Lowest Weekly Mileage In Ages.
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Oct 30 2007, 02:28 PM
Newly installed mods: OEM 6 disc changer
Previously installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever. Piano Black B-pillars, MS Rear Strut Brace, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks.
Ordered/waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines,.
Current Mileage: 33447
Miles since last report: 7
I can go back years, and not remember a time that I've only put 7 miles on a car over the course of 9 days. It's amazing. That said, there really isn't much I can provide in terms of new impressions/problems.
The 6 disc changer was a very easy installation. All it takes is removing the shift knob, the plastic console cover in the shift area (which just uses friction clips, pops right off easily), removing the ashtray, and the two screws tucked behind that. But you're not done yet, the infamous hidden bolt. Pop off the plastic cover underneath the steering wheel, and contort yourself into the footwell. Hiding way back yonder is a single 10mm bolt. Use a 10 inch extension on your ratchet on you're all set, with that length, the ratchet fits perfectly in the groove of the metal bracket underneath the steering wheel. Don't drop that bolt, if you do, you're pretty much SOL as far as getting it back. Some folks leave it out, I put it back in place when I put everything back together. The wires/connections to the back of the stereo had enough slack to pull the head unit most of the way out before disconnecting. Pop those off, and you're ready to swap out the single CD unit. There are a few small red bolts that connect the brace to the head unit, and you'll have to remove those. Once you're down with that, it's plug and play. Then button everything back together and enjoy the ability to load more than one CD. As far as I know, the head unit options (at least on the Bose) are compatible across the 3/6/RX-8 range. Mine came from a 3. All in all, about 30 minutes, including watching some hockey while I was disassembling the bracket while everything was out of the car. Easily, a "mod" I'd do again in a heartbeat.
Still on the list is the cupholder modification. I'm attempting to find a used cupholder portion and work on modifying that before hacking up my own car. It's always best to have a spare in place. I've also had much difficulty in finding titanium gray (or a close match) to paint the side trim of the console. I may go piano black to match the rest of the trim in the car. I'm hoping to find the piano black ashtray/door handle bezels in the future as well. The brake lines, well, I've just been lazy. I'll get to those soon and get a DIY posted on the install. As long as no bolts are seized, it should be a straightforward installation.
Current plan for future mods: Cusco Coilovers/ECON controller. MS bodykit (I know it's expensive), Pettit Racing FI (following the threads on 8club as more feedback comes in). Replace factory speakers.
RX-8 Ownership Log
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Huzer21
Status Quo
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Nov 13 2007, 01:16 PM
Newly installed mods: None
Previously installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever. Piano Black B-pillars, MS Rear Strut Brace, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer
Ordered/waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Current Mileage: 33507
One trip to Boulder, one to the airport, and that's about it for travel time in the RX-8 this week. For the first time, I had someone ride in the back. My girlfriend was back there while I was carting my sister around. I wouldn't put anyone behind me in the car, but behind a shorter person, there was more than enough room in the back seat. Don't mistake that as the 8 being a family car, it's just nice to know that in a pinch, people can fit back there in reasonable comfort.
I've received all of the clutch/brake lines, as the Goodridge clutch line was dropped off Monday afternoon. All sorts of projects have been placed on hold lately. The lines/brake work won't be done now until sometime next month. I'll be out of town for work this coming weekend, and leave for Seattle next week. Thus, the next two weekends are out. I had planned to do it yesterday, but my neighbor was working on his '67 Mustang and left car idling for quite a while in the shared garage. The interior is still a work in progress as I decide between going titanium gray for the trim pieces, or piano black.
At this point, I've also changed my mind on my choice of coilovers, moving from the Cusco Zero-2Es to the HKS Hipermax RS. Cost is one factor, and I don't see the need (other than the cool factor) for the electronic controller, as I won't be messing with the settings that often. The savings will help bankroll some of the cost of the FI kit. Spring rates are 7k f/5k r.
No issues to report, everything has gone well on that front. Gas and some UCL are all that I've done thus far. It hasn't needed to be topped up with oil as of yet. Mileage for the last tank of gas came in at 19.05 mpg. Nothing to write home about, but nothing horrible, as I fill up about every 6 weeks or so. There are some random rattles that I need to chase down as well. I did do a number on the right front wheel this weekend. I was pulling in front of a house and didn't notice the broken curb. No chunks, just some nice rash. Good thing I'm looking at wheels to get this spring.
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Nov 13 2007, 01:16 PM
Newly installed mods: None
Previously installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever. Piano Black B-pillars, MS Rear Strut Brace, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer
Ordered/waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Current Mileage: 33507
One trip to Boulder, one to the airport, and that's about it for travel time in the RX-8 this week. For the first time, I had someone ride in the back. My girlfriend was back there while I was carting my sister around. I wouldn't put anyone behind me in the car, but behind a shorter person, there was more than enough room in the back seat. Don't mistake that as the 8 being a family car, it's just nice to know that in a pinch, people can fit back there in reasonable comfort.
I've received all of the clutch/brake lines, as the Goodridge clutch line was dropped off Monday afternoon. All sorts of projects have been placed on hold lately. The lines/brake work won't be done now until sometime next month. I'll be out of town for work this coming weekend, and leave for Seattle next week. Thus, the next two weekends are out. I had planned to do it yesterday, but my neighbor was working on his '67 Mustang and left car idling for quite a while in the shared garage. The interior is still a work in progress as I decide between going titanium gray for the trim pieces, or piano black.
At this point, I've also changed my mind on my choice of coilovers, moving from the Cusco Zero-2Es to the HKS Hipermax RS. Cost is one factor, and I don't see the need (other than the cool factor) for the electronic controller, as I won't be messing with the settings that often. The savings will help bankroll some of the cost of the FI kit. Spring rates are 7k f/5k r.
No issues to report, everything has gone well on that front. Gas and some UCL are all that I've done thus far. It hasn't needed to be topped up with oil as of yet. Mileage for the last tank of gas came in at 19.05 mpg. Nothing to write home about, but nothing horrible, as I fill up about every 6 weeks or so. There are some random rattles that I need to chase down as well. I did do a number on the right front wheel this weekend. I was pulling in front of a house and didn't notice the broken curb. No chunks, just some nice rash. Good thing I'm looking at wheels to get this spring.
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Huzer21
Newly installed mods: None
Installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels. Piano Black B-pillars, MS Rear Strut Brace, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer, various MS engine bling.
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk weatherstripping tbd, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Ordered: Mazdaspeed Front Strut Tower Bar
Current Mileage: 34017
Miles since last report: 510
I've now had the RX-8 for just over 3 months. So far, I've really enjoyed the car, but have put only 1,807 miles on it to date. This past weekend was the first time it carried 4 passengers, and did so easily, except for the poor soul behind me. I'm not an accommodating person when it comes to altering my seat position.
Updated driving impressions: The car still handles great. Nothing new there. However, the Fuzion tires on the car are absolute bricks when cold. The torque-monster that is the RX-8 will spin them willingly when they haven't warmed up. I've discovered that my front end push a month or so ago is definitely due to cold tires. Warm, I haven't had a problem at all. The cold brings another issue: hard starting. The car definitely doesn't appreciate the cold too much. After sitting in the garage for only a week during an out of town trip, the 8 pretty much refused to start. Since then, it's been fine. Hopefully the issue doesn't repeat itself. The only other issue to report is hard shifting into 2nd gear. I'll have to get that looked at. Fine at "granny shifting" RPMs. Anything above, say 5k and it's a bear to get into 2nd.
The only additions to the car are very minor, piano black door handle inserts. I like the look of them, just a simple peel and stick application. They tie in really well with the door trim and the center console. I also added some random Mazdaspeed engine bling. The Oil Cap was surprisingly heavy, a billet aluminum piece. I've ordered the center console piece to modify so I don't chop up my own car in case something goes horribly wrong, and ordered the Titanium Gray paint for the silver trim pieces. The interior will be a work in progress for a little bit, but the center console is the one large thing left to do. Until I add gauges. I had to replace the side window moldings, as those were hail damaged from the previous owner.
The next entry should include the interior mods that I have planned. Stay tuned!
Installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels. Piano Black B-pillars, MS Rear Strut Brace, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer, various MS engine bling.
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk weatherstripping tbd, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Ordered: Mazdaspeed Front Strut Tower Bar
Current Mileage: 34017
Miles since last report: 510
I've now had the RX-8 for just over 3 months. So far, I've really enjoyed the car, but have put only 1,807 miles on it to date. This past weekend was the first time it carried 4 passengers, and did so easily, except for the poor soul behind me. I'm not an accommodating person when it comes to altering my seat position.
Updated driving impressions: The car still handles great. Nothing new there. However, the Fuzion tires on the car are absolute bricks when cold. The torque-monster that is the RX-8 will spin them willingly when they haven't warmed up. I've discovered that my front end push a month or so ago is definitely due to cold tires. Warm, I haven't had a problem at all. The cold brings another issue: hard starting. The car definitely doesn't appreciate the cold too much. After sitting in the garage for only a week during an out of town trip, the 8 pretty much refused to start. Since then, it's been fine. Hopefully the issue doesn't repeat itself. The only other issue to report is hard shifting into 2nd gear. I'll have to get that looked at. Fine at "granny shifting" RPMs. Anything above, say 5k and it's a bear to get into 2nd.
The only additions to the car are very minor, piano black door handle inserts. I like the look of them, just a simple peel and stick application. They tie in really well with the door trim and the center console. I also added some random Mazdaspeed engine bling. The Oil Cap was surprisingly heavy, a billet aluminum piece. I've ordered the center console piece to modify so I don't chop up my own car in case something goes horribly wrong, and ordered the Titanium Gray paint for the silver trim pieces. The interior will be a work in progress for a little bit, but the center console is the one large thing left to do. Until I add gauges. I had to replace the side window moldings, as those were hail damaged from the previous owner.
The next entry should include the interior mods that I have planned. Stay tuned!
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RX-7drifter
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SpeedRacer
- Posts: 5030
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we're getting rid of the blogs so he posted all his blog entries here 
Heavy duty adjustable dog leashes
http://www.TitanTuff.com
http://www.TitanTuff.com
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Huzer21
Newly installed mods: MS Front Strut Bar
Installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels. Piano Black B-pillars, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer, various MS engine bling.
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Current Mileage: 34230
Miles since last report: 213
The last entry for the year. I've missed driving the car. Since I've started walking to work in September, the car definitely sits more than it should. I managed to get out to Golden today and was able to have a little bit of fun. I'm still impressed with the sways, the car just stays planted. It's great, I've never had a better handling car. It may not be AWD, but on the dry clean pavement I was on today, it's so much fun to have the front pointed, roll onto the throttle and the car just goes where you want it to. Gotta love no torque steer. Next up, the stainless lines when I get a moment to pull the car into the garage (and not freeze while doing it).
WIP: Currently (and finally) have started working on the center console. I hope to have that stuff done within the next couple of weeks. I have a few other interior things to take care of other than the fabrication stuff I'm working on. I'm excited to get everything just the way I want it. Once this is done, the only thing left will be gauges.
No new problems or issues to report. There is still the 2nd gear issue, I'm going to wait until after the holidays to get that looked at. Mileage is almost 16MPG, and that's been strictly city driving. I think the 8 mile jaunt to Golden this morning was the longest trip it's been on. Oil consumption, other than being a pain to check, is negligible. And that's it. So far, other than 2 trips to Burt for warranty related items which took less than an hour combined, I haven't had any issues. (I did have the hard start/flood condition, but not again since then.) Almost 4 months down, and I'm still happy I picked up this car.
Installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels. Piano Black B-pillars, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer, various MS engine bling.
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Current Mileage: 34230
Miles since last report: 213
The last entry for the year. I've missed driving the car. Since I've started walking to work in September, the car definitely sits more than it should. I managed to get out to Golden today and was able to have a little bit of fun. I'm still impressed with the sways, the car just stays planted. It's great, I've never had a better handling car. It may not be AWD, but on the dry clean pavement I was on today, it's so much fun to have the front pointed, roll onto the throttle and the car just goes where you want it to. Gotta love no torque steer. Next up, the stainless lines when I get a moment to pull the car into the garage (and not freeze while doing it).
WIP: Currently (and finally) have started working on the center console. I hope to have that stuff done within the next couple of weeks. I have a few other interior things to take care of other than the fabrication stuff I'm working on. I'm excited to get everything just the way I want it. Once this is done, the only thing left will be gauges.
No new problems or issues to report. There is still the 2nd gear issue, I'm going to wait until after the holidays to get that looked at. Mileage is almost 16MPG, and that's been strictly city driving. I think the 8 mile jaunt to Golden this morning was the longest trip it's been on. Oil consumption, other than being a pain to check, is negligible. And that's it. So far, other than 2 trips to Burt for warranty related items which took less than an hour combined, I haven't had any issues. (I did have the hard start/flood condition, but not again since then.) Almost 4 months down, and I'm still happy I picked up this car.
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Huzer21
Newly installed mods: MS Shift Knob
Installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels. Piano Black B-pillars, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer, various MS engine bling.
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Current Mileage: 34317
Miles since last report: 87
The car has been resting comfortably since the latest snowfall around Christmas time. I added the MS shift knob to the car (yeah!) and definitely like the feel better than the stock knob. It's not much to look at, but I like the change. That's the only mod done to the car in a while. I'm saving for my coilovers and that will be the next purchased upgrade to the car.
Impressions on the snow: Well, with the summer performance tires on the car, it flat out sucks. All starts are 2nd gear starts, and pick your parking spots wisely. Thankfully, the inclined entrance/exits at work are cleared, otherwise I wouldn't be able to get out. I'm sure dedicated snow tires will make a huge difference as would a little extra weight over the rear tires. I've had no starting issues in the cold thus far. It was also able to hold a bit more in cargo than I figured it would, as we tossed some extra stuff in the car during our move. Downfall is the trapezoid that you're trapped in with the front and rear doors open.
And that's all for now.
Installed: JDM Clear corners, Tint, Clear Bra, AFE Short Shifter. Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels. Piano Black B-pillars, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer, various MS engine bling.
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines.
Current Mileage: 34317
Miles since last report: 87
The car has been resting comfortably since the latest snowfall around Christmas time. I added the MS shift knob to the car (yeah!) and definitely like the feel better than the stock knob. It's not much to look at, but I like the change. That's the only mod done to the car in a while. I'm saving for my coilovers and that will be the next purchased upgrade to the car.
Impressions on the snow: Well, with the summer performance tires on the car, it flat out sucks. All starts are 2nd gear starts, and pick your parking spots wisely. Thankfully, the inclined entrance/exits at work are cleared, otherwise I wouldn't be able to get out. I'm sure dedicated snow tires will make a huge difference as would a little extra weight over the rear tires. I've had no starting issues in the cold thus far. It was also able to hold a bit more in cargo than I figured it would, as we tossed some extra stuff in the car during our move. Downfall is the trapezoid that you're trapped in with the front and rear doors open.
And that's all for now.
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Huzer21
Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: AFE Short Shifter, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer.
Appearance: JDM Clear Corners, Tint, Clear Bra, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, EBC Red Stuff Pads
Current Mileage: 34,807
Miles since last report: 490
Many updates that I've missed, but just a quick entry. To keep tabs on my AccessPORT testing, visit THIS link.
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Huzer21
Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: AFE Short Shifter, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, OEM 6 disc changer.
Appearance: JDM Clear Corners, Tint, Clear Bra, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, EBC Red Stuff Pads, Racing Beat Ultra Plug Wires
Current Mileage: 35,335
Miles since last report: 528
It's been a while since a proper update for the car. First, I'll start with the most interesting thing that has happened, and that's the addition of the Cobb AccessPORT to the RX-8. As reported in the AccessPORT thread, the install was not without its hiccups, but it's performing flawlessly at this time. The mild gains in power are offset by the improved overall driveability of the car. Now that this has been released, I'd definitely recommend this route for anyone in the future, as it negates the need for a piggyback for the FI folks out there. There are various tuners working on different maps for the car, and hopefully Cobb will publish more soon as well. As it is, it's time for me to ship the AP back to Cobb so they can work their mojo and take it out of Beta mode. It'll then be shipped back to me in all its full retail glory. Overall impressions of the unit (and the Cobb Stage 1 flash) remain very positive. I'd be curious to know what gains (if any) there have been in power since getting a few drive cycles in.
No other issues to report at this time. I've ordered a set of plugs (maintenance actually recommends replacement every 35k for the plugs) and some RB Ultra Plug wires. I have everything else just collecting dust in the basement waiting to be installed. The shocks and springs will finally be installed Monday. I may do the other stuff at the same time while I'm in there. I also need to flush the tranny fluid. I picked up the ATE Super Blue for brake fluid. Might as well get the car in A1 shape for the spring.
More impressions after the suspension work on Monday. Stay tuned!
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Huzer21
Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: AFE Short Shifter, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, Racing Beat Ultra Plug Wires
Appearance: JDM Clear Corners, Tint, Clear Bra, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07, Driver's Side Sun Visor 03.20.08, Parking Brake Handle 03.20.08.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines, , EBC Red Stuff Pads,
Current Mileage: 35,560
Miles since last report: 225
A few items to report for this two weekend period. First, the suspension has been swapped out, the MS Springs and Shocks have finally been installed. I've noted initial impressions in that thread. To sum up, I've definitely noticed a difference in overall handling, as the car has less of a tendency to squat/dive/roll. The stock suspension was good at reducing all of those points as well, but the MS stuff just raises the bar a little more. Definitely worth the investment. Uneven pavement surfaces are definitely quite a bit harsher. Overall, a big thumbs up for this setup. I didn't need the adjustability of coilovers, or the expense.
The transmission issues I've spoken about at length were checked at two different dealerships. Burt replaced the Slave Cylinder per the TSB, but that didn't resolve it, and they referred my to Gateway. Gateway then reported it as a clutch problem. But dealerships have put "possible clutch failure" on the invoices, after they couldn't duplicate the problem. Well, Burt could, but Gateway couldn't. I'd be willing to bet any CMZC members driving the car could tell. At this point, I'm going to take a few courses of action to resolve. Swap out the tranny fluid, finally install my clutch line, and verify the welds on the clutch pedal bracket. Past that, I'll just have to wait for things to blow up, and have the car towed in for warranty repair on the transmission.
On the topic of warranty, two items were replaced under warranty (both have TSBs associated with them). The sun visor and parking brake lever were the replaced items. When those items were swapped out, I swapped in the "premium carpet mats" that Burt donated to my car. They're ok, and I actually like the fit a little better, but the "RX-8" graphics seem a little '80's to me. The "Lack of Power" reflash was performed on my car as well, MSP16. It does exactly that, as it seems I have less power than with the Cobb Stage 1 flash. I'll be reflashing this evening.
The Racing Beat plug wires have been installed. The best impression I can give of them is "Gee, they look red." I'll swap out the plugs at another time, as the front driver's side wheel needs to be removed to properly get access to them. That's convenient.
And that's all for now.
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RX-7 Chris
- Posts: 7800
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Yes you should.
1984 RX-7 GSL-SE [size=84]My restomod project[/SIZE]
1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL flat black w/ white interior, 2 dr fastback, 390 thunderbird, C6 auto, 2500 rpm high stall converter, shift kit, AC, Holley 750 cfm
[size=100]RIP 1983 RX-7[/SIZE]
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