Old guys with 12As club meeting
07-22-12, 01:41 PM
Full Member
Taran, removing the AC is pretty much straight forward, just take your time and remember you are working with a bunch of aluminum connections so you need to use the wrenches right.
Probably a good idea to get an AC guy to collect the R12 refrigerant fist too, the gas is probably worth the effort and it will keep it out of the atmosphere.
Also, if I could plant some seeds and you don't need to go through an annual inspection up there in Wisconsin because the car is over 25 years old, you may want to consider an upgrade to a free flow header and exhaust system for a big performance boost. After removing the air pump you can install a dual pulley on the alternator, looks really cool and reduces belt slippage.
Keep us posted on the progress, with pics if possible.
Probably a good idea to get an AC guy to collect the R12 refrigerant fist too, the gas is probably worth the effort and it will keep it out of the atmosphere.
Also, if I could plant some seeds and you don't need to go through an annual inspection up there in Wisconsin because the car is over 25 years old, you may want to consider an upgrade to a free flow header and exhaust system for a big performance boost. After removing the air pump you can install a dual pulley on the alternator, looks really cool and reduces belt slippage.
Keep us posted on the progress, with pics if possible.
The Air Pump - yeah, removing it is a great idea but not sure of the belt I need. Double pulley is a nice idea, too. But the rats nest is gonna stay there until such time that I replace the stock Nikki (10 years from now?)...
I opened the AC stuff slightly - no positive flow to atmosphere shown with soapy water, so that will be a snap. Sun finally came out. Time to fiddle with the car.
I'm pooling documentation as I go, btw- I plan to aggregate a lot of this stuff on one of my websites because links are already beginning to go dead in the forums and other places.
Had some fun yesterday. Love Rexxy. :-) The First Gen RX7 Experience | OpenDepth
07-22-12, 03:17 PM
The Monza exhaust will do just fine, at least until it craps out, which could be years from now. I'd be curious to hear what it sounds like, post up a video if you get a chance. You got a really good deal on that.
As far as a K&N air filter goes, I wouldn't recommend it. I got one early in my FB career because of promises of increased horse power (which aren't true) and because they were cool. All at a very high price, of course. Then I discovered the stock paper elements that you can get from rockauto for $3 work better and are way easier to maintain.
If you have a header, why not ditch the air pump and air control valve for another 25 lb weight loss and a much prettier view of your header? Also this will also let you change the oil from above instead of having to jack up the car and crawl under, which is a real nice feature if you don't want to get dirty.
You don't need to remove the rat's nest to take out the air pump and ACV or add a dual belt alternator pulley. In fact, I would argue that's a bad idea, just leave all that stuff as it is for better performance and gas mileage.
The belt size for the dual pulley is straight forward, you just need to get a pair that closely match because it will be a single adjustment for both (new belts from the same batch number is the best idea).
Sounds like you're good to go on the AC removal, the worst that can happen is that you realize you can't live without AC and need to put it back it. But that would be the best time for a full restoration of the system anyway. You might want to spray all those connections with PB blaster and go have a beer or two, it will make everything a lot easier.
That's a great diary you've got going on the project, thanks for the link, I'll be following it. For more general purposes post your photos on photobucket and videos on youtube (it's free) then paste in the addresses in your forum references (including here). That way they won't be deleted (unless the mods don't like your politics).
As far as a K&N air filter goes, I wouldn't recommend it. I got one early in my FB career because of promises of increased horse power (which aren't true) and because they were cool. All at a very high price, of course. Then I discovered the stock paper elements that you can get from rockauto for $3 work better and are way easier to maintain.
If you have a header, why not ditch the air pump and air control valve for another 25 lb weight loss and a much prettier view of your header? Also this will also let you change the oil from above instead of having to jack up the car and crawl under, which is a real nice feature if you don't want to get dirty.
You don't need to remove the rat's nest to take out the air pump and ACV or add a dual belt alternator pulley. In fact, I would argue that's a bad idea, just leave all that stuff as it is for better performance and gas mileage.
The belt size for the dual pulley is straight forward, you just need to get a pair that closely match because it will be a single adjustment for both (new belts from the same batch number is the best idea).
Sounds like you're good to go on the AC removal, the worst that can happen is that you realize you can't live without AC and need to put it back it. But that would be the best time for a full restoration of the system anyway. You might want to spray all those connections with PB blaster and go have a beer or two, it will make everything a lot easier.
That's a great diary you've got going on the project, thanks for the link, I'll be following it. For more general purposes post your photos on photobucket and videos on youtube (it's free) then paste in the addresses in your forum references (including here). That way they won't be deleted (unless the mods don't like your politics).
07-22-12, 06:15 PM
Full Member
As far as the deal... hell, the car caught my attention on eBay Motors - but when I asked for more pics and saw the neatly lined up wrenches in the back of the garage, I was sold. I haven't been disappointed. Ended up making a friend in Detroit, too (where the car came from) and an Autopalooza sticker.
As far as a K&N air filter goes, I wouldn't recommend it. I got one early in my FB career because of promises of increased horse power (which aren't true) and because they were cool. All at a very high price, of course. Then I discovered the stock paper elements that you can get from rockauto for $3 work better and are way easier to maintain.
If you have a header, why not ditch the air pump and air control valve for another 25 lb weight loss and a much prettier view of your header? Also this will also let you change the oil from above instead of having to jack up the car and crawl under, which is a real nice feature if you don't want to get dirty.
You gotta understand, this is starting week 3. My first rule with a car new to me is, "Don't fix what ain't broke". I'm getting comfortable enough now to start doing stuff like that. Incidentally, the guy who sold it to me did send along the stock header/cat, so I actually do have all the original parts.
You don't need to remove the rat's nest to take out the air pump and ACV or add a dual belt alternator pulley. In fact, I would argue that's a bad idea, just leave all that stuff as it is for better performance and gas mileage.
The belt size for the dual pulley is straight forward, you just need to get a pair that closely match because it will be a single adjustment for both (new belts from the same batch number is the best idea).
Sounds like you're good to go on the AC removal, the worst that can happen is that you realize you can't live without AC and need to put it back it. But that would be the best time for a full restoration of the system anyway. You might want to spray all those connections with PB blaster and go have a beer or two, it will make everything a lot easier.
The belt size for the dual pulley is straight forward, you just need to get a pair that closely match because it will be a single adjustment for both (new belts from the same batch number is the best idea).
Sounds like you're good to go on the AC removal, the worst that can happen is that you realize you can't live without AC and need to put it back it. But that would be the best time for a full restoration of the system anyway. You might want to spray all those connections with PB blaster and go have a beer or two, it will make everything a lot easier.
Didn't get to it today - felt like driving instead.That's a great diary you've got going on the project, thanks for the link, I'll be following it. For more general purposes post your photos on photobucket and videos on youtube (it's free) then paste in the addresses in your forum references (including here). That way they won't be deleted (unless the mods don't like your politics).
The real documentation will happen on KnowProSE.com. I use Flickr, my own sites, Youtube, etc - I do that sort of thing for a living when the work is there. It's also part of the reason why I've been waiting to do some things - once the major things happen, they'll get documented. I use Flickr because I've actually had people purchase the rights to some of my pictures.
Don't worry about OpenDepth.com or you'll end up reading a bunch of unrelated stuff. When I start the docs, I'll post links as relevant.
07-23-12, 12:47 PM
Full Member
Found some $39 205/60R13s - Yokohamas.
Not for me - I'm hunting all seasons in advance - but at $39 a tire and soon to be dc'd, I figured someone here might want to know:
Yokohama A048 205/60R13 Tires for Sale Online - Vulcan Tire Sales
Yokohama A048 205/60R13 Tires for Sale Online - Vulcan Tire Sales
07-23-12, 07:05 PM
Full Member
As requested, Monza Header sound (front and back)
I got space on the dash for the camera but need to figure out a mount for it so it doesn't slide around while driving.
[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R31FD7kXmjk&feature=youtu.be]Monza header/exhaust on FB RX7 (83 GSL) - YouTube
[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R31FD7kXmjk&feature=youtu.be]Monza header/exhaust on FB RX7 (83 GSL) - YouTube
07-23-12, 07:21 PM
Wow that sounds pretty nice. And that's a damn pretty car too. I love the White.
Any chance of getting it down here for an OGTA meeting?
Any chance of getting it down here for an OGTA meeting?
07-23-12, 07:38 PM
Full Member
OGTA? Would like to - I'd love to drive it down but if I get a paying writing/website gig, that takes precedence. It's what sucks about working for yourself. No life. But if I have sufficient funds in the bank, a road trip would be fun. Might need to find space for a coffee holder, though. :-)
07-24-12, 11:19 AM
And with a tan interior. Wasn't that the pinnacle of sports car engineering (1st gen, 12A, nikki, rats nest, behive, white with tan interior)? Or was it the red interior? I can't remember.
07-24-12, 11:45 PM
Now dudes, you know perfectly well that the Bee's Hive is the best way to cool an FB's blood. That the Rat's Nest is her brain, and the Nikki, her soul.
Indeed, this perfect trilogy represents the pinnacle of rotary evolution, an enduring reference for all aspiring Wankel technologies and technologists.
I sense a bit of FB envy here, don't you Mike?
Taran, if you work for yourself that means you can move down here to Georgia and leave those Wisconsin winters behind, right?
Indeed, this perfect trilogy represents the pinnacle of rotary evolution, an enduring reference for all aspiring Wankel technologies and technologists.
I sense a bit of FB envy here, don't you Mike?
Taran, if you work for yourself that means you can move down here to Georgia and leave those Wisconsin winters behind, right?
07-25-12, 11:39 AM
Full Member
As luck would have it, I was asked whether I could move to San Francisco in 6 months regarding an opportunity and I immediately thought, "damn. Need to keep the air pump if I do that."
Waiting to see the cards dealt.
07-25-12, 11:53 AM
Full Member
Of course, either the first or 2nd owner seemed to have a dog or cat with white hair that is still blowing out despite my best efforts.
As far as the discussion on the beehive, rats nest and Nikki... my bottom line is the car works and it's fun to drive. It's as close to stock as I've ever seen a first gen.
Maybe her job at meetings will be for people to say, "Oh look, it still has this and that." And that's OK.
07-26-12, 06:36 AM
Good philosophy on the car Taran, she is certainly in good hands.
The Atlanta area has quite a few jobs, plus much lower heating bills in the winter, which makes it a lot easier when you are unemployed. The Georgia Peaches are delicious too.
A couple updates on the White One II project:
The Atlanta area has quite a few jobs, plus much lower heating bills in the winter, which makes it a lot easier when you are unemployed. The Georgia Peaches are delicious too.
A couple updates on the White One II project:
07-26-12, 10:32 AM
Thanks Billy. I'm having fun and am easily entertained.
No idea about the due date for this project, but I see it getting pushed further and further back. Won't be ready for the August meet or LH, that's for sure.
No idea about the due date for this project, but I see it getting pushed further and further back. Won't be ready for the August meet or LH, that's for sure.
07-26-12, 11:07 AM
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...sl-se-1005635/
Some one in the market for a really nice looking FB? I'd buy it, but I'm too old to find a new wife.
Ray, the White One II project is coming along. Make sure you pickout a good spot for the "Sexy Pants" sticker.
Some one in the market for a really nice looking FB? I'd buy it, but I'm too old to find a new wife.
Ray, the White One II project is coming along. Make sure you pickout a good spot for the "Sexy Pants" sticker.
07-26-12, 12:10 PM
Full Member
:-)
Ray - yes, I'm open to Atlanta but waiting for 2.5 hours on an interview that may take me to California in 6 months... so it's a matter of the (who/what/when/where) of pay.
Of course, if that comes through the air pump will have to go back on for smog tests. Blech. BUT... obla di obla da. See what happens.
Hotlanta is still open. So is Florida, for that matter. Or any state. :-)
On another note, while I enjoy seeing your project it also troubles me slightly. Same color as Rexxy. It's like watching an autopsy in reverse.
Can't wait to see her being put together. That wouldn't happen to be an '83 shell, would it?
Of course, if that comes through the air pump will have to go back on for smog tests. Blech. BUT... obla di obla da. See what happens.
Hotlanta is still open. So is Florida, for that matter. Or any state. :-)
On another note, while I enjoy seeing your project it also troubles me slightly. Same color as Rexxy. It's like watching an autopsy in reverse.
Can't wait to see her being put together. That wouldn't happen to be an '83 shell, would it?
07-26-12, 12:40 PM
No smog tests in Georgia.
The car on the jack stands is an 84 GS that I picked up for $200 last summer.
It's basically in great shape, not a rusted nut or bolt during the entire disassembly, unprecedented in my experience with RX-7's, this one being my fifth.
Even the paint was still in good shape, but a couple small body work issues means now is the time for new paint and a total restoration (with performance mods, of course).
The White One II came to me with a few of the GSL upgrades, like the sun roof and Clarion sound system, which along with being white made it an especially good deal.
So I'm going to complete the conversion by adding an LSD rear end with the disc brakes, power doors, red leather interior, etc.
Getting it back on the road is probably a couple years off, but when done it will look like my first White One, an 84 GSL that I drove for several years.
The White One I was a great car, here she is tooling around Road Atlanta several years ago. (Some folks just love it every time I post this photo)
The car on the jack stands is an 84 GS that I picked up for $200 last summer.
It's basically in great shape, not a rusted nut or bolt during the entire disassembly, unprecedented in my experience with RX-7's, this one being my fifth.
Even the paint was still in good shape, but a couple small body work issues means now is the time for new paint and a total restoration (with performance mods, of course).
The White One II came to me with a few of the GSL upgrades, like the sun roof and Clarion sound system, which along with being white made it an especially good deal.
So I'm going to complete the conversion by adding an LSD rear end with the disc brakes, power doors, red leather interior, etc.
Getting it back on the road is probably a couple years off, but when done it will look like my first White One, an 84 GSL that I drove for several years.
The White One I was a great car, here she is tooling around Road Atlanta several years ago. (Some folks just love it every time I post this photo)
07-26-12, 01:26 PM
07-26-12, 01:31 PM
Full Member
Sweet. :-)
I hear ya on the smog. Wisconsin is the same. So is Florida. Still, if there's money in them there hills, Rexxy stays harnessed for a while. Fortunately I have the stock cat in case I need it. If it gets that far, I'm sure I can find a tuning expert for smog in California.
And if that all doesn't work out, sure, Georgia is a possibility - but I don't jump unless I have a log to land on. ;-)
I'm about to start doing some serious looking for a matching touchup paint shortly; I tried a Ferd (yes, I wrote Ferd) match for some chips but... no. Too dark. If you have a source for the OEM color that, I'd like to know. She only needs touchups here and there; my brother-in-law talked me out of a full paint job next year (he painted his Dakota a few months back).
Also - planning to do the temp gauge installation this weekend since I have all the parts. I've heard of using the Tranny tunnel for this - anyone have a general idea of where this should show? I'll check with some wire first to see if I thread it through easily, but any pointers welcome.
Rexxy's Kumho's are in at Walmart. As much as I disliked getting them there, they were the best all season tires I could find as well as the cheapest. Will post details on that with pics (bear in mind I have to sand the wheels and polish them yet).
So. Yeah. Updates coming this weekend. Parts-fest is over, time to get dirty.
And if that all doesn't work out, sure, Georgia is a possibility - but I don't jump unless I have a log to land on. ;-)
I'm about to start doing some serious looking for a matching touchup paint shortly; I tried a Ferd (yes, I wrote Ferd) match for some chips but... no. Too dark. If you have a source for the OEM color that, I'd like to know. She only needs touchups here and there; my brother-in-law talked me out of a full paint job next year (he painted his Dakota a few months back).
Also - planning to do the temp gauge installation this weekend since I have all the parts. I've heard of using the Tranny tunnel for this - anyone have a general idea of where this should show? I'll check with some wire first to see if I thread it through easily, but any pointers welcome.
Rexxy's Kumho's are in at Walmart. As much as I disliked getting them there, they were the best all season tires I could find as well as the cheapest. Will post details on that with pics (bear in mind I have to sand the wheels and polish them yet).
So. Yeah. Updates coming this weekend. Parts-fest is over, time to get dirty.
07-26-12, 01:39 PM
I always love working on them just as much as I enjoy driving them Tim, so it's not that bad.
And I've been having an extra beer at night to ease the Wankel withdrawal. It's well controlled so far.
Besides, this will give you lot's of time to try to convince me to do crazy things like adding after market carbs, waffles and GM parts.
In the mean time I've got Flipper
And I've been having an extra beer at night to ease the Wankel withdrawal. It's well controlled so far.
Besides, this will give you lot's of time to try to convince me to do crazy things like adding after market carbs, waffles and GM parts.
In the mean time I've got Flipper