New Guy - FDTRX7

[FDTRX7]

Hey Guys,

Real name is Damian and I'm the Proud owner of a FD S6 and live in Adelaide.

I was refered to the site from AusRotor and a mate of mine (1500 Convert RE) in Kusanagis' Thread about the Adelaide Cruise.

Thought I'd sign up and say "What's Up" and get to know you all.

I've had the FD for about 2 Months now. It's Pretty much stock besides a Blitz Intercooler, Custom Exhaust and a set of RX-8 18". All of these were already on it when I purchased. Both Turbos have been rebuilt and currently cleaning up some small coolant leaks that I've found (Radiator Caps and a Gasket Replacement - Nothing Major).

Here are some pics and I'd love to get her out for a cruise some time.

Peace

(Just thought I'd add. I've got a PDF copy of the FD Service Manual if anyone needs one)

[capella re]

welcome to the forum, that rx7 of yours looks mint as. i hope your getting all those things fixed on warranty. i fixed a bunch of stuff on my skyline then went you idiot thats what the warrantys for. some times just easier to do the small things yourself though i guess. actually looks really good withe rx8 wheels on it. il keep an eye out for you damo!!
Simon.

[gotorx7]

Welcome!

You also need to sign up on FDRX7.com if you haven't already..

[vortex]

Nice ride! Is this the one that was in the yard out on Main North Road and has an RX8 6 speed box in it?

[FDTRX7]

Thanks Guys,

Yeah, it was the one Vortex. Wasn't a 6 Speed though. It had the Gear Knob from one and it got thrown out as soon as I got it. (Grabbed 2nd too quick and it came off in my hand :S)

I've had a bit of warrenty work done but I gave up after they replaced the Radiator in the first week of owning it (Cracked the Rad because the Bottom Drivers side Rad support was missing) and I lost it for a Week...

I'd rather do the work myself. At least I know it's done properly.

[Kusanagi]

Hey Damian welcome!!

Where's your 1500 buddy? doesn't seem to be very active haha... anyway, very nice car, and the 8 wheels do match the 7 very nicely, looked as it was stock, may be they had that in mind when designing the wheel haha, now I wonder how the stock 7 rims look on the 8 :S

Hopefully there will be cruises around spring time when weather is nicer.

Ket

[FDTRX7]

Thanks Ket,

Yeah He's been working on other projects lately. Just finishing up on a Nissan Bluebird V6 Manual Convert...

Not sure how the 7 rims would look on the 8. The Guards may look a little bare considering the size difference between 16" and 18". Haha.

Can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit. Looking forward to the cruises.

[capella re]

yeah i went out for one yesterday, the weather was pearler and didn't see the boys in blue once. cars about to run outta rego again so thought i'd get another drive in incase i get slack and don't register it again. if you head out for a cruise in future shoot me a pm and i'l meet up with you. havent driven it for a while and as always the clutch burns my legs afterwards-damn pressure plates. can't wait till the new paint goes on, soon as the panel beater can work out what we're doing and when!!
Simon.

[rxgirl]

Welcome to the Forums :)
Nice FD
Hopefully by the end of the year ill have at least 1 of my cars going :/ and ill be up for a cruise for sure :)

[FDTRX7]

Cool, sounds like a plan Simon. I've added my MSN Contact to the site so hit me up anytime guys.

Thanks for the welcome rxgirl, which one are you trying to get going first?

[1500 convert re]

finaly damo u joined blody slacker took him about a month to join but hay we all cant be as quick as me lol and dont worry guys i havent forgotten yous i just been busy with new job and new project

[FDTRX7]

That's because "someone" couldn't remember the Site Address :P

All good man. Haha

[Kotter31]

i think you need to try and find a s6 front lip for that bumper so it liiks a little less mx5 ish

[The Stig]

(Just thought I'd add. I've got a PDF copy of the FD Service Manual if anyone needs one)

If you'd like to email it to me (admin@sarotors.org), I'll put it online..

As a matter of interest, what year is the manual for?

[Bernie]

Nice car mate. The off set on the RX8 rims dosnt quite fill out those RX7 guards, a shame cos they look nice.

[gotorx7]

Nice car mate. The off set on the RX8 rims dosnt quite fill out those RX7 guards, a shame cos they look nice.

Yeah, I was going to grab a set for track use, but ended up finding something else. They look good I think..

[FDTRX7]

Haha, Thanks Kotter31. I've been told that it's missing (Apparently). I'll look into it some time later down the track. As it is I have some Height Issues with a few places around the City. Not looking to put a kit on it, I'd rather it look plain.

The offset on the Mags isn't really that bad but I can't put the thicker profile on them to fill it out more as it'll wipe out the insides of the wheel arch. I'm looking for some centers for the mags with just the plain Rotor Symbol on them. It looks a little tacky with "RX-8" on them...

But still, I'll look at all that stuff a little later.

I'll E-Mail the Service Manual for posting later tonight, It's PDF'd in separate sections. It applies to the FD Series (1992 - 1997) I'm pretty sure. Most parts may not have changed too much so the 1997 - 2001 model owners may still find it useful.

[rxgirl]

Cool, sounds like a plan Simon. I've added my MSN Contact to the site so hit me up anytime guys.

Thanks for the welcome rxgirl, which one are you trying to get going first?

The S5 is suppose to be the daily so that one will be the first to be on the road, the S3 is the short term project that has turned into the long term project.
Hopefully that one will be up and running next year sometime (i have been slack) :)

[The Stig]

I'll E-Mail the Service Manual for posting later tonight, It's PDF'd in separate sections. It applies to the FD Series (1992 - 1997) I'm pretty sure. Most parts may not have changed too much so the 1997 - 2001 model owners may still find it useful.

Hold off for a bit please.. Pretty sure I already have that version..

[FDTRX7]

Hey Guys,

It's been a while since I've really been active... Work, Travel etc...

Was pretty sad that I couldn't make the Birthday Cruise on the 8th, was in Sydney over that weekend.

Checked the Manuals Forum as well Stig and Yes, that's the same Workshop PDF(s) that I tracked down.

Currently have the FD sitting idle at the moment waiting on some springs and a PWR Rad to turn up, thinking I should cancel the srings 'cause it's been a month now and they still haven't turned up (From USA).

Cheers for now, Be good to catch up with you all!

[capella re]

thought it had been a while since i heard from you damo. Hows the sev going anyway? missed out big time on the cruise, as you can probably tell by the pics. And as for your springs taking 4 weeks, might be taking longer than expected to extract the ore from the ground to make them!!! what brand are you going with? why the usa? coil overs or just springs?? Took me two weeks to get my indicators for my rx2 (now sold the rx2) from thailand, never got anything from the usa so not sure how long it would take but a month seems excessive (hope you didn't lose any money in the transaction though)

[vortex]

Took a bit over a month for my coilovers to come from the USA (RX7 store) but they had to order them from Tien USA, who didn't have stock and had to order them from Tien Japan...

Was worth the wait, though :D

Don't forget to come and say hi on www.fdrx7.com as well, a few south aussie FD owners there and we catch up for drinks or dinner occasionally :)

[FDTRX7]

Sad to hear you've sold the Green Beast Sim, Have you got another Rotor or Project to work on?

Saw the pics on the Cruise, Sad I missed it, Looked like an awesome day!

I've ordered some Tien Coil Overs, thanks for mentioning about the time frame Vortex, I'll give the destributor a call tonight the see where they are. Sad part is after waiting so long, they'll be fitted in a weekend...

Not going to start any work on it until I've got all the parts I want ready for all the work to be done in one session. So, until then, my PWR Rad and 65oC Thermostat is going to have to gather dust til I receive the single piece Thermostat Housing / Filler and Solid Overflow Bottle from Race Solutions (NSW). Then it's off to REVs for a Mild Port Build.

If I've got the time this weekend, looking at removing the centre console and dash cluster to do some re-wiring. Alpine Head Unit is causing some grief the last couple of times I've taken it out. I'll be replacing it (And the original Bose single din "Space Filler") with an Alpine Double Din 7 1/4in Touch Screen DVD Head. (I'll take pics and put them up here. There wasn't anywhere I could find that details this stuff on the 'net for an FD)

The RX is still going well, still drivable but hasn't been out in a while. Might take it out soon though. Weather is looking good for the next week or so.
PM me if you'd be interested in a catch up.

[vortex]

I've ordered some Tien Coil Overs, thanks for mentioning about the time frame Vortex, I'll give the destributor a call tonight the see where they are. Sad part is after waiting so long, they'll be fitted in a weekend...

Give me a yell if you need a hand, just did my teins a few weeks ago so it's still pretty fresh.
There's also a very handy thread on FDRX7.com which explains the process very well also.

[Luke]

I'll be replacing it (And the original Bose single din "Space Filler") with an Alpine Double Din 7 1/4in Touch Screen DVD Head.
Let me know how it goes - interested in getting a Din unit.

There's also a very handy thread on FDRX7.com which explains the process very well also.
Just make sure you have a kilo of valium or a punching bag handy..... lol

Oh, and when you get your suspension in, don't forget to get decent alignment settings - the ones they give you at the shops are average and will make you rethink your purchase :)
I think there are settings on the FDrx7 site.

[FDTRX7]

Thanks for the offers Guys, Cancelled the Order from TEIN for now...

Been hearing a lot of good hype about the HSD Coilovers (Readily Available from Car Toys on Port Road, Adelaide). I'm a little iffy, you guys seen them in action?

Also got the RX Re-Skinned with some Pirelli PZero Rossi's (235/40 R18) Highly Recommend them!!

Head On Down to Bob Jane's on Pultney Street in the City (Adelaide) and they'll hook you up! (Cost about $1,300 for all 4)

Here's the Link for the Springs:
http://www.cartoys.com.au/products/Mazda/HSD+HR+TYPE+COILOVERS+SUIT+MAZDA+FD3S+RX7+SERIES+6 +7+8.aspx?SC=2E-HSDHRFD3S

[gotorx7]

Never heard of the HSD's on an FD..

I'd stick with the Tein's I think..

[Kusanagi]

Hi Damian,

I think you really do get what you pay for, as Dave said, I'd stick with the Tein too, in fact I'm tempting to get a set for myself.

My brother recently bought his Tein Mono Flex with EDFC for his S2k from www.nengun.com (direct from Japan) which is much cheaper, compared to getting it locally (I won't quote how much saving but you prolly need to contact them and find out yourself) for the same item, Car Toys quoted $3,300, Wheel Worx quoted $3,500 and Tyrepower Pro quoted $2800, and that's just the Mono Flex alone, no EDFC!! with EDFC you will expect around another $700 if buy locally.

BTW, it took less than a month to be delivered at the front door.

[FDTRX7]

Thanks Dave and Ket,

I was pretty unsure, just was taking too long to receive the TEINs. RX is currently sitting idle (Left it unregistered over Christmas and New Years, didn't want any idiots developing a show off session or being pulled over for a "Random" Breath Test every couple of hours for them to check out the FD), might leave it til I decide to fit parts. Thanks for the info Guys!

[vortex]

I was quoted 8 to 12 weeks to order Teins from Fulcrum - who didnt have stock either and had to order from Japan.. Finding local aftermarket parts for these cars is an exercise in futility :)

[FDTRX7]

Definately, always pays to see what's locally available first (And if it's worth the risk)...

I Guess it's more the "Quality Vs Availability" in most cases.

If you're desperate for a part you can drop by NissMaz in Wingfield for a "Good Second". See Brad, he'll look after you.

Also I've contacted Rob at Race Solutions in NSW about a Single Piece Thermo Housing (Not entirely sure what the parts' correct name is - the Housing that fills coolant directly into the block) as I've noticed that the factory Plastic top housing and O-Ring have a habit of weeping fluid... and I'm not paying Mazda $165 for the plastic top housing and $16 for a damn O-Ring every 2-5 years.

I'm getting the part priced with the Over Flow Hose and a Solid Metal Bottled Overflow.

If anyone else is interested, I'll post the price when I get one.

[FDTRX7]

Hey Guys,

Did some work on the RX this weekend, nothing overly special, and took it for a bit of a cruise.

Any of you guys wanting to meet up this weekend (Saturday 13th Feb) for a meet and cruise?

[capella re]

how you going damo, found any coilovers to suit yet?? heres a link to some teins which are sold locally (not sure if they are in stock though, not sure if you were using a usa distributor or an aust one previously) http://www.modyourcar.com.au/tein-super-street-damper-coilover-kit--mazda-rx7-series-6-fd3s-p4964
im not sure if its coilovers your specifically after as i think a good strut and spring combo (such as bilsteins or konis) would do an excellent job of improving handling and doubt would cost anywhere near coilovers. people like the adjustment ability of coilovers but if your not a suspension expert playing around with your settings can make an unpredicably handling car end up in a tree.
i'l be keen for a meet but still havent got another rotor yet but by the weekend that may change if this vl i'm trying to sell will leave me the hell alone.

[vortex]

Any of you guys wanting to meet up this weekend (Saturday 13th Feb) for a meet and cruise?

I can't commit to making it, but it does depend when it is, too. Are you thinking day or evening/night?

Probably should have mentioned it on this site, but some of the FD owners at fdrx7.com had a cruise today and went out for pizza after :)

[FDTRX7]

Yo Guys,

I was actually purchasing those exact springs through Mod Your Car for the order Simon, They just started taking too long (And other things came up) so I decided to cancel, but in doing so, I decided over this weekend to check the current condition of the springs already on there and found where the clunk was coming from... all fixed now, along with a few other things I decided to tidy up.

Was thinking of an evening catch up, nothing really like a cruise (If it turns out to be one, then cool what ever goes), just a meet up of the guys here on the Forums, not Rotor Specific, although I'll get mine out for the meet. Anyone's welcome to join!

Where would be the best central place to meet?

Sorry I missed it Vortex, today would have been no good for me (Work Commitments). But it's great to hear that everyone's out cruising this time of year.

[Kusanagi]

Yo Guys,

...

Was thinking of an evening catch up, nothing really like a cruise (If it turns out to be one, then cool what ever goes), just a meet up of the guys here on the Forums, not Rotor Specific, although I'll get mine out for the meet. Anyone's welcome to join!

Where would be the best central place to meet?

...

Always interested in meeting up, depends on where, hopefully not far north, also to be confirmed if I can again later during the week. Cheers.

[FDTRX7]

Hey Ket,

I was actually thinking somewhere central (Preferably out of the CBD somewhere just in case for a few people ;)) maybe K-Mart on Anzac Highway around 8:00pm?

Currently got the RX Garaged out north so it'll be a bit of a drive for me too (Drive from East-Central in the Daily then the drive back into the City in the RX) but being a Saturday, if I'm too tired I can always take it home for the night and garage it again on Sunday.

[rotor7]

g'day damien... see you got a desent set of wheels... glad you picked a true sports car over holden or ford.... anyway wlcome to sarotors hope to catch you around..im always up for a cruse buddy... most weekends... cheers justin :)

[Kusanagi]

Hey Ket,

I was actually thinking somewhere central (Preferably out of the CBD somewhere just in case for a few people ;)) maybe K-Mart on Anzac Highway around 8:00pm?

Currently got the RX Garaged out north so it'll be a bit of a drive for me too (Drive from East-Central in the Daily then the drive back into the City in the RX) but being a Saturday, if I'm too tired I can always take it home for the night and garage it again on Sunday.

Hi Damian,

Just realised I have a big family thing going this SAT, how about SAT week (20th Feb)?

K-Mart sounds perfect to me, about 14km from home. Any ideas about what to do?

Cheers,

Ket

[mUnky-matt]

delay more, delay more! the later it is, the greater the chance of my car being finished ;)

Once a time and place is pinned down I'll pass it on the christian; always interested in SAR events

[basketcaseFC]

Should be able to get down there, whenever it is! Looking forward to it, will also try and get my mate down with his FC :bigsmile:

[FDTRX7]

Thanks Justin,

I'm sure I could do the 13th as well as the 20th Guys, Wasn't looking at a Full Blown Cruise, just a get together and meet who ever is able to make it and maybe a Rotor Parade through the Hot Spots in the CBD or Jetty Road, making a last stop for a Coffee, or whatever you guys like, to end the night.

I'm pretty sure that Nando's is open late on a Saturday at the K-Mart, so a bite to eat would probably go down well before a Rotor Overload, what you guys think?

If you're only able to make the one or the other, that's cool, more than welcome to come to both either way if you can make it :)

[capella re]

i'm up for a meet this weekend or next which ever one peeps are free. as for the cbd and jetty road theory, from the guys ive been out with on here before, your the only one that would make it home without a canary, convoys of rotors and hot spots dont go together. we could munch at nandos and then go via greenhill road up to the top of the mountain, or meet, greet and eat then go home?? (watching the commodores go up and down anzac hwy while i sit in kmart carpark is a favourite past time of mine, hold on i think i just coughed something up, yes it was a piece of bullshit i just had in my throat!)
we can just hang out there for a while and who ever wants to go for a jetty road run can i guess.
its in your hands now damo, you started it now you have to finish it, thems the rules :)

[FDTRX7]

............
(watching the commodores go up and down anzac hwy while i sit in kmart carpark is a favourite past time of mine, hold on i think i just coughed something up, yes it was a piece of bullshit i just had in my throat!)
...........

Watching Commonwhores while sitting in your wha?
(Just playing man :))

For sure, I'm up for anything. I guess we could talk ideas over dinner or something.

And as for the CBD / Bay Cruise... well.. I get my fair share of Bacon Pieces when I take the RX out. Pain in my ass... Happy to avoid the stickers for everyone, don't want a first night out meeting you guys to turn into something we'll remember for the wrong reasons.

And Simon, on the 13th if you're keen, You're welcome to ride shotgun with me if you like.

[capella re]

Watching Commonwhores while sitting in your wha?
(Just playing man :)) .
ha ha very funny damo!!

And Simon, on the 13th if you're keen, You're welcome to ride shotgun with me if you like.

wow i'd be honoured, thats the second ride ive been offered in a week in one of your guys cars, you must love me or pity me, either way im there!!

[rotor7]

welcome to the forum.... nice car dude looks sweet... if your up for cruses on weekend let us know...theres a few people who go out most weekends.... cheers justin :)

[FDTRX7]

Updated the details in the Garage...

Is anyone actually using that function on the forums??

[basketcaseFC]

I 'put' my car in there so to speak Damo but really haven't used it since... hmm should probably start hehe

[FDTRX7]

Hey Guys,

Well, It's been an interesting (and extremely busy) few months, but I'm slowly getting everything together for the FD.

She's been off the road for a little bit waiting on a new clutch to be installed, but in the mean time, I decided to start hording parts for a major service as well.

I've created a list on where I've sourced my parts from, the part numbers and the prices I got them for.

Only 4 more things left to tick off the list:
- Break Fluid (Can anyone recommend a good type / brand?)
- Gearbox Oil (Can anyone recommend a good type / brand?)
- Braided Clutch Line
- Clutch kit (Need to Purchase and have it installed)

Don't think I'll have it done for the B'Day cruise, but I'm hoping at least before Christmas.

[vortex]

gday Damo,

Motul RBF600 is the go for the brakes, but get 2 bottles to do a full flush. Don't forget to do the clutch too, but if you do the clutch line at the same time this is a given ;)
Box oil, heard good things about Redline 75w90, check the FSM for reccomended weights, but from memory this is about right.
Braided lines are available from RHDJapan.
Clutch kit : what are your future plans for the car? Big single and grunt, or keep it near stock?

[FDTRX7]

Thanks for the feedback Vortex,

I'll track down where and how much for the fluids and oil, Once I've got the list together, I'll be posting it up in a new thread. Knowing part numbers are always handy.

Mainly keeping it close to stock with minor upgrades for reliability and performance.

I've already sourced a clutch, going with the Exedy MZK-6648HD (Heavy Duty) priced from Car Torque in Kent Town for $790 New.

Word of warning though. DON'T contact ABS in Glynde as recommended on the Exedy supplier site, the guy I spoke to sounded like he had no idea what they were doing... Quoted me $1,840 for supply and install and even asked if it was a rear wheel drive.
:fail:

[FDTRX7]

Well, Finally got everything together and running again!

I found why it was running so bad and rich as well, The Intake Vaccum Hose had dropped off for starters. (Runs between the UIM and Firewall to a Pill through to a sensor) Makes it sound like a tractor!

Secondly, I spoke with the guys over at REVs for some advice and they commented that they remembered the car. Looks like I don't need to get an engine or turbo rebuild anytime soon, Turbos were rebuilt by them and a Street Port Rebuild (Minor Port and Polish) was done by the previous owner! :D

After replacing the Plugs, I found that they all were fouled from rich running (All Black) but there was no consistancy with the types of plugs installed either! Don't know what Muppet did the last service but they need to be turkey slapped!

Plug Type and Location (First check and change since I've owned it)

L1 L2
(BUR9) (BUR7)

T1 T2
(BUR7) (BUR9)

None of the plugs were all that difficult to get to once the Inlet and Throttle Body was moved out the way, although T1 was in tighter than a 17 year olds jeans on a saturday night!

Now running BUR9s all round and running very well with the new leads too.

Cleaned the throttle body, Turbo to IC Intake, FMIC, and IC to Throttle body.
(No oil residue! Always a good sign!)

Strange part was... I know that I still need to replace the clutch, but while test driving it, there was no slipping or noise from it at all (Simon can confirm that there was something going on) but at least I know I can drive on it to get the new one fitted. :)

Hope to be able to catch up with everyone before Summer Ends!

[vortex]

The secret is to jack the car up, you can get at all the plugs easily from underneath :)

[FDTRX7]

The secret is to jack the car up, you can get at all the plugs easily from underneath :)

Thanks for this Vortex, I already knew it was a little easier from underneath but unfortunately it didn't start or run so I couldn't use my ramps. (Had a bad experience working on a car with only a jack support, so I'm not making the same mistake twice ;) ) and with the 18" on it, I couldn't jack it high enough to slide them under the wheels.

In honesty, it wasn't all that difficult to get to them from the top at all, only hard part was cracking the plugs out as they were wrenched in too tightly.

Pro Tip (Now that I've done them): Get yourself some Penetrene or RP-7 lubrication spray and lightly spray the plug thread (Try not to get any on the core) on the new plugs and they'll be easier to install and remove (Don't over tighten them!) for next time.

Also with the leads, Get some Silicone Spray (Also acts as a water dispersant) and spray it into the lead heads. This will make sure there's no crap in them and they'll slide onto the Coil Packs and Plugs easier without having to "Burp" the leads.