Hey guys. I've wanted to do this for quite some time, now that I am bored between classes I can finally try to get it done. Here is my 86 GXL build. She started out life with me with 93k on the clock and now has 96k. I have had it for about 4 years now and she sat for 2.5 years while I got some money saved and built a sound system/bought parts & paint. I am very happy with the outcome even though it is very simple and OEM it is me in every way. The best part about this build is that I have not had anyone touch this car minus family and the closest of friends. I am stoked to finally show the results to everyone here. hope you guys enjoy.

*Note: No performance YET. Still not at the point in life where money is plentiful to do worthwhile and reliable mods.

The following is all I have done thus far:
+Complete black 89 interior
+Full S5 body conversion
+S5 Fog lights
+6000K hid kit with projector headlights
+Sleepy eye mod*
+3000K hid kit for the fogs
+Fully body restore by my popps
+Painted Honda Electron Blue
+Tinted windows
+Full Alpine car audio set up.
+ TYPE S components all around
+ MRP-amps
+ Media station head unit
+JL 13.5 W7
+Monster Cable wiring all around with a 1 Farad digi-cap
+Exedy stage 1 clutch
+Corbeau GT2 Seats
+Miata MX-5 Shifter and shift ****
+Custom made cup holder
+Converted the suspension control to amp power switch.
+Refinished GTUs/Tii wheels in white. (SOLD)



Future plans:
Already have Tokico Illumina Shocks with Eibach Ground Control springs ready to install
RX8 stock wheels
Replacing the plastic sunroof with an OEM replacement panel from an 88 RX7
Repainting the car and wheels. Also have to respray the rear glass' molding.
New lighting in the taillights because I cannot see through my back window at night lol.
*If the car lasts me until I am out of college and I have a real job, there will be performance parts added, but for now stock is fine for me



Starting Point








Wheels















Interior Mods

 

 

Clutch

 

Exterior and Paint

 

The next assignment...








Hope Ya'll enjoyed!

 

dude, i really like your car! i don't know how much of it was "planned" and how much of it "just came together", but as a whole, i really dig it. the highlights for me are the Gen I steering wheel, the Miata shifter setup, and the combination of the Electron Blue and S5 T2 wheels. it's all pretty understated and that almost always appeals to me. i hope to see more of your project as you make progress.


on a sidenote: i hope i don't sound condescending or anything, but i have nothing but respect and encouragement for your mentality. i sense an air of maturity in you (based solely on the picture you painted) and it's not very common these days.

 

Did you have to paint/dye the a-pillar and b-pillar plastics black? Noticed they didn't look like S5 ones.

Did an s5 interior swap into an S4 once - pillar plastics didn't work since s5's had the auto belts.

 

diabolical1 - Thank you so much for the feedback. I really do love it and although its been sitting for the past few months due to New England weather, it will be back out in April with a whole new stance and set of wheels. I had huge plans when I was in high school for this car, including a 3 rotor which was in a shopping cart from Canada but I held off only because I was in high school and spent my money on things like girls and video games lol. The car had many different plans and this was actually my 5th color choice, however, I am very pleased with it. None the less I am glad to see that other people have an appreciation for the look I was going for. This build was simply a father/son project that I had the design in mind and took care of the interior while my dad did the mechanical/exterior work (then a few family members helped with the seat brackets,cup holder, radio mount, and sub box). It came out better than I could have imagined but my style is either all out race ready or OEM+. So I went with an expression of me through my eyes: Calm and collected on the outside and loud on the inside. As far as that Gen I steering wheel, I miss it I didn't want to mod it to fit, because I dont have another steering column surround or gen I wheel, but it was loose and would wiggle very easily. I replaced it with an S5 wheel and called it a day.

MaczPayne- You are actually precisely right. I was lucky enough to have 3 total cars and between all the plastics I had 3 good s4 front pillars and 4 rear s4/2 s5 rear pillars. My issue was that the sleekness of the S4 appealed more and it just so happened to work out that I had a few laying around to use. I painted them black with a spray that I got from my dad, it works well and it left a smooth finish that someone who doesnt know s4/s5 or interior options would never see. But I like your keen eye!


*sorry for the rant. I was hyper writing this.

 

very very nice build man

 

Dang dude I really like this! And I HATE modding cars at all from stock (even radios lol). So nice work

ANNNNND!!! I have that SAME first gen rx-7 clock!! Where'd you find yours??

 

Wow... very nice build man. Love the color and interior

 

Love the color man nice work

 

My dad was one of the biggest RX7 sellers in the area I live in. Long before I was born, he used to sell the first and second gen rx7s. so he has all kinds of stuff from that time period... I actually still have one of his original company hats which had an first gen on it ha

thanks to everyone for the positive feedback!

also...Murray... I really want to hate you but in reality its because I am so jealous haha... Those wheels are on my to die for/kill for list. I fell in love at first sight and then saw them in the live time D1 movie on a white Tii. UGH so jealous haha. Also, agreed... very nice color in deed!

 

I guess I'm a trend setter for the SA steering wheels in a 2nd gen. I've been running them for about 7 years. I love the look and feel.

 

That looks great! I love those seats! Does yours sit without wobbling?

 

Love the color. Good pick on the paint!

 

How did you get your wheel to fit without moving?




[QUOTE=NCross;11367331]I guess I'm a trend setter for the SA steering wheels in a 2nd gen. I've been running them for about 7 years. I love the look and feel.

 

Lol no biggie man, don't think of it as jealousy but as inspiration and future motivation. I too fell in love when I saw Work Equips on a FC......it was a pretty penny but soooo worth it. Heck they are getting pretty cheap now days, you will find some.

Keep up the good work!

 

Are you using the s5 turn signal cancel/spacer? I just bolted them up and went with it. No problems. Black interior is s5 gray interior is s4. Don't use the 79 turn signal cancel.

 

Not quite sure what you are talking about with the cancel/spacer?

 

The little white piece that goes between the steering wheel and the hub. clicks into the little tabs for the turn signal "clock" spring. About 1.25". Without it your wheel may not torque down straight and your turn signal won't turn off when you make a turn automatically.

 

You're right about the signals not cancelling but the wheel does not seat against that plastic collar (it would crush it).

 

Yeah It hasnt worked since i changed the wheel, but it is more than likely user error, but i agree with crushing the collar, its why i asked how you got it to be on there without wobbling

 

**************UPDATE*******************

Picked up a new Tii hood, aero mirrors, a new sunroof, and some other goodies. A whole new look is in stock and I cannot wait to pull her out this year. Stay tuned for more photos!

Also...............

Finally got to install the shock/springs!@!@!@!@!

Here is a before and after shot. Not the same angle but I think you guys get the idea. This was before I turned the adjuster down a bit so it will sit a little more aggressive.







Got a quick snap shot. It was snowing/raining so I couldn't pull the car out for a good shot. However, I do want to mention that these RX8 wheels look phenomenal but I don't like the idea of using 20mm spacers and extended lugs. Plus the way that the stock wheel barely turns means that I will have to pull/roll my fender to fit them. So they will be sold and I already have a few ideas. Definitely going 17" instead of 18" this time around. And possibly picking up 2 sets of rims for what I am getting for the 8 wheels

As always thanks for reading, stay tuned, and the support!

 

Excellent work, you've really given it a new lease on life!