The blackhole to my paychecks =p
 

I thought I'd backdate a little before memory gets more muddled.
The fd was the 3rd car I'd ever owned. It came at a great deal, but definitely needed a lot of TLC. Clean title, great price, strong motor (was on its 3rd one), reliability mods....and....left a lot to be desired in the chassis with 208,000 miles. As expected, the interior, the suspension, and the body needed some good amount of work.

I picked it up end of spring 2006.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/car2/4.jpg

And then I got to doing a lot of maintenance.

New tires, fuel pulsation dampener, spark plugs, fuel filter, flushed all fluids, new master and slave clutch cylinders, new battery, new balljoints for the front lower and upper control arms, new tie rods, switched in another set of twins, and started fixing some of the cracked interior pieces like the driverside door+ trim. New glovebox handle, center tunnel since the brackets for broken and loose, driverside window switch was dead as well.

I eventually got around to the funner stuff. I picked up a HKS downpipe and sent it to Swaintech for their White Lightening ceramic coating. I've never seen any ceramic coat that could compare, but its surface texture renders its application to be more limited.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...l/05-07_10.jpg
I also picked up the UIM and LIM ceramachromed from Rich.
HKS RS intakes with some purple filters went on as well :D
Can't forget the Apex-i PFC
Oh...and I decided I didn't want the. airpump and installed block off plates.
..and a polished alternator cover.

The carpet...oh man that needed to GO! That eliminated a great amount of smell in the interior!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...7/P3020194.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...7/P3020197.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...7/P3020245.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...7/P3020298.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...7/P3020284.jpg

After updating the carpet, I freshened up the shiftboot and ebrake boots from Redlinegoods and topped it off with a rx8 5 speed shiftknob.

The cat was beyond dead on the car, as was the thermal exhaust. They both were past their last leg. So out it dropped and in went a SMB metallic cat and a Ganador titanium exhaust....only to be replaced later on with a Feed sonic titanium exhaust....which then got replaced with....another Feed sonic titanium exhaust. hahaha.

man I love engrish.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/ganador/0.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/ganador/3.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/ganador/ex3.jpg
See? I really did have two :X
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0011.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/cmak127/R_HJAjq...7QsaA/0006.jpg

I went through the strut bar phases.
First the Autoexe front, then the ARC titanium one....twice =P I never learn!
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/rx7sell/one.jpg
I was sad to let the rear Autoexe go, I spent so much time making it fit so flush!
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch.../rear-bar1.jpg

And then boost controller phases. Knightsports EBSIII, ESIV, and I finally settled on the Apex-i AVCR.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...ell/ebsiv2.jpg

Oh...and suspensions....aragosta? ohlin? aragosta?...ohlin pcvs it is!
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...7sell/ara1.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...3670c__37_.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...sell/arag2.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...sell/12008.jpg

Somewhere along the lines I ended up upgrading the fuel setup with a supra pump and refreshed 550s and 1300s using Witchunter.
Oh yeah! and the surge tank cover.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...l/fuelpump.jpg

Can't forget the exterior...
I wanted to go all FEED. So eventually, I had pieced together a set of FEED cf hood, fenders, rear fenders (yet to go on the car permanently), and cf sidesteps.
I have the RE-Amemiya diffuser with the side generators still sitting in the study room garnering dust for the time being also.

And I ended up picking up a set of FEED halogen signals/fogs, tow hooks, and light covers.

I know theres also a brand spanking new set of Ganador side mirrors hiding somewhere in the garage along with the newer round tail lights.

And the parts along with the EVO-R projector headlights somehow turned my montego blue car half unpainted black.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/zebra3.jpg

And these CE28s which were put on just to see how flush it would sit with the rears....are actually just hanging out in the garage as is with not a mile on them :( I rolled it onto the driveway about once so far! What a shame.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/rims3.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/rims2.jpg

The seats in the car were torn (at least the driverside was terribly so, and it smelled funny as well!) So after much debate, I ended up going with a ASM Recaro TS-G bucket set.
http://www.freewebs.com/jrsch22a/0001.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/jrsch22a/0002.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/jrsch22a/0003.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/jrsch22a/0004.jpg

And in the last couple months, I decided to finally install these delrin bushings I purchased, but in the course of installing those, getting the arms beadblasted and then clearcoating them, it was discovered more oem pillowballs, bushings, and rubber boots that were in need or replacement as well as the boots at the end of the tie rods.
And a start on the suspension got bigger and bigger. Everything was out, and I decided to upgrade the sway bars to a set of Feed sways I found for a good deal. And I decided to pair that up with a bunch of Super Now parts and a Makers7 tranny brace.
That'd be a great improvement to go along with the Noltec motor mounts that were installed earlier.

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0018.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0017.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0014.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0010.jp
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0009.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/005.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0013.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0015.jpg

And then an opportunity for a Raceshop roll bar came by, and I didn't want to miss this chance again...
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0016.jpg

Ah, I forgot about this piece earlier. Polished and ceramic coated.
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/0019.jpg

And last on my agenda for this post, but definitely not least. Something I wanted to replace the EVO-R headlights with because I wasn't satisfied with fitment or quality....a buddy helped me get a hold of these to go on the car.

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/001.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/002.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/003.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/004.jpg

Things that still need to go on now that are still packed away or enroute.
-RE-Amemiya VMIC
-Knightsports RF420 turbos.
-Apexi AST

Ah...might I add, newest part on the car is a red/pinkish r-magic oil cap...thats nifty and cool looking, but matches nothing like all getout!



...I can't wait to drive this thing again!

daym Carol, how much cash have you spent...LOL...I thought I spent a lot....

your car is looking great!! Tons of very nice and rare parts! I really like your seats. From the pictures though, it looks like they sit higher than stock, is that right? BTW, keep those headlights away from Charlie :D

I shimmed them to stock height because......i'm 5'3'' and need to see over the steering wheel. HAHAHAH. But they can drop much lower.

wow awesome car man, i'm rather jealous :)

NOOOOOO. How much did you get the headlights for? Im a HUGE fan of R-Magic and I really like your taste in parts. Great project and keep us updated. If you ever wanna sell the lights give me a jingle :)

Wow, I just walked in on Christmas.

You make me jealous. Will it be done before 7stock?!

I'm just trying to catch up to you! Your car is an inspiration ^_^

I dont know if I would sell it, but if you ever want to pick up a set, I know a little birdie that can get you a price that I think is a little better than elsewhere :)

Ken wanted me to have it ready, but I think it'd be a bit rushed. I'd have only a little more than a month to work with. Guess we'll see, but my prediction is 'not likely' :( I'll still swing by sevenstock though!

He does not want lights just yet i think, maybe something else though.......:suspect:

indeed......:rofl:

Nice! this looks to me like the proper way to build a car like the FD!

Althrough... I vote to get your lights replaced with RE-Amemiya lights, those looks a lot better than the squinty eye r magics... but that's just me!

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/colors.jpg

colorzzzzz!

Why must you taunt me with those Ohlins?

Oh, you're also missing those Nagisa Auto UCA's :P

Wow! Beautiful build, I can see that the black hole is active.

The blackhole decided it was more reasonable to insert delrin bushings intead ahahaha. In my weak defense, I try to only replace things that are broken on the car :X :lol:

update! been at the bodyshop. the guy's doing an awesome job so far :)
too lazy to write, i'lljust post pics.

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/1.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/2.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/3.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/4.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/5.jpg

Very nice!!

you have done what i want to do w/my car almost to a T. sexy build.

What a nice always-changing list of mods. I can't wait to see it all done.

I think you're the biggest baller I know!

The combo with the feed front and the r-magic lights make your FD look soooo pissed off. I like it :biggthumpup:

WOW!! Looks good!

What are the specs on those wheels??

18x9.5 +18 or was this one +22
19x10.5 +22. and this one was +18 ?

....i dont remember :( hahaha

WOW! I didn't know they were that low of an offset.

Looks really good! Any issues with rubbing or anything??

......not...anymore :)

It requires shaving two of the wheel well/fender guard tabs for the front. I'll have to come up with a new way to hold the plastic fender wells in place.
The rears fender overlays are shaved a little, and quarter panel is being cut and welded. Painter's also fabricating a fiberglass piece to seal up that gap between the fender overlay and the body.

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/casd/6.jpg

COOL! Post ton of pics please!!!

I'll be doing this to my blk FD soon... I guess I should go ahead and test fit the rear quarters.. Also, any advice would be appreciated!

wow i love what you've done to the interior came out sweet !!!

Simply amazing, and great taste with all of your parts. If you are ever looking for more parts dont hesitate to get ahold of me. i can get almost anything.

Mike Arnold
superiorhp.com
810-965-4684

I was waiting for this project update.

By far, I think the biggest improvement, is the interior. Just needs a steering wheel! I love the exterior mods too, but the FD is gorgeous either way, its nice to see you made that interior clean again.


God I want an FD now.....

Looking very good!! What color are you going to paint the exterior?

damn... wish you could find a way to mold those headlights in so it doesn't look like they're still pop-ups, that is amazing!

couldn't resist adding another shot...

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch...d/dsc_0280.jpg

I just spotted this thread. Great build up. I'll have to post mine up soon.

great build, I like those headlights and the suspension pieces is just insane!!

how much did all the feed stuff cost ya? and the R-magic headlights? I can't decide if I want those or the EVO-R ones, this of course will be a year or too away, first things first... rebuild and street port!

I went with Shine Auto Project's feed replica parts for the body panels...i figured for something that was going to get worked on, prepped, and really had no difference to the originals...I'd save some money that way. I've been slowly collecting the parts along the way, so I don't recall the total, but his prices are listed online here and there.

Miata_mx5 helped source me the R-magic lights. As a reference price, RHDjapan's list price is $2078. Definitely pricier than the EVO-R lights :)

update:

Feed GTIIR afflux wing came in the mail :D
Not a wing I plan to rock everyday, but I do plan to have it mounted for now.

Other non-exterior mods that are slowly accumulating in the room:
- 4.3 final drive
- Works bell rapfixII quick release w/ short hub and Personal steering wheel
- Mazdaspeed titanium ebrake handle...and the redlinegoods leather tunnel cover waiting.
- polished throttle body

I was about to take progress pictures yesterday, but forgot my camera.
I think I was better off not taking pictures anyway.
All the jambs are done and finalized! Only thing that won't be painted this time around is the engine bay. I'll wait until I rebuild the motor and go the single turbo route I'm planning to have the 'bay sprayed as well.

So far, the painter's got a base coat sprayed on all the work to check for areas to fix.
The painted used for the base coat is a similar shade...but doesn't resemble at all the car's actual paint color.
Due to this, the car looked pretty "ug-mo" because it had a nice funky base shade painted on the panels, which threw off the finished shade in the jambs.
I didn't really want to post pictures of that....Everybody who's had the sneak peak at the shop is absolutely confused on how the final paint should look now. I didn't want the whole online community to think I was ruining the car as well! haha.

The reason why he went with a "similar" (and by similar, I mean how pink is to purple, and mold green is to forest green) color instead of the actual color for the base spot check.....is because the paint i chose is unfortunately...stupid expensive =p I think he mentioned that his cost on the paint is around $500-600/quart. So, by using a cheaper paint to spot check and base lay the paint...we won't have to waste so much of the expensive stuff. Sneaky sneaky! And nicer on the bank account.

=T


Good news is, estimated time of finish: ~ 2 weeks! :D
Bad news, no pictures this time around.

Your car is amazing. I love the pissed off look it got going on. A nice change from seeing really "happy" mazdas.

Can't wait to see the finished pictures Carol. The Feed GTIIR Afflux has always been one of my favorite wings since it came out!

majority of the car got sprayed over this weekend.

you see it here it first!

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/01.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/03.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/07.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/09.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/11.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/12.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/02.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/04.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/05.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/06.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/08.jpg

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jrsch22a/fd3sA/10.jpg