kyoo

hey everyone

I'm currently an Evo IX owner, car's got about 380 awhp, but I've always been a huge fan of the third gen RX7s.

As such, I'm looking to pick up an old 93-95 (sometime) and begin the process to convert it aesthetically and functionally into a '02 RX7, maybe a Type A or whatever. I've been doing a few searches but haven't come up with anything exactly, I figured it'd be one of the most common questions on the forum.

Anyway, just saying hi, any helping hands in the right direction will be much appreciated. Also, anyone interested in running Amsoil let me know, I have some hook ups.

peace

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

I have a couple of comments to your inquiry.

First, The Rx7 is an amazing car with outrageous looks that will make you smile every time you drive it. I have a friend with an un-modified EVO-IX which is a blast, (especially on a course with 4 people inside). But I would never even think about trading my FD for one. They get under your skin and nothing else can satisfy you the same again. If you are looking for a replacement or a DD then this is not the car to trade to. (I am not saying that you cant DD them, just that if you want to do something as simple as going to get the groceries you better not bring a passenger).

Second, these cars cost a lot of money. You must be willing to spend freely. It has been said on this forum many times that the cheapest thing about these cars is often the initial purchase. And, if you are trying to do a full convert to '02 spec you will be spending a lot (IMO needlessly) to convert the vehicle to only slightly better reliability/performance numbers. I can understand the desire for the looks, but there are a bunch of internal engine parts and subsystems that a true '02 would have which you would be better off spending money on other, reliability parts like a good AI system or all the bolt-ons. (Search for HC's AI thread or 'Reliability mods' to get a taste)

One main question people will be asking of you while you embark on this journey is the purpose of the car. Will this be your sunny day car? Are you looking to Drag Race? Auto X? Show? DD?

minuteman7

welcome to the forum, dont know much about 3rd gens, but gl.

kyoo

Thanks, yea the Evo is a monster. I'm not planning on trading anything in - just picking an RX7 and slowly working it up to 02 specs. I've done a lot of reading before, I know they've got some huge costs.

While I'll definitely be doing a full conversion of the exterior and the interior where I can, you are right I'm not sure about bringing in an 02 motor. Is the drivetrain the same from 93-95 to 02? and how about the diffs? I'm assuming the suspension, at least the springs/struts set up is different - do you know if the bushings and control arms etc are different as well?

Thanks

Also, I'd love to talk with someone who's done a full conversion like this before - maybe get a parts list and estimated cost! Thanks

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

Its basically the same mechanicals. The turbos were changed around 99 and rx7.com sells them. The rear gear ratio was changed and can also be purchased from rx7.com. The motor is the same. the vac system differs slightly but can't be ported over and you probably wouldn't want to bother either. There were some minor changes on the exterior in 99 in the form of a different front bumper and different wheels.

Read the 3rd gen FAQ for these kinds of details and also the Buyer's Guide.

jellederijke

hi Kyoo,

I like evo's too. You don't see them often here in Holland, but that makes them extra special.
380awhp seems quite a bit, 0-60 time?

greets

Jelle

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

I agree rx7.com sells some of the stuff you are looking for, other decent sitea to get a hold of some prices are mazdatrix.com and fdnewbieimports.com

I don't know of a full parts list for a full conversion. But remember, what ever model you are going for is going to need very specific parts that you may or may not want. No one in the states is going to believe that you have a true RZ (especially if its LHD) so I don't see the value in matching one exactly. Plus each type had specific details that are different from other models. Example:

The in addition to all the other body changes/ drivetrain changes up to date, the RZ has:
- Red custom full-bucket seats manufactured by Recaro
- Custom gun metallic colored aluminium wheels manufactured by BBS
- Custom dampers manufactured by Bilstein
- Custom red stitched steering wheel manufactured by Nardi
- Custom red stitched leather shift ****, stick shift boot, and parking brake lever boot
- Driver's side kneepad
- Passenger side aluminium footrest board

If you are making a clone, you may be able to get your hands on the seats easily ($$$) and might get lucky finding the red stitch leather stuff, but you would have to custom fabricate the kneepad and the footrest (opposite sides of the car in a RHD).

I am not saying it couldn't be done (and I'd love to follow the Build Thread on it), I am just saying that you should go through and decide how much value there is in doing a direct clone vs. a car you can personalize. (If you are doing these things for resale value, find another car)

kyoo

Thanks! Yeah I love my Evo, I'll probably keep it forever - I have a few more mods lined up, I have a final goal of around ~420-430 whp on the stock motor. I'm not sure what the 0-60 is, but the car is quite fast. Should be in the high 11's.

Here are some (not so good) pics!

kyoo

Yes you're right - I don't want every little thing -
I'm not looking for a clone, or looking to fool anyone - I just really love that generation RX-7. I love its performance, handling, looks etc.

When all is said and done with the car, I'll probably be using it for auto-x and track days. I'm not looking for more power than the stock was at, like 280ps or whatever. I kind of want to use it as a car to improve my driving.

Basically I'm looking for -

- all the exterior parts
- all the powertrain parts
- most of the interior parts (gauges, steering wheel etc)
- suspension and bushing
- those Spirit R gunmetal BBS wheels

Above that, I'll want probably strictly reliability mods, seals or whatever I need.

I'll take a look at the 3rd gen faq, I had some trouble finding the data cuz there was so much of it. Thanks for all the tips

kyoo

So I've been taking a look at the FDNewbie Imports site - Good stuff -
For the exterior I've got listed:
99+ OEM bumper
99+ OEM wing
99+ OEM bumper lights and harness
99+ OEM tail lights
99+ OEM side markers
99+ OEM side skirts
01 Spirit R BBS Wheels

However - wasn't there a difference with the hood/fenders? When I look at the 95 and the 99, the 99's hoods look a bit more.. curvy. I dunno maybe that's just an optical illusion.
Is there anything else for the exterior that I need?


Also, is this something I need to do?
http://howto.globalvicinity.com/gv_w...=203&co=1&vi=1

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

Just a brief search on fdnewbieimports.com showed these prices for most of the interior/exterior parts you will need. I'll post it here for you and others that may be thinking along your lines.


Bumper skin: $525
99spec Lip: $175
Complete Tail light Set: $525 Shipped
99+ Fog Lights: $325
99+ BUMPER COMBO LIGHTS: $325
93-95 to 99 Bumper Lights Harness: $50
99+ Rear Wing: $915
99+ OEM SIDEMARKERS: $75
99+ Sideskirts: $700
2001 17" BBS SPIRIT R TYPE-A OEM RIMS: $3200
SPIRIT R OEM RECARO SEATS: $3800 Shipped
2000+ NARDI OEM TORINO STEERING WHEEL: $525
2000+ WHITE FACED OEM CLUSTER: $750
SPIRIT R HEADUNIT: $250

Total price: over $12K

I did not include powertrain or suspension components. And, you will probably need some new tires for those rims too. I just wanted to get across my point about price. You can make some money back by selling things off your car, but that will be minimal at best. (like 200-300 for wheels).

After re-reading my comments above I want to make it clear that I am not trying to talk you out of buying one of these cars, merely trying to prepare you. If you are doing AutoX and especially track days, make sure you get all of the reliability mods done to the car and I would suggest even get an aftermarket ECU + datalogit to keep track of the engine (or get gauges and watch them like a hawk). It doesn't matter how beautiful it looks, it breaks your heart to see it sitting motionless with a blown engine.

Read this thread:https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/making-case-rotary-powered-fd-fix-806104/
Also, Read post #6 of this: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-archives-73/need-questions-answered-experienced-3rd-gen-owners-27053/
(It is old, but still valid)

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

I've never looked hard at the conversion but I believe the hoods are the same. The only difference in the fenders may be the sidemarker lights. But again, hopefully someone more knowledgeable chimes in sooner or later.

I have heard about the 2-stroke oil injector mod. But I haven't read anything on it yet. I have heard it is a must do from some, but I am unclear what mods they had done to their engines. for stock there is a lubrication issue that this is trying to correct. In fact if my memory serves me correctly in the more modern engines (JDM 96-00) there was an adjustment made to the internal oil ports in the motor. I believe when they first started testing it, they were having an issue with under certain engine conditions the oil ports would actually reverse flow. I don't remember where I read this but I think it was in a write up about the changes they made over the years. Ill see if I can find that article again

kyoo

No problem - haha I think we did the same search up there.

Thanks for all the help! Yea, the price is steep, but I understood that. One thing is that if I leave out the seats and wheels that's over half the price, if I were cost cutting. I probably will get aftermarket seats anyway, maybe used wheels if I can find them.

Another thing will be a paint job, at least 5k for a decent one.
From what I've been reading i kind of think I'd feel more comfortable importing a low mile 01-02 motor and tranny and swapping it.

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

Ahh, here found it. Surprise surprise it was on Rob Robinette's site. Paragraph 12 http://robrobinette.com/sae_article.htm

kyoo

Yeahh looks like I'll probably want to go with a newer motor/tranny

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

I don't feel like you need to go to that extent. Don't do it for better base power, if you read that article you'll see that 10 hp was made when they realized the intake was sucking in reverse flow hot air from the radiator. even with all their improvements to the design, remember that there has been an additional 10 years of tinkering on these things and the people around here know all the weak points on the motor. The 01-02 motors may not be too different. But, I don't know how much true experience with them you will find around here. (Unless you know Japanese and can search their forums)

But if you do make sure you'll make your emissions standards (I don't know if there may be other laws too)

kyoo

Yea it would just be for reliability/updates to the motor/drivetrain.. My only concern with that is compatibility issues with the ECU, and everything else I would have to get with a new powertrain.

you mentioned the 'bumper skin' but I didn't see that on the site.. what is that? If these are all the parts I need for at the very least an exterior conversion to a 99 spec I would be pretty damn happy to start.

eventually swap out the motor, tranny, cooling system etc the whole deal.

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't bother with the swap unless the car is currently not running. Cost to benefit ratio isn't there.

The skin is the Plastic outside part that you paint. There is a whole sub-bumper frame assembly underneath, I am unsure if you need a different one for the 99 spec or if you can just re-use the existing one.

kyoo

yea - having the actual motor is of low priority compared to making sure it runs properly and produces ~280hp. im really not interested in modding the car beyond that - just want it to run to spirit r standards, that's good enough for me. i have an evo to take care of any sort of power hunger.

i just want the rx7 to handle well, run well, and have a very linear powerband. From what I've seen the 02 rx7s have a slight tendency to oversteer, and I couldn't really ask for more than that. i want the motor to be completely problem free - if i can get one made by a rotary shop in the states, or import one from japan, it doesn't really matter to me, as long as it's something i'll never have to worry about.

any word on the rear diff or anything along those lines? bushings, control arms, key suspension parts, control arms, trailing arms etc? Did the rear bumper remain the same from 93 to 02 etc? 16 bit ECU? ABS/brake upgrades? I'll probably want to upgrade all the cooling parts

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

I believe they had a different ABS system that was equipped with an EBD (electrically-controlled braking distribution) that controlled all four wheels. As for the other stuff, you've about tapped my knowledge on them. (I haven't perviously looked into upgrading that stuff)

Now that you have enough posts, you might want to start a thread in 3rd gen section. I doubt you'll get many more hits here. Theres got to be someone out there that knows the info you want. But I can almost guarantee all they'll tell you to do is "use the search function"

tnn

iTrader: (3)

it's going to cost you a lot of time and money, but the result will be priceless with endless joy

here is a guide to get going:
https://www.rx7club.com/build-threads-292/building-usdm-spirit-r-replica-953368/

best of luck there and welcome! ;-)

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

Wow, you do know this thread has been dead for two years right?

tnn

iTrader: (3)

lol yes. he PM me yesterday, that's why I post on his thread.

He's On Toroids

iTrader: (2)

Haha. OK

kyoo

haha yes i did, sorry for the long dead thread revive, and thanks for that other thread. I was actually planning on getting an e92 m3, but the more I thought about it I'd rather put all that money into a spirit r replica