Jesters Collection - Mazda 3MPS/RX8 R3/RX7/MINI Cooper S
Discussion
Bright Halo said:
That looks amazing!
Great find.
Thank you! Great find.
samoht said:
Excellent, sounds like you're starting RX-7 ownership from the best possible position. Boost solenoids are a very common problem and not that costly, just need someone like Stu who knows what he's doing.
Cooling mostly depends on usage, I think they need quite significant cooling mods for full-on trackday use, but if you're staying on the road or only dipping your toe in with a couple of laps at a time on track, can get away with near stock, depending on the weather.
It appears the Type R Bathurst you've got is rather a good spec, with the Type R getting the revised abraidable-housing turbos for 280hp
It looks to me like your car's on its original 16" wheels, it's confusing as the 99-spec cars came with 16 and 17 inch wheels of near-identical design, depending on model. You also look to have a set of Advan AD08R tyres, which are pretty good, assuming they're not too aged/sun-worn - I have these and they're pretty good, certainly ample grip for the chassis.
I'll have to double check re the wheel size! But it does look like they are the 16's! I've never really had Advans before, I may look at changing to Michelins next year, I run them on all of my other cars. But will give the Advans a fair crack.Cooling mostly depends on usage, I think they need quite significant cooling mods for full-on trackday use, but if you're staying on the road or only dipping your toe in with a couple of laps at a time on track, can get away with near stock, depending on the weather.
It appears the Type R Bathurst you've got is rather a good spec, with the Type R getting the revised abraidable-housing turbos for 280hp
It looks to me like your car's on its original 16" wheels, it's confusing as the 99-spec cars came with 16 and 17 inch wheels of near-identical design, depending on model. You also look to have a set of Advan AD08R tyres, which are pretty good, assuming they're not too aged/sun-worn - I have these and they're pretty good, certainly ample grip for the chassis.
I wanted one of the last RX7's, with Spirit R's being even more crazily priced this one was pretty much perfect. Great colour with the adjustable dampers and carbon interior pieces setting it apart. I look forward to it being an absolute money sink!
Japveesix said:
Nice update with the RX-7, that colour on that car is just about perfect.
I do love a bit of colour, even my wife couldn't veto the RX7 as the yellow really does suit it.Fleet update:
Mazda 3 MPS has returned from having the following work:
1. CST4 Turbo fitted.
2. Corksport catted downpip fitted.
3. Corksport recirc fitted.
4. Oil & filter, brake fluid change and spark plugs done.
My usual garage, who have been great as always, had a bit of a pig getting the old downpipe off and noticed that the heat shielding had basically perished and was looking terrible (that foil covered felt stuff that seems to be everywhere was in bits). They kindly heat wrapped my downpipe so the old bits could be removed. They also broke the lambda trying to get it out of the stock downpipe....it sheared off....inside the downpipe
But that was the only unexpected extra cost.
I have done about 40 miles so far on the base map and have started the logging process through the COBB Accessport, with only a WOT log in 4th gear still to get. Have been keeping my beady eyes on the guages and coolant temp, boost and knock retard all seem to be happy. At the moment the delivery is extremely old school, nothing until 3k RPM then all hell brakes loose and she comes on strong all the way to the redline! I am sure with further mapping tweaks this will all change as we find out how she is performing. The exhaust changes have definitely raised the noise, with a little bit more boom down at 2k RPM but on a cruise at 70/80 MPH up at 3k RPM she is perfectly fine, can still listen to music and have a conversation. So overall quite happy!
The RX7 has been off to CSK and had Dinitrol Clear applied liberally and Chris commented that she was extremely clean underneath to start with. Here are a few cheeky photos from them.
Now all I need to do is sort pick up. As she is ready to go. Very excited!
Mazda 3 MPS has returned from having the following work:
1. CST4 Turbo fitted.
2. Corksport catted downpip fitted.
3. Corksport recirc fitted.
4. Oil & filter, brake fluid change and spark plugs done.
My usual garage, who have been great as always, had a bit of a pig getting the old downpipe off and noticed that the heat shielding had basically perished and was looking terrible (that foil covered felt stuff that seems to be everywhere was in bits). They kindly heat wrapped my downpipe so the old bits could be removed. They also broke the lambda trying to get it out of the stock downpipe....it sheared off....inside the downpipe
But that was the only unexpected extra cost.I have done about 40 miles so far on the base map and have started the logging process through the COBB Accessport, with only a WOT log in 4th gear still to get. Have been keeping my beady eyes on the guages and coolant temp, boost and knock retard all seem to be happy. At the moment the delivery is extremely old school, nothing until 3k RPM then all hell brakes loose and she comes on strong all the way to the redline! I am sure with further mapping tweaks this will all change as we find out how she is performing. The exhaust changes have definitely raised the noise, with a little bit more boom down at 2k RPM but on a cruise at 70/80 MPH up at 3k RPM she is perfectly fine, can still listen to music and have a conversation. So overall quite happy!
The RX7 has been off to CSK and had Dinitrol Clear applied liberally and Chris commented that she was extremely clean underneath to start with. Here are a few cheeky photos from them.
Now all I need to do is sort pick up. As she is ready to go. Very excited!
Volare said:
blo*dy hell you weren't kidding, that is mint under there. Lovely car bet that was a pretty penny!
It is definitely expensive for a 20 year old Mazda, as my wife would like to think. But with JDM values being extremely good and even a few years ago when I was talking to Torque GT about importing a late FD they were saying it was going to be mid £30k at least. It was priced fairly in my opinion, with the hope value gets retained in the coming years.samoht said:
Nice! Glad you've got the rust-protection done. Tbh these seem to be nothing like as rust-prone as say MX-5s, so with it starting in such good condition and being protected, you'll probably be ok for a good while.
I remember getting mine in November. I'd spent quite a few teenage years playing the original Need for Speed, which had a yellow FD as one of the nine playable cars. I just remember settling into the drive back from Nottingham, heading down the motorway with the bright autumn leaves on both sides, looking at the big tacho in front of me and the peaks of the front wings rising beyond, and thinking it was so much like driving Autumn Valley Speedway on the game, that exact same in-car view.
Have fun, I bet the yellow looks even better in person than in the pics!
I have not heard bad reports of rust on the FD like you say. I just want to know if I take her out on a sunny wintery day that any salt won't really trouble her too much. I remember getting mine in November. I'd spent quite a few teenage years playing the original Need for Speed, which had a yellow FD as one of the nine playable cars. I just remember settling into the drive back from Nottingham, heading down the motorway with the bright autumn leaves on both sides, looking at the big tacho in front of me and the peaks of the front wings rising beyond, and thinking it was so much like driving Autumn Valley Speedway on the game, that exact same in-car view.
Have fun, I bet the yellow looks even better in person than in the pics!
That is great imagery right there. I am hoping for a half decent day next week when I go pick her up. Am extremely excited to tackle the M25 home :lol:
MPS update:
So the logging process has started. WIth WOT logs and 15 minutes of town driving logged and sent off to my tuner to get the first map revision underway. At the moment the old school nature of the car is brilliant. As soon as she comes on boost she pulls so strongly all the way to the redline.
One of the things I noticed when collecting the car, as obviously I wanted to have a nose at the new turbo and heatshields etc, was I noticed a power steering pipe at the front of the engine bay cracking.
After a quick search on the Facebook group its a really common age related wear and tear on the MPS. As you can see it goes from the pump back to reservoir so if left will eventually cause you to start losing fluid. Mine was still dry around so hadn't gone through...yet. A quick haircut of the pipe to just above the fatigue point and clipped back down should see it ok. Mazda want the best part of £80 for the hose alone! Only a little fluid came out when I popped it off so I am not too worried about needing to top it up.
Secondly my air filter was starting to look a little furry, it has done nearly 3 years on my car alone, so I took advantage of VIP Motorsports 10% off Corksport bits and got a new one in the brighter blue they do.
Not exactly the most exciting update, but just keeping on top of a few things.
I have seen Corksport mentioning they are doing a replacement coolant tank for the MK1 MPS, they currently do one for the MK2 but most of us have really been wanting a MK1 version as they are slightly different. That will probably be an instant purchase when they are released as I really want to ditch the original plastic item!
So the logging process has started. WIth WOT logs and 15 minutes of town driving logged and sent off to my tuner to get the first map revision underway. At the moment the old school nature of the car is brilliant. As soon as she comes on boost she pulls so strongly all the way to the redline.
One of the things I noticed when collecting the car, as obviously I wanted to have a nose at the new turbo and heatshields etc, was I noticed a power steering pipe at the front of the engine bay cracking.
After a quick search on the Facebook group its a really common age related wear and tear on the MPS. As you can see it goes from the pump back to reservoir so if left will eventually cause you to start losing fluid. Mine was still dry around so hadn't gone through...yet. A quick haircut of the pipe to just above the fatigue point and clipped back down should see it ok. Mazda want the best part of £80 for the hose alone! Only a little fluid came out when I popped it off so I am not too worried about needing to top it up.
Secondly my air filter was starting to look a little furry, it has done nearly 3 years on my car alone, so I took advantage of VIP Motorsports 10% off Corksport bits and got a new one in the brighter blue they do.
Not exactly the most exciting update, but just keeping on top of a few things.
I have seen Corksport mentioning they are doing a replacement coolant tank for the MK1 MPS, they currently do one for the MK2 but most of us have really been wanting a MK1 version as they are slightly different. That will probably be an instant purchase when they are released as I really want to ditch the original plastic item!
RX7 collection day.
Well what a day it has been. Brilliant wintery day for it, sun shining, pretty cold day for a couple of trains and a drive home. I have had brilliant service from HJA cannot recommend them enough. CSK Automotive have done a great job of protecting the underside for me.
The M25 wasn't too bad and I zipped home in around 1 hour 30 minutes. So initial drive and opinions.
1. She looks amazing, and compared to everything on the road, she is pretty tiny. Almost as small as my ND MX5.
2. Definitely 90's Japanese, interior makes all kinds of noises but that is probably caused by our shoddy road surfaces, oh and the radio is decent.......if you only want to listen to Radio 2 :lol: Otherwise cruising wasn't an issue. She happily sits at 70-80mph.
3. Visibilty is amazing. It is like being in a goldfish bowl. A definite contrast to more modern cars.
4. That engine is amazingly smooth. The sequential turbos hand over brilliantly. I definitely need to learn to drive her and learn the power band. Which when going into winter may not happen quickly as I would rather not wrap it round a tree so the proper learning may not start until spring.
5. The wife commented as I pulled up at home that it is nice and quiet. She was dismayed when I said I agreed, and an OEM looking backbox may have to appear to give her a little more presence.
6. The feeling through the steering is lovely and direct, very unassisted and quick to respond. Very mechanical. Again grip levels and full handling characteristics will have to wait for slightly warmer weather!
7. Brakes seem absolutely up to the job no problems here.
After some waffle, here are some photos from today at HJA.
Then one on the drive and one with the family.
Look how small she looks!
Well what a day it has been. Brilliant wintery day for it, sun shining, pretty cold day for a couple of trains and a drive home. I have had brilliant service from HJA cannot recommend them enough. CSK Automotive have done a great job of protecting the underside for me.
The M25 wasn't too bad and I zipped home in around 1 hour 30 minutes. So initial drive and opinions.
1. She looks amazing, and compared to everything on the road, she is pretty tiny. Almost as small as my ND MX5.
2. Definitely 90's Japanese, interior makes all kinds of noises but that is probably caused by our shoddy road surfaces, oh and the radio is decent.......if you only want to listen to Radio 2 :lol: Otherwise cruising wasn't an issue. She happily sits at 70-80mph.
3. Visibilty is amazing. It is like being in a goldfish bowl. A definite contrast to more modern cars.
4. That engine is amazingly smooth. The sequential turbos hand over brilliantly. I definitely need to learn to drive her and learn the power band. Which when going into winter may not happen quickly as I would rather not wrap it round a tree so the proper learning may not start until spring.
5. The wife commented as I pulled up at home that it is nice and quiet. She was dismayed when I said I agreed, and an OEM looking backbox may have to appear to give her a little more presence.
6. The feeling through the steering is lovely and direct, very unassisted and quick to respond. Very mechanical. Again grip levels and full handling characteristics will have to wait for slightly warmer weather!
7. Brakes seem absolutely up to the job no problems here.
After some waffle, here are some photos from today at HJA.
Then one on the drive and one with the family.
Look how small she looks!
trails said:
Fit on our B roads so well...you had a good day today then 
It was a great experience. Definitely happy!Escy said:
Awesome collection.
Thanks! I appreciate that as I follow your trials and tribulations with great interest.samoht said:
Great stuff, car looks super condition and lovely in the yellow. I like the frontal shot in front of the garage, showing both the curved door and double-bubble roof to best advantage.
They are small, I think because the styling is all in proportion it's not noticeable until you put it next to a normal car. Always good for a game of hide and seek in a big car park! The yellow should help though.
In terms of not crashing, in nine years I've only had one spin, and that was on track - I got her really loaded up laterally and then applied full power, I think it was the second turbo chiming in that tipped me into a surprisingly rapid gyration. In retrospect it was a pretty obvious case of user error! Apart from that it's always been friendly and controllable, the turbos make it easy to lose traction in the cold or wet, but as long as you're not also at the limit of lateral grip it's fairly benign in my experience. Think of it as an MX-5 with 280hp :-)
I have the Racing Beat twin-exit backbox on mine, it moves the soundtrack up from rental car to sports car without being particularly loud, assuming you leave the rest stock. A fairly safe first step with no real downsides in terms of noise or requiring other changes.
You've got a lovely car, enjoy!
She is so photogenic I agree.They are small, I think because the styling is all in proportion it's not noticeable until you put it next to a normal car. Always good for a game of hide and seek in a big car park! The yellow should help though.
In terms of not crashing, in nine years I've only had one spin, and that was on track - I got her really loaded up laterally and then applied full power, I think it was the second turbo chiming in that tipped me into a surprisingly rapid gyration. In retrospect it was a pretty obvious case of user error! Apart from that it's always been friendly and controllable, the turbos make it easy to lose traction in the cold or wet, but as long as you're not also at the limit of lateral grip it's fairly benign in my experience. Think of it as an MX-5 with 280hp :-)
I have the Racing Beat twin-exit backbox on mine, it moves the soundtrack up from rental car to sports car without being particularly loud, assuming you leave the rest stock. A fairly safe first step with no real downsides in terms of noise or requiring other changes.
You've got a lovely car, enjoy!
The Racing Beat or the TGS Supertwin are definitely the 2 I need to decide between. At the moment I am leaning a bit more towards the TGS. I do intend on leaving the rest stock, but I guess that entirely depends on how long the stock cat lasts!
So as we are rapidly approaching the end of the year a small fleet update.
MPS
Has been giving me all the pain so far this month. I was tired and feeling a bit under the weather and when I came home from work quite late I managed to gently kiss part of the wall on the front corner of the bumper. Stupid mistake booked in to get done at the bodyshop in January.
But this might have to be postponed. As I was driving home the other day I was doing about 70mph changing gear and the threaded ball insert on my Corksport short shifter parted company from said shifter and gearbox linkage causing me to lose all gearing on the dual carriageway. I pooped my pants and managed to coast into a pub carpark. Initially at the time I thought I had lunched the clutch or gearbox. I managed to frig the car into first gear by manipulating said cables and drive the 0.5 miles home!
I have gone back to VIP Motorsport who supplied it and they have been fantastic about trying to source me a replacement threaded insert. But obviously at the moment they are out of stock. Paaaaaaaain!
RX7
Done 150 miles or so now. Took her to work. Looking so sexy. Now have a long shopping list of bits I want to buy and get her properly sorted.
RX8
Screaming along. Eating all the fuel.
Yaris
Took it home to see my mum. Munching the miles easily. Incredible thing.
MPS
Has been giving me all the pain so far this month. I was tired and feeling a bit under the weather and when I came home from work quite late I managed to gently kiss part of the wall on the front corner of the bumper. Stupid mistake booked in to get done at the bodyshop in January.
But this might have to be postponed. As I was driving home the other day I was doing about 70mph changing gear and the threaded ball insert on my Corksport short shifter parted company from said shifter and gearbox linkage causing me to lose all gearing on the dual carriageway. I pooped my pants and managed to coast into a pub carpark. Initially at the time I thought I had lunched the clutch or gearbox. I managed to frig the car into first gear by manipulating said cables and drive the 0.5 miles home!
I have gone back to VIP Motorsport who supplied it and they have been fantastic about trying to source me a replacement threaded insert. But obviously at the moment they are out of stock. Paaaaaaaain!
RX7
Done 150 miles or so now. Took her to work. Looking so sexy. Now have a long shopping list of bits I want to buy and get her properly sorted.
RX8
Screaming along. Eating all the fuel.
Yaris
Took it home to see my mum. Munching the miles easily. Incredible thing.
Mid January update for the fleet.
MPS
Has been a bit cursed, just before Christmas I was running errands in her, and part of the gearstick linkage parted company as I was changing into third at about 70mph. Bricked myself and managed to coast to safety thankfully less than half a mile from home.
Managed to jimmy the car into first gear and crawl home, and I am waiting for a threaded ball insert in my Corksport short shifter to arrive. But as with everything at the moment. It is taking foooooooorever. As such I have had to postpone the bodyshop appointment as for obvious reasons, I cannot drive it there yet!
Yaris
Nothing to report, performing faultlessly.
RX8
Coolant bottle level sensor is starting to occur more often. Causing me paranoia, but coolant levels are fine and no sign of any coolant in the oil and temp guage is at the usual point. Waiting on braided brake lines and a lambda sensor to arrive. She is still booked in at TPS in Orpington at the end of the month for a full fluid change and MOT. Where I am hoping she passess emissions fine with the sports cat.
RX7
She has moved just the once since the last update and this was only because I have had some driveway gates fitted so she could be parked behind them.
Now she probably won't move till the Spring, and I am more and more thinking of getting a carcoon for next winter. But I am sure she can survive a few British winter months outside, while hooked up to a CTEK.
I have managed to find an FD Brodit proclip from a kind chap on the FDOC that he was no longer using. Mated it to a holder for my Pixel by having to drill a hole or 2 and secure with nuts and bolts. But voila one super solid phone holder solution.
Out of shot is also a little bag to help stop condensation, but after a few weeks of weather I am happy to see there doesn't seem to be any dampness or leaks inside the 7.
I managed to secure a secondhand Racing Beat Twin exhaust from someone else from the owners club. It is basically brand spanking at a very good price. In keeping with the OEM+ style I'd like to go for.
Oh and as Tegiwa were doing 10% off on Boxing Day I have also ordered some Ohlins DFV's. Just waiting on them to get delivered!
MPS
Has been a bit cursed, just before Christmas I was running errands in her, and part of the gearstick linkage parted company as I was changing into third at about 70mph. Bricked myself and managed to coast to safety thankfully less than half a mile from home.
Managed to jimmy the car into first gear and crawl home, and I am waiting for a threaded ball insert in my Corksport short shifter to arrive. But as with everything at the moment. It is taking foooooooorever. As such I have had to postpone the bodyshop appointment as for obvious reasons, I cannot drive it there yet!
Yaris
Nothing to report, performing faultlessly.
RX8
Coolant bottle level sensor is starting to occur more often. Causing me paranoia, but coolant levels are fine and no sign of any coolant in the oil and temp guage is at the usual point. Waiting on braided brake lines and a lambda sensor to arrive. She is still booked in at TPS in Orpington at the end of the month for a full fluid change and MOT. Where I am hoping she passess emissions fine with the sports cat.
RX7
She has moved just the once since the last update and this was only because I have had some driveway gates fitted so she could be parked behind them.
Now she probably won't move till the Spring, and I am more and more thinking of getting a carcoon for next winter. But I am sure she can survive a few British winter months outside, while hooked up to a CTEK.
I have managed to find an FD Brodit proclip from a kind chap on the FDOC that he was no longer using. Mated it to a holder for my Pixel by having to drill a hole or 2 and secure with nuts and bolts. But voila one super solid phone holder solution.
Out of shot is also a little bag to help stop condensation, but after a few weeks of weather I am happy to see there doesn't seem to be any dampness or leaks inside the 7.
I managed to secure a secondhand Racing Beat Twin exhaust from someone else from the owners club. It is basically brand spanking at a very good price. In keeping with the OEM+ style I'd like to go for.
Oh and as Tegiwa were doing 10% off on Boxing Day I have also ordered some Ohlins DFV's. Just waiting on them to get delivered!
RX8 went to TPS in Orpington for her big service and MOT. It has only been 2.5k miles since she was last there, but you can never pamper a rotary too much after all.
She had the following done.
Oil/Filter change.
Air Filter
Brake fluid change & fit of braided HEL lines.
Radiator/Engine coolant flush.
Gearbox oil change.
Diff oil change.
Post cat lambda sensor change to try and stop the P0137 error code popping up at random intervals.
MOT.
I was told by the previous owner that all the fluids had been done by Mazda but never supplied an invoice. But the gearbox oil was overfilled and worryingly the coolant bolt didn't have a rubber washer on, which may have been causing me a slow coolant leak. A replacement bolt/washer, which are plastic surprisingly, has hopefully cured this. But have been advised just to keep an eye on the levels over the next couple of hundred miles. Great service from TPS and more than happy with how the car feels post service.
Emissions on the sports cat was borderline in one part, but hey, a pass is a pass!
She had the following done.
Oil/Filter change.
Air Filter
Brake fluid change & fit of braided HEL lines.
Radiator/Engine coolant flush.
Gearbox oil change.
Diff oil change.
Post cat lambda sensor change to try and stop the P0137 error code popping up at random intervals.
MOT.
I was told by the previous owner that all the fluids had been done by Mazda but never supplied an invoice. But the gearbox oil was overfilled and worryingly the coolant bolt didn't have a rubber washer on, which may have been causing me a slow coolant leak. A replacement bolt/washer, which are plastic surprisingly, has hopefully cured this. But have been advised just to keep an eye on the levels over the next couple of hundred miles. Great service from TPS and more than happy with how the car feels post service.
Emissions on the sports cat was borderline in one part, but hey, a pass is a pass!
Gilhooligan said:
I can imagine rotary engine and sports will be a tough combination for emissions. Good luck next year 
Yellow RX7 still looks sensational.
Next year it will be fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine! Thank you, we are only a month or 2 away from Spring so I cannot wait to be taking her out on a regular basis.Yellow RX7 still looks sensational.
Small MPS update.
Finally the near 2 month wait is over, as all she needed was.....
The threaded ball has arrived for the short shifter. I have made sure I nice bit of loctite has been added this time so it shouldn't disappear on me. Battery had dropped just below the required voltage needed and no central locking or ignition lights as a result. A few hours on the CTEK and the battery had the green tick of approval and she fired right up once reinstalled.
Just taken her for a bit of a shake down run and can confirm she still pulls incredibly well on the new turbo!
So more mapping and a bodyshop appointment to rebook is back on the cards. Huzzah.
Finally the near 2 month wait is over, as all she needed was.....
The threaded ball has arrived for the short shifter. I have made sure I nice bit of loctite has been added this time so it shouldn't disappear on me. Battery had dropped just below the required voltage needed and no central locking or ignition lights as a result. A few hours on the CTEK and the battery had the green tick of approval and she fired right up once reinstalled.
Just taken her for a bit of a shake down run and can confirm she still pulls incredibly well on the new turbo!
So more mapping and a bodyshop appointment to rebook is back on the cards. Huzzah.
Fleet update, mid Feb!
Yaris
Nothing to report, still great. Have foregone the 6 month safety check, personal choice but don't see the need to let Toyota walk round the car and tell me my tyre tread is fine and I still have my car mats fitted. First service coming up in May. More than likely get the diff oil done at the same time as this seems to be a good idea after the first few thousand miles. She has ticked over 3k miles in the last few weeks.
RX8
Went in for the fuel tank sealing ring recall. Mazda seem to have done a good job as there have been a few horror stories of the work being carried out and being botched with fumes leaking into the cabin or leaks from the tank.
Feeling incredible to drive since the service at TPS. The braided lines and fresh fluid have refreshed the stopping power considerably and I still haven't noticed any coolant leaks or had an error codes (touch wood) with the new lambda fitted.
MPS
Have managed to do a few more logging runs, and now on revision 4 of the map. Driveability is getting better and better with each revision so very happy with how that is going.
Booked in with the chap who restored my RX8 headlights as my DIY job has lasted about 18 months before getting quite yellow again. Bodyshop rebooked for the start of March to correct my scuffed corner of the front bumper.
As with all project cars, scope creep is getting bigger. Eyeing up wheels and big brake kit, along with interior retrimming.
RX7
The car most of you want to see
I broke her out of winter slumber a little earlier, the day before Storm Eunice hit, was a stellar day down in Kent, warm and dry so I took her the long way round to the gym and back. She fired up with no issues, and I am still amazed at how punchy the power feels.
I have chased up Tegiwa regarding the Ohlins, Ohlins seem to be dragging their feet a little at the moment, but Tegiwa are hoping to give me some good news next week when they have been assured the outstanding orders should be delivered.
Probably should start thinking of getting her booked in for a big service as we are knocking on the door of Spring now!
Yaris
Nothing to report, still great. Have foregone the 6 month safety check, personal choice but don't see the need to let Toyota walk round the car and tell me my tyre tread is fine and I still have my car mats fitted. First service coming up in May. More than likely get the diff oil done at the same time as this seems to be a good idea after the first few thousand miles. She has ticked over 3k miles in the last few weeks.
RX8
Went in for the fuel tank sealing ring recall. Mazda seem to have done a good job as there have been a few horror stories of the work being carried out and being botched with fumes leaking into the cabin or leaks from the tank.
Feeling incredible to drive since the service at TPS. The braided lines and fresh fluid have refreshed the stopping power considerably and I still haven't noticed any coolant leaks or had an error codes (touch wood) with the new lambda fitted.
MPS
Have managed to do a few more logging runs, and now on revision 4 of the map. Driveability is getting better and better with each revision so very happy with how that is going.
Booked in with the chap who restored my RX8 headlights as my DIY job has lasted about 18 months before getting quite yellow again. Bodyshop rebooked for the start of March to correct my scuffed corner of the front bumper.
As with all project cars, scope creep is getting bigger. Eyeing up wheels and big brake kit, along with interior retrimming.
RX7
The car most of you want to see
I broke her out of winter slumber a little earlier, the day before Storm Eunice hit, was a stellar day down in Kent, warm and dry so I took her the long way round to the gym and back. She fired up with no issues, and I am still amazed at how punchy the power feels.
I have chased up Tegiwa regarding the Ohlins, Ohlins seem to be dragging their feet a little at the moment, but Tegiwa are hoping to give me some good news next week when they have been assured the outstanding orders should be delivered.
Probably should start thinking of getting her booked in for a big service as we are knocking on the door of Spring now!
cerb4.5lee said:
What I would do for your RX-7! 
The things I did for the RX7 
s m said:
Lovely collection of cars 
Agree, the RX7 looks superb
Thanks! Certainly one of those designs that is aging well.Agree, the RX7 looks superb
trails said:
Ohlins will be well worth the wait, I put some on my S2000 and they genuinely are as good as the hype
Oh I am definitely looking foward to getting them on. Then sort out some proper geometry!samoht said:
Your first pic shows off one of my favourite aspects of the styling, how little sheet metal there is above the front arches - the bonnet barely rises higher than the top of the wheel wells. The blue sky / yellow car contrast works well too
And yeah, they do feel quick - the sequential turbos give instant power from almost anywhere in the rev range, and with under 1300kgs to push it just leaps forwards and makes the driver feel
Probably helps that it is also really quite a low car, so you feel like a missile! Plus you can hear everything, Mazda obviously didn't believe in much sound deadening back in the late 90's.And yeah, they do feel quick - the sequential turbos give instant power from almost anywhere in the rev range, and with under 1300kgs to push it just leaps forwards and makes the driver feel
HughG said:
Great collection
Who is doing the headlight work? I need to get my 996 ones done and am also in Kent. Thanks.
Thanks! The chap doing my headlights is Mark from https://www.mi-resto.co.uk/. He is very good, will spend a looooong time working on them.Who is doing the headlight work? I need to get my 996 ones done and am also in Kent. Thanks.
DuncanM said:
Gorgeous collection, owning two rotary engined cars is very cool.
You have an amazing driveway!
Appreciate that, having 2 rotaries is very rock and roll. As everyone asks you how long your apex seals have left. I'd love to have a Prodrive RX8 as well, but I cannot have a third high tax band car, along with the wife giving me a limit of 4 cars. She is such a spoil sport. You have an amazing driveway!
Thank you!
The only hot hatch of a similar era I have driven is the Focus ST. Whilst there are many similarities between the 2, the MPS felt a bit faster and more hot hatchy out of the box. Minus fantastic sounding 5-pot. Although the MPS is now way better than where I started with it. Definitely can give full feedback on the new turbo when the final map is on.
The only hot hatch of a similar era I have driven is the Focus ST. Whilst there are many similarities between the 2, the MPS felt a bit faster and more hot hatchy out of the box. Minus fantastic sounding 5-pot. Although the MPS is now way better than where I started with it. Definitely can give full feedback on the new turbo when the final map is on.
The 6 was always quite a complicated car that is for sure, we know a huge amount more about the cars now so many of them (that have survived) are hopefully in better condition. But both the Mondeo and 6 are a rare sight.
I remember doing the block mod on my ST, always worrying about driveshafts, fuel economy was never stellar either. But the 3 has its own worries, like sending a rod through the block.
I remember doing the block mod on my ST, always worrying about driveshafts, fuel economy was never stellar either
. But the 3 has its own worries, like sending a rod through the block.The MPS has been getting the lions share of the love in the last month.
I was unhappy with the flimsy magnetic air vent mount that I had intended to be temporary for the COBB. So I went looking for a more permanent solution. So being a fan of Brodit mounts I decided to get a Proclip and stick one of the mag mounts to it and hey presto.
Works like a charm.
Then I had the headlights refurbished and they came out really well. Fingers crossed they last way longer than my obviously substandard attempt!
I had my front bumper scuff done at my bodyshop so she is back looking her glorious self, a £200 reminder to pay attention when I park. I am on revision 5 of the custom map and she is very swift!
The rest of the fleet are still serving me well, and still waiting on the RX7 Ohlins!
I was unhappy with the flimsy magnetic air vent mount that I had intended to be temporary for the COBB. So I went looking for a more permanent solution. So being a fan of Brodit mounts I decided to get a Proclip and stick one of the mag mounts to it and hey presto.
Works like a charm.
Then I had the headlights refurbished and they came out really well. Fingers crossed they last way longer than my obviously substandard attempt!
I had my front bumper scuff done at my bodyshop so she is back looking her glorious self, a £200 reminder to pay attention when I park. I am on revision 5 of the custom map and she is very swift!
The rest of the fleet are still serving me well, and still waiting on the RX7 Ohlins!
paulw123 said:
Superb collection but the yellow RX7 is absolutely stunning
Thank you! The weather is getting closer to allowing me to drive her much more regularily!Bright Halo said:
Those headlamps have come up crystal clear! Do you know what was used or the process?
I am not sure the exact process or the products used. But its about 3 stages of surface prep by hand then 2 polishing stages before applying a UV filter sealant. He spent a good 5/6 hours working on them and he said to me they weren't that bad before he started!Unreal said:
Nice collection OP. I also have an RX7 and GRY. Both great cars and like you I've wanted the Mazda for ages.
Definitely a classic lineup already!Seeing as I am coming up for insurance renewal on 2 of the cars I thought I would list the mods to the RX8 and MPS. Here is as good as anywhere to see what I need to declare, should I move from my current insurer.
MPS Mods
Exterior
Full respray in Mazda Cosmic Blue, including gloss black accents and badges.
Mazda RX8 PZ alloy wheels
TRC Front splitter
Maxton sill extensions
Interior
Mazda RX8 R3 Recaros
EONON Headunit
Retrimmed steering wheel.
Custom orange gearknob with engraving.
Suspension/Steering/Brakes
Koni Special Active dampers
Eibach Springs (Aero spec)
Whiteline front and rear ARBs
Braided lines, uprated front discs and pads fitted.
Engine/Transmission/Exhaust
Corksport short ram intake (SRI).
Corksport cat back exhaust + catted downpipe
Corksport HPFP internals.
Corksport short shifter fitted.
CST4 Turbo
Corksport Recirc
Mishimoto turbo inlet pipe. (TIP)
Bypass valve hose replaced.
Mishimoto coolant hoses fitted.
Uprated CP-E top mount intercooler fitted.
Uprated Engine and Gearbox mounts.
COBB Accessport V3 with custom map
RX8
Ryan Rotary 200cell Sports Cat + Cat back exhaust.
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