280whp Mazda FD RX7 Review - Is Rotary Better Than VTEC?

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Is the third time the charm? Having briefly driven 2 examples of the FD RX7 previously, let's just say I wasn't completely convinced by its driving dynamics. This time, we spent some quality time pushing Hanzhang's 1993 FD RX7 through the ideal backroads to discover if its peaky engine and handling enable it to live up to its reputation. Also a former S2000 owner, Hanzhang decided the Honda's tuning potential didn't satisfy his desires as a mechanical engineer, so he purchased this rough-around-the-edges RX7 to tinker with.
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Build Sheet:
1993 Mazda RX7 Touring (95k miles)
Engine:
Mazda Reman Engine (60k miles)
Simplified Twin Turbo (Reduced vacuum line quantity due to emission components delete)
M2-style Intake
3.5” Downpipe
Bonez 3” High Flow Catalytic Converter
Racing Beat Dual Muffler
A’PEXi Power FC, Tuned by Yoshi @ Neptune Speed
Cooling:
Rotary Extreme V Mount Intercooler
Koyo Radiator
R1 Dual Oil Coolers
Chassis:
Tein Type Flex ricer coilovers, 10k/8k
Hawk HP+ Pads F&R
ATE Super Blue
Refreshed Control Arms & Subframes during 2nd owner’s ownership
Rotary Extreme Rear Trailing Arms and Toe Links
Custom Engine Torque Damper
RPF1, 17x9+45 Front, 17x9+35 Rear, 255 Z2* all around
Interior:
6 Point Harness w modified stock seat’s bottom cushion
Personal Neo Eagle 340mm
Moddiction Anvil Mini Shift Knob (carried over from my s2k…)
Autopowers Race Roll Bar
B&M Short Shifter

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Опубликовано:

12 мар 2018

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Комментарии : 90

@stephenimsong3462 6 лет назад

My dream car has always been the S2k, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the FD, and I respect this guys for getting the Mazda for its mechanical design and imperfections of the rotary over the masterpiece of the F20C

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

Stephen Imsong I own a ap1 with a F20c ! And it’s my love but I’ve always wanted a FD...😭

@stephenimsong3462 4 года назад

joey NACHANPHASUK dude that awesome what year and color? Btw I’m finally a proud owner of a 00’ in silverstone metallic

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

Stephen Imsong me too bro silver stone metallic follow me enlightnd_one so I can see your car too!

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

Bro I have a year 2000 also!!!

@ironfistscientist 3 года назад

backhanded compliment

@ricepony33 6 лет назад

Excellent review and simple build

@Number27 6 лет назад

Love these!! nice review buddy, only just found your channel after your comment on my vid and have subscribed !

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

Number27 Subbed to you as well. Nice Evora S! I reviewed one on my channel a couple years back.

@SnowWhiteMR2 6 лет назад

Sweet vid! This RX7's characteristics seem surprisingly different from other RX7s I've seen on video.

@lineageplayer9527 6 лет назад

Snow_White_MR2 because this FD is not modded for high HP but stability. The current mods amplified the stock power and enhanced the original performance. Not over the top but just a littke better then stock. I know this FD personally. So..yea

@ArthurSperotto 6 лет назад

Damn, this was a quality video, got me looking up FD RX7's for sale hahaha

@DarrenOHaraCork 6 лет назад

me too!

@redrx77 4 года назад

It would be interesting to test a Series 8, '99 spec JDM car : Bilstein suspension, uprated ECU, dedicated Potenza 07(03) tyres, new upgraded Hitachi turbos giving instant power delivery throughout the power range, Nardi steering wheel, variable steering assist, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, 167 mph, 315 BHP as standard(whatever the gentleman's 280bhp agreement said) etc. In all, a more powerful and better handling car than the pre '99 models.

@obadiah7700 6 лет назад

great review

@PeloMR2 6 лет назад

Beautiful RX7 and tastefully modified. He's running the exact wheel & tyre combo I want! I've got stock R1 suspension and stock tyre size and it handles very neutrally. Changing the coilover springs on this car to 8k & 6k will make the car a lot less twitchy. Consider that the stock springs are around 4.7k & 3.5k!

@GlassTopRX7 6 лет назад

Great wheel setup with the 18's, with rolled fender lips you could run 285's all the way around with no rubbing provided you get the right offsets. I went staggered with either 255 or 265's up front and 285's in the rear. The twitch isn't a suspension thing it's chassis flex short of fully welded cage there only so much you can do it about.

@ericsartanahorner 6 лет назад

One of the prettiest designs, ever.

@zachfisher8627 Год назад

The lack of throttle response is due to the nature of the beast, the higher the rpm the harder it pulls, and when I'm above 3000 Rpms my throttle becomes very snappy

@IntegraDIY 6 лет назад

Can’t really compare rotary to vtec.. one is changing the valve lift, and the other is a different style engine.. rotarys don’t even have valves lol 😆 good video though beautiful car 🚗

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

You're absolutely right, but you know what I mean :)

@lagunacorona 3 года назад

If you get the the upgraded SP turbos it wont feel dull at low end, its crazy difference

@smilepermile888 6 лет назад

Another great video Zygrene. I'm not sure if its possible for you guys in the US to watch TopGear UK (with Chris Harris, Matt LeBlanc and Rory Reid) but this week's episode was based in Japan, where Chris Harris loved driving his pre-facelift RX-7 he bought at auction. Without spoiling the episode, i'll just say that it doesn't end well for the RX7. Speaking of RX7s, have you seen Garage Quinn Motors? He owns both two RX7s, an AP1 S2000 and a few MX5s and I thought both of you have similar tastes in cars. He makes very informative yet entertaining videos.

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

I saw the 1 minute preview on RU-vid. Looked pretty scripted but still fun. I'll have to find the full video somewhere. I think I've seen a couple of Garage Quinn Motors' videos, but I don't follow closely. I'll check em out! Thanks!

@smilepermile888 6 лет назад

Yeah its scripted+overdramatised like a hollywood movie but since it was about Japan, I gave it a shot. You'll definitely cringe if you watch the show as a carguy but if you can accept that and watch it as a person who doesn't know much about cars, it'll make more sense as a light-hearted fabricated entertainment show, rather than a factual documentary. The stereotyping was on the verge of annoying though and as a japanese myself it was uncomfortable to see the language barrier for certain occasions - the two presenters thought that some locals were angry at them but its often mistaken that people vary their tone of voice in the japanese language. Since you watch Best Motoring/Hotversion videos, there will be some familiar sights for you.

@indigocoolvinyl00 4 года назад

The downshift sound tho ❤️

@jacobramirez7110 5 лет назад

I really like the Mazda FD RX-7.

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

I have a 245 square set up bro and no aero is that bad ? Cuz I think I said that towards the ends u said that’s a bad recipe .... explain please 🙏🏼

@brianmessemer2973 6 лет назад

Sweet.

@amulu10 6 лет назад

Nice review! I wonder how much the addition of better coilovers and alignment will help with the twitchyness through those roads? Like for example, didn't the rear end in your S2k improve a decent bit over some sketchy corners at Buttonwillow with the Ohlins? Also, how would you compare the Rx7 to the NSX in terms of the turn-in and response? As a former NSX owner eyeing to buy a Rx7 I am pretty interested in your thoughts about it!

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

Yep the Ohlins made a world of difference on my S2000. The red "Spirit R" clone I drove in JDM Legends had Ohlins and proper alignment so it didn't feel nearly as twitchy. Compared to the RX7, the NSX has better steering response, stability, and traction, but doesn't turn in as sharply and lacks power. I let Hanzhang (RX7 owner) drive my NSX recently - video will be out soon! Stay tuned.

@amulu10 6 лет назад

I see! The DFV seems to do a world of difference to the cars from the 90s and early 00s. Please do a review like the one today if you ever get a chance to get hold of that one in the JDM legends! That one really looked well sorted. And thanks for your thoughts on the comparison! Also, love your style of reviews with less fluff and actually some proper driving content! In a lot of ways the same flavor that made the 'one takes' popular. Keep up the good work mate.

@GlassTopRX7 6 лет назад

The twitchy nature is lack of chassis rigidity. About the only thing that will eliminate it is a full welded cage. That is one thing that Mazda resolved in the RX-8. Tires, wheel size and if they have a good front tower brace are going to dramatically impact turn-in and responsiveness. My FD with 18's is night and day different from when it had the OEM 16's

@junit7590 2 месяца назад

@@GlassTopRX7I found adjustable teins setup properly with good tyres on 17s had zero twitchiness, just easy to handle and progressive. 96 series 7 jdm spec maybe made the difference. Found strut brace didn't make any noticeable difference

@giorx5 6 лет назад

Clutch problem incoming maybe realated to not having ultra fast response?

@big-R 6 лет назад

Refreshed suspension, bushings and proper alignment go a long way on cars from the early 90s. They are old. I've had an FD with a fully refreshed suspension feeling like it is on rails at 170 mph (no wing). At the same time, I was scared to take my stock FD quickly around any corner because the suspension was so out of wack. The RX7s are cars that were easy to handle on the limit when new. P.S. Since then I sold all my RX7s and now own a stock S2000 due to priority changes.

@GlassTopRX7 6 лет назад

I guess that depend on what mean by easy to handle at the limits. The RX-7 is down right spooky at the limits giving virtually no warning when the rear is about to come round. It's not what I would call easy to drive at the limits for that reason. Confidence inspiring is not something most people would say about the car as it's not forgiving at all. If you are experienced it's just something to be aware of if you aren't you are very likely to go off the road rear end first.

@junit7590 2 месяца назад

@@GlassTopRX7I never found that with mine, it was extremely gentle at going sideways and it was extremely easy to being back. Having said that it was a series 7 on adjustable teins with 17in rims and Bridgestone 255s on the back. Drove great

@Arizona9001 11 месяцев назад

As an FD3S owner I came to say No, it isn't better than VTEC. Actually it isnt better than pretty much any piston configuration. But gah damn everyone agrees it cooler. liked and subbed.

@junit7590 2 месяца назад

As a former fd3s owner, I'm afraid to tell you that you're wrong 😂. I love vtec but the power and tuneability of the 13b, coupled with it's tiny footprint and super low c.o.g. make it my favourite. Jdm models in nz with 98 pump gas tho makes the diff

@andr3w27 6 лет назад

How does it compare to a NSX in terms of visibility, pedal placement and overall driving feel? I have never been inside a FD but have considered it before.

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

Visibility is very good but the front visibility in the NSX is unmatched by any other car I've sat in. Throttle pedal placement of the NSX is not very good, hard to heel toe, FD is better in this regard. Driving feel is very subjective, need to drive both for yourself!

@Kona61 6 лет назад

Saw this car at lucky 7 a few days ago.

@Pandaiian 6 лет назад

Do you have the link to his build?

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

Yep, added to video description

@Rikuzyou0521 6 лет назад

Where can I buy the left steer FD??!!

@absboodoo 6 лет назад

They were sold in US and Canada from 93 to 95. Good luck finding one.

@JanMichaelFranklin 6 лет назад

Zygrene, you should get your hands on a well sorted RX-8 with an intake. They're a little heavier than the FD and S2K, but the handling is better than both in my opinion. Also, that feeling of progressive power ramp and endless gain is pronounced with the Renesis with great NA throttle response.

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

I reviewed a well sorted R3 a couple years back: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-24y__8ar09c.html I should try to review another one though! My memory needs a refresh.

@JanMichaelFranklin 6 лет назад

Zygrene I remember that now! My bad!

@Stopthegreed 6 лет назад

The RX8 is nowhere near as popular as the FD rx7 and in my opinion nowhere near as nice looking. As for power the stock FD rx7 will slaughter an rx8 every time. Also the price of the FD rx7 is going up in value and start at about 20k where as the rx8s you can pick up for about 3k now.

@junit7590 2 месяца назад

@@Stopthegreedthe rx7 has genuine race pedigree the rx7 does not, apple's and oranges

@7sins979 3 года назад

lol watching AFR on a powerFC commander. guy probably needs to replace his bushings and have the car aligned, these things are really sketchy if the suspension is not well sorted. also they come with a pretty heavy flywheel and are not very responsive with it. an aftermarket flywheel makes heel toe a lot easier but will destroy your fuel mileage.

@amith6552 5 лет назад

yes....

@scoobysnacks209 5 лет назад

ya sit an s200 beside an fd and the honda may as well look like a ford focus the fd is timeless , i hope he gave him $200 gas money

@47enth 6 лет назад

I love his accent for some reason haha

@TheBishop12 5 лет назад

47th the North Chinese accent (Erhua 儿化) reminds me a lot of the accent my Irish professor used to have before he got Americanized and lost it

@fastlanefamily9828 5 лет назад

This is a nice car! Real steel cars did a RX-7 review that you guys should check out!

@ChutneyInc. 5 лет назад

Second time i hear about sketchy steering. I never experienced that. Maybe cause the suspension and power steering. I mean i see there steering wheels shaking. Has to be power steering delete

@saint8257 5 лет назад

... or alignment

@ChutneyInc. 5 лет назад

@@saint8257 true. My alignment is off on my miata after going staggared but the wheel doesnt move that much.

@saint8257 5 лет назад

@@ChutneyInc. My 240sx off alignment made the steering wheel shakes like a bitch going 40+mph You can imagine how sketchy it is at 60+

@honematt 6 лет назад

Yeets

@mrjdmzombiegarcia5633 6 лет назад

My s2000 is dead and my friend is wanting to sell me his FD. Idk what I should do :/

@Stopthegreed 6 лет назад

Buy the FD

@evanfinch4987 6 лет назад

I hope that car's on the track every weekend to justify all those gauges.

@michaelhanson2848 6 лет назад

Full beans ?!? Lol I think that’s another RU-vidr 😉

@Zygrene 6 лет назад

Really? Who else says full beans?

@dali4897 6 лет назад

Zygrene Thecarpassionchannel

@williambellisIII 6 лет назад

A rotary might be as addictive as a VTEC... until the rotary blows 150,000 miles before the VTEC.

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

Dude is hella FOb but he kno what he talkin about lol

@zachfisher8627 Год назад

Rotary, I have an 8 I never got to exp a 7 but I love my 8, replacing apex seals, and side seals every 2-3 yrs does suck, but when your back on the road you remember quickly why you love it so much

@jaredspratley6270 4 года назад

Hes driving a engine that has all its power in 2and half of the rpm band and his complaint is that he isnt downshifting so that he will ne in the powerband when he goes to accelerate *facepalm*

@josef6658 5 лет назад

It's probably making closer to 400whp

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

Jose Fuentes uhhh....... the OWNER even said 280 ish HP that ain’t no 400 HP car , stop plying so much video games boy

@junit7590 2 месяца назад

400whp in an FD is extremely quick, this is about 280 at the wheels as the owner said

@youtubecomments5951 3 года назад

Simple answer. The most inefficient engine is the worse engine.

@its_ncrypted2455 5 лет назад

A good car reviewer knows and does his research before he gets in other people's cars. 1. You said you dont know why you have low throttle response. Explanation: The 13B rotary engine in the RX7s were known espcially when not heavily modified to have very linear power and torque at low revs compared to other dinosaurs of its time. 2nd. You said the car handles really well and said that handling and steering is good without explaining that the RX7s had the best to near if not best at all 50/50 weight distribution plus it Mazda made sure it had one great f**** steering wrack for handling. Thank you and you're welcome for the dislike.

@JBaek24 6 лет назад

As a mechanical engineer, I see the fine tuning of a VTEC motor to be more inline with the professional background verse a Rotary motor. However, both cool and no knock on rotary (own an RX7 before). But honestly, if he's saying that just the bolt-on parts to the RX7 "satisfies" his engineering background then I have my doubts on that statements... perhaps what he is just saying is I wanted to make easy power and go fast with bolt-on parts and so wanted a turbo car.

@SIRICKO 6 лет назад

Vtec is only a damn action, not a motor so how the can you compare the two. 🤣🤣🤣😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

SI RICKO f20 c is lendeary it’s self power up top all the way to 9k I smoked a handful of V8s with fbo with Bridgestone potenza 245 re71 r set up in my ap1 , fuck ap2 .... Ap1 is technally the LAST LEGEND of the late 90s , with its realese in the 2000 ! But I must FD is legend also and I lay my respect . With Ecu I can drop vtec to 3-4 k rpm if wanted to !!!!

@joeynachanphasuk7002 4 года назад

I must say*

@glennjunipermarshall531 5 лет назад

The VTEC is way better than Rotaries.

@thelongnguyens 5 лет назад

May I ask why you think that way? Unless you're just a biased Honda guy. I love Honda, had NSX , current have dc2r, fd2r and a Spirit R type A. I love VTEC but rotary is just so amazing in its own way, drive a well maintained rx7 and it will gives you different perspective. Be open minded man..