My 3 Rotor Project..

[MeFryRice]

The Radium Engineering surge tanks are awesome. We've installed a few at work.

[Herblenny]

Ok.. Finally after some researching the Plasti Dip and trying some cans, I've decided to get the Pro Car kit from www.DipYourCar.com and finally paint the whole car..

But, Day before dipping the car, took all the aero off and did a track day









Next day, I borrowed my friend who owns BNR Turbos' shop and prep'd for laying some 'dip'.
Here is a video :

Now some end results.







I also clear dipped all my carbon bits.. and installed my carbon aeros..







Interior with clear dip on carbon bits.



By the way.. 4 hours after dip, I had to drive 1 hour in rain back to my house..



Not bad for a first time dip.. Black is temporary but will keep it for few weeks and change to a different color... will post some more pics when I change.

[Boosted FC]

Looks awesome Phil.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Herblenny]

Looks awesome Phil.

Thank you!



Now I had the matte black finish for a week and put some miles on the car.


Here is what I like about the finish.


-No more polishing and waxing the car
-Wiping the car with just water to clean
-protects my original paint
-easy to re-do
-costs $200 to re do.


Here are some more pics over the past 10 days..

[WhiteAccord]

Plasti Dip is a good way to preserve paint. Looks like a clean finish to me...

[Sinfix_15]

it doesnt look nearly as good black as it did green..... but either way, this car is absolutely amazing.

[MeFryRice]

Sorry Phil but I'm not feeling the plastidip. I could understand if this car was in need of a respray but it's not.

[Herblenny]

Sorry Phil but I'm not feeling the plastidip. I could understand if this car was in need of a respray but it's not.

I understand. My reason is because I been looking at the same color for the past 10+ years and also I'm starting to track the car more. This was a win win product as I can protect the paint and get a fresh look for the car. In all honesty, it made me fall in love with this car even more as it seems like a new car.

Anyhow.

Update.

I want to let some of you know that my 3 rotor RX7 will be featured in 'Modified Magazine' October issue.... Which should be coming out any time. Please go pick up your copy when it comes out!

[Herblenny]

Well, Just found out the issue is out on Modified Magazine!!
And who's on the cover??



Hope some of you will pick up this copy...

Thank you all for reading this build thread and I will continue to update..

Here is a photo I've taken that I haven't shared until now from the shoot..

[D3UC3S]

Thats awesome!!! Congrats! Well deserved on an amazing 7.

[Herblenny]

Here are some recent photos (my other 7).. Been doing some track days and having fun with the car.



And it got kind of wet.. Testing out the Toyo R888s..




Update..

Well, having the plasti dip in black for couple of months, I decided to lay another color to see how the stuff lays after first 3 coats of black and waiting 2 months.

Did it a week before Import Alliance (IA) in Nashville, TN and one of the organizer of IA gave me a good spot to display the car. Here are some photos from the event.







and from recent cars and coffee.

[Herblenny]

Update... Long over due..

To Start, my cover feature came out on Modified Mag.. Nov 2013 issue. Which is now online: 1993 Mazda RX-7 - Built In Bama - Modified Magazine

Some photos from the shoot.









Also just before the Holidays, My plastidipped MB/satin blk FD was featured in Stance Nation. Photos from Stance Nation:
Sinister Rotary // Phil’s Mazda RX7. | StanceNation





^^is Plasti Dipped (www.DipYourCar.com)

Below is a comparision satin painted the FD from 5-6 years ago (My 1st Black FD where this thread was started).








My opinion about Plasti Dip:

I been getting a lot of questions from people.. So I will state some pros and cons compared with my experience with satin paint, 3M vinyl, and plasti dip.

Satin Paint is by far most expensive and super hard to keep it nice. it chips easy and once chipped, that's it. You can't buff, wax, etc.

Vinyl, the theory is nice. but quite expensive if you hire someone to do. I did couple of test run on my MB FD and also my daily TL when 3M first introduced their 'car' vinyl. it was fairly easy to do and held up well. Until, I decided to pull it off. TL, vinyl came off easy and without any issues. However, my repainted/aftermarket painted FD3S? vinyl took my paint off. Apparently this is a VERY common issues with non-OE paint. Of course 3M did not disclosed this nor would they do anything about it since I installed it myself.

Plasti Dip (purchased from www.DipYourCar.com) is by far best, easiest, and cheapest solution. I heard about this 2-3 years ago. Been watching videos and about a year ago, decided to give it a try (for DGRR). I mainly wanted to use this stuff to protect my MB paint (costly paint job) while I drove around town and DGRR. Bought 4 cans from Lowes, experimented on my lower part of FEED flares (where rock chips were common). One side of the car was vinyl and otherside was plasti dipped. Most people for 6 months had no idea one side was dipped and other side was vinyl.
I also used my daily as test subject and plasti dipped the front grill and few other areas to see how well it will hold up since it was parked outside and saw more environmental elements. 6 months, I had no issues on either cars. Cleaned up easily and peeled off without an issue.

I than talked to guys at DipYourCar.com and decided to get their full car kit (under $400 with the sprayer). The satin black FD you see here is 3-4 layers of their black. I did the entire work in 1 day and drove in the rain about an hour after spraying. I also did 2 track days with this and performed great!! I had very little chips, clean up was easy (just water and microfiber towel, in 15 mins), and than I layed 3-4 more dip after running it for 2-3 months (still using the left over from the kit).



With the new color, I have about 6-8 coats of this stuff. I've put over 1000 miles, another day at the track, and the plasti dip is still in great condition. All, under $400.
I'm going to do one more layer in different color before peeling this stuff off. I'll post a results of 1 year of dip later this spring.

[Herblenny]

Its been awhile..

I been quite busy with car stuff lately and kind of forgotten to update this..

Couple of news to start..

My plasti dipped car is featured on current (April 2014 issue) of Import Tuner Mag! So please pick up a copy at a local magazine rack..

Here is a photo from the issue,



At the same time, my online feature of this same car (different wheels) was featured couple of days ago.

SOUTHRNFRESH » Phil Sohn’s Mazda Rx7

Here are few photos from the online feature.











I'm now working on something little different and will be getting ready for my event in April..

Oh, I did a track day at Barber Motorsports Park last friday..
Video and photos..





Feb. 14th, 2014 Track Day at Barber Motorsports Park. Passenger Jeanette S. - YouTube

[Boosting EG]

DAMN THAT ALL I CAN SAY

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

beautiful!

[Herblenny]

Update:

I just got featured again on Stance Nation...

Old School Perfection // Phil Sohn’s Mazda RX3. | StanceNation

[TIGERJC]

Nice work, all of your RX7s have been nice.

[Herblenny]

Video from recent event I attended.. A new plastidip from www.DipYourCar.com (Neochrome)

The Legend: Phil Sohn’s RX7 (video) | Third World Society

or

https://vimeo.com/95773941

[Herblenny]

Its been awhile since I last updated my progress..

Since most of you prefer photos, I'll just put some photos of some of my RX-7's since last update..

During my Car event, I brought this Mazdaspeed R-Spec in Gold.



Full feature with pics: The Golden Years: Phil Sohn’s RX7 | Third World Society

[Herblenny]

I was picked as a booth car for Takata USA as their booth car for Formula Drift @ ATL, GA. So, decided to do something bit more wild for the event.















Video from Takata Booth/Formula Drift ATL : Phil's Rx7 on Vimeo

[DeeAOne]

Love all the different stages of the car. Keep it up man.

[Herblenny]

Love all the different stages of the car. Keep it up man.

Thank you!

[Herblenny]

Well, after over a year with plasti dip on my car, I've decided to peel it and do some detailing of the car.



Friend of mine started a detailing product company in Florida called, 'Stay Fresh Car Car' (Stay Fresh Car Care) and I used their products to detail my RX7.

Before detailing - little bit of haze to the clear.


After Detailing


Products worked really well. Easy to apply, easy to remove, and smelled great too!
I would highly recommend giving their product a chance!

Stay Fresh Car Care

Photos of the car after detailing.

[Herblenny]

More photos after detailing the car...





Caffeine and Octane in ATL, GA


Local Cars and Coffee


Than did a track day at local track (Barbers Motorsports Park).


Finally.. Bumpers from Japan.


Both far as I know, first in USA.. Knightsports Type-7 bumper and Scoot Bumper. Painted by one of the best painter in the country, Jonathan Goolsby @ Goolsby Customs. They are the one who did all the body and paint work on my 3 rotor RX-7.

[stoxer]

I know this is irrelevant to this post, but can someone tell me why i cant post at all in the buy/sell sections with my new account? Nice project btw

[Herblenny]

Update..

I finally got my stuff that I ordered from Japan couple of years ago here in USA.. One of the thing I got were these super rare Rays Engineering/Mazdaspeed MS-01 Magnesium wheels.



Put some Toyo T1-Sports tires on them.


I also got the newest Knightsports Type-7 bumper painted by one of the best body shop in USA, Goolsby Customs.



paint quality the reflection is amazing.. Definitely worth every penny to get them to paint!
Check their site: Goolsby Customs - Custom cars and collision



Some of the photos installed






and fun pic to represent my city..

[Herblenny]

ITs been awhile since I updated.. Alot have happened so I'll start with where I left.

Made it black again..






Week later, I took the car to Nashville TN to show under Grip Royal booth.













After the event, I had a photoshoot with some photographers.




















Couple of weeks later, Did a drive around Barber Motorsports Park.. Just a short drive

[Herblenny]

I also had couple of features on the Neochrome RX-7

First was Performance Tuner Magazine
Made the cover

Here is an online version
Performance Tuner Magazine Volume 16

Photos from the feature... Photos by Mike Kuhn

[Herblenny]

So, my FD also got into S3 Magazine..



Photo by Richard Benson

[Herblenny]

So, I did several track days in year 2014. But one of the more interesting track experience was driving my friends R35 GTR at Barber Motorsports Park.

Here are couple of pics of his car and a video
2010 GTR making about 550WHP on Pump Gas..





YouTube Video: GTR Barber motorsports park - YouTube (Click Here to Watch)

My friend let me drive 2 x 20 min sessions with his car. Since it wasn't my car I was braking early and was getting used to the paddle shifter. Also the lack of 4+ point harness, I was sliding around in the seat. But was it FAST!!! Also, even on Race setting, I could feel the traction control kicking in at certain spots on the track. I guess it made sense as I was pulling some serious G in 4000lb car and I guess it kicked in to save me.

Anyhow, Driving the GTR made me realized I needed more HP and I was in the right direction when I started to build and upgrade my engine bay set up. I been wanting to build my own engine and turbos. Luckily I was good friend with owner at BNR Turbos and he allow me to be trained and build my own Stage 3 Turbos (bnrsupercars.com) and Engine build was assisted by my long time engine builder, Luis Canizales of LCR in Gadsden, Alabama.

More Photos of turbo build and Engine build in next couple of days..

[Herblenny]

More Update...

Turbo Build...

For 3-4 weeks, I would take one day a week to head over to BNR Supercars to learn how to build turbos. Funny enough, I started off by building upgraded Mazdaspeed 3 turbos. Mainly assembling.

Finally, started on my own Stage 3. Everything for these turbos are new. Everything!

Started off by rotating assembly


Learned how to balance


After balanced, assembly




Cartridges assembled..




Compressor Housing on




Yup! Here it is..


By the way, Exhaust housing are new and needed a lot of machining and such.. All that was done by Bryan at BNR. These turbos took solid couple of days on my part and couple of days of BNR. A lot of time goes into these.

Next update tomorrow is about the Engine...

[Herblenny]

Since I was putting in a new set of turbos, I decided to put in a new engine verses using one with about 80K miles on.

To Start, I wanted the new engine to be balanced, lapped, and using a newer housings.

Balancing the rotating assembly


Exedy Twin plate will go on and will be balanced




Lapping of the housings


Lapped housings


My JDM housings.

Inside the rotor housings


My color combo like the 3 rotor engine.


Spec'ing the rotors


Me assembling


Porting the intakes


New seals


Seals in the rotor


Assembling the engine


And here it is!
On a spare subframe, using Full Function Engineering Motor mount kit.
I should also thank Luke and Luis Canizales who have been very helpful to building this engine.


Next install and tuning pics.

[Herblenny]

So, Update continues..

I pulled the engine out of my FD.. old engined worked fine. Did over 10 trackdays in a year and several out of state trips.



While it was out did could of add ons.. Like this IRP Brake MC brace.





Also added new oil coolers..


And I decided to drop the subframe to install because I needed to also change out the coilovers.





I also added Radium Competition oil catch can and IR Performance Oil filler neck






Full Function Fuel Rails for 13B-RE LIM, Full Function Oil Filter neck, and few other new parts.. Anyhow long block is ready to install


Engine in!




Also upgraded fuel system using Radium Fuel Surge tank with Bosch 044 pump inside.



Stance Super Sport + coils installed!



Engine is port matched for 13B-RE Cosmo LIM and UIM.. I'm running sequential twin set up for this..


Installed some polished goodies

[Herblenny]

More Update..

I started to add some rare parts I had..

C's short shifter.



Mounted the Radium Surge Tank



Chase Bay overflow tank and eliminated OE tank.



Finally its all bolted up



Andy from Adaptronics flew in from Australia and with Elliot from Turblown, they came down to Birmingham AL to tune my car.







Video of the dyno run..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARhV6UW0950

Due to some boost controlling issue, we ended the tuning and decided to do couple of days later.

Couple of days later (day when all of us were heading to PRI) I brought these with me in case..



Here is Andy watching the car being loaded.



And done!



Several days later, while trying to put some miles on the engine and such, I ran into my friend Zach with 20B.

[/URL]

[Herblenny]

Quick recall from PRI in Indy..



Couple of cool stuff I saw at PRI

Davies Craig EWP


Holley's new fuel pump sock


Alpinestars gloves


And got to have steak at St. Elmos place.. little hyped but good.



Back to the project updates.

So... got these lights


And also changed the color on the car.




Trying out what wheels will go with the new color..


Decided on the Volk Racing RE30





Hit the local car meet





Track day at Barber Motorsports Park, with Just Track It! They are one of the best groups to track with.

[Herblenny]

More Update..

I had a photoshoot with Ryan Lopez, who shot my car other times.. I can't share those photos yet as they are still in bound to a media for publication.. but here are some I took..





Ryan Lopez's shoes matching the color of the car.



Preview of one of the shot



Couple of other things...
I put my SSM at my friend's house



Also started to work on my engine harness at Chase Bays. No one have made a quick disconnect for sequential twin



And since I'm a family man and with a dog, I been secretly searching online for a unicorn... Lexus IS300 Wagon. And finally found one!! 2005 Sportcross, only 1 of 240 ish sold in USA.





And had to get a custom plate


I had some old SSR's from my FD and put some new Toyo T1-Sports on them. I had great luck with these tires.





Talking about wheels.. I also picked up a set of MS-01S in 18s for the FD. Bought them throught GTR-Garage on Yahoo auction japan. Those of you looking for people to bring in large parts from japan, GTR Garage is the place! More info and their contact, GTR Garage

[Herblenny]

Catching up on my updates..

So, I've decided to pull the dip off and rock my Montego Blue paint. But to protect the paint, I've added some dip to areas where its prone to chipping.. Mainly using Toyo Tires, R888's.









Also, I was getting my RZ Recaro Carbon Kevlar seats recovered.

I didn't want something too crazy, so sticking with neutral grey suede.


perforated center cushions


All the original material removed.. I'm saving it in case for the future..


Meanwhile, still working on the OE harness at Chase Bays.. Completely disassembled and ID'd.


Also, working on a bumper. I've been a huge fan of FEED (Fujita Engineering) and RE-Amemiya. Both bumper has its positives and wanted to build a bumper that utilizes best of the both.
I was one of the first in USA to have the FEED Type 2R bumper and lights and its the signal Driving lights of Type 2R that I loved.
What I liked about the RE-Amemiya was the lower half. The aggressiveness of the lower half of the RE-A bumper is what I loved. Hence My 20B FD has the RE-Amemiya N1-02 bumper. So, I fused the two together.



But what I did not like about either bumper is the center lower section raised. This caused a problem when wanting to use front splitter. So, we are making it flat.




Everything smooth out



And Mold being made.. (credit goes to LC Racing for making the mold).






Bumper is currently on my car and few things to be adjusted and new mold needs to be made.

[Herblenny]

More Update...

No dip


I run an all rotary car event called, 'Deals Gap Rotary Rally' (www.DealsGapRotaryRally.com). Because this is almost 1000 mile journey at the end, I decided to dip portion of my front bumper to protect.



Event T-shirts


Video from my event
https://vimeo.com/126193813

After the event, I had a photoshoot with my friend Kenny Glover aka Super Model
These are photos I took of him taking photos.






Here are his photos

[Herblenny]

Update..

So, I drove to Atlanta for Import Alliance to be booth car for Grip Royal.





After the event, I went to Downtown ATL to do a shoot with Mike Kuhn and his girl Sami




Here are Mike's photos

[Herblenny]

More Update..

Just before my event, Deals Gap Rotary Rally (DGRR) (www.DealsGapRotaryRally.com), I got my seats back.



recovered Recaro RZ seats in grey suede


Installed in the car.


DGRR takes place in North Carolina/Tennessee and is one of the largest rotary car event in USA.



Its supported by the following sponsors


On my way it rained and when parked, I saw this




More photos from the event..











after the event, I got this box