Thirty-three years after its debut, the FD3S Mazda RX-7 stays one of the compelling tuning platforms to emerge from Japan.

I first noticed this specific 1999 FD in Might when it was on show at Wekfest Japan 2024. At the moment, the engine was not fairly completed, so I made plans with Masatsuga Chiba of X-Level Import Co., who performed an vital function. roll in his leisure, to shoot the Mazda later within the yr. I used to be desirous to take a more in-depth look and uncover what route this 25-year-old magnificence had taken.

Like something that has stood the take a look at of time in common tradition, sure formulation are usually repeated. Take the Mont Blanc cake for instance – it has been a favourite since 1915, and plenty of scrumptious recipes have been developed over time. Stroll into any patisserie, wherever on the earth, and you will find a pile of chestnut vermicelli topped with whipped cream, resting on some kind of dough or sponge base. However discovering one which strikes the proper steadiness of bitter, candy and textured – that is an entire different story.

Very like the Mont Blanc, most nostalgic tuner automobiles constructed right now observe a tried and true recipe. There’s nothing fallacious with that – these tried-and-true mixtures of components and styling cues are likely to work nicely collectively. I am responsible of it myself, having opted for a WRC widebody equipment alone blue and gold GC8 Impreza.

Usually, FD RX-7 builds in Japan observe an anticipated components: customized sideporting, a big single turbo, a v-mount intercooler setup, and a physique equipment from TCP Magic or RE Amemiya. It is a recipe that persistently produces a tricky and quick road automotive. However the query is – do any of those buildings actually have a soul?

However what’s it that offers a automotive its soul? Possibly it is linked to the proprietor, or perhaps it is a signal of authenticity – like a set of 30-year-old wheels or a classic wing – that offers the automotive a way of historical past and character.

Seiya Inazu‘s RX-7, completed within the stunning Nouvelle Blue Pearl (a second-generation Honda NSX colour), went above and past the standard components. It is extra than simply one other JDM FD3S; it is the automotive equal of a gourmand Mont Blanc, the sort you may look forward to finding in Heston Blumenthal’s fridge.

Apparently sufficient, A Honda S2000 supplied a lot of the inspiration for Inazu-san’s creation.

Inside, the automotive has been totally upgraded with loads of suede. On prime of all of the anticipated aftermarket additions – together with Bride XERO CS seats, a Renown x RWB steering wheel, Defi gauges and a BattleCraft shift knob – it includes a degree of consolation that just about feels prefer it’s a part of the manufacturing facility was design.

Outdoors, the mixture of an RE Amemiya aero and a Scoot Sports activities vented hood give this FD an aggressive, nearly Dodge Viper-like look.

However the true magic occurs beneath that hood. Certain, you may throw a bunch of tuning components at any FD’s 13B-REW twin-turbo engine and anticipate a sure outcome – it is a recipe that works on numerous Instagram feed. However making all of it match collectively in a method that’s each useful and delightful is an entire different problem.

Initially modified by Mochi Racing, this 13B options customized aspect porting, an enormous HKS GTIII-4R turbocharger, Belief/GReddy v-mounted intercooler, a titanium exhaust system from Automobile Store Glow, and extra. Nevertheless, it was later torn down and rebuilt at X-Level, who additionally dealt with the wire tuck and shaved the engine bay with a customized harness from Rywire Motorsport Electronics. This harness helps the Ignition Undertaking ignition system improve (with R35 coil packs) and the Hyperlink G4X engine administration system.

The wheels are Desmond Regamaster EVO IIs throughout, very similar to those on the 97GT automotive I shot a number of weeks again. Clearly, the house owners of each FD3S RX-7s adopted an analogous recipe.

If I have been to check the 2 automobiles – each of that are good in their very own proper – I do know which one I would drive residence. However what about you?

Toby Thyer
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