2002 Mazda RX 7 - Crafted Beauty

Unfastening the hood pins uncovers something special and often unique to time attack. All the seams have been stitch welded, and portions fore of the strut tower deemed non-structural have been deleted for weight reduction. Conspicuously located under the confines of the Okuyama three-point aluminum strut tower brace, is the AC-Kyoto ported 13B-REW. Immediately noticeable is the massive Trust T78-29D turbine sitting starboard of the engine. This feeds an AC-Kyoto aluminum intercooler, intercooler pipes, and their original big-bore throttle body. Air meets a twin Sard-driven 850cc charge further downstream, via AC-Kyoto side port, and combustion takes place via their original rotors and apex seals. Excessive pressure on both exhaust and intake are relieved through a Greddy wastegate and blow-off valve, respectively... all netting a 500 peak horsepower at 7,100 rpm, and a respectable 397 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm.

Piloting all that power is, of course, none other than company president Masanaga Shirahige, and keeping his assets in place are the rugged bolstering of Bride Low Max seats paired with a Takata four-point harness set. Safety and chassis stiffening are brought on by a 15-point cage, where the welded-in eight-point is enhanced by clevised sections. Further inspection of the cabin reveals an AIM-MXL data logger immediately behind the ATC steering wheel, which includes a boost scrambler button right under where Shirahige's right thumb would be. Portside of the driver's cockpit lay evidence of further manipulation of the FD by means of an A'PEXi display, a GReddy brake bias selector, and a shortened shifter controlling an OS Giken close-gear tranny.

Certainly, Japan's love of the FD and America's rally cry after the budget-minded Civic speak volumes about each society. However, Shirahige's love for this FD undoubtedly speaks volumes about his expertise and craftsmanship.

'02 Mazda RX-7

Behind The Build
Head to the message boards at www.importtuner.comm to chat about this feature Vehicle.

Name.
Shirahige Masanaga

Age.
35

Hometown.
Kyotanabe, Kyoto

Occupation.
Owner of Auto-Craft Kyoto, Tuner, and Professional Driver

Hobbies.
Sports

Build time.
2 Months Actual Time, 6 Months

Feedback.
www.auto-craft.net

Quote.
"Sociology Rocks!"

Output
500 hp @ 7,100 rpm, 397 lbs-ft. @ 6,300 rpm

Engine
AC-Kyoto aluminum triple core radiator, intercooler, piping, big bore throttle, side port, rotors with apex seals, V-Mount kit, titanium cat-back muffle; GReddy wastegate, blow-off valve, exhaust manifold, downpipe, oil cooler, Trust T78-29D turbo; custom A'PEXi Power FC; twin Sard 280cc fuel pumps; 850cc injectors; one-off OE high cap oil pan, AC-R blow by; PCV catch cans

Drivetrain
Exedy twin-plate clutch; OS Giken close-gear tranny; ATS carbon LSD

Suspension
Okuma three-point strut tower brace; stitch welding; Aragosta remote reservoir coilovers with 18kg springs; AC-Kyoto spherical lower control arms, radius arms, sway bars

Wheels/Tires
17x9.5 Volk Racing CE28N; 255/40-17 Yokohama Advan A050

Brakes
AP Racing 6-pot fronts and 4-pot rears; AC-Kyoto stainless steel lines; Hi-Cap master cylinder; Seidoya N1 500 brake pads

Exterior
BJ Union HID crystal clear lights; C-West bumpers, flare fenders, side skirts; AC-Kyoto three-piece canards; Voltex GT wing; Lexan windows; Craft-Square side mirrors; M-Sports carbon hood

Interior
15-point cage; Defi gauges; GReddy brake bias selector; AIM-MXI multi-gauge; AC-Kyoto carbon meter panel; Bride seats; Takata belts; ATC steering

Gratitude
Nutec Lubricants, Bride, Rays, Exedy, Trust, ATS, Seidoya, Advan, C-West, BJ-Union, Advan, Voltex

By Tatsu Tsuchida

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