The Rocketeer

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The car is at Mazda right now. The reason is because after I installed a remanufactured alternator, it seemed one of the wires to the sensor clip that plugs in the alternator was stripped out of its connector.

The power supply cable from the alternator started to burn and melt causing a plastic burn smell. I got the car towed to Mazda from Orlando to Melbourne using AAA.

So the car is getting a new Co-harness to fix the burnt current one. The cars low beams also are not working simultaneously as this all happened. I also am getting a full inspection done because I'm driving to DGRR and afterwards taking a cross country trip in the Rx-7.

So while the car is at mazda, I'm getting brand new coil packs and in the next couple weeks having mazda replace all the bushings.

Now you think I'm crazy having the dealership work on the car and pay dealership prices but I'm receiving quality work on one special mechanic who has worked on rotaries since 1990 and I'm paying for oem parts at wholesale price.

I can't wait to get my car back.

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The car is running so freaking smooth in the power band accelerating and decelerating.

I'm ordering OEM Bushings for the car. All of them and having Mazda Install them. I love that there is a paper trail on this car since it was bought and I have put all of the receipts in a binder with sheet protectors. I have also started my own binder with everything that I have done already to the Rx7. Even though its expensive to have Mazda do the work, I see it as a compensation to the extremely low prices of the parts I am purchasing. I also can show anyone in the future if the car gets sold the quality work that went into this car. A lot of do it yourselfers out there but once I pop open that binder, theyll be happy with who installed what.


Would you buy my car?

Trying to get all the bushings done and installed before Deals Gap Rotary Rally.

[OBD1 kenobi]

Hell yes, I would buy your car :-)

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I got a price of both front and rear suspension done with oem bushings. The prices are fair because I'm getting the oem parts at cost what the dealer buys themso if a part for instance F131-34-200 is listed at 417, they will sell it to me for 275. Not the retail price.

I am concern and hope I am making the right decision.*

Right now it's about 4k to get the rear done by mazda and about 2100 for the front. That includes labor for about 9 hours at 115 an hour. This is upper and lower control arms complete front and back ,bushings toe links etc.*

As of right now I am getting the rear done because of the clunking and taking the bulk price of the restoration done first and then do the front in a couple months.

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Just for fun

Stock Rx7 pull: http://youtu.be/Y2Vvw2SDqqk

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Okay so it's finalized.
Speaking with James from Mazda competition has been extremely pleasant. He helped me out multiple times and we together made sure what I needed.

J-auto helped me out for 40 mins on the phone for everything else Mazda competition didn't have. We went over my order from Mazda and created an order over the phone on his Web site to make sure the entire job was complete front to back.*
I purchased Mazda competition bushings. They are stiffer rubber oem bushings that are not available in the factory.*

I went with j-auto pillow balls with j auto toe links, inner/auto tie rods/ boot covers, ball joint boots, and super pro trailing arm bushing.*

After the help here online and to James and j-auto, I feel like I am making the right decision.

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So I got a used exhaust from Pettit racing because there is a giant hole that's unrepairable on top of the oem muffler. It's a 3 inch far can. Well see how long this will last. I have my eyes on a full titanium cat back.

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This sounded cool with the back fire but the rattle noise sucked.

20150331_142726 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr


20150331_142729 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr

[—Martin—]

Yikes!

[— Willywongka —]

The FD3S is my dream car! I can't wait to see everything all refreshed.

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First item to arrive for operation "Suspension Revival"

2015-04-02_05-40-31 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr

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Order came in today and I'm super excited. The bushings may be as important if not more important then coil overs.

Mazda competition bushings front and back. J-Auto pillow balls with oem seals, inner and outer tie rods, tie rod boots, oem ball joint boots, super pro trailing arm bushings,
2015-04-03_06-25-39 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr

2015-04-03_06-25-13 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr

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Picture of the new exhaust. Gonna try to take a video clip with my sony A7

2015-04-05_06-50-08 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr

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I got the car back from the shop. Took some time but everything got done that I asked for. I also had to pick up 2x new differential axle shaft seals because of a small leak on one side.

So, I had drained and replaced the differential fluid again in my ownership and freshen the car up with an oil change before I we head up to Deals Gap Rotary Rally on Wednesday.

The mazda competition differential bushings got installed as well in addition.

Drove the car home for 15 minutes and right away the tailing arm clunking is gone, the car feels stiffer, and I am experiencing a little bit more vibrations.

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Prepping the car with blue dodo juice wax kit for Deals Gap Rotary Rally

20150414_121503 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr

20150414_121456 by rocketeerbandit, on Flickr