Project Pay2Play: My Eunos Cosmo has arrived!

[Antoine]

just tell the truth dude, you lust over them too its an absolute testament to mazda that these motors can make that kind of power...I was speaking with one of the best rotary engine builders in the country a while back who informed me (much to my surprise!) that there are no such thing as ready to buy, off the shelf"competition" rotors (that is, low compression rotors, or rotors made from exotic metals, like their piston counterparts) - so all these massive high power rotary engines (including QSR's 1600hp 26B) are running "stock" mazda turbo rotors with little more than upgraded dowels, upgraded eccentric shaft and upgraded apex seals. I defy anyone to find a piston engine that will operate that far outside of spec'd power on stock pistons


get your ass to oz... .i'm sure between twilight and myself we can put you up at one of our places.... just make sure its right around jamboree time....you'll go back to japan, with 2 things on your mind....methanol, and peripheral porting

Haha...I might take you up on that offer someday...(laugh) Australia is definitely friendly territory for piston-less Mazdas! (thumb)

As for the extreme capability of stock rotors...I'm glad you mentioned it because I think a lot of peeps assume what applies to pistons...applies to rotors...which is NOT the case...I realized this when everything I read about pumping more power out of the 20B mentioned NOTHING about the need for special rotors...it's all about the "little bits" that need to be upgraded to handle more boost & power.

Ps...Whatever happened to those crazy rotary drag pics and vids you promised...Pop open a new thread!

Awesome brakes for the "To-do" list.

The Cosmo was a real let down in that department. Its as if they got to the end of the program & tried to cut costs. "Lets toss the RX-7 brakes & use the cheaper Luce brakes instead"

Have tried out a few Cosmo's with better brakes & the difference is remarkable. Just proves again they are a serious de-tuned supercar. Dont bother withthe 700KW engine program, be happy with 300KW as it remains very stock todrive at that level & still kicks arse.

The grounding kit is a great idea too. I noticed the improvement on mine after installing it. easier starting, cleaner idle. More responsive too. Strange but it was one of those freaky mods that does far more than you expected......

On another note.............

Have been trying to locate the CARBING air flow cover that goes in front of the radiator near the support panel. Keen to buy 5 or more but its proving too hard to dealwith the language barrier.

Any pointers........??

REgards

Thanks for the input!

I'm glad you feel the same way about the stock brakes...Sure, if you only drive the Cosmo on the street...The stockers are fine but if you want to awaken the beast within at the track...Then the stockers start to show their "Luce" roots.

It may take me a while to acquire those Brembos (I hope they can be fitted) but I'm sure it will be worth it...especially with the Cosmo.

I'm diggin your description of the Cosmo as..."a serious de-tuned supercar"...As a proud owner of one...I would have to agree! (2thumbs)...I guess I'm trying to put back the "tune" one step at a time.

Good to know the grounding kit produced actual results...I know what you mean about the "small stuff"...It can make a major difference in how the 20B/Cosmo behaves...Keeping the plugs clean, swapping in that ram-air and going with beefier plug-wires has made the 20B silky smooth with a super sweet idle...Can't wait to get my hands on a grounding kit!

As for your inquiry...Are your looking for this item...?

I've been thinking about this mod for a while...Brought it up with my Mazda Dealer friend and he didn't seem to "jazzed" about this mod...It was difficult to understand why (my Japanese isn't the greatest) but I get the feeling...The Cosmo is setup without one for a reason...Although it seems like it would help contain cool air but maybe it prevents airflow over the radiator and usually airflow is what creates a "cooling" effect...if I'm correct?

I'll have to ask him again...What are your thoughts on this mod...Do you have any evidence that it helps the 20B run cooler and or receive a cooler intake charge from the IC?

Actually...I just got back from a cruise session around the city and after parking...popped the hood to check things and I noticed that the area...in front of the radiator...around the IC was really cool...despite the engine bay being "don't touch me I'll burn YA" hot!

If you're really interested in picking up a few of these babies...I can talk with my Mazda Dealer friend and see what he can do...He has the ability to order just about any aftermarket part...pricing may not be the cheapest but customer service has been awesome!

Awesome!! Can't wait to see more of it!

By the way, the ebay JC is bought by one of the guy here in Alabama..

he brought the car to DGRR 2008..

for pics: http://www.rotarycarclub.com/showthread.php?t=1707

Cool!...Do you have any pics of this car from DGRR 2008 that doesn't require us to register...

Antoine,

Keep it coming. I put some coilovers on my Miata and love them. Being able to adjust the height and dampening is great.

Thanks for the input...How's the ride?

I'm told the Autoexe coilovers for street use are designed to improve handling of course but also maintain ride comfort...I would like to tighten up the handling in the Cosmo but keep a comfortable ride for street cruising and long highway trips.

It would also allow me to change rims & tires and adjust ride height each time...Mmmm...need to save more money!

 

[Antoine]

Mod list update!

Current
I've been driving the Cosmo when I've had free time...Getting used to the navi system and all its features...Driving and using a navi system at the same time is new for me but it has been very useful so far...Makes navigating big cities like Osaka a breeze! The sound quality and features are freakin awesome even with the stock speakers!

April 21st ~
* "Stage II" meeting to discuss the custom Defi glovebox setup

* Schedule next meeting to check progress on "Stage II"

* Order the following Defi goodies:
-- Defi's new "Racer Gauge" for Boost (not the best name imo but it comes in size 52 which I need for the pod as 60 may be too large)
-- Defi-Link Display
-- Defi-Link Control Unit II

* Order a new hood insulation kit if available or custom alternative...I have the original one in place but it seems a bit tattered...afterall it is 13 years old and rests above an extremely hot engine!

* Check pricing on re-painting the side view mirrors...These babies are fairly long/large units and are painted black on mine...They look ok but the paint is a bit chipped in areas and there are some seriously deep water-stains that I would like removed...Note to self...Have them coated with one of those fancy all-weather coatings that are all the rage in Japan (had that done to the new A-pillar covers and it came out great).

* Check availability and order a new Cosmo sign and Eunos logos so that I have new ones in case I need to replace or refresh the current ones.

* Order the Autoexe Grounding Kit!

* Fix trunk release button...For some reason this stopped working after I got the Cosmo back from the Dealer...I'm assuming it's cable based and just got unhooked either from the dash or the trunk lock...I did a brief check but couldn't fix it...

* Check for an update on the "luminous" version of the "Cosmo" name plate (aero kit part) search

* Discuss the possibility of creating a custom name plate...More on this later...

* Once StageII is complete...Detail interior and condition leather!!!

 

[Reitrof]

Ride is great, little stiffer but being able to adjust the damping helps. Allows me to raise it in the winter and lower it in the summer.

Be aware, that if you change the height by more than a bit, you will probably need another wheel alignment. At least for the Miata anyway, not sure about the Cosmo. I would imagine Autoexe has the alignment specs for the coilovers and height. The MazdaSpeed ones came with alignment specs for 3 areas of height levels.

Have fun Antoine.

 

[LordWorm]

It's not a case that crazy kickass rotors are not required - its just a case that noone makes them, therefore there is no choice but to keep stock rotors (With monster apex seals etc)...

if they COULD get low comp, ultra light weight rotors and suitable housings (i.e. ones that are strong without excessive doweling) god knows how much power they could produce....

as for my pics and vids...my vid camera is with a friend at the mo (has been for months) trying to lift the vids off for me.....i'll give him a wriggle on.

I'm actually hoping to head to sydney in may to crew for twilightprotege and his n2o P5 - so there will be plenty more oppertunities for rotory pics (maybe even some new ones that i've heard are heading out there).

 

[DMRH]

1. Colour coding the mirrors gives the Cosmo a more contemporary look

2. Last time i checked the "Cosmo" logo was only available in yellow-background. Good luck there.

3. Why pay $$$ for the kit when you can source the parts from an Audio/car stereo shop. A few gold lugs, some multi strand cable & connectors. Bingo. Mine set me back $30 in parts from the local electronics store. I made exactly what was required to to the correct length. The Auto-exe will have too many cables & wont be to size, plus you will pay 5-times the price.

4. The old "I've just picked my car back up & now the trunk button wont work" hey!!!........... Find the switch inside the glove box rim & switch the boot release back on.

5. I hope this link proves worthy for you...... >> Yahoo Auction page <<

6. Have to admit that the Japanese plates look like crap compared to the Oz market colour coded slim line range.

Is there a way you can avoid placing a plate on the front....??

REgards

 

[LordWorm]

+1 for making your own grounding kit. Most off the shelf kits are stupidly elaborate...what with "circle earths" (whatever they are), and earths ontop of earths ontop of earths.

All you need to do is:

get some 4 gauge wire
some gold 4 gauge terminals
some solder
wire strippers
wire crimper
butane soldering iron or torch
heat shrink
....and make your own leads that way.

Usually all that is required to upgrade is:

engine to battery
chassis to battery
and +ve battery to fusebox....but if you want to add a few extra engine to chassis grounds, or engine to battery grounds you can....theres no real reason to do it though....

doing it yourself has the added bonus of allowing you to "stealth" some of your wiring.... better yet, clean up your engine bay by relocating the battery to the trunk while you are at it....

I run a "custom"/"home made" grounding kit on my car, and its as good as any off the shelf kit that costs 10x as much....

 

[Antoine]

Ride is great, little stiffer but being able to adjust the damping helps. Allows me to raise it in the winter and lower it in the summer.

Be aware, that if you change the height by more than a bit, you will probably need another wheel alignment. At least for the Miata anyway, not sure about the Cosmo. I would imagine Autoexe has the alignment specs for the coilovers and height. The MazdaSpeed ones came with alignment specs for 3 areas of height levels.

Have fun Antoine.

Thanks...I'll keep the alignment point in mind...

its not a case that crazy kickass rotors are not required - its just a case that noone makes them, therefore there is no choice but to keep stock rotors (With monster apex seals etc)...

if they COULD get low comp, ultra light weight rotors and suitable housings (i.e. ones that are strong without excessive doweling) god knows how much power they could produce....

as for my pics and vids...my vid camera is with a friend at the mo (has been for months) trying to lift the vids off for me.....i'll give him a wriggle on.

I'm actually hoping to head to sydney in may to crew for twilightprotege and his n2o P5 - so there will be plenty more oppertunities for rotory pics (maybe even some new ones that i've heard are heading out there).

Why is it that no one makes them...I'm sure Mazda has experimented with using different styles and materials over the years...Is it just so insanely expensive to make some sort of custom race rotor that only Mazda could afford to test different designs/materials out?

The rotary scene is really hardcore...Why is it that there are so many piston variations but so few...if any rotor variations...Is it because you can get incrediable power & performance from standard rotors with just the addition of upgraded bits & pieces...like mega apex seals, porting, doweling and mucho-boost etc?

I'm still a rotary "newb" but I'm trying to get up to date as quickly as possible...I'm looking forward to those pics and vids!

1. Colour coding the mirrors gives the Cosmo a more contemporary look

2. Last time i checked the "Cosmo" logo was only available in yellow-background. Good luck there.

3. Why pay $$$ for the kit when you can source the parts from an Audio/car stereo shop. A few gold lugs, some multi strand cable & connectors. Bingo. Mine set me back $30 in parts from the local electronics store. I made exactly what was required to to the correct length. The Auto-exe will have too many cables & wont be to size, plus you will pay 5-times the price.

4. The old "I've just picked my car back up & now the trunk button wont work" hey!!!........... Find the switch inside the glove box rim & switch the boot release back on.

5. I hope this link proves worthy for you...... >> Yahoo Auction page <<

6. Have to admit that the Japanese plates look like crap compared to the Oz market colour coded slim line range.

Is there a way you can avoid placing a plate on the front....??

REgards

1. Interesting...Hadn't thought of that...Looks like the a-pillar covers are painted as well...Not sure if I like it more or less than the stock black...I'll have marinate on that a bit!

2. Ahhh...Yeah...I'll be lucky if any of the labels/badges are still in stock...Can't hurt to check! A lot of the items I've already asked about are either gone or down to 1 or 2 left...There are very few factory new parts left these days...

3. True...I could go that route...I know some people have here on the Forums...I'll look into it...Sound advice...Thanks for the heads up!

4. That makes sense...The audio guy probably switched it when working on the install...I guess this isn't the first time you've heard this from a Cosmo owner...It'll be the first and LAST time from me though

5. Nice find! I check yahoo auctions Japan from time to time...There is a surprising amount of Cosmo stuff on there...(thumb)

Seems a bit pricey for a used set with a crack in it though...I wonder how much a new set would cost...I also wonder if they are sold new with the aero-kit casing or not...I still haven't met up with my Mazda dealer friend for an update on this...

I'll definitely keep these on my possible short list...

6. I dig the "JDM" plates...They're simple and clean...although I do like the wide and slim style of the Oz ones...I'm not sure how strict they are about not running front plates in Japan and I'm not sure I want to find out...

Unfortunately it does block a bit of airflow...=

+1 for making your own grounding kit. Most off the shelf kits are stupidly elaborate...what with "circle earths" (whatever they are), and earths ontop of earths ontop of earths.

All you need to do is:

get some 4 gauge wire
some gold 4 gauge terminals
some solder
wire strippers
wire crimper
butane soldering iron or torch
heat shrink
....and make your own leads that way.

Usually all that is required to upgrade is:

engine to battery
chassis to battery
and +ve battery to fusebox....but if you want to add a few extra engine to chassis grounds, or engine to battery grounds you can....theres no real reason to do it though....

doing it yourself has the added bonus of allowing you to "stealth" some of your wiring.... better yet, clean up your engine bay by relocating the battery to the trunk while you are at it....

I run a "custom"/"home made" grounding kit on my car, and its as good as any off the shelf kit that costs 10x as much....

Thanks for the additional info and details...Maybe I'll make this into "Stage III" including the possibility of running a sealed battery (like an Optima) in the trunk in a custom enclosure...with the added bonus of placing a "bit" more weight over the rear where traction is sometimes in short supply

I'm going to marinate on this some more...

Well...time to hit the sack...My Mazda meeting has been bumped to this Friday (25th) after work...Updates will be posted as usual...Thanks again for all your input guys!

Nighty night.

 

[LordWorm]

Reason noone makes comp rotors? because there isn't that much of a comp rotary scene.

Think about piston engines for a second. How many piston engines are there? how many are there that share enough common dimensions that a piston can be built for more than 1 car? how many people in all classes of racing race piston motors?

the answer is millions.

Rotaries on the other hand are not usually the racers first choice. Oh sure they are reliable, relitively cheap to build and maintain, but aside from a few dedicated drag racing classes (where they have to race 2JZ powered monsters and invariably get a hiding), and a couple of circuit classes, theres not really a great oppertunity to race a rotary powered vehicle...thus only the true enthusiasts need apply.

Because of this, the time and cost it would take to develop exotic low compression rotors is prohibative.

So instead the hardcore rotary enthusiests are left with beefy apex seals, and doweling to reinforce the housings against the effects of relatively high compression and massive boost (alot of australian drag rotary engines are kicking out IN EXCESS of 40psi - on factory delivered turbo rotors.....) I'm sure they'd love some uber low comp, ultra light weight rotors, but noone to date has really decided to manufacture them....at least not in a commercial sense....

 

[Austerror]

I had actually assumed there WAS fancy Rotors out there....

I am surprised to learn that is not the case.

However, there may be some basic reasons why:

Materials: The rotors are steel I think (if I recall correctly). Aluminium would probably melt. Titanium burns at a low temperature so may not be suitable. Magnesium also burns at a low temperature (for a metal anyway). Tungsten might be to hard (or heavy).

Using magnesium for a normal every day rotary would probably be ok, but once you get to performance engines the temps would probably start a fire.

Then there are super-alloys which are used in jet engines (turbojets and turbofans). Where the compressor blades need to withstand very high temps (the higher the better as this determines how much fuel the engine can burn and thus over all power out put). But these alloys are all probably way to pricey for a street car. These materials are probably the best to use.

Then there is the we don't really need them. But they sure would be nice!

Having rotors that weigh a fraction of the originals would make for an interesting ride....

 

[LordWorm]

I had actually assumed there WAS fancy Rotors out there....

I am surprised to learn that is not the case.

However, there may be some basic reasons why:

Materials: The rotors are steel I think (if I recall correctly). Aluminium would probably melt. Titanium burns at a low temperature so may not be suitable. Magnesium also burns at a low temperature (for a metal anyway). Tungsten might be to hard (or heavy).

Using magnesium for a normal every day rotary would probably be ok, but once you get to performance engines the temps would probably start a fire.

Then there are super-alloys which are used in jet engines (turbojets and turbofans). Where the compressor blades need to withstand very high temps (the higher the better as this determines how much fuel the engine can burn and thus over all power out put). But these alloys are all probably way to pricey for a street car. These materials are probably the best to use.

Then there is the we don't really need them. But they sure would be nice!

Having rotors that weigh a fraction of the originals would make for an interesting ride....

the reason is more simple than that.... cost benefit for the company manufacturing them. Rotary engines make up such a small part of the market - racing rotary engines an even smaller part. the cost to R&D the rotors, tool up the manufacture them, as well as all the other considerations would be wild.

You wouldn't need to go to anything super exotic like titanium etc... steel would do...just light weight billet steel, with an approach like "MIL" (maximum internal lightening) weight reduction. .... but yeah, getting it right, and done for the right price would be stupid....

in addition to that, for all the amazingness that is rotary engines, they don't punch very hard when compared to something like a 2JZ.. for less money, less RPM, less development, you can make considerably more horsepower....so the race guys all go off and do that when they want to play with the big boys...

 

[altspace]

Happy B-DAY!

 

[Antoine]

Happy B-DAY!

Thanks again for the Bday msg

Well it seems this years RX-7/RX-8 Meeting (which I believe is the largest Mazda Rotary event in Kansai) snuck up on me this time...Last year it was in July and this year it's THIS SATURDAY! (wow)

For those unfamiliar with the event...Here is a little taste of last year:

For more details and tons of pics...Checkout my thread: Direct from JAPAN "7's meeting" CRAZY PICS & Vids!

I didn't think this years event would be so soon...but I'm going to try and make it...This time in my own ride!

I'll be sure to take tons of pics and bring my new HD cam (Canon HF10) along...Zoom Zoom Baby (laugh)

 

[Antoine]

Updates!

Current
I met up with my friend (The Mazda Dealer guy) on April 21st to begin planning for "Stage II". I also ended up adding a few parts to the list. My friend had a little surprise for me when I showed up for the meeting...He had found an original Eunos Cosmo accessory catalog!

Unfortunately, he can't sell it to me BUT...He ok'd my plan to take pics of each page at our next meeting. (cool)

Last Meeting: April 21st

Next Meeting: May 15th

Mod Status:
* Next "Stage II" meeting to discuss the custom Defi glovebox & RE Amemiya steering column pod setup

* Schedule next meeting to check progress on "Stage II"

* Defi goodies have ARRIVED! (hopefully)
-- Defi's new "Racer Gauge" for Boost (not the best name imo but it comes in size 52 which I need for the pod as 60 may be too large)
-- Defi-Link Display
-- Defi-Link Control Unit II

* Defi Water & Oil Temp sensor kits on order...Additional parts may be needed during the install

* Price check on a new hood insulation kit if available

* Price range check on re-painting the side view mirrors

* New Cosmo sign and Eunos logos so that I have new ones in case I need to replace or refresh the current ones. *Forgot to ask about this last time

* Discussed different grounding/earthing kit setups with my friend including relocating the battery to the trunk...We both agreed that going with the Autoexe kit and keeping the battery in its original location is best (less risk & more reliable)...for now. Further down the line...If I go with hardcore engine mods...I may go with a more custom setup

* Trunk release button...Thanks for the tip from DMRH...It worked! (thumb)

* The "luminous" version of the "Cosmo" name plate (aero kit part) search turned up nothing...Looks like no one stocks a new kit anymore and according to the Eunos Cosmo accessory catalog...It was over $1200 beans in the early 1990's!!! I know that used ones can be found but I'm still undecided about this mod...

* Possible custom name plate mod in the works (Stage III?)...More on this later...

* CARBING radiator cooling plate revisited!..I discussed this mod once again with my friend and I think I misunderstood him last time...Apparently he thinks it CAN help a little...more so if I upgrade the radiator...It seems to be one of those "step by step" mods that becomes more effective when you upgrade other related parts

Summer is rolling in...temps are rising...time to address the cooling system...I've got it on order and I'll post more about it once it's installed!

- Not my Cosmo

* Once StageII is complete...Detail interior and condition leather!!!

Well...I believe that's it for now...
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[projectmx]

dang.... my jealousy continues to grow happy belated bday man... really enjoying following this thread

 

[Antoine]

dang.... my jealousy continues to grow happy belated bday man... really enjoying following this thread

Glad to know...Hope you continue to enjoy it and thanks for the bday props!

 

[glyph]

new stuff is always fun. What's the japanese equivalent of the UPS guy?

 

[altspace]

I know for Taiwan they have Chunghwa Post.

 

[Antoine]

new stuff is always fun. What's the japanese equivalent of the UPS guy?

There are a few big players in the shipping/delivery business but there are also TONS of local companies that deliver in local areas...My experience in Japan has been great with deliveries...Very timely...You can arrange to have your delivery from the early morning to as late as 9 or 10 pm!

The whole industry is very competitive and very professional...One of the largest "players" in the Kansai area and in all of Japan is Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.

 

[glyph]

Wow, Japan's logos...Gotta love that place.

 

[Antoine]

7's & 8's Meeting was AWESOME despite the weather. It rained non-stop all day but I still had a blast...Not only that but it was a special day for me as well...I drove my own ride to its first Mazda event and let me tell you...The drive there and back rocked (rockon)...From highway stretches to curves and twisty country roads...The Cosmo ate it all up and asked for MORE!

Here are a couple shots of the Cosmo with a little teaser at the end

As it is now...but will this be the basis for "Stage III"...Stay tuned!

Not surprisingly...I had the only Eunos Cosmo in attendance...That is if you don't count the all-out race Cosmo that showed up...

Now for the teaser shot...More on this BEAST in a whole new thread to be posted soon!

I've got more pics and a TON of HD video...Look for an official news thread about the event to be posted soon!

What a day...Time to catch some ZzZzZz and dream about rotaries...