Project Pay2Play: My Eunos Cosmo has arrived!

[Herblenny]

Even in Japan...In 5 years or so...I've only seen 5 or so "in the wild" (total...13B & 20B alike)...I see Ferraris, Lambos etc at least a few times a month in comparison.

That's interesting.. I think far more of these cars are being sold as a front clip or just the engines are being sold...

I know when I was looking for a 3 rotor engine 4-5 years ago, couple of vendor told me that some race team was buying them all.. Now I hear more and more 20B swaps and also more vendors are selling front clips...

Antione, SO, how bad is this tax thing on these cars in japan??

 

[Sulcata]

New member from HK

Pay2play is one of the best Cosmo that I have ever seen. There was only one imported to Hong Kong in 1990 but was burnt due to ignition problem.

My target is to find one 20B E type to extend my Rotary collection but I'm so much worry about the maintenance of it.(eekdance)

Thanks for all beautiful photos posted for sharing.

 

[Antoine]

That's interesting.. I think far more of these cars are being sold as a front clip or just the engines are being sold...

I know when I was looking for a 3 rotor engine 4-5 years ago, couple of vendor told me that some race team was buying them all.. Now I hear more and more 20B swaps and also more vendors are selling front clips...

Antione, SO, how bad is this tax thing on these cars in japan??

Interesting info there Phil...Come to think about it...I bet more Eunos Cosmos are getting chopped up now for their 20B due to the high tax and fees present in Japan in addition to routinely high gas prices...With this economy...Only the hardcore EC enthusiasts will keep their precious ride (the rest will likely be bought up & chopped up by exporters). (argh)

It's sad but probably true...The only good point is that it makes the EC increasingly rare and desirable to those who know about it and want one!

As for the automotive tax in Japan...I have to double check my figures but I believe it costs me over a $1000 a year for the tax and 3rd party insurance and every 2 years I have to shell out a similar amount for the required maintenance check... Pay2Play...

Pay2play is one of the best Cosmo that I have ever seen. There was only one imported to Hong Kong in 1990 but was burnt due to ignition problem.

My target is to find one 20B E type to extend my Rotary collection but I'm so much worry about the maintenance of it.(eekdance)

Thanks for all beautiful photos posted for sharing.

Welcome Sulcata! Thank you for your kind words...I'm happy to know you have been enjoying Project Pay2Play and it's always great to meet another EC fan out there! (hi)

Interesting info about an EC in HK...Had no idea one was out there...What Mazdas do you have in your Rotary collection now?

As for EC maintenance...Be sure to find one in at least GOOD condition (with low miles/km), especially concerning the engine and related parts. In my experience, the EC is no different to maintain than any other high performance car. It would be a good idea to find someone in your area who really knows how to maintain and work on Rotary engines.

Hope that helps...Keep us updated on your search!

 

[Antoine]

Alright Dudes & Dudettes...Time for a good ol' UPDATE!

I've actually got a deadline here for my friendly Mazda Dealer and the upgrades their doing...Not sure if they can complete them in time but I reassured them the #1 priority is to maintain top quality work.

The deadline is...The long awaited 7 & 8 Meeting on 7/11 at Central Circuit in Hyogo (which is only a hour or so drive from my pad). I believe it's the largest racing oriented Rotary Event in the Kansai area.

I plan on picking up the Cosmo the morning of the event and then cruising on over...If some of the upgrades are no completed in time...No problem...I'll just bring it back at some point after the event to complete them...

As for the current upgrades/fixes...

Uneven Trunk Lid - Status: Fixed!
I noticed that the trunk lid was slightly uneven when closed (probably unnoticeable to most people) and it bugged me so they adjusted the lock setup a bit and the lid (required adjusting the brackets) as well to make sure it sat nice and even when closed. Done & done!

Window Weather Stripping Getting Old - Status: Replacements no longer in stock!
Sheesh...This sucks...The temp fix is glue the loose areas in place for now and in the future, take out the windows & trim and have custom weather stripping made...(shocked)

Restore Side View Mirrors - Status: Currently being painted and coated to look like new!
The EC's side view mirrors are quite large and end up taking a beating one way or another...Mine are in decent condition but need a face lift.

Custom Aero-kit Signage Project - Status: Currently being assembled!
Details to follow ...Hopefully it will be complete and fully functional by 7/11!

H.I.D. Baby...Convert Headlights to use H.I.D. System - Status: In the works!
The plan is to pick up a used set of EC headlights in very good condition (apparently used EC headlights are in high demand as they don't stay in stock for long) and use those to test fit and try out an H.I.D. setup on the Cosmo. My Mazda Dealer Friend is concerned the headlights might melt as they were never designed for such a system. As for the system of choice...The general consensus amongst everyone at the Mazda Dealer is that PIAA has the best reputation and may be able to supply a setup that will work in this case.

Now for Future Upgrades...

• Replace all rubber engine compartment hoses/lines (or at least the boost related ones) with silicone hoses/lines
• Replace Front Tires with Potenza RE050 like the rears (damn tire prices have gone UP!)
• Complete Defi Multi-Link Display / Ashtray mod
• See if it's possible to make the glovebox a bit more flush with the dash
• Replace/Upgrade Speakers with custom interior mounts and related pieces
• Install rear strut brace with custom rear deck?

To be continued...

 

[Sulcata]

I have a 1985 SA22C and a 1993 FD3S in my RE collection now. The SA is my first car and bought in Melbourne in 1993 and then it was shipped to HK and run it until now. The stock 12A has been ran for 180,000km without a rebuild so far. Only minor upgrading have done e.g. Racing beat spring & full exhaust, Koni shock & Mazdaspeed LSD as I would to keep it as original as possible. Repaint was done 2 years ago.
For the FD3S, it was bought 1.5 year ago from my friend's collection. unfortunately, it was a AT model but both in & out are in pretty good condition. However, I drive it rarely as the fuel economy is killing me....3.5km per litre. I know the first step to find out where is the problem may be a compression ratio test, however, the support and technology knowledge of RE in HK is very weak.

My mechanics told me the problem may come from the boost sensor and I changed for an used one few weeks ago. I don't have time to feel the difference. Do you have any other suggestion to find out the exact problem?

 

[Vocko]

How can HID melt headlights when its heat dissapation is about two times (35w) lower than the stock halogen lights (55/60w)...

 

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

How can HID melt headlights when its heat dissapation is about two times (35w) lower than the stock halogen lights (55/60w)...

I don't understand that either, since HID's are cold lights that doesn't make sense to me, there is no way a HID bulb can melt a head light.

 

[Antoine]

I have a 1985 SA22C and a 1993 FD3S in my RE collection now. The SA is my first car and bought in Melbourne in 1993 and then it was shipped to HK and run it until now. The stock 12A has been ran for 180,000km without a rebuild so far. Only minor upgrading have done e.g. Racing beat spring & full exhaust, Koni shock & Mazdaspeed LSD as I would to keep it as original as possible. Repaint was done 2 years ago.
For the FD3S, it was bought 1.5 year ago from my friend's collection. unfortunately, it was a AT model but both in & out are in pretty good condition. However, I drive it rarely as the fuel economy is killing me....3.5km per litre. I know the first step to find out where is the problem may be a compression ratio test, however, the support and technology knowledge of RE in HK is very weak.

My mechanics told me the problem may come from the boost sensor and I changed for an used one few weeks ago. I don't have time to feel the difference. Do you have any other suggestion to find out the exact problem?

Nice collection you have there...As for the poor fuel economy numbers...Have you tried a full tune-up...New spark plugs, new filters (air, oil, gas etc), new hoses and belts? Replacing all the basic stuff with new parts? In addition to checking the auto tranny and replacing the tranny fluid and filter?

I would also try posting a new thread in our RX-7 sub-forum (Mazda RX-7) for additional suggestions/input!

How can HID melt headlights when its heat dissapation is about two times (35w) lower than the stock halogen lights (55/60w)...

Interesting point...Keep in mind that my friend at the Mazda Dealer doesn't speak English and my Japanese is basic...So I may have misunderstood but there is no doubt that he is concerned about the fact that the EC headlights are very narrow in width and that adapting an H.I.D. system to such headlights/housings may create a few issues down the road...Especially concerning the long-term durability of such a setup...No one at the Mazda Dealer has EVER adapted an H.I.D. system to an EC before...I trust his "better safe than sorry" sense and he knows I want upgrades that are not only high quality but also reliable over the long term.

We shall see...If anything does go wrong...It will NOT happen to my original set of headlights which is a good thing.

Thanks for the input! (thumb)

I don't understand that either, since HID's are cold lights that doesn't make sense to me, there is no way a HID bulb can melt a head light.

Heat may have been a misunderstanding on my part but I appreciate the input...As mentioned above...There is still concern about adapting an H.I.D. system to the original headlights...I'll report back if there are any problems.

The current status on the upgrade is...The alternate headlights are on their way to the Dealer as I type this...Hopefully, they will be able to complete the conversion in time for the Rotary event on 7/11.

 

[Antoine]

Quick update!

I just dropped by my friendly Mazda Dealer today and unfortunately, my friend had to attend a meeting soon after I arrived...So I could not have a proper meeting with him...He did inform me that the upgrades are going according to plan and that...

At another Mazda Dealer in Kobe (part of the same Dealer network), a customer dropped off a Eunos Cosmo due to overheating (lower radiator tank blew, owner didn't stop soon enough) and a blown engine (whether it's a 13B or a 20B is unknown at this point). It's unlikely that the current owner is willing to fix and keep the Cosmo...

He mentioned to me that they may be able to have the EC dropped off at their Dealer before being SCRAPPED, so that I may pick any parts I want from it...Which is a MAJOR FAVOR on his part!

He said...He's not sure if he can pull it off but it's definitely a possibility! (cool)

If I had the space I would buy it outright but I don't...

I'll be dropping by for a meeting on Thursday...Stay tuned!

Ps...I'm running the stock radiator and have had ZERO problems so far...Even last summer, in the heat during traffic...No problems...Yet after hearing about an unfortunate EC being taken out by overheating...Makes me wonder if I should put a new upgraded (3 core?) radiator on priority now...?

Keep in mind, it's quite hot & humid now in the Kansai area...The heat should peak in July/August...(eek2)

 

[Focus]

How can HID melt headlights when its heat dissapation is about two times (35w) lower than the stock halogen lights (55/60w)...

Vocko it's not heat dissipation, instead, power consumption...

I don't understand that either, since HID's are cold lights that doesn't make sense to me, there is no way a HID bulb can melt a head light.

There are several ways to think of light. The classical description
says light is an electro-magnetic wave. This means that it is a varying
electric and magnetic field, which spreads out or propagates from one
place to another. It is not a physical substance. The modern quantum
mechanical description says that light can also be considered to be
particles called photons. These carry energy and momentum but have no mass.
In both descriptions, the light energy is carried by a very real and
observable mechanism. But I would not call it a physical substance.

So a by product of light is heat, what is our best example? The sun !!

Yes, HID lights require less power to operate, but that means nothing. Considering that the light output is increased even with lower power consumption. I will not pretend to know the complete physics behind light waves and photons, but I can tell you this, any source of light, produces heat.

I'll give you the best example, hass anyone played around with high power LEDs? I have one that is rated 10 watts only, it will put out more light than 35 or 50 W HID kits, but at the same time, do not touch the LED while in operation even thought it has a super large heatsink, because I promise you will be sent to the hospital for 3rd degree burns.

 

[LordWorm]

Quick update!

I just dropped by my friendly Mazda Dealer today and unfortunately, my friend had to attend a meeting soon after I arrived...So I could not have a proper meeting with him...He did inform me that the upgrades are going according to plan and that...

At another Mazda Dealer in Kobe (part of the same Dealer network), a customer dropped off a Eunos Cosmo due to overheating (lower radiator tank blew, owner didn't stop soon enough) and a blown engine (whether it's a 13B or a 20B is unknown at this point). It's unlikely that the current owner is willing to fix and keep the Cosmo...

He mentioned to me that they may be able to have the EC dropped off at their Dealer before being SCRAPPED, so that I may pick any parts I want from it...Which is a MAJOR FAVOR on his part!

He said...He's not sure if he can pull it off but it's definitely a possibility! (cool)

If I had the space I would buy it outright but I don't...

I'll be dropping by for a meeting on Thursday...Stay tuned!

Ps...I'm running the stock radiator and have had ZERO problems so far...Even last summer, in the heat during traffic...No problems...Yet after hearing about an unfortunate EC being taken out by overheating...Makes me wonder if I should put a new upgraded (3 core?) radiator on priority now...?

Keep in mind, it's quite hot & humid now in the Kansai area...The heat should peak in July/August...(eek2)

Even if the engine is "blown" (assuming its a 20B) - pinch it... In all likelyhood coming across another 20B later in your ownership will only get increasingly difficult - and it may be salvageable....or form the basis for a new more potent 20B...

 

[Berty]

...
[*]Install rear strut brace with custom rear deck?[/LIST]To be continued...

Im going to be doing this exact mod in about two weeks. I am retrimming the interior of my Cosmo so that it is all black leather. Part of this mod will be making a new rear parcel shelf so I can find the Carbing brace as well as delete the air cleaner. I'll post a pic once done!

 

[DMRH]

As for the automotive tax in Japan...I have to double check my figures but I believe it costs me over a $1000 a year for the tax and 3rd party insurance and every 2 years I have to shell out a similar amount for the required maintenance check... Pay2Play...

Dont sweat it mate.

Here down under, the NSW state Gov has the honour of being known as the "Rip off state" & my Cosmo registration costs are double what some other states charge drivers.

For reference I pay near $900 for the privilage of 12-months rego with the coloured slim-line plate.

Coloured slim line plate below..............

REgards

 

[Antoine]

Vocko it's not heat dissipation, instead, power consumption...

Thanks for chiming in, Focus...Interesting input...Bottomline...Better safe than sorry!

Even if the engine is "blown" (assuming its a 20B) - pinch it... In all likelyhood coming across another 20B later in your ownership will only get increasingly difficult - and it may be salvageable....or form the basis for a new more potent 20B...

UPDATE! I dropped by the Mazda Dealer today and they already received the overheated EC from the other Dealer...It's on loan for a couple weeks as a favor to me if I want any of the parts...I got to take a quick look at it today and although it has a ton of miles on the clock...It's ALL ORIGINAL (maybe only one owner)...Unfortunately, my friend says the 20B is toast...Beyond repair...

I will most likely be taking a few hard to find parts from the EC before it's sent to be CRUSHED!

Im going to be doing this exact mod in about two weeks. I am retrimming the interior of my Cosmo so that it is all black leather. Part of this mod will be making a new rear parcel shelf so I can find the Carbing brace as well as delete the air cleaner. I'll post a pic once done!

(cool)...Definitely keep us updated with lots-o-(pics)! I plan on doing something similar when I get around to upgrading my sound system & interior...

Dont sweat it mate.

Here down under, the NSW state Gov has the honour of being known as the "Rip off state" & my Cosmo registration costs are double what some other states charge drivers.

For reference I pay near $900 for the privilage of 12-months rego with the coloured slim-line plate.

Coloured slim line plate below..............

REgards

We share the same pain...You know how it is....You've gotta "Pay2Play" as I like to say...

 

[Antoine]

UPDATE!

I picked up the Cosmo today and while most of the current upgrades are complete...There are a couple mods that require more time...Here's the latest!

* Uneven Trunk Lid - Status: Fixed!

* Window Weather Stripping Getting Old - Status: Fixed!

* Restore Side View Mirrors - Status: Done & done!

* Custom Aero-kit Signage Project - Status: Progressing but not yet complete!

* H.I.D. Baby...Convert Headlights to use H.I.D. System - Status: Progressing but not yet complete!

* New Battery - Status: OPTIMA...The ol' battery was starting to bulge and show its age...Ordered and installed an OPTIMA battery.

Future upgrade news...I've been thinking about going with a custom ARC radiator and FMIC in the future but my Mazda Dealer Friend informed me today that he knows a local professional radiator/cooling fab shop that produces handmade uber high quality parts (in addition to repairing and fabricating standard radiators etc).

They have a sample aluminum radiator for me to checkout next time I drop by the Dealer...If I like the quality and workmanship...They would be happy to work with me via my Dealer friend...They can custom fabricate a variety of "cooling" parts...From radiators, to intercoolers and even tranny/oil coolers!

If the quality and workmanship is top notch...This connection would make the whole cooling upgrade process that much smoother and a damn good deal!

Stay tuned...

Can't wait for the Big Rotary Meet on Saturday! (laugh)

 

[rodneooo]

what size optima battery did u get?
Im assuming yellow top?

 

[thousandfaces]

Hey Antoine!

Antoine,

I was wondering if you would be able to help me source some parts from Japan for my Cosmo in the future? I would be eternally grateful as no one here has any idea how to get stuff (and I work at a Mazda dealer). I don't need anything right now but I am sure I will.

BTW I am very jealous of your ride. I lucked into my car here, nowhere near as nice as yours and high mileage also.

Thanks in advance!

Aaron

 

[BigWillieStyles]

Heres a picture for you from 7s day!

 

[Herblenny]

Antoine,

Here is my 2 cents about HIDs.. I have ran HID upgrades on my RX7s (and going to on my Cosmo) and my personal experience is that it runs MUCH cooler. I've tested it running one with stock Halogen and other side with HID. I've also ran name brand HID's and also cheapo chinese and korean brand. Both seems to do similar job.. Just one seems to have a better quality (Hella vs. Korean brand.. can't remember the brand name).

I've also just ordered TON of stock parts for my cosmo. Those of you looking for OEM parts outside of Japan, contact RHDJapan. Both Russel and Patrick are delight to work with and please tell them that I sent you

 

[Antoine]

what size optima battery did u get?
Im assuming yellow top?

My Mazda Dealer friend sourced the Optima battery through their AutoExe connection...AutoExe actually offers an optima battery for the 7 and the Cosmo...I don't recall at the moment but I believe it's 26L/31L.

The one they offer for the 7 is smaller...The one offered for the Cosmo fits in the stock location and uses the stock brackets.

As for the performance...The Cosmo starts up faster and idle seems even more rock solid than before...I definitely feel there is a boost in "juice" through out the electrical system. (2thumbs)

Antoine,

I was wondering if you would be able to help me source some parts from Japan for my Cosmo in the future? I would be eternally grateful as no one here has any idea how to get stuff (and I work at a Mazda dealer). I don't need anything right now but I am sure I will.

BTW I am very jealous of your ride. I lucked into my car here, nowhere near as nice as yours and high mileage also.

Thanks in advance!

Aaron

Hello and welcome to Mazda Forums once again, Aaron...Great to meet another fellow Eunos Cosmo owner and enthusiast!

I would be happy to help but please keep in mind that my Friendly Mazda Dealer doesn't seem able to do business outside of Japan...

Unforuantely, I don't really have much time to source and sell parts myself...I think a professional shop/exporter would be best suited for such a request.

That said...I'll try to help if I can...Keep in touch and keep us updated on your Cosmo! (thumb)

Ps...Thanks for the props!

Heres a picture for you from 7s day!

(cool) Thanks man...Cool pic...Great angle...Glad to have met you...Maybe we can meet up sometime...Keep in touch!

Antoine,

Here is my 2 cents about HIDs.. I have ran HID upgrades on my RX7s (and going to on my Cosmo) and my personal experience is that it runs MUCH cooler. I've tested it running one with stock Halogen and other side with HID. I've also ran name brand HID's and also cheapo chinese and korean brand. Both seems to do similar job.. Just one seems to have a better quality (Hella vs. Korean brand.. can't remember the brand name).

I've also just ordered TON of stock parts for my cosmo. Those of you looking for OEM parts outside of Japan, contact RHDJapan. Both Russel and Patrick are delight to work with and please tell them that I sent you

Thanks for the input, Phil...Much appreciated...My HID conversion will resume once I bring back the Cosmo for more upgrades...I'll be sure to keep everyone updated as always...

Props for mentioning a trustworthy source for all those EC owners outside of Japan...Checkout RHDJapan and don't forget to mention our man, Phil! (2thumbs)

What sort of parts did you order?