I picked up the new toy about a year ago. 1982 Rx7, Group 5 logbooked rally car. Built a few years back by a fellow i know who has moved on to Subaru and open class. This is how the car was when i got it.

The bits:
12a streetport built by pineapple racing
Weber 48 IDA
Mazdaspeed 4.88 ring and pinion (spares are all 4.78s)
Miata gearset in FC transmission.
Bilsteins
GM alternator
many other smaller items

came with more spares than i know what to do with.

Due to the GSLSE axles being big spline, i had to change out my rear end entirely. Car had the small spline... At anyrate, i put it my reinforced GSLSE axle housing. Once i replace the out bearings for the axles, those and the brakes will be on as well.

Additionally, i reworked the rear fender wheels. A combination of rust (oregon car) and wanting increase clearance lead me to cutting and grinding. I have done this same ordeal to three FBs now and am getting rather good at it. That said, rust makes thing harder. Rust repairs that have been done previously make it harder still. The pictures below are the rough in. trying to get the wheel well flush .

The remaining portions of the steering was removed today including the steering box and column. The stud that will hit the new subframe were removed and the frame pinch rails notched for clearances. The new steering column was pulled from the parts car as well. Was some progress. Hot as hell today too. Welding tank is getting refilled tomorrow so i can start the finishing the rear flares and the rear subframe studs.

for anyone who wants to know what a turbo 1.8 BP looks like in an rx7.... due to money reasons, i didnt go this route, but instead a 13B i have had in about three cars. If the rotary dies...well see.

flares are done!




more progress!

Engine bay was stitch welded as was most layers of metal touching it. Painted over that with tractor paint so i could get the fenders on. Seems as though some of the attachment points have been...rusted and had bolts broken off. Reminds me of home (ohio) anyway.... ill have put some screws into it to hold. But they are mostly on.

Also finished the rear structure welding and coated it all with truck bed liner. I just need two more weldable inserts and the rear mudflaps will be on as well. Engine will be going in soon i supposed. 13b engine i had laying around is the game plan. will be cheaper and i can reuse a lot of parts. Also better for me to learn on!








i also saved 10lbs via removal of the headlamps. also cleared some space and removed some wiring and relays.

car is on four wheels again! Been making a lot of progress! Just need to start buying somethings...





More things with the FC subframe. My method of mounting made the wheelbase longer. Meaning the stock radiator mounting doesn't work. Its too close to the engine. You will need to either use another radiator and make a mount for it or reconfigure the stock one. But if you are going to redo it, might as well do improve it.

Also, if you use the FC steering column in the FB, things to consider:

1, the turn signal wiring is all different. Works for me because it removed it and its all on dedicated switches.

2, I used the FB steering column retainer that bolt under the dash after removing all the FC brackets. BUT the column needs another attachment point to be steady. I ended up welding a "C" shape bracket with and end bent out that had a threaded nut welded to it (has to come back out). Then another L bracket with a hole to the firewall. connected by a bolt. You might have a better idea, but i lack a lot of machining abilities so i had to use what i could.

Another side note with the steering column, the FC one is shorter, which might have to do with axle line being forward as well...

I plan on using the NRG quick release and adapter to put the steering wheel out farther.

you owe me a new set if undies....


btw, you have any ide what happened to Ohio Rotaries?

yea i think mark, the guy who owned the site and not really active, didnt renew it. I dont have the contact info nor did Pete.

Hopefully i will find myself in colorado sooner than later. Just depends on the whole military thing.

I love the pic flying through the air hahaha. I really hope you get back to CS.

im diggin those mudflaps

Love it.

I shat my self when I saw the airborne fx7.

i like it. !

I'm with ian on the mudflaps

Nice build! Looks like you're making some really good progress! Hopefully we get to see her back out here in CO soon.