RR of the Day: 1988 Mazda RX-7 Turbo
The FC chassis RX-7 has always been a vehicle on our automotive "want list" and although it was never as hardcore as the third gen. model that came afterwards, it's always been a competent performer.
This particular example is under the care of udubrx7, and is one of the 10th anniversary models produced in 1988. A full list of the modifications can be found after the jump, but a few highlights include a fully rebuilt and street-ported motor, complete with a BNR turbo setup, front-mount intercooler, a revised ECU tuned by Rtek, and a three-inch catback exhaust. The front bumper was replaced with a Series-5 unit from the '89-91 MY and although the stock rollers remain, they're wrapped in Kumho 712s.
It's a clean example of one of the more iconic rotary-powered machines from Mazda and udubrx7 is in good company, along with a handful of dedicated enthusiasts.
As a reminder, next week we'll be looking for the best quarter-mile performers to feature in our RR of the Day. If you've got a drag car, we want to see it, so follow the directions after the jump to learn how to submit your ride to our Flickr pool.
From the owner:
This is my '88 10th Anniversary Rx7. I have had the engine fully rebuilt and street ported. It sports a BNR Stage 1 Hybrid turbo setup pushing 13psi through the custom FMIC. I have removed all of the emissions equipment (including the air pump), along with the A/C and power steering pumps as well. The A/C condensing unit was also removed, along with all of its piping. I've also relocated the battery to the trunk on the passengers side. Weight savings of ~60 lbs in just the engine bay! The stock wastegate setup (ground out to 30mm) is controlled by a Greddy profec B II boost controller. Fuel is delivered by 4 x 720cc low impedence injectors supplied by a walbro 255 fuel pump. The injectors are controlled by the Rtek v1.8 ECU upgrade which also eliminates the fuel cut and retards timing above 9psi of boost. I'm running a 2.5" downpipe straight through a hollow 3" midpipe to a corksport power series single exit 3" cat-back. The front bumper has since been upgraded to a series 5 (89-91) bumper with a fiber reinforced plastic diffuser. The drivers seat has been replaced by a cloth ractive fully adjustable bucket. Steering wheel and shift knob have been replaced by momo products, and E-brake boot leather and shifter leather are brand new. Stereo has been upgraded to JL speakers along with an alpine head unit. G-tech performance meter says 0-60 in 4.9 sec and 60-0 braking in 165 ft (on my old tires). The car now rides on stock white rims wrapped in kumho 712 series tires, 215 on the front 225 on the rear. Brakes consist of stock discs running Hawk pads.
How to submit to RR of the Day:
Create a Flickr account if you don't already have one. Search for and join the group called 'Autoblog RR of the Day'. Upload up to three photos of your ride to your own account at a size no larger than 450 pixels wide if possible and include as much information about it and yourself as possible. Even if your ride is sweet, it will not be chosen if there's not a lot of info accompanying it. Click on each photo and just above the picture it will say "Send to group". Click that and select the Autoblog group. You're done, that's it!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
danny 8:05PM (2/14/2008)
I HAVE A 88 TURBO 2 WITH 45,000K ON IT! I MIGHT WANNA SELL
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stephy8210 11:06PM (6/28/2009)
hello! i have a 1988 10th anniversary edition RX7 and in need of a rebuilt engine if anyone has any info that would help pls email me!! stephanielester8210@yahoo.ca Thanks so much!
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Lucas 10:49AM (12/18/2006)
Haven't I seen this car around Akagi?
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ssgtakeo 11:39AM (12/18/2006)
Yeah I was gonna say, Akagi's White Comet!
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ray ray 12:51PM (12/18/2006)
This is a really nicely preserved example! Great job!
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Rx7Raven 12:51PM (12/18/2006)
Congrats Udubrx7 on making the RR club.
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Kevin White 1:08PM (12/18/2006)
2nd gen RX-7 will probably always be my favorite car. NICE!
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Andrew 2:24PM (12/18/2006)
More pictures! Every RROTD should have at least 5 or 6, don't you think?
Sounds like this one needs some brake upgrades, but otherwise pretty cool.
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Zippy 1:47PM (12/18/2006)
Nice!!!!
Congrats on the RR club :) Gorgeous, clean. I'd love to own one some day.
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Bill Maher is an Idiot 2:38PM (12/18/2006)
A clean ride, but I'll take the third-gen RX-7.
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udubrx7 3:44PM (12/18/2006)
I'm too broke for a brake upgrade! Don't really need it anyways, I don't have the time or money to track the car, so its unneccessary I think. Maybe just some slotted rotors at some point.
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Rx7Raven 5:09PM (12/18/2006)
Car already comes with big enough brakes to handle itself. Not sure where you got the idea that the car needs better brakes but the stock calipers and rotors are adequate.
Here is a link of more pictures:
http://www.ravenish.com/10ae.htm
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saru 6:25PM (12/18/2006)
really clean a car that can still give current cars a run for their money...
Rotory Power!!
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Pound 10:29PM (12/18/2006)
Rotary Power Hmmmmmmmmmmmm........
http://www.clicktopound.com/news
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tenaciousJk 11:11PM (12/18/2006)
#5...
I'm with you! I've had two of them - both identical 87' "champagne" - both destroyed by some idiots not paying attention to oncoming traffic.
I'll always have a special place for you, Rx. RIP
It's too bad about the rx8 though. A disappointment after the 3rd gen. It was definitely the last in line of a special breed of cars.
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boring jew 4:00PM (12/20/2006)
i had an s5 champaigne. i LOVED it. too bad i didnt know shit about rotary. the engine was blown but i didnt know it and it totally died out 2 weeks after i got it. but those 2 weeks were a blast. i wish i still had it. sat for almost 2yrs. started to do an engine swap and then got scammed out of an engine. had to sell it after that.
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Ed 9:04PM (9/19/2007)
I am still looking for a clean second gen Mazda RX-7 Turbo but with no luck.
http://www.discountpartcenter.com/
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