult to drive smoothly and quickly on the street (or just beyond my abilities).
Extreme as it is, it starts every time, never overheats, idles, cruises, and just plain runs just fine. Wicked idle brap-brap.
The new owner has your contact info, you may well see the car again when he decides 17psi isn't enough
The current owner has it parked out at Lake Ray Hubbard area. The Haltech wiring got bad enough the motor would cut out when the car went over a bump... He took it all out and re-wired it very professionally. this guy ownes an 8-sec full tube frame $70k drag car, and says the RX7 is more fun!
The car is still otherwise running on the exact same base tune you gave it before Tony sold it: somewhere around 17psi, off the wastegate I believe. Scary fast with a lot of room to stretch that turbo out. I found it to be kind of a one-trick pony though, difficult to drive smoothly and quickly on the street (or just beyond my abilities).
Extreme as it is, it starts every time, never overheats, idles, cruises, and just plain runs just fine. Wicked idle brap-brap.
The new owner has your contact info, you may well see the car again when he decides 17psi isn't enough
If the current owner has any questions or needs anything he can shoot me an email at bdc@bdcmotorsports.com. My old phone number doesn't work so he'll have to get on the website as I won't post it here (or I cam PM it to you if you need). Hope he enjoys. Even though there's some aesthetic stuff with it, it's a great base to work with.
B
12-05-08, 05:16 PM
#28
12-12-08, 06:40 AM
#29
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Yep it tended towards the extreme. Tony always wanted to do bigger and louder port type stuff. His is the first one I ever did a bridgeport on let alone tune. IIRC, the spring is a 1bar spring and it scoots w/ that turbo. That turbo btw is the same core used from the famed AF61R: a John Deere-style Borg Warner S300 w/ a 0.83 A/R back-end; around a Q-Trim setup. It's one of those where it's slow off the line but once it gets goin hold on to your butt.
If the current owner has any questions or needs anything he can shoot me an email at bdc@bdcmotorsports.com. My old phone number doesn't work so he'll have to get on the website as I won't post it here (or I cam PM it to you if you need). Hope he enjoys. Even though there's some aesthetic stuff with it, it's a great base to work with.
B
If the current owner has any questions or needs anything he can shoot me an email at bdc@bdcmotorsports.com. My old phone number doesn't work so he'll have to get on the website as I won't post it here (or I cam PM it to you if you need). Hope he enjoys. Even though there's some aesthetic stuff with it, it's a great base to work with.
B
I'll pass on your email to the owner. He likes to go fast while looking good, and is slowly fixing the body and paint. The car may well show up on the forums and at events again.
cheers
12-12-08, 06:45 AM
#30
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well all, I've been a bit distracted by a new addition to the household. Meet Lucas Enzo, hopefully a future FC fan. shown here about 20 minutes into this world.
He is preceeded by brother Liam (on the can), a fan of anything with wheels.
He is preceeded by brother Liam (on the can), a fan of anything with wheels.
12-12-08, 06:50 AM
#31
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I got the GTUs back on the road yesterday, after about 7hrs of work. I snapped a stub axle off in the diff on a hard launch (the one hard launch I ever did....)
More story and pics to follow shortly. Also coilover installation!
More story and pics to follow shortly. Also coilover installation!
12-12-08, 03:24 PM
#35
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Honestly, I like it when a car that's built up like that has some exterior flaws (cut bumpers, etc), rather than being a 'show queen'. It makes it look more savage and adds character. Plus if anyone says anything about it, you can just say, 'Oh yeah? *brapbrapbrapbbbbbbbwwwwwWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH. .. PSSSSHHHHTT BWWWWWAAAAAAAaaaaaaa.......*'
not bother attracting attention, so onlookers have to look twice to see anything. Then only true enthusiasts know it's special. the white car is almost invisible to cops and ricerboys.
12-12-08, 03:28 PM
#37
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Broke an axle stub!
snap! broke this 2 weeks ago:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637433/" title="P1060284 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/3102637433_97d646b837.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060284" /></a>
This plugs into the diff on the Pass side. Snapped it off on a 4k rpm launch... 8 month pregnant wife steered while i pulled the car home with a tow strap
this is the only major driveline piece I've ever, ever broke!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637433/" title="P1060284 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/3102637433_97d646b837.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060284" /></a>
This plugs into the diff on the Pass side. Snapped it off on a 4k rpm launch... 8 month pregnant wife steered while i pulled the car home with a tow strap
this is the only major driveline piece I've ever, ever broke!
12-12-08, 03:34 PM
#38
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Fixing her up
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637449/" title="P1060288 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3102637449_5ea0689228.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060288" /></a>
It was a lot of work. I could do it in 1/3 the time now that I've done it once It looked like the stub got overheated, and was probably ready to go anytime.
I tried to buy a replacement from Mazdatrix, they list only T2 stubs (different). I called Mazdatrix and the conversation went as follows:
"Howdy, I'm looking to an axle stub for a 1990 n/a with viscous diff, it's not on your website, but I hope you might have it?"
"yes it's on our website"
"Well, I'm looking at it and you only have them for the t2. I have a n/a."
silence...
"those never break on a n/a!"
"mine did, do you have them?"
"no.... I can order it from Mazda if you want..."
So I ordered it myself from the local dealer. $165, ouch. Impossible to find used!!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637449/" title="P1060288 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3102637449_5ea0689228.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060288" /></a>
It was a lot of work. I could do it in 1/3 the time now that I've done it once
It looked like the stub got overheated, and was probably ready to go anytime.I tried to buy a replacement from Mazdatrix, they list only T2 stubs (different). I called Mazdatrix and the conversation went as follows:
"Howdy, I'm looking to an axle stub for a 1990 n/a with viscous diff, it's not on your website, but I hope you might have it?"
"yes it's on our website"
"Well, I'm looking at it and you only have them for the t2. I have a n/a."
silence...
"those never break on a n/a!"
"mine did, do you have them?"
"no.... I can order it from Mazda if you want..."
So I ordered it myself from the local dealer. $165, ouch. Impossible to find used!!
12-12-08, 03:35 PM
#39
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637441/" title="P1060285 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/3102637441_db9d55f4b1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060285" /></a>
here is the new stub, as visible when installed.
I put in some fresh Redline fluid as well. I was very lucky to hvae it on hand.
here is the new stub, as visible when installed.
I put in some fresh Redline fluid as well. I was very lucky to hvae it on hand.
12-17-08, 09:26 AM
#43
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Coilover Installation
The butt-end of this car has always ridden hi on the Eibach springs – not sure what the deal is. I checked the p/n on the off chance it had the wrong springs, but they are correct. The front is nice & low, with one finger clearance between tire and fender, but rear is way up there. I think it looks silly. It also pushes the front lip closer to the ground, reducing already-lo ground clearance in front.
Further, the back end rode harsh. Very harsh. Even with the KYB’s set at 1, the ride was pretty punishing. Not sure what is going on here… the first FC (the garage queen) rode on Racing Beat springs and the same shocks. It rode lower in back, looked better, and rode nicer too.
I checked the rear shock bumpers and boots first. I’ve seen aftermarket struts installed with factory bumpers plus the aftermarket bumpers all installed on the strut shaft, reducing the effective travel to nil. Not the case here, all was properly installed.
All of which led me to believe the rear springs were just too tall and/or stiff.
The front seems OK – adjusting the dial from 1 to 4 makes noticeable changes and it feels good and tight on 2 or 3.
Trolling the classifieds led me to a set of used RE coilovers for a very good price. And rear only too, perfect!
Further, the back end rode harsh. Very harsh. Even with the KYB’s set at 1, the ride was pretty punishing. Not sure what is going on here… the first FC (the garage queen) rode on Racing Beat springs and the same shocks. It rode lower in back, looked better, and rode nicer too.
I checked the rear shock bumpers and boots first. I’ve seen aftermarket struts installed with factory bumpers plus the aftermarket bumpers all installed on the strut shaft, reducing the effective travel to nil. Not the case here, all was properly installed.
All of which led me to believe the rear springs were just too tall and/or stiff.
The front seems OK – adjusting the dial from 1 to 4 makes noticeable changes and it feels good and tight on 2 or 3.
Trolling the classifieds led me to a set of used RE coilovers for a very good price. And rear only too, perfect!
12-17-08, 09:28 AM
#44
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I installed the coilovers while the rear suspension was taken apart anyway. They went in well. They are obviously used but look to be in good shape and adjust smoothly, clicker feels good…
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637445/" title="P1060286 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3102637445_93069096ae.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060286" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637445/" title="P1060286 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3102637445_93069096ae.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060286" /></a>
12-17-08, 09:30 AM
#45
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New stance
Check this out – nice and low in back now. Perfect. This is set up with the adjusters set to just contact the springs and hold them in place, not drop the car. Front and back is much closer to equal ride height now.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637457/" title="P1060291 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3102637457_a3f06bb663.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060291" /></a>
The picture above shows my 2yr old “helper”, actually pretty good at fetch & carry. Doesn’t know the difference between a 14mm and a tire iron, but give him another year or 2….
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3102637457/" title="P1060291 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3102637457_a3f06bb663.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060291" /></a>
The picture above shows my 2yr old “helper”, actually pretty good at fetch & carry. Doesn’t know the difference between a 14mm and a tire iron, but give him another year or 2….
12-17-08, 09:37 AM
#46
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Adjusting the Ride
The ride was way, way softer in back. I started with the coilovers set to 1 on the damping, and no pre-load on the springs, as the spring rate is unknown. It “rode like a caddy” – well not quite but very soft in back.
I played around with it, and ended up putting about 10mm of compression preload on the springs. They were just a bit too soft – very comfy but this is not meant to be a comfy car! The car ended up with the butt just slightly higher than in the pic above, and with both front and rear struts set to 3 out of 4 on the dial.
With this setup the car is very firm, very responsive, but not harsh. Awesome. Honestly, the best setup I’ve ever felt. Very confidence inspiring & looks good.
A set of strut boots are in the mail, I want to protect the shafts on these coilovers.
The weather’s been nasty last few days. I’ll get her washed & take a photo shoot one of these days to show off the car a bit better. It’s really coming together, getting close to finished with the upgrade / modification path.
Cheers
I played around with it, and ended up putting about 10mm of compression preload on the springs. They were just a bit too soft – very comfy but this is not meant to be a comfy car! The car ended up with the butt just slightly higher than in the pic above, and with both front and rear struts set to 3 out of 4 on the dial.
With this setup the car is very firm, very responsive, but not harsh. Awesome. Honestly, the best setup I’ve ever felt. Very confidence inspiring & looks good.
A set of strut boots are in the mail, I want to protect the shafts on these coilovers.
The weather’s been nasty last few days. I’ll get her washed & take a photo shoot one of these days to show off the car a bit better. It’s really coming together, getting close to finished with the upgrade / modification path.
Cheers
12-17-08, 10:01 AM
#48
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yes, diff full of Lucas synth, filled by previous owner. It smelled a bit burnt. No leaks apparnet either.
Not sure what happened - stub looked like it overheated at some point, may have been ready to go at any time.
12-22-08, 10:47 PM
#49
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installed boots on the RE Amemiya coilovers over the weekend
One on a coilover, one ready to be installed:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3124988145/" title="P1060350 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3124988145_e78c77a10e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060350" /></a>
These are $4 polyurethane boots from Summitt Racing, skyjacker brand I think? fits well with a zip-tie or 2 to hold in place.
installed:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3124988521/" title="P1060351 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3124988521_e2cc97bc39.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1060351" /></a>
nice:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3125818108/" title="P1060352 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3125818108_a0637bc98c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1060352" /></a>
One on a coilover, one ready to be installed:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3124988145/" title="P1060350 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3124988145_e78c77a10e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060350" /></a>
These are $4 polyurethane boots from Summitt Racing, skyjacker brand I think? fits well with a zip-tie or 2 to hold in place.
installed:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3124988521/" title="P1060351 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3124988521_e2cc97bc39.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1060351" /></a>
nice:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3125818108/" title="P1060352 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3125818108_a0637bc98c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1060352" /></a>
12-22-08, 10:50 PM
#50
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boot installation took about 1.5hrs total - jack car, remove coilovers, figure out how to dissasemble, install boots, reassemble coilovers & reinstall. not too bad.
Also, I replaced the axle nuts a coupke weeks back when the axle stub broke - these nuts were $8 EACH from the dealer! single-use, and they have to be punched to lock onto the axle after being torqued to 200ft-lbs:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3124989315/" title="P1060354 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3124989315_2585b44ef3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060354" /></a>
Also, I replaced the axle nuts a coupke weeks back when the axle stub broke - these nuts were $8 EACH from the dealer! single-use, and they have to be punched to lock onto the axle after being torqued to 200ft-lbs:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9993474@N03/3124989315/" title="P1060354 by al.croy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3124989315_2585b44ef3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060354" /></a>