Table of Contents

Last updated: October 16, 2000

Chapter 1: Planning Your Upgrades

• Introduction
• Upgrade Order - Reliability Only
• Upgrade Order - Performance and Reliability
• Plans, Stages, Phases of Upgrades
• Autocross Upgrades for ASP Class
• Drag Racing Mods
• RiceBoy Mods

Chapter 2: Selecting Parts

• Selecting: Engine & Drivetrain

  • Transmission & Clutch
  • Control & Electronics
  • Turbos, Intake, etc
  • Exhaust, Cat-back, etc
  • Cooling
  • Oil & Lubes
  • Engine - Miscellaneous
  
  
  

• Selecting: Suspension

  • Suspension Diagrams (including part numbers)
  • Daily Driver Suspension Upgrades
  • John Ames' Setup (National Solo II Champ 2 Years Running)
  • Springs
  • Shock Absorbers aka Dampers
  • Shock Comparison
  • Coil-overs
  • Anti-sway Bars
  • Braces for the Anti-sway Bar
  • Bushings
  • A-arms (and ball-joints, dust boots, etc)
  • Toe Link Assembly
  • Strut Tower Braces
  • Drag Racing Launch Kit
  • Alignment
  • Adjustment
  • Ride Height Adjustment
  • Corner Balancing
  • Suspension Spreadsheet
  
  
  

• Selecting: Brakes

  • General Big Brake Info
  • M2 Performance Kit
  • Crooked Willow Kit
  • Movit Kit
  • Wilwood and Outlaw Calipers
  • Brembo Rotors
  • PowerStop Rotors
  • Carbotech Rotors
  • AP Kit
  • Cool Tech (Stop Tech?)
  • Cryo Treatment
  • Brake Pads
  • Brake Lines (incl. stainless steel)
  • Master Cylinder
  • Proportioning Valve
  • Brake Fluid
  • Speedbleeders (brake bleeders)
  • Painting Calipers
  • Polishing Calipers
  
  
  

• Selecting: Wheels & Tires

  • Tires
  • Wheel Sizes Used by List Members
  • Offset and Spacing
  • Will These Wheels Fit My Car?
  • Light Weight Wheel Comparo
  • Wheel Weight Page (Christian LoCascio)
  • Questionnaire for Buying Wheels
  • Wheel Mounting, Spacers, Repair, etc.
  • Kinesis Motorsport Wheels
  • Complete Custom Wheel
  • Original RX-7 Wheel Info
  • Wheel Refinishing
  • 3rd Gen Wheels on 2nd Gen
  • Wheel Pictures on RX-7s (Hung-Jen Hung's Wheel Studio)
  • Wheel Pictures on RX-7s (Discount Tire)
  • Wheel Pictures on RX-7s (Tire Rack)
  • Wheel Pictures on RX-7s (Tire Rack - old PC executable)
  • Wheel Manufacturer/Vendor Links
  
  
  

• Selecting: Body & Interior

  • Spoilers & Wings
  • Diffusers
  • Hoods
  • Body Kits
  • '99 Front End
  • Doors (including "gull wing" or "scissors" types)
  • Windshield
  • Car Covers
  • Keys
  • Lights
  • Efini Badges
  • No Pistons Sticker
  • Seats - Aftermarket
  • Seats - Rear
  • Steering Wheel
  • Pedal Replacements
  • Carbon Fiber or Metal Dask Kits
  • Gauge Face Kit
  • Stereo Info
  • Carpet
  • Floor Mats
  • Cargo Net
  • Cup Holder
  • Gas Caps
  • Waxing
  • Rotor Clock
  • Trailers & Hitches
  • Radar Detectors
  
  
  

• Selecting: Safety Equipment

  • Roll Bars and Cages
  • Helmets
  • Harnesses
  • Fuel Cells
  • Fire Extinguishers / Suppression Systems
  • Safety Wiring (e.g.- bolts)
  
  
  

• Selecting: Warranties

• Information on Vendors & Locating Parts

Chapter 3: How-to Procedures

• How-to: Fuel System

  • Fuel Filter Replacement
  • TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) Adjustment
  • Injector Installation
  • Injector Cleaning
  • Fuel Pressure Regulator Install
  • Air/Fuel Gauge Install
  • Fuel Pressure Gauge Install
  
  
  

• How-to: Maintenance

• How-to: Electrical

  General Electrical

  • Electrical System Troubleshooting
  • Start Button Installation
  • Spark Plug and Ignition Installation
  • HKS Twin Power Install
  • Ignition Coil Testing
  • Timing Adjustment
  • Electrical and Wiring Info
  • Ignition Wiring Harness Improvement
  • Battery Relocation
  • Battery Drainage Problem
  • Fuse Box Relocation (Jim LaBreck)
  • Valet Mode (Limp Home Mode) How-to

  Stereo

  • Bose Stereo Installation for Non-Touring Models
  • Radio Removal Instructions
  • Radio Wiring Info
  • Radio Security Unlock Information

  Controls

  • Temp Control Relocation and Auxilliary Gauge Installation (Firas Arabo)
  • Cruise Control Installation (Factory Add-on)
  • Cruise Control Test Procedure

  Lighting

  • Headlight Removal
  • Tail Light Removal
  • Fog Light Rewiring
  • Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Conversion
  • Wiring Gauges for Dimming w/ Lights

  Alarm

  • Alarm Installation
  
  
  

• How-to: Engine Computer

  • Meanings of "Check Engine" Light Codes
  • O2 Sensor Install
  • Haltech E6K Install
  • PFS PMC Install
  • PFS PMC Install Manual
  • PFS PMC Manual
  • Apexi Power FC Install
  • Apexi Power FC (PFC) Manual (PDF format)
  • Apexi AVC-R Install
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual (US Update)
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual Wiring
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual (Gen. 1) (old?)
  • Apexi AFC Manual
  • Apexi AFC Manual (US Update)
  • Apexi AFC Manual Wiring
  • Apexi AFC Manual (Gen 1) (old?)
  • Greddy Profec Install
  • EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) Install
  • HKS AIC Tuning
  • HKS FCON Install and Tuning
  • HKS FCON Manual
  • HKS FCON Manual SW2
  • HKS EVC-III Manual
  • HKS EVC-IV Manual
  • Turbo Timer Install
  • Apexi Turbo Timer Manual
  • Apexi Turbo Timer Manual Update
  • Greddy Turbo Timer Manual
  • Knock Sensor Install
  • Cruise Control Installation (Factory Add-on)
  • Cruise Control Test Procedure
  • Fuel Cut - Stock Computer
  
  
  

• How-to: Cooling System

  • Cooling Fan Test and FAQ
  • Cooling Fan Modification
  • Cooling Fan Circuit (Post-Fuel-Recall) (slow download - very large)
  • Cooling System Troubleshooting
  • Cooling System Flush
  • Radiator Installation
  • Temperature Gauge Installation
  • Water Pump Removal
  • Coolant Air Separation Tank Elimination
  • Radiator Ducting Fix
  • Water Temp Gauge Install
  • O-ring Failure Information
  • O-ring Fix
  
  
  

• How-to: Engine (Other)

  Troubleshooting

  • Starting Problems (General as well as Electrical)
  • Starting a Flooded Car
  • 3,000 RPM Hesitation Troubleshooting
  • Compression Test
  • O-Ring Failure Information
  • Apex Seal Troubleshooting
  • Acceleration Troubleshooting
  • Engine Smoking Troubleshooting
  • Engine Failure Info

  Intake

  • Intake Installation (Mostly Mazda)
  • Intake Installation (Pettit Racing)
  • Intake Plenum Removal
  • Double Throttle (Intake Plenum Valve) Removal
  • Throttle Body Hose Removal
  • Oil in the Intake
  • AWS Modification
  • Mazdatrix Fresh Air Duct Install

  Exhaust

  • Exhaust System Installation
  • Downpipe Installation
  • Exhaust Troubleshooting
  • Passing Emissions
  • Airpump Removal
  • EGR Valve Test
  • EGR Valve Replacement
  • O2 Sensor Install
  • EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) Install

  Oil and Fluid Related

  • Fluid Changing (transmission, oil, etc)
  • Oil Pressure Problem Troubleshooting
  • Gas Smell in Oil Troubleshooting
  • Gunk on Oil Filler Cap Troubleshooting
  • Oil / Gas Premix How-to
  • Oil Analysis How-to
  • Oil Pan Removal (Also Motor Mounts)
  • Oil Cooler Installation
  • Oil Cooler Cleaning
  • Oil Metering Pump Conversion
  • O-ring Fix

  Other

  • Rotary Engine Tech
  • Reliability Modifications
  • Idle Adjustment
  • Engine Rebuild and Break-in
  • Engine Rebuild Instructional Video
  • Motor Mount Replacement
  • TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) Adjustment
  • Nitrous Oxide Installation
  • Pulley Kit Installation (also airpump removal and belt install)
  • Belt Noise Troubleshooting
  • Rear Rotor Housing Retorque
  • Finding TDC (Top Dead Center)
  • Engine Cleaning
  • Ground Strap Install
  • V-8 Conversion / Engine Swap
  
  
  

• How-to: Turbos

  Main

  • Intercooler Installation
  • Non-Sequential Conversion
  • Vacuum Hose Replacement
  • Turbo Rebuild
  • Boost Unit Conversion (e.g.- PSI, BAR, ATM)

  Boost Control

  • Manual Boost Control (using valves)
  • Manual Control Boost (using pills)
  • Boost Control - Stock Wastegate Adjustment
  • Fuel Cut
  • Greddy Profec Boost Controller Installation and Tuning
  • Apexi AVC-R Boost Controller Installation and Tuning
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual (US Update)
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual Wiring
  • Apexi AVC-R Manual (Gen. 1) (old?)
  • HKS EVC-III Manual
  • HKS EVC-IV Manual

  Testing and Troubleshooting

  • Boost Test
  • Boost Problem Troubleshooting
  • Turbo Oil Leaks / Smoking
  • Turbo Manifold Cracking

  Turbo Timers and Boost Gauges

  • Boost Gauge Installation
  • Turbo Timer Installation
  • Apexi Turbo Timer Manual
  • Apexi Turbo Timer Manual Update
  • Greddy Turbo Timer Manual
  
  
  

• How-to: Miscellaneous

  
  

  General Maintenance How-to

  • Maintenance Schedule
  • Reliability Modifications
  • Shop Manual (1993)
  • Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

  Brake How-to

  • Brake Job
  • Brake Master Cylinder Installation
  • Brake Kit Installation
  • Brake ABS Test
  • Brake Proportioning Valve Installation
  • Brake Problem Troubleshooting

  Transmission & Drivetrain How-to

  • Clutch Installation
  • Clutch Adjustment
  • Fluid Change (Transmission, Differential, Engine)
  • Shifter Installation
  • Shifter Maintenance
  • Automatic Transmission Mod
  • Auto to Manual ConversionDifferential Removal
  • Bushing Installation (Differential) (from Unobtanium Motorsports)

  Suspension How-to

  • Suspension Installation
  • Trailing Arm Installation
  • Anti-Swaybar Mount Installation (from Widefoot)
  • Bushing Installation (Front) (from Unobtanium Motorsports)
  • Bushing Installation (Rear) (from Unobtanium Motorsports)
  • Bushing Installation (Differential) (from Unobtanium Motorsports)
  • Suspension Troubleshooting
  • Corner Balancing
  • Alignment
  • Shock Boot Replacement

  Body How-to

  • Stock Rear Spoiler Install
  • Mazdaspeed GTC Wing Install
  • Front Bumper Removal
  • Rear Bumper Fix
  • Door Handle Fix
  • Door Lock Fix
  • Power Window Fix
  • Hood Latch Fix
  • Rear Hatch Rattle Fix
  • Paint Chip Repair
  • Gauge Face Replacement
  • Dashboard Removal
  • HVAC Control Relocation (Wael's page)
  • Dash and Interior Repair (Peeling Panels)
  • Glovebox Stuck Shut Fix
  • Steering Wheel Installation
  • Air Bag Test Procedure
  • Racing Harness Installation
  • Trailer Hitch Installation

  Miscellaneous How-to

  • How to Use This Site
  • Air Conditioning Replacement
  • Polishing Parts, Chroming, etc.
  • Welding How-to
  • Storing an RX-7
  • Car Transportation (Shipping) Services

  Other People's How-to Pages

  • Rob Ryder's How-to Page
  • Brooks Weisblat's How-to Page
  • Rob Robinette's How-to Page
  • Ryan Schlagheck's How-to Page
  • Max Cooper's How-to Page
  • Gene Khan's How-to Page
  • Derek Vanditmar's Tech / How-to Page
  • Eastwood's How-to Page. Eastwood sells a lot of useful tools and supplies. Their how-to site is somewhat of an advertisement for their products, but still has some good tips.
  
  
  

Chapter 4: Information - General

• General

  • History of the RX-7
  • Magazine Articles
  • Rotary News.com
  • Save the Seven Dedicated to preserving the RX-7 and bringing it back to these shores
  • RX-7 Registry
  • Books about the RX-7
  • RX-7 Movies / Videos (Quicktime, MPEG, or AVI digitized)
  • Video Games Featuring the RX-7
  • VIN Deciphering
  
  
  

• email Discussion Lists

  • Mailing List Subscription (aka "The Big List")
  • RXTech Yahoo Group
  • 3rd Generation (93 - 95) Specific Mailing List (defunct?)
  • Mailing List Etiquette
  • Mailing List Acronyms
  • Mailing List Spam
  • Mailing List Archives
  • Mailing List Archives (Dave Disney's)
  • RX-7 eGroup at Yahoo (is a copy of the Big List in a different format)
  
  
  

• Clubs

  • Clubs
  • Club Locator
  • Gen 3 RX-7 Club on Yahoo
  
  
  

• Forums

  • Rotary Forum.com
  • Rotary Chat.com
  • No Pistons Forum
  • SigZag7 Forum
  • Rotary Ramblings Message Board
  
  
  

Appendix: Frequently Asked Questions

• RX-7 FAQs

  • Troy Wilson's FAQ
  • Lemon Site FAQ
  • Felix Miata's FAQ (general rotary info)
  • The Lemon Site
  • Buying a Used '93 - '95 RX-7
  • Reliability Modifications
  • How to Work on the Car
  • Maintenance
  • Wheels & Tires
  
  
  

• Gas FAQs

  • RX-7 specific Gasoline FAQ
    
    
  • Gasoline FAQ, Part 1 of 4
  • part 1 (alt)
  • part 1 (alt)
    
    
  • Gasoline FAQ, Part 2 of 4
  • part 2 (alt)
  • part 2 (alt)
    
    
  • Gasoline FAQ, Part 3 of 4
  • part 3 (alt)
  • part 3 (alt)
    
    
  • Gasoline FAQ, Part 4 of 4
  • part 4 (alt)
  • part 4 (alt)
    
    
  • Gasoline Reference
  • Octane
  • More Octane (Chevron)
  • Gas Info (Mobil)
  • Gas (Shell)
  
  
  

• Oil FAQs

  • Oil FAQs
  
  
  

• Other FAQs

  • FAQ server - list of FAQs