MDB's Ultimate Money Pit

Well here we go.

So, back in 2016 I had to get rid of my MS3. Always wanted a rotary and never really saw the opportunity financially to pull the trigger until then. Fortunately the wife is just as nuts as I am and pushed me to get one regardless of how bad a finacial decision it would be. So, I picked this 1993 FD up back before pricing shot through the roof.

Was in decent shape, paint was faded, typical 5th gear synchro failure. BUT it had a freshly rebuilt keg with Goopy apex seals, so that was a plus. Below are some shots from the listing. Picked this up on facebook marketplace. 99k on the chassis







Since ive had it, a lot of time has been spent going through the car ensuring everything is working properly and addressing everything around the engine before going for power.

To date:

Engine:
- Rats Nest Refreshed
- Haltech Elite 2500 ECU & associated hardware
- Catless Downpipe
- Tanebe Catback w/ restrictor
- Koyo dual pass radiator

Drivetrain:
- Rebuilt rear diff
- IRP Engine mounts
- Brand new OEM 5 speed with shorter JDM 5th so its actually useful with ACT 6 Puck


Suspension:
- Ohlins Coilovers
- Superpro bushing kit
- J-Auto FD Pillowball bushing kit

Exterior / Aesthetics:

- RX-Lights LED projector retrofits
- 20% Tint
- Complete glass out respray OEM Mazda Vintage Red






This is how she currently sits at the local C&C making 350whp / 300wtq with maxed OEM turbos and fuel setup

https://www.tiktok.com/@irperformance/video/7311156431313505582





Next few steps are more creature comforts than anything

- Attack squeaks/rattles and sound deadening
- Fix / Replace the stereo
- Install JP3 RX-8 A/C conversion
- Some sort of brake upgrade that will fit within 17" wheels (if not, a rebuild of the OEM setup)

Ultimate power plans (require selling of 1 kidney and 40% of liver) ~400 - 450whp

- EFR 8474 turbo kit
- V-mount IC setup
- 850cc primary / 1680cc secondary fuel injectors w/ rails, regulator, pump etc.

 

Beautiful!

Nice job bringing her back to life!

I'm not familiar enough with these as far as modding, but what does it take to make those power numbers?

 

B

Biggest restriction in the system is the fueling windows. Stock turbos are good for ~12psi before becoming flamethrowers

The fueling im looking into should be good for 500-550, but the stock ports will become a choke point at 450 or so

Anything at or near 500 will require doweling and reinforcement of the keg itself to prevent flexing and coolant jacket failure. The seals in the motor should be good enough to handle it.

 

Damn, I suppose it's time to sell the kidney and 40% of your liver.

I never would have thought it would take so much to make power on the rotary.

 

Its not much more than any other car, all the components were just sized correctly for factory levels without much headroom. It also depends on goals, im looking for maximum spool for street use

There is the rotary tax on components though, i thought the speed was expensive.

Turbo kit I am considering https://turbosource.com/products/turblown-engineering-13b-rotary-cast-efr-iwg-turbo-system

V-mount IC setup - https://www.nengun.com/greddy/v-mount-layout-kit-v-ii

Fuel system should run another 1500 or so once all said and done.

EDIT: I should add, there is a signfiicant price difference between making power, and making power reliably. That is where the "rotaries need a rebuild every 20 feet" mantra comes from. Doing it once and doing it right requires cash

 

The tax is outrageous for sure.

That's a nice turbo kit and IC kit. That would be really nice. The prices are definitely through the roof. However, with any car, you get what you pay for. But 6k+ for a turbo and intercooler is... A little wild.

Do it right do it once for sure! I wish more people understood that concept. Same goes for preventative maintenance.

Slow tedious project. Car is beautiful either way man.

 

I am completely green with envy here! That is my #2 want car, immediately behind a classic 911 (equally spendy)
You have same taste too. spoiler less, the round fogs, rims. I like it all...Ive always wanted Innocent Blue tho

Keep us informed...Ill be watching!

 

Beautiful.

One of these days I'll actually make it over your way to see it in person.

 

Wait

Back the fuck up.

Where the fuck have you been?????

 

Shake n bake baby

 

Fantastic shot!!
Numbers?

 

350/325 @6k

had to retune due to my cat deciding to brick itself and clog the exhaust. New tuner. He didn’t like the injectors running at 110% like the previous tune, especially on 30 yr old factory components.

limited me to 85% IDC and basically run out of fuel at 6k so that’s the new temporary rev limiter

full fuel system upgrade is next. Thinking 1000cc primary’s and 2500cc secondaries with a dual in tank fuel pump setup and flex fuel sensor. Considering radium for the components.

 

Looks slow

 

Made some new friends.

haven’t thrown money at it in months so it started overheating just to show me who’s in charge.

 

So, not much to report on the car as of late

Fixed the overheating issue - stock Tstat was getting stuck - replaced it with a 165* fast acting, replaced the hoses while i was in there

Eliminated the smog air pump and associated components in preparation for an upgraded fueling system

Found out the wiring harness is shot, so that will have to be replaced with a custom one eventually

Broken clamp on one of the small coolant lines was giving me a minor leak / smell which was buried under the intake manifold

Getting a paint correction and ceramic coating next week

And i thought the MS3 engine bay was ugly......