My Montego Blue 1993 RX-7 build...

[Herblenny]

I thought I share my MB build... its a working progress and will probably never end..

Anyhow, to start, I bought this FD about 8+ years ago because I blew my coolant seal on my Blk FD.

Here are both of the cars back in 2002-03

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MB%20FD/BlkFDNMBFD1.jpg

Pretty much all stock except 99 front end.

Since then, I changed out quite a few things.. like tan to black interior.. added 99 rear wing,...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MB%20FD/img_9041.jpg

added Spirit R seats, different hood,..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/aa4e5247.jpg

Some engine bay stuff..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/2553f86e.jpg

[Herblenny]

Later I decided to go with Fujita Engineering body kit (FEED)..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_00199.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_0041-1.jpg

Added larger RZ/Spirit R brakes..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/frontside_final.jpg

Some engine parts..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_1173-2.jpg

[Herblenny]

And then, I decided to go wider in the back...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/XD91-1.jpg

and put the real FEED bumper lights with HID and rice it out....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/XD92-1.jpg

Oh and new wheels, WORK XD9s.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FEEDXDa1.jpg

Carbon Rear diffuser and AutoEXE CF wing
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FEEDXD4.jpg

Changed out the carpet to Black (which was a pain in the ass). And new RE-Amemiya cluster..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Interior.jpg

New Custom LED tail lights..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TodayMBFD02.jpg

[Herblenny]

Since the glass was from 1993.. I've decided to make things bit more clear..

So, front windshield was replaced..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TodayMBFD15.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TodayMBFD13.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TodayMBFD12.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TodayMBFD09.jpg

At the same time, I've decided to put a Lexan on my spare Carbon hatch..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TodayMBFD08.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/TodayMBFD06.jpg

[ShootJoeC]

Jesus dude. Montego Blue is the best color for sure and you did a great job. One day I will find an unmolested FD and I will love it and baby it forever.

[ApexHunter]

Montego blue. One of the best stock colors ever. Real clean FD btw. I love how you have a spare carbon hatch.

[Herblenny]

Thanks guys!

I'll continue on to my build..

After the hatch, I decided to clean up the inside..

went from Spirit R Recaro seats to Bride Exas III seats.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/today2-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/today3-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/brideandcf3.jpg

Ive also decided to go from Greddy SMIC with M's sport intakes to Apexi GT spec FMIC, HKS intakes, bored out uim, 90mm TB, Braille battery, etc.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/brideandcf1.jpg

[Herblenny]

I've also added Prosport gauges, CF interior (real CF), and EL PowerFC commander

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/interior1.jpg

I've decided to utilize the CF hatch and decided to add some more down force.. I had some issue lifting going over this hill and wanted to test if the APR GT wing actually did anything or if it was just for riced out look..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/CFhatchCFAPR1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/CFhatchCFAPR6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/CFhatchCFAPR8.jpg


One last photoshoot with old rear hatch wing set up..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/fd2011b.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/fd2011d.jpg

[Herblenny]

Since wing created more down force, I had carefully placed the wing and relieve of it pressure point.. I also designed a custom bracket to strength the mounting point so that it would crack the CF hatch and break the wing off at high speed. It works so far..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_0424.jpg

I also changed out the tires from Michelin PS2 to Yokohama Advan Sport.. I have to say, changing out to the same tire size, it made a huge difference!! Advan Sport had much better grip and better feel of the road. Very surprised by the new tires.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AdvanSport1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AdvanSport2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/AdvanSport3.jpg

On the car..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Today2-2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Shoottoday1.jpg

[filthiestek]

Looks mean!

[xxxKezSC3xxx]

i bet this thing screams

[Dave@Canibeat]

Thanks for sharing your build, this car is really in need of a quality photoshoot!

[nelsmar@canibeat]

I have a weak spot for FD's. Car is dopppeeeee. Where are you from?

[Herblenny]

I'm in Birmingham, AL... about 2 hours from ATL, GA..


More update...

I have fixed opening on the front bumper to channel more air and undertray so you can't see through the ground... which I hate.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photoshootMB16.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_0598.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MBPhotoshoot3.jpg

And took some better photos of the car..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photoshootMB04.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photoshootMB03.jpg

Engine bay cleaned up and with new radiator cover for more air flow to the core..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photoshootMB13.jpg

[Herblenny]

What I'll be doing in next several months...

I just got my new wheels and tires for track days and such..

Yokohama Advan AD08s... I'm now a big fan of Yokohamas.

255/35/18 front and 295/30/18 rear
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ad08s1.jpg


New wheels...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RE30AD082.jpg

spec: Volk RE30, Custom Diamond Black with limited edition Volk center caps, 18x9.5 +22 front and 18x10.5 +25 rear.

This spec will fit perfectly on my wide bodied FD.. I'm not real crazy about going for way off stance.

[Herblenny]

I also have some new Big Brake kits..

1st set is: Custom Alcon calipers with DBA rotors with custom hat and RZ rear calipers with Precision Brake rotors.

2nd set is: Racing Brake Big brake kit for the FD..

I'm currently in transition of moving and going to install this once I'm settled in.. Most likely aug 2011.

I also have a set of FEED coilovers I need to install and 3 rotor engine that needs to go in..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/n532683926_1627479_631811.jpg

Built 3 rotor "D" series motor with all new seals and ported.. going for reliable 600wrhp.

[nelsmar@canibeat]

*thumbsup*

[illest]

OH my god! SIck!!

[Herblenny]

Thank you! I know its little riced out but most are functioning parts..

I'm waiting on Bride fabric to re do the rear seats in this car (which I forgot to mention before) and try to match the fronts. The fabric should come in today.

Also, the car has Raceshop rollbar for bit more structure stiffness and later member braces will be added underneath.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_0333-3.jpg

My new Precision rotors and hubs..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_0707-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_0708-1.jpg

Strengthened APR GT 300 wing on CF hatch..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photoshootMB24.jpg

At 145-155 MPH, wing still stayed on.. which was a positive result.. but kind of scary.

Replaced all the plastic interior with real carbon pieces.. these aren't just overlays.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/IMG_0703.jpg

[Herblenny]

My FEED Coilovers that needs to go on the car...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FEEDstuff1.jpg

My other FEED goodies that's going in...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/feed1.jpg

My DBA rotors with custom rotor hat to mate with Alcon calipers.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DBArotor1.jpg

My ported, welded, polished UIM...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RWTBUIM3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RWTBUIM1.jpg

all in with Rotary Work 90mm TB

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/MBFD1-1.jpg

[Herblenny]

Here is a carpet change over... from tan to black.. Pretty much everything needed to come out..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_2745.jpg

My friend Marco helped out
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_2746.jpg

Test fitting Feed carbon trunk piece..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_2747.jpg

Finished

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_2748.jpg

Added rear seats (japan only)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_2750.jpg

[flodubba]

Holy. crap. Amazing looking car, man!

[Herblenny]

Thanks!

My bride fabric came from LOT/Bride today..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo2-3.jpg

I'm dropping this off to my upholstery guy this afternoon and the rear seats will be done on monday..

[nelsmar@canibeat]

Wow chill out on the updates!!!! (KIDDING!). Nice to see some active build threads on here. Too bad you aren't on the W. I would love to schedule a shoot with you and talk some things over. :(

[NINE]

Man you have yourself one sexy RX7 there

[Herblenny]

Wow chill out on the updates!!!! (KIDDING!). Nice to see some active build threads on here. Too bad you aren't on the W. I would love to schedule a shoot with you and talk some things over. :(

I would love to get some good pics of the car... it is a shame I'm not in the west coast (but I do head out there because of my brother in SD).

I'm currently working on 3 cars.. well, more actively 2.. I would post about the other one, but I don't think not all of you would appreciate it.. Its actually another FD, and I'm spending more time on that one finding parts.

[nelsmar@canibeat]

I would love to get some good pics of the car... it is a shame I'm not in the west coast (but I do head out there because of my brother in SD).

I'm currently working on 3 cars.. well, more actively 2.. I would post about the other one, but I don't think not all of you would appreciate it.. Its actually another FD, and I'm spending more time on that one finding parts.

Sent you a PM

[Herblenny]

I figure, I continue to add comparison pics of my build...

Here is a picture of Braille Battery vs. Optima that I used to use. This saved me few lbs in the engine bay..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_5543.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_5544.jpg

Also putting on the Apexi GT FMIC was a paint in the butt.. Almost all the brackets that came with the kit was useless.. So I had to make new brackets and new piping... Especially with AC still on the car..

Using my old Greddy FMIC radiator bracket
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FMIC2.jpg

Trying to figure out if Battery will fit..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/FMIC3.jpg

Intake placement (HKS RS intakes with all the extra pipings removed) with Custom KN filter
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_5542.jpg

Mocking up for custom IC piping..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_5541.jpg

Made IC piping..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSC_5545.jpg

Also made the cold side IC piping... and mocking up for CF radiator panel to better channel the air.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/today1.jpg

Cut CF panel
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/brideandcf4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/brideandcf1.jpg

[nelsmar@canibeat]

Any updates? :P you were on a roll! lol

[jsu1012]

this car is legit. i wish i had a fd :(

[Josh@canibeat]

This thing is bad ass! Not usually a huge FD fan but this I do like

[Herblenny]

Thanks! I finally got the rear seats covered in bride fabric and made it out to the import alliance meet in Nashville

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/5952946717_703e94bc9d_z.jpg
At ia summer 2011t

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/bridebackseat1.jpg
Rear seats

I got more stuff done.. Will post later..

[cristian@canibeat]

LOVE where this build is going. Cannot believe I didn't see this at ia :/

[Herblenny]

LOVE where this build is going. Cannot believe I didn't see this at ia :/

Cristian, I didn't know you were to IA... I actually borrowed a jack from someone at the Canibeat tent... as I had a starter issue.

[Herblenny]

Update....

After IA, I've decided to do some stuff that I been wanting to do for awhile.. One being, changing out my cluster.

I had 2 rare 30th Anniversary, RS-R cluster (1 of 500) and wanted to put that with my RE-A speedo..

So, here it is:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/285403_10150256391998927_532683926_7734770_6123914 _n.jpg

lid up.. now all lights up green vs. red and green RE-A speedo.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/284061_10150258368698927_532683926_7755346_1016383 _n.jpg

[Herblenny]

I'm also a collector of rare RX7 parts... Here is a sample of the rarest clusters I have..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/262973_10150259966373927_532683926_7776248_7286375 _n.jpg

On Top - Blue Mazdaspeed Cluster (I've yet to see one here in USA except this one)

Middle - Spirit R cluster (2002 - 1 of 500)

Bottom - 30th Anniversary Cluster (1998 - 1 of 500)

[Herblenny]

Here are couple of pics of the car at IA... that I found..


During the caravan to IA
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/RollingFD.jpg

When I broke down at IA :)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/280987_2072257558448_1005170936_32419350_7206113_o .jpg

I was the booth car for Prosport Gauges.. Interior shot by someone..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/ia_8_web.jpg

[filthiestek]

Man, car looks great!

[Dave@Canibeat]

I was looking at the car in the paddock at IA and it looked amazing! We definitely need to do a feature on this beast, maybe once you get the new wheels and brakes on?

[Herblenny]

I was looking at the car in the paddock at IA and it looked amazing! We definitely need to do a feature on this beast, maybe once you get the new wheels and brakes on?

Sounds good Dave.. I'm waiting on the lugs from RAYS/VOLK and need to be more pro active about working on the car..

[Herblenny]

Cristian, I didn't know you were to IA... I actually borrowed a jack from someone at the Canibeat tent... as I had a starter issue.

Update to this post... I just found out that I actually borrowed the jack from Cristian.. LOL! Small world!

[cristian@canibeat]

HA! Very small world man :) Glad I could be of assistance. You're friends with Mark right?

[Herblenny]

Cristian,

Yep, I'm friends with Mark. Great guy! He followed me from Nashvegas to Bham, AL just in case I stall and need a push start.

Not that anyone cares.. But...
My starter on the car was constantly on and hence I needed a jack to unplug the solenoid harness..
Anyhow, after several trouble shooting (which I thought it was bad starter solenoid and replaced the starter.. then thought it was my remote start/turbo timer and took my alarm system out.. ) the issue was there was some sort of liquid on the starter power and solenoid wire which was shorting and starting the starter.. I re wrapped the wires and all is good.

[Herblenny]

Got my lugs in last friday..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo4-2.jpg

[slwrthnu]

i fell in love with your car at ia. lots of things done to your car that i would love to one day have on my own fd.

[Herblenny]

i fell in love with your car at ia. lots of things done to your car that i would love to one day have on my own fd.

Thanks! I appreciate that!


Here is something very unique that I recently acquired via friend of mine in TX....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSC7.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSC6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSC5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/DSSC4.jpg

This is a very rare unit and I'm fortunate that I have a friend in high places... This unit was never imported here in USA and far as I know only handful of DSSCs are in USA.. If I get this installed soon, I'll be the first to have one in the FD3S.

I'm currently getting the installation and user manual translated and will go in hopefully in next 6 months or so..

[Herblenny]

FYI:

I know not many of you are interested in Rotary vehicles... But few days ago, a bad news had hit the world of rotary.. Mazda has announced that they will discontinue production of rotary vehicles and no plans to continue until maybe 2017. This is a sad news to many rotary owners as we all waited to see the new 16X engine and possible the New RX-7 or RX-9.

Bad economy and more strict emissions around the world has made Mazda to ditch the rotary production...

[jaymeister]

Loving the FD! Sad news indeed! But until then keep the rotary alive! Keep it up!

[NINE]

FYI:

I know not many of you are interested in Rotary vehicles... But few days ago, a bad news had hit the world of rotary.. Mazda has announced that they will discontinue production of rotary vehicles and no plans to continue until maybe 2017. This is a sad news to many rotary owners as we all waited to see the new 16X engine and possible the New RX-7 or RX-9.

Bad economy and more strict emissions around the world has made Mazda to ditch the rotary production...

Yea its too bad that the rx-8 couldn't live up to the rx-7 in terms of sales. Maybe if it had done better. I was looking forward in seeing a rx-9.

[Herblenny]

Installed the new Prosport Gauge EVO series gauges..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/photo17.jpg

[oilking]

Fd ftw!!!!!!!!!!!

[siclanevo]

I love this build! I still have an fd on my list of cars to own and mod!

[kcdude27]

keep up the work, this car gets better update after update, im diggin everything this thing has to offer

[Herblenny]

Update..

I've decided to pick up another FD shell to put my 3 rotor in instead of strip my currently running MB FD.

I found a shell and currently waiting on the title to be cleared. Once that's done, car will go through a complete make over from stripped shell to all new paint and body.

I will start a new thread here and share my build process.

[NINE]

Nice can't wait to see the new build!

[oramos23]

This build is amazing, makes me wish i never got rid of my 3rd gen :(