Yea - I heard bad things on B magic and Raceonusa as well. I typically ONLY do authentic products, but to be honest, I didn't hear one bad thing about SA and they have done a lot of research and it shows.

Well crap, I was planning on going with a BMagic body kit because it's the only one I've found that's S4 in mold style. Let me see if I can't find a link to show. Link I was given them as a good product from a body shop that handled them. Unfortunately the shop closed down because of bad locations and I can't get the deal I was going to get on it. However this leaves a huge gap in the market for S4 parts. AS needs to get their site up so I can peruse it.

I've only "heard" about bmagic, but personally have not used them.

I plan to use S5 molding anyway... you could do the same if you wanted.

I could, but that would mean I need to pick up new moldings but that's money I don't really need to spend since I have a full set of S4 moldings right here.

Quickie update.

I went off on a tangent for a little bit working on a few T2s and another FB the last few weeks (not mine) but I've been gathering parts to keep moving w/ completing my front end.

As of right now, I've got the front suspension completely stripped off. Tomorrow I'm pulling the old steering rack and cross member.

Plans are:
-Paint upper inner fender area IBM (I have some paint left over from the engine bay) to help prevent rust.
-POR15 the lower inner fender and cross member. It'll provide a harder adhesion and not chip off from flying rocks, etc while still maintaining good protection against rust. I plan to POR15 the entire under body
-Send control arms off to have needle bearing installed
-install new tow hooks
-install MS lower c-arm brace
-install new ball joints, tie rod ends
-install angle spacer kit and adjustable bump stops
-install roll center blocks


This should all be done in the next month. Next month I plan to get the rest of the suspension in place (camber/caster plates, coilovers, etc).

Not a very exciting update, but it all needs to be done so I can start measuring for the new brake calipers and wheels.

I also picked up a set of FD rear brake calipers that I'll rebuild and swap on later.

Not much for pics this go around.

You make me sooooo jealous! I haven't even sourced all my parts yet (cash flow is halted until probably next semester).

Well - I did hit a snag. The needle bearing c-arms dont work with my MS under brace. The brackets used on the MS bar interchange w/ the stock ones, but the needle bearing setup uses a special "cap" for the bearing and replaces the stock one. This put me in a bad mood for a while.

I have now discovered though, SuperNow makes a similar bearing setup that'll still replace the bushing on the c-arm, but uses the stock cap, so it "should" interchange w/ the MS bar. Nice thing is, the price of the SuperNow setup is about $350 for BOTH sides, where the needle bearing c-arm is $350 for one side...

Pics to come...

Just a quickie update so it doesnt sound like this one has fallen off again.

I ordered new URAS inner tie rods and SuperNow tie rod ends w/ adjustable toe and bumpstop.

I also got the rebuild kit for the rear FD brake calipers.

Next week I have to travel for business, but when I get back I'm ordering up the bushings for the control arms, new ball joints and wheel bearings. That'll be all I need to get the suspension back in place so i can start measuring for brakes and picking my coilover setup.

I also need to get the new steering rack off my buddy's parts car (has a better ratio than the PS S4 rack I have now).



While waiting on a few things though, I'm polishing the control arms and removing old bushings. New bushings will be pressed in at 2gslse's garage :)

BTW - I'm bailing on needle bearings. My concern is damage and repair - if something happens to the control arm, its a costly replacement and hard to find parts to replace. For now I'm just going to use Mazdaspeed bushings. Maybe someday I'll spring for the needle bearings...

Why not some delrin/uhmhw bushings?

I thought about those. I somewhat like the idea of using the Mazdaspeed bushings since they are still 40% stiffer than stock but they wont transfer as much vibration through to the chassis. I have a mazdaspeed lower control arm brace as well to help keep things stiff. I guess the main thing is I dont see the benefit from delrin over the MS for the cost, but I'd be glad to hear any input on the subject.

I dunno', that's what i'm going with, it doesn' bind like poly does and it lasts longer than rubber.

Don't have mine ordered yet, i want the car to move on it's own power, than do the rest, kinda half assed.

I agree about poly binding.. I had a complete poly set but ended up selling it after doing more research. Thats why I originally wanted to go w/ the needlebearing setup to avoid binding. I think the MS is a good compromise. They're stiffer, but not solid. I know they'll wear out some day, but this is a track car only, so I doubt it'll get enough mileage to really cause any grief. If they do at some point wear out, I'll go the needle bearing route...

I hope to have all the bushings in place by the end of this month, damn work has to get in the way of my fun!

I've got a full poly on my car and I don't have any binding. You may also be able to secure the graphite impregnated poly if you're really concerned about that.

The binding usually occurs in poly when you lower dramatically. Have you looked at the bushings since install - see any stretch marks so to speak the look like scratches? Not saying it always happens, but poly does have a higher risk for binding, but is stronger than rubber, lol... its a give and take.

I haven't had an opprotunity to lower the car anymore than stock level. I'd need spacers before I drop it anywhere near where the binding may occur.

wow...im jealous. i wish i had the time and money and patience for all of that. my car has been giving me problems for a while now and im only driving it when it rains or is too cold. during the summer im gonna park it and do some more work

good luck with the rest of the build. ill keep an eye on this. it looks promising.

Slow updates, but I hope to have more by the end of December. I got around to painting more of the wheel wells. I'm learning more about paint as I go, especially about thinning and application. I'm using high density foam rollers for this. It doesnt need to be perfect, just covered to prevent any rust in the future and to continue w/ the "color" change. I still need another coat on the driver's side. When this is done, I'll throw the POR15 on the rest and that'll be that.

More parts are slowly coming in to put the car back on the ground. Still need to press in new bushings when my buddy gets back from CA after Dec 5 and then its onto interior work, steering rack, brakes and wheels.

I plan to detar the rest of the car in December/January when its colder outside so I dont need as much dry ice!

Almost done polishing the control arms too, lol... taking my time I guess...

Your project is coming along real nicely :icon_tup:. I like your color choice of blue and that polish job on that control arm is really shining. Keep up the great work!!!

Oooooo - Shiny!! Girls love shiny things!

These updates are coming slowly. With holidays and side work I havent had much time for the seven (as usual with this project, lol).

Here are some current pics... I'm waiting for everything to settle down and I still need a few more parts to come in before I can put the car back on the ground for now. Its looking like it'll be after X-mas though....

Sometime in January it'll be wrapped up though, which will be nice. Then I'm going to move inside the car for a bit to put in the new carpet set, dash and seats.


Pictured below are the control arms. I ended up burning the rest of the D bushing out. It is far easier than any other method, lol. I havent finished polishing either arm yet, but you can see what a big difference it can make. This is all done by hand, it would go faster if I had my own work bench w/ a buffer... that'll have to wait though!

Before:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=181

After/During Polishing:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=182


Side by Side:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=185

New MS bushings:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=183
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=184

This is the first time I've used MS bushings. They say 40% stiffer and I'll admit I was nervous they'd be more "rubbery" - but I was way wrong. HUGE difference compared to the stock ones. You cant even put your finger nail into these suckers. A drawback is they do weigh a good bit more. But oh well.

Finally, some minor progress.

I got the subframe out, steering rack out and finished coating both upper inner fenders.

Plans for next week are to undercoat lower inner fenders and finish polishing the control arms. My new wheel bearings should be in by that time as well so I will install those and clean/repaint the hubs while they're out.

Also, I plan to modify the front subframe after christmas. I noticed there were areas that lacked reinforcement that would be easily added in without altering any mounting points, etc. I'll get pics up of the modifications.

Here are some pics:

Driver's side upper inner fender:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=196

Passenger side (lil blurry):
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=197

Subframe out:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=198

All the parts ready to be stripped, cleaned and re-used if needed. Only things going back on are the hubs and parts of the steering rack:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=199

Oh, and a little early XMas gift that I couldn't pass up, my 13B-RE engine mount adapters courtesy of RPM Motorsports:
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...&pictureid=200

probably wont have much to update until after Xmas.... but it'll be a good update next time...

So its been pretty busy for me, just not on the FC project unfortunately. I'm in the process of buying a new home and getting things sold off / cleaned up.

I'm SLOWLY accumulating the parts for the FC though. Even with a heater in the garage, my doors dont seal 100% and its been below freezing for about a month now at night, so no POR for now. Hopefully in the next few weeks.

On the upside about the new home, is a new garage and a new garage means more toys :)


Project Update: I've got all brand new parts ready before I start to put the car together. New inner/outer wheel bearings for the hubs w/ new seals, new hardware (almost all of it for the front suspension) and new ball joints. I should have the MS bushings pressed on this month as well.

A quick note on the ball joints. A friend of mine who works for a general auto parts company ordered a set for me from Beck Arnley as his company is owned by them and the rumor I heard that Beck Arnley is producing Mazda genuine parts now was true... the new ball joints came FROM Beck Arnley in MAZDA bagging just like dealership parts, lol...

Anyways, I'll get a better update sometime this month for you all. I did manage to clean and prep the under-inner fender for the POR15 coatings though....

Inner fender (exposed small rust areas around bolt holes, etc):
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/fc_innerfender.jpg

Cleaned up, just used a high concentrate of Simple Green:
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/fc_innerfender2.jpg

All the new OE & MS parts:
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/oe_parts.jpg

New "Mazda" Beck Arnley Ball joints:
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/ball_joints1.jpg

Got an extended weekend coming up with decent weather for February so I'm going to tackle a few things to get this phase of the project nearing completion.

I finished polishing both control arms. In a bit of hurry, but they turned out good enough for me for now. After I get the bushings pressed in I'm going to run it through a buffer and that should finish them up.

Bushings should be in on Sunday.

Subframe will be welded, reinforced, painted on Saturday.

POR15 undercoating should be done Monday and subframe will be back under the car!

After that, I'll hang the control arms and hopefully sometime next week I'll get the new wheel bearings put in and can put the hubs back on.

I will not be reinstalling the brakes though as I'm just trying to get the car back on the ground so I can make it roll onto a trailer and into its new home after we move :)

http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...s_polished.jpg

Finally, a "good" update.

I made use of the crazy nice feb weather and the extra day off today to start putting things back ON the car!


I started yesterday actually. Took the control arms to a friend's house and he was able to get the new MS bushings in place with ease. It took longer to talk about doing it, than actually doing it.

http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...installed3.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...installed2.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/..._installed.jpg




Then today, I took some simple green, concrete cleaner and a sanding block to the subframe to clean it up and paint it. Its had years of engines in and out and it just needed to be "fresh" for its new powerplant :)
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...preppaint1.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...me_painted.jpg


While letting the subframe dry in between cleaning/coats of paint, I started to lay some coats of POR15 in the inner fenders. Overall, I'm ok with the end results, but it was a bit more PIA to apply than expected. I think it has to do w/ the weather and lack of consistent temps in my garage right now, but oh well.

Masked tons of little holes and applied a first "light" coat:
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/POR_prep1.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/POR_1stcoat.jpg

This is their "semi-gloss" black which came out MUCH glossier than I wanted. But oh well.
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/POR_finalcoat.jpg

I coated all the way into the shock tower, and underside of the frame rail which showed rust from brake fluid getting trapped there between the subframe and body. Its all good to go now :)


Once all that had dried, I reinstalled the subframe:
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...installed1.jpg

Then the control arms:
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/..._installed.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/..._installed.jpg

Replaced all the lock washers and installed the new "fresh" hardware which was basically just cleaned and coated old hardware.


Finally, I was able to install my MS Lower Control Arm Brace that I've had for about 3 years now!! I know... i know....

http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...installed1.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...installed3.jpg

It took the better half of 6 hours to do all this for the dry times, etc. I'm very happy now though and cant wait to get the rest of the suspension on.


Later this week, I hope to install the ball joints, wheel bearings, reinstall the spindle and hub.. and await the new brake kit and coilovers :)

I'm still up in the air about getting gachiri braces for the fenders... Either way, once this is done, its getting put on the ground and towed to the body shop for the rest of the paint and body work. That should be around April/May :)

great progress!

That's looking great, I wish I would have dropped my front subframe and repainted the whole thing like you did. Your definitely gonna appreciate your work dedication in the end. I can already imagine what your gonna do that 13BRE, its probably going to be one bad SOB.

Thanks guys - I havent decided if I'm going to bling the RE motor out or go w/ a more "flat" appearance...

Small update: I looked at the car today before heading off to work. The POR15 once fully cured, "dulled" just enough now so it is a true semi-gloss. It looks really good and its seems tough as nails when I tried to scratch it!

very nice

Looking good! Love your attention to detail.

Right back at ya with the 5 stars...I love how all your progress is coming out so nicely. BTW I want your MS brace!!!!!!!!

Its funny, I really cant find the part number. I have receipts for it, but no part number, just says "MS Lower A-Arm Brace FC3S, $175".... I believe I actually ordered it from Corksport. I think if you contact them, they could probably give you more details.


Here's another shot of it from the underside, kinda dirty though, need to wipe it off!

http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/...installed2.jpg

The agony of not working on this project!!

I am sitting on funds for my new home - but as soon as thats over with after the weekend, I'm shopping around for body shops to complete my project's paint! I'm hoping by the end of April to have the new coilovers installed and hang the "refreshed" hubs on it. I wont be adding brakes until after the body shop is done though!

In the mean time, I'm shopping around for a good block to begin the engine build and collecting some misc interior parts, etc.

Should be fun...

I bought my home on March 28th. April has been a wash (as far as the project goes) as I attended DGRR and the Bosch 250! I did get the coilovers but haven't installed them as of yet. I hope to have updates within the next two weeks though as the car needs to get on the ground to be towed to its new home :)

Still plan to get it off to the body shop in the next few weeks though and I've got some goodies on the way to share (in the form of photos... dont touch :) )

You should totally delay it going to the body shop so I don't look as bad as I actually do.

Well I'm up in the air on who to have do the body work, so it may wait until June, etc. I'm also still waiting on a few exterior items that I'll need before it goes to paint.

I'm a long way from having my car on the road, so you'll have some time to bask in the glory for a while :)

You should come out sometime when you get the car done, my new place is off Ira Hoffman. You can come check out my car and we can pick apart should haves and could haves about our rides, lol...

for sure! This summer is going to be hectic as poop though. We should definitely meet up on a weekend or something and I can drag along my fiancee. :lol:

When are you all getting hitched?

We'll get Jon over with his 8 and wife and the women can all hang out inside and talk about kitchens or something, lol....

we're getting hitched aug 7th.

Ok - so it's been a while since I've had an update.

Unfortunately, amongst moving, wedding plans, and other commitments - I'm not where I'd like to be on the body shop situation. Mainly, I can't figure out which hood I want to go with.

While dwelling on these aero decisions, I've decided I should wrap up the rest of the undercarriage of the car.

In the next few weeks I plan to strip the under belly, remove rear end, rear suspension, etc and install all new bushings, coat the under belly and trans tunnel with lizard skin's ceramic coating (over top of POR15).

I will use this time to drop the gas tank, refinish it and add a sump setup.

This will also be a good time to look at installing a new LSD and cooler. When all of this is completed, the entire underside of the car will be done, so when the car goes to the body shop and comes back, I HOPEFULLY won't have to have it lifted so much and the rest of the work can be done w/ the car on the ground (mostly).



Here are some shots of the most recent work to include the new coilovers up front, my new homemade workbench will should save me lots of headache, and of course a little idea of what RX8 styled wheels would look like on an FC. (Actually, I used these for measuring to order my new wheels/tires - I can go 255 up front on +45 w/out rubbing so it would seem - more on this once the suspension and steering is buttoned up)

http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/stance_1.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/stance_2.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/stance_3.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/new_garage4.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/FCProject/workbench_hub.jpg

Also - it would appear that to get the MAX adjustment on the camber plates, a little grinding will be in order. I wont do this until the car is close to done and ready for an alignment. I'm hoping my setup will not need me to go to those extremes...