Ok......well I've had a problem for the past few years with the MR2. Not with the car itself, but I've had this silly RX7 rotary bug for the past decade. Probably because I had to choose between a S6 & the MR2. Many times have I come close to selling the MR2 for an FD (as many people know), so I've finally found a solution. My brother had been trying to gain access to the MR2 for years, but I've turned him down due to his lack of knowledge (of modified cars & how to respect them). Last time he drove it, he thought it was ok when it ran @ 110 C (blew a HG - he kept going). He was about to get a silly Euro car close to 6 figures, so I put in a real effort (many here know I'm a bit "persistent") to get him into an RX7. I enlisted his partner using the whole "costs much less & will make him happier" & "will depreciate in 5years the amount the Bimmer will off the showroom floor" lines.....LOL I brainwashed him to the point he couldn't sleep....hahaha!
After nearly 10 inspections of various examples in various forms (stock, modified, illegit, hectic spec etc), long drives around NSW & almost QLD/VIC, mission accomplished! Picking it up tonight. For all intensive purposes, it's his (registration & insurance costs etc), but as he still wants the MR2 (closest to our hearts given its history with us), I've allowed a mutual use agreement.
We're looking to keep this permanently in the family alongside the MR2 (garage brothers), so it will probably be used as much as the MR2 (5000-10000km per year) since we both have daily drivers. I researched these ****els to death (RX8 in the past too), so have to pass on the knowledge to my brother, but I'm sure we got the right one. It's actually a lot like owning the Deuce, have to watch temps (IAT & water etc), knock & extremely fussy with maintenance. Surely why most people are scared to own either.
Actually seems to be the perfect match for the MR2 (similar modification wise).
Will post the details later, but it's basically:
Fresh rebuild by Rotormaster (Aviation seals) - mild port
Single turbo conversion - Garret GTX 3082R (1.06 rear)
HKS cast manifold
Apexi Power FC
Blitz SMIC
SMB exhaust (custom dump & IC piping by Haks)
Blitz EBC
Koyo radiator
Re-Amemiya AST
New Cusco Zero coilovers
Work XD9's (rolled guards)
Urethane engine mounts (surprisingly not annoying)
Re-Amemiya CF bonnet (genuine)
CF headlight covers (apparently stockers fall off & CF replacements are cheaper....lol)
Power: ~250rwkw @ 14psi (conservative tune for reliability) - not looking to increase that
Observations: Naturally, the MR2 is definitely faster in a straight line (more boost & top end etc), but the RX7 holds its own (rotors have a natural ability to accelerate despite less HP than a piston engine). Power delivery is both linear (no sudden bangs). The RX7 will spool the GT35 about 500rpm faster, although my MR2 is clearly more responsive off boost. MR2 is more fun with slower, fast direction changing cornering, but the RX7 is more surefooted & def feels better at higher speed cornering. Both demand respect & will easily wrap around a pole
