magnumP5's RX-7 Build Thread

No real progress since before the holidays. The intake manifold is still not done and I've basically depleted my funds for this project so I'm limited in what I can do. There's wiring and mounting to be done but I don't have the motivation to sit out in the cold garage to do it. Only update is I've started buying stuff for the fuel system. Maybe I'll have some pictures tomorrow. Here's an idea of some of what is still needed:

$1.5k in engine seals, gaskets, etc.
$1.4k in seats and mounting hardware
$1k in exhaust
$500 in flywheel
$300 in clutch
$300 in harnesses
$200 in braided oil cooler lines and fittings
$200 in braided fuel lines and fittings
$200 in misc. fasteners

where are you getting these prices? you can have an exhaust shop custom fab an exhaust for you for like $200, and im sure you could get fuel lines, oil lines, and fasteners for much cheaper...
 
where are you getting these prices? you can have an exhaust shop custom fab an exhaust for you for like $200, and im sure you could get fuel lines, oil lines, and fasteners for much cheaper...

yes using bad mild steel and crush bend's. Seeing jon's estimated cost i'm guessing he is going to do a full Stainless steel mandrel bent setup with v-bands. Also knowing him what ever he get's it's going to be quality s***. Whenever i worked on his p5 every thing was always clean and he always had quality parts on it.
 
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the shop around here did my steel crush bent exhaust for 120... they quoted 400 for single mandrel bent stainles..
 
Are those prices new or used?
All new. Most of these things are not something I'd want to buy used (seals and whatnot).

Evan means he wants to still be alive when it is finally finished. So get on it, Jon!
Evan's like 60 right? That gives me a couple years yet :D

where are you getting these prices? you can have an exhaust shop custom fab an exhaust for you for like $200, and im sure you could get fuel lines, oil lines, and fasteners for much cheaper...
I included the cost of the exhaust manifold in there, which is easily 80% of the amount I quoted. It does me no good to spend so much money on a custom intake manifold matched to my port configuration just to buy an off-the-shelf header. Also, have you seen the prices of braided steel lines and fittings? Even cheap Summit Racing brand -6 AN line is >$100 for 20 ft. I may have overestimated the oil cool line a bit, but there it's the fittings that get me (special metric to AN fittings).
 
Nothing. There isn't much I can do w/o the intake manifold. They've had my money now for over 3 months and they don't even have the flanges made!

In the meantime I've been spending my money on things that are supposed to go BOOM!
 
At this point I can only work on a few things:

Tidying up some wires in the engine bay/cabin
Purchasing/installing seats, harnesses, steering wheel
Paint housings/intermediate plates, etc.
De-power steering rack

I technically can mount the coils/ignitors and FPR but I'm worried that I'd pick a spot that would end up interfering with the intake manifold/TB/filter when its's completed.
 
Jon, no homo, you and your FC are the inspiration to do a really good build on my P5. You take your time, do things right and I know how anal you are. I just wish i would've had a chance to see your P5. But regardless, thanks, man. (2thumbs)
 
Decided to say "screw it" and I went and purchases 1 Ractech RT1000 seat and the accompanying brackets. I was looking around during some free time and I noticed the prices were going up form $690 to $760. Since SafeRacer still had them for $690 + free shipping I figured now was as good a time as any. Just one for now but I'll use it to design and make both the driver's and passenger's side mounts. I'll purchase the other seat and brackets along with all the other stuff needed (harnesses, harness hardware, steering wheel and hib adaptor) later. Pictures when everything comes in - I need to get this thread back on track!
 
Seats had to be ordered from a warehouse (hopefully not in NZ!) so they're going to be a while...

Looking at batteries again sinc emy old one is now completely dead. Would it be unwise to pick up a lightweight battery that does 340 CCA when the recommended batteries for my car are 800+ CCA?
 
The lightweight battery I picked up is rated for like 480 CA above 50F or whatever, but the paper inside the box said it tested at like 706 when it left the factory. I'm not sure how much of that stuff is marketing and e-dick competitions.
 
Looking at the Deka ET18L battery. It's about 20 lbs and still outputs over 300 CCA so I'm hoping it's a good compromise. I'll more than likely pick up a trickle charger to keep it charged while the car sits.

Finally orderedthe ceramic apex seals last night. Between these and the refinished rotor housings I should have about the best rebuild compression I can hope for (can you tell I'm worried about getting the engine to start?). Too bad ceramic corner seals aren't currently available...

Bad news: Saferacer no longer carries the Racetech brand so the seats are a no-go and I'm without a vendor that offers the original $690 price and free shipping. So now I'm up to ~$800 for a seat and bracket so this opens up some other opportunities. I've been looking at the OMP WRC, which is a little narrower than the Racetech (good) but also slightly heavier (bad). The OMP seats look a little better but I haven't heard anything about their comfort for which the Racetech's are praised. Opinions?

Racetech RT1000: http://www.racetechseatsna.com/products.php?name=Seats/RT1000.php&model=rt1000
OMP WRC: http://www.ompamerica.com/racing/seats/ha773/
 
If you do not get the manifold let me know. I can and find something for you.
 

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