RX-4 spotted at Thunderhill

[Modified Dave]

I'm new to this forum, so my apologies if this is a well-known car you've all seen before.

I was at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill race a few weeks back and spotted this sweet little RX-2 parked over by the maintenance building at the track. I started taking pics of it when the car owner, Thunderhill facilities manager Bob Maybell (who’s also apparently a well-known Northern California rotary engine builder), came over and gave me a little history on the car. Turns out it was his SCCA road racer for about 10 years, but he has now turned it back into a street car. It still has a full roll cage in it, not to mention a pretty trick turbocharged 12A under the hood pumping out about 300whp, but I guess it must be able to pass California emissions and safety laws since it’s now plated for street use. From what Bob told me he doesn’t actually drive it every day (she's a bit of a gas guzzler), but he does still enjoy waking the neighbours with it a few times a week.

Anyway, I love me some old school Japanese cars, so thought you guys might enjoy a few pics. And Bob, if you're on this forum,

[Phoenix7]

nice, I think there is a rotary race group onsite at thunderhill too....nice car.

[2gslse]

That is a nice tricked out RX-2

[Modified Dave]

Originally Posted by 2gslse

That is a nice tricked out RX-2

Quite right! It is a RX-2. Sorry about that, guys. Just goes to show how little I know about old school Mazdas (trying to fix that here).

Just got this e-mail from Bob Maybell, the owner of this sweet little RX:

The car is a 1973 Mazda Rx-2. The Engine is a jdm turbo 12a, with mod's like a re-worked turbo(bigger compressor housing, a 60 trim wheel all garrett upgrades.) Also installed an intercooler and blowoff valve.The boost is set at 15 psi. The engine is fuel injected (the way it came from Japan) with monster injectors. I have tried to leave the jdm configuration as stock as possible just because there is not much of this stuff around. It would have been easier to install a 13b turbo (offered in the states) although, it would not have been as unique. On the 12a turbo rebuild, I did minor porting, balancing, and installed special apex seals, it makes somewhere around 300 hp (rwhp) I need to go back on the dyno to confirm, but it seems to be a good streetable and trackable set up.

The car used to compete in SCCA/NASA ITA classes for about 10 years, before retiring it in 2000. The car sat for a few years before getting the wild idea to do something different.

As a street car it rolls on epsilons and hankooks. The suspension has
remained the same, modified struts up front and coilovers in the rear. 1
1/8" swaybar and koni's for shocks. Most of the front-end bushings are
custom made from delrin. Soon I will be istalling vented disc brakes up
front and hopefully a 6 speed trans. As you can guess these type of projects
are never done.

Stay in touch, it's wicked little sister (R100) is soon to be resurected. My collection consisted of all Mazda : R100, RX-2, RX-3sp, REPU (rotary
P/U), 79 1st gen RX-7, 86 2nd gen RX-7, 87 turbo II RX-7. Bill Culter and myself started B & B Racing (Bob & Bill Racing) in the mid 90's. While I still build rotary engines at home as a hobby, Bill operates B & B in Sacramento.

Thanks again,
Bob Maybell
Facilities Manager
Thunderhill Raceway Park

[Herblenny]

WOW! That's one nice RX-2! Once things settle down, I'm going to pick up an old school rotary again.. Can't wait to see the R100!

[prrex4ever]

Very nice "2". Body looks great!

[Rogue_Wulff]

One sweet duece..........

[Modified Dave]

Phil, do you know Bob the owner of this 2? He seemed like a super knowledgeable guy when it comes to rotary Mazdas. You two would have quite a lot to talk about, I'm sure. If you ever want to get in touch with him, shoot me an e-mail and I'll get you his contact info.