With over 800,000 units produced over three generations, the rotary-engine Mazda RX-7 is an ideal project sports car in ample supply. The RX-7 offers unique technology, superior handling, and decades of aftermarket support.
These are chief reasons why Graham Feltham, a recently minted PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto, bought his dream 1987 RX-7 Turbo II after an exhaustive search. The car had been parked in a garage for seven years, but was not in running condition and had to be towed home. Graham posts the details of his build-projects on his YouTube channel.
Not Just Any RX-7
While there are scores of RX-7s on the market at any given time, the rarest of the breed can be elusive. “The FC RX-7 has always been one of my favorite cars,” said Graham. “I had been searching for this particular car, in this particular year and trim, in this particular color, for about five years. Mazda really pushed the envelope with the FC chassis. The rotary engine is really a unique feature, and the turbo model puts out enough power to spin the tires.”
The rotary engine is a compact design. Its placement in the RX-7’s engine bay leaves plenty of room for modification. This is where the exact vintage became crucial. “1987 is a unique year in Ontario, Canada, as it’s the cut-off year for requiring an emissions test,” Graham explained. “This opens up the possibilities for greater engine-mods or even a crazy engine swap.”
So how crazy is crazy? “If the 13B engine gives out on me, I am considering a Toyota 1UZ engine swap. I think this would be a fun challenge.”
Graham built the car to be a daily driver. The suspension was updated with KYB AGX adjustable struts, Tanabe 2 inch lowering springs, front and rear strut tower bars, adjustable sway-bar end links and sub-frame link, as well as urethane bushings. The brake system is fitted with Stoptech slotted rotors, Hawk HPS pads, stainless-steel brake lines, and rebuilt OEM calipers.
Current drivetrain mods include an HKS F-CON ECU controller with fuel cut defender, oil filter sandwich plate, LUK clutch and stainless-steel clutch line, custom dual exhaust with Bonez high-flow catalytic converter and Racing Beat components, and a wide-band exhaust sensor with a LCD display.
A 15-gallon RCI racing fuel cell with a 255LPH Walbro in-tank fuel pump is tucked in the trunk. “The fuel cell install was a big job,” said Graham. “I had to cut the entire rear floor out with a plasma cutter and MIG weld in new supports as well as a new floor and a small hatch-door to access the filler.”
Pink Wheels?
The bright pink 16×7 Sparco Assetto Gara alloy wheels draw a lot of looks and the inevitable question. Why pink? “The wheels are pink simply because Tire Rack had a clearance sale on this specific color,” Graham explained. “I will have them powdercoated sometime in the future.” Exterior mods include a front-lip extension that was designed for a Nissan S13, along with a large “duckbill” rear spoiler.
Interior mods include an NRG removable steering wheel, a Sparco seat sitting on custom rails, and a host of aftermarket gauges. “Getting the OEM driver seat out was a big pain. The bolts had rusted so bad I ground and drilled them out and tapped new holes for the Sparco seat.” Graham picked up a hand mandrel pipe bender and will be building and welding in a complete roll-cage at some point in the figure.
It Never Ends
What’s next in the build? “The car is now running nicely,” said Graham. “I’m planning to enjoy it for some time before putting it back on stands and starting more mods.”
Graham offers sage advice to potential builders. While there are plenty of RX-7s and parts tucked away to build on a budget, that abundance allows you to be discerning.
“These cars are fun to work on. Look for rusty driver seat bolts, as well as rust at the corners of the front fenders and on the floor pan, just behind the driver seat. If the engine is blown, and you are planning a rebuild, don’t bother. A rebuild kit will cost more than a complete engine swap.”
See Mazda RX-7 Cars for sale on eBay.
