*1979 Mazda Rx7 GS*

This Custom-Built Rx7 is a very early production model (Sept. ’78) in truly excellent condition. I searched for a long time to find just the right car to build. My search required that the car be red, black interior, factory sunroof, never wrecked, no rust, stock and unmodified, and 5-speed trans. I finally found this car in beautiful original condition with everything I was looking for with the exception of being an automatic trans model.

I drove it home 4 years ago and promptly went to work on rebuilding the car to my requirements. I have been a professional Mazda mechanic for 30 years, and have been saving up special and hard-to-find parts for this project for several years. After removing the tired 12a engine and auto transmission, the engine compartment was cleaned and de-greased, unnecessary emissions equipment removed, and readied for the new power train. The original wire harness was not cut or modified in any way. (I retained the complete air conditioning system as this car is meant to be driven and ENJOYED, not beat up and raced. This is built to be a truly high-performance GT/touring car.)

I also removed the entire stock exhaust system and all of the original suspension. I had found and purchased a complete GSL-SE suspension system and rear axle, so the car was upgraded to 4-wheel vented disc brakes. The rear axle was completely rebuilt with a fresh positraction differential, new axle bearings and seals, and new brakes. This was installed with new KYB shocks.

Next, the front suspension was rebuilt with new KYB struts, new bearings and seals, new brakes, and the SE (lower) springs. All installed along with a new steering idler arm.

I then turned my attention to the engine—a 6-port 13b disassembled and refreshed with new Atkins Apex Seals, new soft seals, a windage tray in the oil pan, and a matched set of rotors. I installed a 13b rear counterweight and a Racing Beat lightweight steel flywheel, “street-strip” clutch disc, and their “street-strip” pressure plate. A new throwout bearing completed the clutch. I also used a 1979-80 5-speed trans I had been saving.

To give it some real “Punch”, I purchased a new Camden 7” Supercharger kit (this is the larger of the two sizes available…) and topped it off with an Edelbrock 600cfm carburetor. I also removed the original ‘points-style” distributor and installed a 1985 Rx7 Electronic ignition distributor, along with high-performance coils.

A complete Racing Beat “Street-Port” exhaust system with Header was installed—truly the best system available. Sounds throaty and muscular, not too loud. (Don’t worry—the high-pitch “whine” of the blower is all you need to announce your arrival…)

The 13’ wheels were ditched in favor of all-new 16” Rota RB wheels and new Kuhmo tires. With 1/2 coil cut from the front springs, the car sits “just right”.

The interior, then, was significantly improved by removing the original “Plaid” (Yikes!) seats, and a very nice set of 1990 Rx7 GTU black seats replaced them. A rare NOS shift boot and shift knob look great, and I left alone the original UNCUT radio panel with cassette deck (!). I have purchased (but never installed) a new molded black dash pad and replaced other little plastic pieces to make the interior into near-new condition.

The body and paint are very nice. The paint is mostly original, some spot repair has been done here and there, and obviously by a professional as the color match is spot-on. I do not think the car has ever seen a collision.

In summary—this is an Adult-built, Adult-owned Sports car. It is very fast, accelerates hard, yet can be driven smooth and gently in traffic. It is a ball to tear up a curvy road or dust off that Punk’s Honda in the next lane (or surprise the occasional Corvette), and still be able to go get groceries.

Not including the car itself, nor any of my labor—the cost to purchase all these parts is over $10,000.00… virtually all of this work has been performed within the last 4,000 miles.

Major Features:

7” Camden Supercharger
13b 6-port engine—recently rebuilt
Racing Beat flywheel and clutch
Racing Beat Street-Port Exhaust system
GSL-SE suspension and brakes
New 16” wheels and tires
New brakes
New tune-up parts, belts, hoses, fluids, filters
New Radiator
New Edelbrock carburetor
Washington State permanent “Vintage” license plate (never needs renewal)
MUCH more…

Maintenance:

Has been performed as needed, i.e.
New hatch struts
New clutch master and slave cylinders
New tune-up parts, belts, hoses, filters, fluids, etc.

Needs:

A/C compressor (system is functional and cold but I removed the belt as the compressor is making ugly noises—Available from Rock Auto for around $120.)
Some fine-tuning of the carb may improve driveability
A few nicks and scratches in the (mostly original) paint—overall looks very good
Rear small carpet panel covering the taillights is missing
Rear heated window defogger is inoperative
Mileage listed as shown on odometer-true mileage unknown

Call me with your questions! 425-351-2627