Table of Contents
This part of the site describes my experiences building and modifying my 1981 S2 RX7. Part 1 describes the install of a 89-91 Series 5 Rx7 13B turbo, gearbox. Subsequent sections describe the DIY engine rebuild, the DIY respray and other improvements. The work has been performed at home with minimal assistance from professional workshops. The initial install took about 12 months to complete. The subsequent rebuild some 2 years later took a further 6 months working around a full time job, renovating a Queenslander and spending time with my wife.
The rear drive, good electrics and low price of the generation 1 RX7 coupled with availability of later model front cuts made this package an attractive option for a project car. I live in Brisbane Australia.
CAR SUMMARY current 15th November 2011
| Engine: | S5 Rx7 13b turbo @ 14psi, Knightsport highflow S5 turbo, Front mount intercooler, Aluminium dual pass radiator. |
| Engine Management: | Microtech LTX8 ECU. Apexi AVC-R electronic boost controller. Innovate LMA-3 and LC-1 wideband O2. |
| Gearbox: | S5 Rx7 gearbox. |
| Exhaust: | Mandrel, 3" stainless dump, 3" cat, 3" mild steel over diff to 2.5" rear muffler. |
| Clutch/Flywheel: | Direct Clutch Hi-Torque S5 Clutch, 5kg light "Swiss Cheese" flywheel |
| Paint: | Sunrise Red re-sprayed in 2006. |
| Interior: | Black. S5 Rx7 seats, remanufactured dash, Autotecnia steering wheel. Pioneer CD, remote central locking and alarm, air conditioning. |
| Diff: | Mazda factory 24 spline 3.9 Limited Slip centre. |
| Suspension: | King Springs. Front Lows, Rear Super Lows. KYB Excel G gas shocks. Superpro bush kit. |
| Brakes: |
Front: S5 RX7 disks
and callipers. Rear: Standard S2 disks resurfaced with rebuilt callipers |
| Wheels: | Speedy Sirocco 17x7 rims with 205x40 Silverstone FTZ sport tires. |
| Performance: |
12.8 @
108mph Willowbank raceway (April 2010) Best of 261 rear wheel horsepower October 2011 |
All work DIY inclusive of engine install and rebuild, car re-spray and ECU install.
\/ Check this out!!! \/
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Project Part 1 |
Engine, gearbox and ECU install from front cut |
| Project Part 2 |
The Engine Rebuild and MTX8 install |
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| Project Part 3 |
The Respray |
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| Project Part 4 |
Cooling System, Wheels and Drags |
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| Project Part 5 |
S5 front brakes, new turbo, injectors, 044 fuel pump and Innovate data logger install. |
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| Project Part 6 |
Microtech LTX8 install, New Clutch, RM 7OC Dyno day |
Zoom Magazine !
29/9/08 - I think that this article is thanks to Angus. I made it into Zoom Magazine, issue 119!!! Web site and all. The picture was taken in August 07 by Angus when I was last at Willowbank (as described in "Project Part 4"). In this photo I was lined up against my father in his standard spec BA XR6 turbo, I let him go off the line so I could concentrate on getting as good a start as possible with an open diff centre, so he is out of frame in front of me when the picture was taken. I still managed to beat him across the line.
A massive thanks goes to Angus and to Zoom Magazine for the mention!
I am not taking credit for this moving diagram
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