Even though Mazda has given us the RX-8, the true enthusiasts’ love still lies within the RX-7. There’s just absolutely nothing out there that beats turbocharged power and many of us will agree. So despite having the RX-8 at their disposal now, passionate Mazda enthusiasts still build the discontinued RX-7 to reach new heights and show Mazda what they need to bring back to the table. Jay Krause is one of these owners, building an RX-7 with plenty of goods from all companies. Taking a 1993 canvas and painting it Nimbus Grey, this RX-7 really is one of a kind.
Starting with the power modifications, the 12 year old RX-7 received a complete overhaul. Rotary Motorsports street ported and added 3mm apex seals, getting everything ready for the GReddy T78 single turbo conversion. A GReddy pulley kit and billet oil cap and radiator cap were also installed. Cooling off all the pressurized boost is the Blitz front mount intercooler. Also from the Blitz camp is a pair of single stage blow off valves piercing through the air. Regulating boost and helping produce 450hp @ the wheels is an HKS external 35mm wastegate. On the exhaust side, Keep Labs fabricated a new exhaust manifold and mile steel downpipe to aid the RX-7’s road to glory. A Tanabe Racing Medalion muffler expels out everything from the rear.
The exterior of the RX-7 needed to help portray the horsepower that lied underneath the Mazdaspeed carbon fiber hood. The exterior has been outfitted with a C-West front bumper with combo lights and a pair of C-West side skirts. More carbon fiber goods are seen across the car, including a pair of APR carbon fiber mirrors and CF Creations carbon fiber rear spoiler. Vinyl graphics are courtesy of Dash Ind. Giving this RX-7 one hell of a look.
Truly bringing out the car however a set of Volk Racing GT-N wheels in gold is. Staggered with a 18x9 and 18x10.5 setup, the wheels are mounted on Kumho MX tires in a 255/40/18 and 255/35/18 variety. On the interior, a pair of Recaro Type R reclinable seats quickly grabs your attention. A MOMO racing steering wheel and a GReddy shift knob takes the place of the mundane stock pieces. Autometer gauges galore keep Jay up to date as he tunes the rotary wonder with the APEXi Power FC with Commander.
There’s plenty more to this car, but take a look at the photos and the spec sheet since words just can’t do it any justice.
Special Thanks to the Keep Labs Crew - Paul-O, Stephen & Gerrard