Gentlemen,
Obviously the intent of this thread is to Show you my ride, but I'd like to take the opportunity to formally introduce my self to UPC. I Live in one of the most podunk towns in the most redneck state in the country that invented/defined the redneck. However, I'm no redneck. I grew up idolizing american muscle, but as I've grown older & wiser my taste have gravitated more towards the pure lightweight sportscar. Though the Japanese have gotten it wright a few times the Europeans have consistently stayed true to the formula. It was this European influence that attracted me to UPC. In addition UPC's relative lack of fan boys and population of members that know much more about the automobile than I have kept me coming here. If you haven't already deduced, I'm no engineer, rather more of an enthusiast. That said, I come here to learn. Enough rambling lets get down to business.
My baby girl:
Last February I acquired a 1993 Mazda RX-7. This was a very big step for me. For the last 10 years I've been cruising/commuting in sensible (at least for my needs) automobiles. Even though they were uninspiring I did manage to find all of them with manuals. My work requires I drive something with a large cargo capacity so the sportscar was nothing more than a dream until I came into the position where a second car was feasible to own. That dream finally came true and a lifetime obsession culminated in one purchase. After 4 months of looking I found the perfect FD. Black over tan (would have taken silver over red also), manual, no spoiler, and very low miles. Not to often that you find a 14 year old 1 owner car with < 50,000 miles. I went to look at the car the second day it was listed on autotrader and purchased it the next (for $2000 below kelly BB)
She came bone stock and in very good working order. I had to replace the tires immediately, eventhough they only had 20,000 miles on them they were 11 years old. The rear suspension bushings had to be replaced as well. Then I did all the reliability mods all FD owners are familiar with: improved battery to Chassis ground, 180 thermostat, 185 fan switch, aluminum air separator tank, synthetic trans fluid, and a new fuel filter. Next I replaced the pre-cat with a HKS down pipe, which I wrapped and sprayed. Not only did this provide an extra 10+ HP but it supposedly doubles the lifespan of the turbo. It also makes the turbo much more audible, screams like a banshee may be a more appropriate description. Since the rotary doesnt exactly sing extra turbo scream is welcome. I replaced the air intake with the TKT unit (each turbo gets its own K&N cone.) I have a cat back exhaust that I plan on installing the weekend after Petit Le Mans. I haven't dynoed her yet but she should be making somewhere around 270 hp at the wheels.
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