'83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Restoring, modifying, fettling or just enjoying your RX7 ? Share it with us here...
Post Reply
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

So here it is: For about the cost of replacing the 10.5" rotors, it now has 11.3" rotors, no need to spend hundreds. Just a cutting disc and a grinding disc for my angle grinder, $1.43 of spare steel, a few rods for my stick welder, and a little electricity, it looks better, resists fade better, and stops shorter when loaded.
Image

Image
User avatar
spirit r
VIP User
VIP User
Posts: 1896
Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2013 4:15 pm
Location: Germany Black Forest
Has thanked: 365 times
Been thanked: 165 times
Contact:

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by spirit r »

Thanks for sharing your V6 seven project.
What's your targeted 1400kg? I for my self economise weight, cause i am a fan of leight -and balance weight sports cars. Goal is a bit over 1000kg in the moment and driving feels good for me.
Thomas
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

Thank you!
I agree, minding the weight is worthwhile.
The owner isn't worried about every last MPG in town, nor will she ever corner hard enough to squeal even these cheap tires, but I've done a few things, such as starting to drill lightening holes in my overkill Panhard mount, cutting the right side Watts mount off the axle, cutting off the excessive adjustability I added, and even shortening the motor mount bolts. It may add up to very little, but it still looks like a Mazda, and to me Mazda is about being mindful of every gram that can be removed easily.

Or maybe I've been re-watching that recent episode of Top Gear too much, where Richard was in the latest MX-5

I'm not happy with the current wheel / tire package, how it fits or how it looks. I'm leaning toward tucking some 7.5s, at least 16s. If I go 17s then I'd be doing even larger front rotors. But that would make the Mercedes-sourced Brembos easier.

Current plan is finish the rear brakes, then rear shock mounts, rear spring seats, followed by the rear anti-roll bar, before the exhaust and fuel pump.
User avatar
spirit r
VIP User
VIP User
Posts: 1896
Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2013 4:15 pm
Location: Germany Black Forest
Has thanked: 365 times
Been thanked: 165 times
Contact:

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by spirit r »

economiser wrote:I agree, minding the weight is worthwhile.
The owner of the car is a lonesome, anorexic driver, so he can't reach the vehicle payload then? :lol:
THOMAS
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

Not funny. She's a retired widow. That's why this is a V6 grand tourer, not an LSx-powered FC.
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

Image
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

Image

Image
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

Image

Image

Image

Image
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

Image

Image

Image

Image
economiser
Posts: 185
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

Post by economiser »

Image

Image

Image

Image
Post Reply