ebelp

This thread satiates the curiosity/fascination I've had for rotary engines for a long time...so much to learn and gawk at in here. Thank you for sharing this build. Can't wait to see future updates!

Herblenny

Thank you! they are getting rare to find one in good shape but in any shape, should be a great project car.

There are many great cars out there.. Its just that I am too involved in this community and knowledge I gained over the years is too much to switch. But not once do I regret getting into rotaries and specifically FDs. I would highly recommend owning one one day just to meet new people (most I have met are very well informed and did their research). Also, those whom I met switched in the past for something better (911, Supra, NSX, etc) have now came back. Which should tell you something about these. I would never get rid of any of my FDs.. but unfortunately, only car that I will be swapping will be the TL... which I'm hoping it will last another 2 years (until my kid gets little older) and move to something with little more power and rwd or awd

Also, if you have any more questions, I'll be happy to answer...

Awesome! Please ask away if you have any specific questions. What I know best are the last generation RX7 (1993-2002).

Italiano

Man, u are way off about me...I was only trying to strike up some conversation about your passion for RX-7's...I give up with trying to get any answers from you about them...It seems like u only respond to people who give u props on your build...Nice cars no doubt...Did'nt mean yo offend you about asking what u do for a living...Nevermind...Keep up the good work

Herblenny

I guess you did take it personally... And I wasn't much off as you still think I should of read your mind and determine your reasoning for your initial post. Again, I think you are missing few things as I have given you my reasoning and you still can't grasp that and make your own conclusion about me and repeatly blaming others and making excuses... if you dont get what I just stated, its regarding your just now statement of, "seems like u only respond to people who give u props on your build"... and my answer before was, "I will be honest with you, those three things I mentioned above is the reason I skipped your questions". If that's not clear enough for you and you continue to make assumptions, please continue to think the way you do.. as now, I have responded to you in great length and completely off the topic. I think for the best at this point, I will ignore your comments and stick to the topic.. Again to your respect I'm responding.. but I now realized its a wasted time.

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

The only reason someone posts a build thread like this, especially on multiple websites not even about that car make is to show off and try to boost their ego. He could care less about helping anyone or answering your questions, so I am not surprised he would only respond to praise. You are better off not replying to these types of threads. The OP's are so defensive and eager to prove they are better and smarter than everyone else.

ttribe

That's the "only" reason? Not sharing with a broader community? Not because he might know there are interested parties on each site? Nothing like that, just this jaundiced worldview you're selling? Now you're just screwing up this thread.

Herblenny

LMAO!! If that was the case, I would ignore all comments and questions and just post bunch of pics... That's what I would of done if I was the person you are describing.. Also, go back and actually look at my responses before generalizing and judging me based on my comments on you and your friend. Again, I'm wasting more time to respond to un-related topics.. but I'm responding.. See the point??

Thank you for thinking differently than the guy above.

Italiano

You're right. I figured me and the op would get along,since we share a passion
for built turboed cars..I was wrong.. what a shame... keep the pictures coming..

Herblenny

Back on topic..

My off time, I was fabricating a blank cluster surround so I can retro fit my Defi cluster.



about 50% done and going to make a mold once its smoothed out, primered, painted, and then make it in CF.

Also, AC panel



and shifter panel



Lot of sanding fiberglass but hopefully all will be worth it at the end..

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

i just cant wait to see the car to be done...

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

OMG...you know how to do CF too...
dude, you are my absolute hero!

Herblenny

Hopefully in 2 months

LOL! You are an ego booster.. I just like to learn all things automotive. Friend of mine and I painted my 1st FD RX7 back in 2001 (which I learned I would rather pay someone) and now learning about mold making and fiberglass work from a professional mold maker who help make Shelby Corba replica bodies. The other day I met a guy who specialize in CF work... so, hope I'll learn more about that from him. And early next year, I'll be learning how to really build a rotary engine from my builder and one of the best rotary builder in USA, Luis Canizales

JnC

iTrader: (12)

Co-sign.


I love build threads, especially ones that have been planed from the beginning and then executed to perfection


<------- Eagerly waiting for more progress pictures

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

this is the best read ive come across for awhile

in for updates

phee

iTrader: (5)

since you started this thread I've been around 3 FD's and got to drive a v8 one today... I think god is sending me signs. keep up the good work. I am super jelly and will be boosting my miata solely to help my self esteem

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

V8 Miata. Go!

Never Summer

I have always loved the RX-7, awesome work! I also really like the less flashy look that you're currently running with the black one, almost sleeper status among non-enthusiasts.

Herblenny

Thank you all for the kind words and will continue to update this thread.

Couple of detail views of the turbo manifold.. that I didn't post.






And some of the random goodies that are going in in this car..

Aluminum rack..







Carbon Shaft.



FEED trunk thingy in carbon

jjashaa

iTrader: (23)

Feed trunk thingy???

haha.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

I like that shaft


The trunk box is nice too. How much does that weight?

Herblenny

Its a box to replace the spare tire. Some of the track guys use it to store things and take it out during track.

The trunk box?? less than 5 lbs

phee

iTrader: (5)

are you designing these parts yourself? that manifold is art.

Herblenny

Manifold is done by Walker Morgan from MPfab. Other parts I'm trying to do most of it myself (minus the paint and body).

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Your updates never disappoint...
Honestly, I have a similar passion for all things car. I not only look and appreciate but always want to LEARN and know how it's done and try and do it myself.

DaChef320

iTrader: (1)

wow how can i be so late in this thread i just love then FD's <3 good job OP on the built

Herblenny

Thanks! and glad to hear you strive to learn more.. I think that's why I could see this hobby can last til you die...

Thank you!

More update.... now I'm caught up and same update as other forums..


Sept 13th, 2012

I finally took some time to work on the rear diffs of the FD RX-7s.

Here are some pics of the diffs.

Stock vs Kaaz


After cleaning the case, sanding it down, and re painting it with epoxy paint,.. I put the new covers on.

Stock vs. Greddy higher fluid capacity cover.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

big improvement with bringing diff temps down with more fluid?

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Yes j the gears are alot more solid to handle the power, and more flow, and fluid to keep heat down.








Is it the same gearing as factory?

Herblenny

I believe it is.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

No way...those look like 3.73's!
Sorry, only gearing I know are Ford rear ends!

Herblenny

Sept 16th, 2012 - Little bit more update...

Took some time getting the transmission painted and such.. Some color scheme.





and becoming a master of taping



Also, plugged the oil metering hole



and another angle of the painted diff..

Costco

Thanks for the update.... very clean looking build you're going for.

I know the aluminum rack will save some weight, but I wonder, does it also improve handling feel?

I know that in bicycles a steel frame is more dense than an aluminum one, and all-steel frames tend to transmit fewer vibrations than all-aluminum ones... would that make sense for an aluminum vs. iron steering rack?

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Must be really rewarding to be able to do such detail oriented work, but in the comfort of your garage with space and time. I love the color scheme so far.

Herblenny

Good question.. Definitely its a weight saving (about 20lbs lighter). But this particular one it goes from stock 3.6 turn to 2.4 turn. I haven't driven on it so I can't give you an feedback from me. Another reason and main reason is because to retain stock location, to lower the engine lowest possible, and not have so called bump steer, this rack was the solution.

Well,.. I wish it was bigger But mainly I just need to organize it to make more space.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

LOL...don't we all!

Herblenny

Sept 19th, 2012 Updates from past 3 days..

I had the rotor hats made for the Disc Brakes Australia rotors and got them refinished in similar black.







Cleaned up and repainted the RZ calipers.



I also replaced the diff bushings with Powerflex bushings.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

Cool. Nice progress.

Herblenny

Thank you! More to come this weekend..

Herblenny

Sept. 25th, 2012 Update...

Couple of updates... I got my Takata Harness today.. Actually it was shipped to my paint and body guy vs. to my home... and I could could of gotten it 2 week earlier..



Takata came up with new design... and color. Hope it will take some time for people to fake this..



And testing on my bride seats..






And refinished my pedals and added discontinued widefoot, heal toe pedal.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Love that heeltoe pedal! Awesome!