Modified 1985 Mazda Rx7 on 2040-cars
Winter Park, Florida, United States
The reason a first generation Rx7 was chosen for resto-modification was
simply because it's one of the last Japanese rear wheel drive sports
cars still available today that can match or better the performance of
the many newer cars being offered. For example, there's the Scion FR-S and
Subaru's BRZ, the Older Rx-7 performance numbers weren't really
competitive when compared to these examples right out of the box, but
with minor modifications it became capable of outperforming or matching
them and at a fraction of the cost. With huge aftermarket support
from available from companies like Racing Beat and Mazdatrix increasing
the performance levels wasn't that hard of a task. These companies have
specialized in increasing performance out of rotaries for decades. I
was lucky enough to find an unmolested,one-owner car with low miles out
of California that showed no signs of rust or abuse. It even had the
original bill of sale and the owners manual in the glove box. Another
big plus was that it was a GS model, which meant it was equipped with the
more reliable 12A rotary and weighed less than the more powerful GSL-SE
model by at least 200lbs! It was the perfect starting point. To become
competitive in the modern sport cars market the braking and handling
was to be improved. This was accomplished by installing the bigger more
powerful braking system out of the high Performance model(GSL-SE)
which added rear ventilated disc Brakes and LSD (limited slip)along with
thicker sway bars and a more useable wheel bolt pattern. Another
Notable upgrade was the installation of stiffer springs and shocks and
the replacement of all worn out rubbers and endlinks, including motor
mounts. Once all component were installed a better wheel and tire setup
was chosen, authentic Volk Racing TE37's and BF Goodrich Comp2
tires. This combo really increased traction and gave it a more aggressive
stance. It now seemed like the car begged to be driven harder from the
second you get behind the wheel and turn the key. With the handling and
braking improved, it was time to focus on power and reliability.
Starting with a complete tune-up and changing the hoses, belts, and
fluids. Servicing the A/C and replacing the oil pan gasket. Then I
installed a Racing Beats Header and exhaust system combo and dropped in
a K&N air Filter over the factory Carburetor. I didn't de-smog the
engine because the car came from California and I didn't want the new
owner having any issues with emissions. Once completed the difference
in performance and sound was huge.Giving it similar performance of the
larger fuel injected Motor(13b) provides and while shedding additional
weight. (About 35 ILBS). With the car running strong I then moved on to
improving comfort and curb appeal and removed and replaced all rubber
seals and trim pieces to have the car Painted Matte Red. As for comfort
the seats were replaced with new leather seats and the original radio
and speakers replaced with newer and better sounding components that
provided modern touches like Bluetooth Connectivity without bogging the
vehicle down with unwanted weight. I drove the car for two months daily
searching for weak points needing improving. I came across a minor
issue with night time visibility and addressed that problem by upgrading
the headlights with modern Led Projector units. This car is lots of fun and its seems like I'm always looking for a reason to get behind the wheel
and drive. I hope the car
finds a new owner deserving of the work and effort I've invested into
making this classic fun again.
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Mazda RX-7 for Sale
- 1985 mazda rx-7 gsl red 12a first gen
- Collectable classic rx7 low miles 89000miles 89000miles runs and drives(US $1,950.00)
- 1990 rx7 convertible, great condition, well maintained, florida car
- 1993 mazda rx-7 touring coupe 2-door 1.3l(US $12,000.00)
- Mazda rx7 1999 rhd jdm ... rx7 99..... supra nsx gtr 300zx
- 1991 mazda rx-7 turbo coupe 2-door 1.3l
Auto Services in Florida
Wildwood Tire Co. ★★★★★
Wholesale Performance Transmission Inc ★★★★★
Wally`s Garage ★★★★★
Universal Body Co ★★★★★
Tony On Wheels Inc ★★★★★
Tom`s Upholstery ★★★★★
Auto blog
2015 Mazda2 spotted in Japanese magazine
Tue, 16 Jul 2013The styling changes at Mazda are proceeding at a fairly quick tempo. The CX-5 was unveiled, followed by a refreshed CX-9, the excellent Mazda6, and most recently a new Mazda3. This all happened over the course of less than two years, which in the auto industry is like a long week.
Now the Mazda2 is getting its revamp. Thanks to a magazine scan from Japan, we now have our first look at the new sub-compact, called the Demio, in its home market. Mazda's familial front end has been fitted, and it doesn't look quite as suited to the smaller car. Lacking the long-hood look of the Mazda3 and Mazda6, the new styling looks overly rounded, almost bulbous from our angle. It's still attractive, but the shape is kind of off-putting compared to the chiseled faces of the 2's big brothers. We'll concede that the folded magazine page may have something to do with it, however.
The next-generation 2 should adhere to Mazda's Skyactiv philosophy, which means we can expect a highly efficient four-cylinder engine, although it's impossible to say if Mazda will do away with its smallest offering's one-engine strategy. Considering the Mazda2 will be riding on a shortened version of the CX-5's platform, we'd expect some degree of mechanical parts sharing, regardless of how much the larger platform needs trimmed. Perhaps a detuned version of the 2.0-liter, Skyactiv four-cylinder could be under the 2's hood?
Mazda's first profit in five years in sight due to weak yen
Fri, 05 Apr 2013Automotive News reports Mazda is set to turn a profit for the first time in five years. The automaker is more dependent on exports from Japan than other automakers based in that country, and as a result, it has long suffered at the hands of a strong yen. But the currency has declined in value by some 16 percent over the past six months and Mazda's shares have tripled in value to their highest level since 2008. Contrast this situation to a year ago when Mazda printed 1.22 billion new shares to raise cash. The move was equivalent to 70 percent of the company's then-outstanding stock, and values tumbled to record lows as a result.
Now that the yen has fallen to a value of around 96 per dollar, Mazda operations in the US are more profitable and the company now projects it will earn around $279 million for the next fiscal year. Automotive News says a one yen change against the dollar can have a 9.1 percent impact on Mazda operating profit compared to 4.7 percent at Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries or 3.1 percent at Toyota. Those automakers better insulate themselves from currency fluctuations with overseas manufacturing facilities.
Finalists for 2014 Green Car of the Year announced
Thu, 17 Oct 2013The list of finalists for the 2014 Green Car of the Year has been announced, and in a genuinely bizarre twist, there's only one hybrid and no electric vehicles among the five contestants, despite the arrival of cars like the BMW i3 and Tesla Model S. Taking the place of the EVs are a pair of diesels, repping a technology that last won a Green Car of the Year award in 2009, when the Audi A3 TDI took the title. No diesel was in the running for last year's award.
Naturally, both of the diesel finalists are fielded by the Germans - with BMW's 328d and Audi's A6 TDI getting the nod. In the case of the 3 Series, BMW installed a 2.0-liter, turbodiesel, capable of delivering 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while returning 45 miles per gallon on the highway. Audi and its larger, 3.0-liter, V6 turbodiesel produce quite a bit more grunt, with 240 hp and 428 lb-ft of grunt, but net a very impressive 38 mpg on the highway in the A6.
Finalists for this year's awards include two diesels, three gas-powered cars and a plug-in hybrid.