INNOVATIONS

Finally, KDR has something on their Innovations page!!

The following information and pictures are based on KDR's project car, a 1993 Red R1 RX7.

Each step and the innovations involved will be explained in detail with pictures and text. This page will continue to grow as the months go by so stay tuned and feel free to email any comments or questions about what is posted here.

Okay, so here is what KDR will do with this RX7:

1. This car will maintain AC and Power Steering
2. This car will pass PA Emissions with all modifications and innovations installed.
3. This car will dyno at a minimum of 500 rwhp on pump gas of 94 octane or less consistently.
4. This car will have a cooling system so that the cooling fans hardly ever run.
5. This car will maintain the body in stock trim
6. This car will have all interior modifications hidden, as in gauges and laptop.

So what do we call this project? After much thought we decided to call it KDR's Grocery-getter RX7. Why? Besides a tongue-in-cheek inside joke, it is exactly what this car needs to do, be a daily driver with 500 rwhp that the AC is cold when you want to run to the store for those late night snacks in the summer heat. Will it happen? Well, follow our progress as we go and we will find out together.

So what does the project RX7 look like? As you can see it is not that pretty and a new paint job is definitely in the works, but let's look at where we are at this moment.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

We have started with pulling the motor, trans, and differential and all components under the hood including harnesses, radiator, ac system, oil coolers, etc. What is completed at this point is we started at the rear of the car underneath, sandblasted the rear floor pan, removed the rear sub frame and sandblasted it also. Replaced all control arm bushings and pillow ball mounts with factory new pieces. We have also installed Rotary Performance's toe links and trailing arm link kit. For the rear differential we have installed 4:33 rear gears and a Mazdaspeed adjustable lock rear.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

KDR has also mocked up the new dual radiator system and though not complete you can see the Griffith radiators where they will end up with a stock front bumper. We will have a complete breakdown and install of this kit, but these pics will give you a basic idea of what it will look like with much more to follow.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

And so it begins from here. Once the new facilities are organized there will be so much more information and pictures listed here under Innovations. There will be several fronts going at the same time, but we will have the transmission and its upgrades coming next, and then the motor build and modifications along with an in-depth look at the anti-detonation modification that comes from Skip Gorman and KDR. Also will be pics of the paint work and of course the dual radiator as a finished product. So please stay tuned and we will try to add something new every week.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q: I want to modify my RX-7, what should I do first?
   
   
   A: Before you start modifying your RX-7, go over the basics. Compression test, check fuel system, Ignition, etc. If all checks out then ask yourself the following:
   

   1. What am I going to do with the car? Daily driver, autocross, circuit track, drag racing, or a combination of.
   2. What rear wheel horsepower do you want to end with?
   3. Most importantly, budget, how much do you want or can you spend?
   4. Be honest with yourself on budget and expectations.


2. Q: How far can I modify a stock RX-7?
   
   
   A: With the stock ECU, you can install a downpipe and a muffler, but should keep the main catalytic converter on. You can also drop in a K & N air filter, but that is about it.


3. Q: Which ECU upgrade should I use?
   
   
   A: A lot depends on what you are using the car for. For a second generation RX-7 we would recommend the R-Tech or Microtech.
   
   For the third generation if keeping stock twin turbo sequential set up we would recommend the Apexi PFC. If going single turbo we would recommend the Microtech unit.


4. Q: How much power can I make with the third generation twin turbo?
   
   
   A: With the correct modifications, you can push your RX-7 to about 350 rwhp. You would need a upgraded ECU , larger injectors, Intercooler, and a hi flow exhaust. The max boost the factory twin turbos will handle is about 14-16 psi.


5. Q: How much power can my RX-7 make?
   
   
   A: We have seen 2 rotor 13b engines make over 1000 rwhp. The biggest issue is cost. Those kind of horsepower numbers require tens of thousands of dollars. A stock block rotary engine can safely support 350-400 rwhp. After that more internal modifications should be done, such as balancing, clearancing, pinning, so once again budget is the largest concern.


6. Q: What fuel should I use in my RX-7?
   
   
   A: For most drivers running 15 psi of boost or less 93 octane is just fine. For added protection a methanol/water/alcohol injection can really help and add nice power gains. For boost over 15 psi we would recommend Torco Accellerator which can bump octane to 104. For 20-40 psi or higher boost levels we would recommend VP race fuels of 110 octane or higher.


7. Q: What antifreeze should I use in my rotary engine?
   
   
   A: At KDR we have found that your basic green antifreeze like prestone, peak, etc, work the best. The issue is the coolant orings and how the coolant, heat, time effects them. KDR has found that a basic good brand of antifreeze works best. We do not recommend permanent antifreezes, water wetter, dexcool as we have seen unusual coolant seal failure with all of these, KDR is testing EVANS coolant at this time, and so far results have been good , but will need more testing and engine tear down to verify results.


8. Q: What kind of oil should I use?
   
   
   A: We have found the biggest issue is to change it as often as you can, and preferrably every 2500 - 3000 miles. Over the last 26 years we have used all versions of and weights of oil, and have found that the rotary engine is quite happy with most if not all brands. Synthetic, mineral, weight doesnt seem to really make a difference, until you get into the 450 rwhp range and higher. At these power levels we recommend synthetic 15w40 or 20w50.


9. Q: What Bolt ons work best?
   
   
   A: There are several companies whose products work very well. Greddy, Blitz, HKS, Apexi, etc, they are very good products and are priced accordingly. You can find used intercoolers, ECU’s, and other bolt ons on the internet sites, RX-7 forums, ebay, etc.
   
   Be careful of the knock offs on the internet as we have seen failures of turbos, turbo kits, etc within 2-3 weeks of use. Basically you get what you pay for, so choose wisely and spend only once.

GENERAL WARRANTY POLICY

All repairs are covered Parts and Labor Only for 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever occurs first, EXCEPT under the following circumstances:

1. When product has been installed on your vehicle for racing purposes. Racing is inherently difficult, destructive on parts. In most cases it is impossible to determine the cause of failure for a given part. We will do our best to assist you in determining the cause of failure for a given part. If there is a failure and we supplied the part we will do our best to get the part under warranty by the manufacturer. If they decline the warranty, customer is responsible for cost of repair. PLEASE NOTE: the manufactures warranty is for the part only, does not cover any other charges including labor, customer is responsible to pay the labor or any additional charges for replacement or repair.


2. When other modifications are performed, by someone other than KDR that directly affects our work.


3. Used parts carry NO warranty whatsoever.


4. The purchaser acknowledges that they are fully responsible for any and all costs incurred (which includes but not limited to towing, rentals, hotels etc.) for replacing any part for any reason.


5. KDR does not warranty any sublet work or repairs performed by outside enterprises, including but not limited to turbo rebuilds, outside engine rebuilds, transmission repairs performed or supplied by other sources. Example: If we send your turbo for repairs with your authorization, and it fails after installation for any reason, the customer will be responsible to pay us again for the removal and installation, if the turbo company denies the warranty the customer is responsible to have repaired again. We have had very bad dealings with most turbo rebuild facilities and they never in our experience honor their warranty, so it is at customers sole risk to have rebuilt.


6. Vehicle must be returned to KDR Performance Inc. for all warranty repairs. KDR will not be held responsible for repairs performed elsewhere, unless other arrangements have been made.