RB7_CRAFT FC3S RB25det Drift_Project from Greece

[panosRB7]

Hello guys,
Like I post in NewMembers threads, my name is Panos and I'm from Greece. Your forum is interesting cause all the internet is full of RX purists/rotorheads etc.. Not to misunderstand, I like rotaries but it's my choice-dream-decision (and much more my pocket's choice) to make that kind o swap (as most of you choose your kind of swap LS, 2JZ,. . .) and I can't read thoughts like "oh, go buy a 200sx", "you kill the rx7's history" bla bla bla ...
So let's get started...
I love that chassis so I bought one in November 2009. I hardly new stuff about rotaries so I tried to keep it and upgrade it so to achieve my drift goals.. Unfortunately, rotary mechanics here are few, they are expensive and most of all they all got that "attitude" (kind of "whatever I say", "I'm the master" bullsh*t). So it didn't took me too long to start the Swap project. In January 2010 tho, I'd already placed the RB25. 




paint the engine bay in pearl white ...



and first mods started. Rear subframe out for refreshing mounts etc..




trim the edges cause I've cut a pair of camber links on bumps!!












I install a hydraulic handbrake too ..




a set of KeiOffice Coilovers



and an rx8 Torsen Diff (not the best solution but it's good for a start ..only!)


after few weeks of drift practise I put back my oem diff but properly welded cause rx8 torsen unlocks easily (road use you see)

Interior also needed some changes so I did. Almost everything out,



bucket mounts created and installed (damn the right seat mounts ..braahhh).
Initialy I keep the OEM seat adjustable mounts and I custom fit the buckets on them (now they are stady mounts)




OEM RB25det ECU is not programable in one type of model so I instaled a BeeR Rev Limiter just to protect me in high revs from fuel cuts. Also I installed some gauges and Greddy boost controller. 






next station was to remove oem insulation (yeah I know most you like that stage  )




istall a quick release steering hub by creating a custom slim adapter





I creat a custom mount to fit the fly-off e-brake




even the "tow hook" sticker is custom glow 


Back in project now..
Roll Cage was needed to join races so I bought a Cusco 9point Safety21 and I put it in





And thats the "begining" of my FC.. Street rides, race trucks and a lot of fun it's what came after!
 


















Project will always be a project so I set a goal, to create V-Mount coolers on front so I did..
Some measurments, some AutoCad designs and a lot of work. Space wouldn't help with a straight 6 cylinder behind so I use every inch!












hood trim and ready to use properly...

drift day with my other two brothers






So I was completed for my 22-23 years old! I build what I really want and I had great times with my project!
That was a quick review how I start my FC (hope I didn't bore you) ....
but.........
....as I said before, projects will always be projects. So back in January 2013 I started the real build witch is still in progress..
Stay tuned, I'll update soon..



whoever is interested (if it's allowed to mention this in forum)
my Facebook name is: Panagopoulos Panos
my instagram name (which is mostly for my FC build) is: RB7_CRAFT

[digitalsolo]

Wow, nice build so far.   Looks like a lot of work in that car.

[panosRB7]

Plenty of work (and I mean personal work) and much more after that stage.. I'll upload soon

[panosRB7]

Hello boys, like I said, here we go for the hard work..
Back in January 2013 (3years ago..???!!  oghhh I got to finish it) I put it in the garage and everything out!!





cockpit got empty...



engine packed for upgrade



..a quick body wash



and then... just a metal case!! 



so in order to work on it properly I build up a "carry table" to move it around




and here the reall work comes on...   

I also create the most important thing in that kind of builds, a spinning base (I don't know how you're calling it  ) just to work in right conditions 




And "plasma cut" time. Let's clean up the FC's chassis from extra metal.. 








aaaand it's gone!



The car was in perfect condition so I didn't need to fix any rusts etc.
I need my car to be stiff for my purpose so next step... Spot weld the whole chassis..





of course I had some friends to help me with 



and smoke everywhere.. 

[ilovemybike]

This is getting serious. Cool build for sure.  We call the spinning car holder a "rotisserie".

[panosRB7]

Thanks for the term bro!
Suturday today and I have a lot of custom work on my FC doing some TIG stuff so I'll try to find time to update my thread later... Believe me it's only the beggining above.. 

[digitalsolo]

Very cool and nice work.   Thanks for sharing it with us.

[GBWRX2014]

I'm putting a 1j in mine. What did you do so the stock hood would close?

[panosRB7]

I'm putting a 1j in mine. What did you do so the stock hood would close?

Vents!! 
First of all, nice choice, good luck!
When I put my RB, I just lift it from hood brackets (without spacers) you know "jdm style" and a little bit hammer  on bottom (in cam gear cover site) and it fits great. With 1JZ you might need more space (i'm not sure for that) so all you have to do is to cut the hood and put vents on it (e.g. d-max style).
That's what I'm working on right now. I create a whole new hood cause I got to refresh the appearence (new bumpers, fenders ...so new hood also!) 
I'm in the sculpting process right now, when I finish it I'll let you know.

[GBWRX2014]

I thought about doing rb, but all the mounts for the 1j swap.are readily available. How much did you have to hammer it to clear the cam gear cover?

[panosRB7]

Not so much. Actually only the bottom of the hood (I don't hurt the upper side- exterior).
You can also take a look on pics above. It's the oem hood lifted on back (mount brackets gives you space to lift it without spacers, or you can place spacers if you want)

[freeskier7791]

Impressive build.  I see you're getting pretty serious with it now.  I assume you are doing tube front end and a welded in roll cage?  How is the drifting scene in greece?

[GBWRX2014]

Not so much. Actually only the bottom of the hood (I don't hurt the upper side- exterior).
You can also take a look on pics above. It's the oem hood lifted on back (mount brackets gives you space to lift it without spacers, or you can place spacers if you want)

Yeah I can see you spaced the hood, just getting little things tidied up and then it's on to paint. Can't wait to have it back. How much did you space the hood? Looking at a URAS vent if that won't work.

[panosRB7]

Impressive build.  I see you're getting pretty serious with it now.  I assume you are doing tube front end and a welded in roll cage?  How is the drifting scene in greece?

  I see you got me bro! I've already completed both of them! Now working on front end (radiators etc..)
Drift scene it's quite good for our stats. We don't have plenty of big tracks (for cars I mean) but it's ok for now even in the cart-tracks (not high level drift but it's better from nothing!). We try a lot to push levels in drift year by year.

Yeah I can see you spaced the hood, just getting little things tidied up and then it's on to paint. Can't wait to have it back. How much did you space the hood? Looking at a URAS vent if that won't work.

About 3-4cm. Uras vent is a pretty good choice that I like a lot. I was that close to form it on my hood. Actually, I form it and when I finished it, the same night I found a picture of another vent that I fall in love, so next day I form the new vents and now I'm about to finish it (that's what I'm working right now, the front).
I'll try to update more photos soon to see the progress. 

[GBWRX2014]

Thanks man! Cart tracks are fun but so are bigger tracks. Hopefully I'll be on track in a couple months. It's winter here and pretty much everyone stopped running events