magnumP5's RX-7 Build Thread

[magnumP5]

Small update: got the rear camber links installed (that was fun... NOT!). Took it back to get aligned with much better results this time; -1.5 degrees of camber all around, 5 degrees of caster up front and 0 degrees of toe all around. New brake rotors are on the way and I'm looking into a source for pads. When those come in the yellow calipers will be painted black!

EDIT: I'm seriously eyeballing some TII sideskirts and front lip on eBay right now - they're even the right color! I'll just have to see how the bidding goes as I've set a max price I'd be willing to spend...

Anyhow, here are some pics of the trick rear camber links (stock is on left in first pic):

 

[magnumP5]

New brake rotors came in today (now only if I had brake pads as well). Also won some stock seat rails+sliders on eBay last night - going to try to fab up something for the Sparco seats. Going to go looking at a '88 turbo motor+trans a little bit later as well

Goal before MWMF is to get the rotors installed, calipers painted black, Redline e-brake boot installed and Sparco Corsa pedals installed.

 

[ucMP3]

Nice, I've made good progress in the last 4-5 days. I've gotta get wheels sorted out and what not but seems to be moving along nicely for MWMF. I was hoping to get the passenger & tranny AWR mounts in b4 MWMF, but one of them is on back order from Sam, not sure which one, so I'll have 3 out of 4 in. Hella's went in last night along with a bunch of other wiring as well.

What time are you going out to MWMF? Saturday morning? Or are you gonna make it out on Friday? Would be nice to drive out with somebody. Anyone else local going?

 

[magnumP5]

What time are you going out to MWMF? Saturday morning? Or are you gonna make it out on Friday? Would be nice to drive out with somebody. Anyone else local going?

As of now I'm heading out Saturday morning between 6-6:30. I don't know of anyone else from the area going.

 

[Sport23]

Nice! Post some pics of the seat rails when you get them working.

 

[magnumP5]

Well, looks like the engine fell through. Why does this s*** always happen to me?! Dude was supposed to call me back after work and nothing. I can easily see why the RX-7 community has a bad name...

 

[sean22306]

Was it the one on craigslist?

 

[magnumP5]

Was it the one on craigslist?

Yeah! Do you know if it sold? I'm kind of pissed cause I was dead set on picking it up - I just refuse to pay for something I haven't seen.

 

[sean22306]

Not sure, saw it on there. Considered checking it out, but thats not the route I have planned for my 7. Typical craigslist. I think people just post stuff to mess with people. If they honestly wanna sell stuff they should try responding.

 

[magnumP5]

It's just weird that I've been in such close contact with the guy (he's even called me back before) and then nothing! All I want is the housings, front cover, water pump, water pump cover and OMP!

 

[Wagonbacker9]

ok, stupid question/threadjack... if I can source parts, would it be reasonable to assemble a solid engine in a garage without specialized tools by a rotary uber-noob?

 

[magnumP5]

ok, stupid question/threadjack... if I can source parts, would it be reasonable to assemble a solid engine in a garage without specialized tools by a rotary uber-noob?

It's my understanding that you need a number of specialized tools for a rotary rebuild - very large sockets, pullers, even an engine stand adaptor. it also depends on what you're doing. If you're going to be disassembling a motor, inspecting it and replacing all the seals, etc. then you have to possess the knowledge to do so.

 

[ucMP3]

ok, stupid question/threadjack... if I can source parts, would it be reasonable to assemble a solid engine in a garage without specialized tools by a rotary uber-noob?

It's my understanding that you need a number of specialized tools for a rotary rebuild - very large sockets, pullers, even an engine stand adaptor. it also depends on what you're doing. If you're going to be disassembling a motor, inspecting it and replacing all the seals, etc. then you have to possess the knowledge to do so.

Wing it!

What type of engine stand adapter? Not sure what this would entail...

 

[Sport23]

The engine stand adapter is basically an L bracket so that you can bolt a rotary to a regular engine stand. There are some specialized tools but I can't remember what for right now. Pineapple racing has some how to videos that look very good. Overall I've heard that rebuilding a rotary is much easier than a piston engine. Do your research so you know what spots require extra attention and you should be fine. Plenty of rotary's have been rebuilt in garages. GL

 

[Wagonbacker9]

The engine stand adapter is basically an L bracket so that you can bolt a rotary to a regular engine stand. There are some specialized tools but I can't remember what for right now. Pineapple racing has some how to videos that look very good. Overall I've heard that rebuilding a rotary is much easier than a piston engine. Do your research so you know what spots require extra attention and you should be fine. Plenty of rotary's have been rebuilt in garages. GL

right now I'm just playing with ideas.. but trading the MSP for a FC and a Wrangler or something is looking more and more attractive.

 

[magnumP5]

The engine stand adapter is basically an L bracket so that you can bolt a rotary to a regular engine stand. There are some specialized tools but I can't remember what for right now. Pineapple racing has some how to videos that look very good. Overall I've heard that rebuilding a rotary is much easier than a piston engine. Do your research so you know what spots require extra attention and you should be fine. Plenty of rotary's have been rebuilt in garages. GL

+1 to this - also grab a Hayne's manual for quick reference. Still debating if I want to try to rebuild my engine myself or send it off. Currently don't have the tools to do porting either...

 

[ucMP3]

+1 to this - also grab a Hayne's manual for quick reference. Still debating if I want to try to rebuild my engine myself or send it off. Currently don't have the tools to do porting either...

Do you have a dremel?

 

[magnumP5]

Do you have a dremel?

LOL, I do, but you need more than a dremel with grinding bits. Typically you're going to want a high-speed grinder (air or electric) with tungsten carbide bits. I understand everything else is a waste of time. I don't think my dremel tool spins fast enough or has the power...

 

[ucMP3]

LOL, I do, but you need more than a dremel with grinding bits. Typically you're going to want a high-speed grinder (air or electric) with tungsten carbide bits. I understand everything else is a waste of time. I don't think my dremel tool spins fast enough or has the power...

Ya... It's the Dremel grinding bits that are crap. They wear down so fast, you would be switching them every 3 mins, lol. Do you have a compressor? Just buy some air tools! Probly still cost less than paying to have the work done. And then you have air tools for later! A high speed electric grinder probably wouldn't be too expensive either.

 

[magnumP5]

Ya... It's the Dremel grinding bits that are crap. They wear down so fast, you would be switching them every 3 mins, lol. Do you have a compressor? Just buy some air tools! Probly still cost less than paying to have the work done. And then you have air tools for later! A high speed electric grinder probably wouldn't be too expensive either.

I have an air compressor but it's only a small 6gal with a small flow rate. An air grinder probably wouldn't last too long with that pathetic little thing. I was thinking about going electric as those are also more quiet. My main concern is me screwing something up. Aside from porting, RotaryResurrection has some awesome quality rebuild prices and is relatively close.

Still debating between bridgeporting and streetporting. I've read a lot on both and can't come to a conclusion.