3 questions.....

[rx7Noobie]

posted in order of importance:

#1 i have to get an inspection, the first inspection im getting for my n/a 89 GXL, i have the stock exhaust just aftermarket mufflers im scared ill fail... Is it just turbo rotarys that have to wory about inspections or should i be scared?
#2 is Backfiring bad for the engine? If i rev to 5-6k rpms it backfires.. & is reving the engine bad for it?

#3 random question lol, are oil catch cans just for turbo cars? If not are they significantly benificial?

Thanks!!

[BoostedFC]

1. As long as things are in good functioning condition (tires, brakes, suspension, lights, ect) you shouldn't have a problem. Being turbo or NA has no bearing on it's ability to pass.

2. Backfires are not good, as for the revs as long as you are not over revving or staying in up in the range for long periods of time.

3. A catch can could be used on a NA application if you wanted to.

[rx7Noobie]

#1. My cars exhaust is all good, one of my headlights is missing the highbeam bulb i noticed today while replacing my HID, and my rear wiper was removed by the previous owner, also idk if my car being too low will make me fail? Or that i removed the oem seatbelts n have 4 point harnesses, also since i put my side fender signal lenses on but dont have them hooked up i just bought the lenses & put them on

#2 i hear that backfire is natural for rotary engines?

#3 is a catch can a good performance upgrade?

[BoostedFC]

Okay are you looking at what you are asking?

1. Inspections are simple no reason to make things complicated. If you read my first response you should get the idea. Having the lens in the fender but not hooked up means they do not work so FAIL. Having harnesses should be fine, they are safety restraints. I'm going to assume you have aftermarket H4 style headlights, because the OEM lights are sealed beams. Okay again if the headlight is not functioning then Fail. I have never had an issue with the height of my car during inspections & the rear wiper not being there is not a problem. Make sure you have good wiper blades on the front. Like I said above things have to work & be in good condition.

2. You asked if backfiring is bad then you say you hear it's normal. So why ask the question if you already had the answer you wanted to hear? Yes our cars do run rich, but that doesn't mean it's natural to backfire.

Common causes of backfires are:


Poor or unregulated engine timing is often a cause of intake backfires, but can also be responsible for exhaust backfires
Improper wiring in the ignition can also lead to timing issues and backfires
Low fuel pressure, clogged fuel filters, and weak fuel pumps could cause a severe lean air-to-fuel ratio during fuel injection
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_injection)
Missing or damaged catalytic converter can result in backfires out the tailpipe

When a driver shifts up and lets off the accelerator, the engine has a moment of running rich. This causes an incomplete burn which causes the fumes to explode in the exhaust, thus a backfire. Now in a lean condition where the timing is to advanced the fuel doesn't have enough time for complete combustion also resulting in a type of backfire.

3. I can think of a lot of other ways to spend money that will be better from a performance standpoint.

I have to ask man, really do you not know how an Inspection works?

[rx7Noobie]

Nah i nvr got an inspection before but its all good now its been taken care of :), also im trying to find stuff for performance that isnt over 200$ i already have an intake and jus orderd a short shifter.

[BoostedFC]

You are going to limited to what you can buy under $200 that is going to make a difference other then what you already have. Considering you have an NA start with the basics (header, exhaust, suspension & intake). If you have the funds a port job, aftermarket intake manifolds, ECU upgrades, custom tuned exhaust & fuel mods. Then there is also swapping option either rotary or piston.

[rx7Noobie]

Do you know any brands that make aftermarket intake manifolds? I thought there was none and i have an intake, i was thinking of getting a wideband and trying to get it tuned...? & or buy headers.. Also with my exhaust once i hit 4k rpms the cabin viberates so much =| i guess i need to buy some instlation and put it under the carpet

[BoostedFC]

Well companies like Hogan's racing manifolds make sheet metal intake manifolds for our cars, they are not cheap by any means. You could go with the Holley square bore style manifolds, but use a 4 barrel EFI throttle body or a Weber IDA style manifold with some TWM individual throttle bodies. All these options would require you to have some sort of fuel & ignition management. Racing Beat offers a decently priced header that is a great upgrade, but if you can get your hands on a out of production SDJ header or a custom header from Defined Autoworks. Both of the last header options are pricey. Vibrations, maybe something loose?????

[rx7Noobie]

Idk i was driving amd was trying to figure out what it was but couldnt -_- but when i drive once i hit about 4k rpms my exhaust makes the inside cabin vibrate with huming it sucks lol i cant really appreciate my exhaust sound i need to buy instlation n put it under my carpeting in the hatch maybe because i have none there. Anyway im not sure what this does other then you can tune it but if i got this: http://www.andysautosport.com/mazda/1986_1992_rx7/performance/performance_chips/apexi/apex00144711.html and an aem wideband or does this count as a wideband too? Would it help me out a lot performance wise? After i got a tune w it i guess

[BoostedFC]

The Apexi AFC NEO is just the newest version of a piggy back fuel controller, it pretty much tricks the ECU aloowing you to adjust some fuel parameter. For the money you could get a RTek ECU upgraded stock that will allow for adjustments or you could even pick up a Megasquirt stand alone for even more adjustability & cover timing as well.

Look here I have a short run down on different piggybacks & stand alones. The links provided will give you the info & pricing on each. http://www.rx7forums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2194

A wideband is used for tunning, it will tell you what the Air to fuel ratio is. There are quite a few different widebands out there. A few of the common ones are the following.
Innovative - http://www.innovatemotorsports.com (http://www.innovatemotorsports.com)
PLX - http://www.plxdevices.com (http://www.plxdevices.com)
Zeitronix - http://www.zeitronix.com (http://www.zeitronix.com)
NGK - http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/performance/afx.asp
AEM - http://www.aemelectronics.com/wideband.../digital-wideband-air-fuel-gauge-25 (http://www.aemelectronics.com/wideband.../digital-wideband-air-fuel-gauge-25)
Dynojet - http://www.dynojetwb2.com/
Fast - http://www.fuelairspark.com/Products/details/meter/default.asp (http://www.fuelairspark.com/Products/details/meter/default.asp)
Autometer - http://www.autometer.com/wideband (http://www.autometer.com/wideband)

[rx7Noobie]

Gotcha, also can you possibly tell me how to install a short shifter.. I jus bought one off ebay which hopefully fits but i read some cars you have to go underneath the car and take some screws out and this thing didnt come w instructions -_-

[BoostedFC]

Well sorry, but I'm going to be lazy here & not explain how to install your shifter. I will provide you with a Youtube link that should be good enough for you get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzaYLUoXg_k

[rx7Noobie]

Saw that i just need to know if theres screws under the car i have to unscrew b/c i saw instructions on honda civics and s13's you have to unscrew stuff under the car

[BoostedFC]

It's done through the top, Im pretty sure that in the video the guy demonstrates this. Unless I linked a different video then what I remember.

[rx7Noobie]

Idk hopefully there no car work neccessary, in the video it starts with the assembly already off, but i guess i cant do it today cuz i think ur supposed to clean out where tje shifter is n put new differential oil

[sidewaysFC]

Isn't back fireing on a rotery engine uselly the result of an open exuhast or a defective acv?

[BoostedFC]

The factory rich conditions mixed with an open exhaust and an incomplete burn thus a backfire.

Noobie I was hoping you figured out that taking out the factory shifter was just a reverse of what he did to install the new. Just repeat the process in reverse. it's obvious that you first need to remove the shift knob, then the shift boot & shifter surround to access the shifter itself.

[rx7Noobie]

Yeah i tryed installing it yesterday but i didnt have enough time its like a puzzle i think i can figure it out, anyway im tryna find a chip now idk about the rtek but i found this on ebay what do u think..? http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?nav=SEARCH&nid=35894787999&itemId=250712003454&index=6

[BoostedFC]

Looks like typical Ebay junk sorry man. I would not buy that, but it's your money. Also I'm sure you will not find any product support from anyone other then the seller if they even can help you.

[rx7Noobie]

I was gunna say dyno test it, can you give me a direct link to any chip i can use for my car?

[BoostedFC]

You could spend the money on that chip thing then spend the money for the time on the dyno if you would like. Remember you will need to get a base line to compare to so before & after install of the chip on the same car. It also has a lot of claims you would need to monitor such as fuel consumption ect. Under the link I provided earlier on piggybacks & standalones there was a link to Jet performance. You send them the ECU & they will chip it then send it back to you. There a few other companies that offer similar services. Chipped ECU are very limited to what you will gain in return & are generally set to certain parameters with no alterations can be made.

[rx7Noobie]

So its basically not even worth it lol, im not gunna bother w/ performance anymore racing beat headers & then a wideband & tune seem to be the only sensible thing to do

[BoostedFC]

A full exhaust (header back), clutch/flywheel combo & a some sort of cold air intake is a good start. Try looking here they have some decent stuff. http://www.corksport.com/

[rx7Noobie]

I just put on two new apexi n1 style mufflers w 3.5 inch outlit and i have my reg intake pipe into a 4 inch big k&n cone filter as a cold air

[BoostedFC]

Did you ever get any pics of the car so we here can see the progress?

[rx7Noobie]

Nah i didnt =\ im waiting, some day this week me and my friend are gunna take our cars somewhere to take pics. Also ive decieded to re-do my exhaust because my friends exhaust broke off rite before the resonator and it made the cabin viberate alot after 3k rpms jus like mine does, i think i have a hole in my exhaust so im going to cut off everything before the piping after the y pipe that was just replace to my new mufflers, i believe the stock exhaust is 2.25" should i replace it w/ 2.25 or go to 2.5, im gunna put a high flow cat too (magnaflow)

[BoostedFC]

Nothing larger then a 2.5" if you do decide to change it & Maganaflow makes good products.

[rx7Noobie]

Do you think ill Gain hp making it 2.5"? Also in the future im prob gunna get a 2.5" ebay header. Like this: http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=120677804990&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=30664278405 do u think with my cold air, those headers and a 2.5" exhaust w/ my n1 mufflers 3.5" tips ill gain some power? I also expect to backfire real nice >=]

[BoostedFC]

That header looks like a direct copy of the Racing Beat road race header. I'm just going to say this, with a complete exhaust & intake you will net some extra power, just don't expect a massive increase. They will allow the motor to breath better & are great starting points.

[rx7Noobie]

Im not expecting a huge increase just any notable difference, & i jus need to get a 2 step after that exhaust n ill offcially have the most entertaining car lmao

[rx7Noobie]

Shouldnt the header go from the 2 pipes from the engine to 1 pipe into the cat..? Where would the two exit pipe connect to?

[BoostedFC]

The road race style that you linked is to run a true dual exhaust. That keeps the exhaust running individually all the way back. You would need to look into getting the street header in which the two runners merge into one at the flange, so you can mount to the cat.

[rx7Noobie]

Crap.. I dnt have a tru dual exhaust -_- i guess im gunna have to fabricate an adapter pipe and weld it to the exit and then to the magnaflow hi flo cat and then to the exhaust

[rx7Noobie]

Im not sure but this might be single pipe exit if so ill prob get this OBX header:http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=150595639361&index=2&nav=SEARCH&nid=54759072992

[BoostedFC]

Yes that is a street header there.

[rx7Noobie]

Idk im not sure it kinda looks like the exit part splits into two but maybe it ia a single pipe im gunna ask the seller but if it is then thats perfect i jus need 65$ more to get my magnaflow hi flo cat and im good to go

[rx7Noobie]

Also what about this? Its like $40 cheaper and its a single pipe exit, the only thing is in the discription it says its got 2" tubing to 2.5 collector.. Idk what a collector is but isnt 2" the same as the oem exhaust manifold or smaller..?

[BoostedFC]

You didn't link anything. But the 2" is for the runners (the pipes to each port ) & the collector is 2 1/2" ( the pipe where the two runners merge together which is why it's called a collector ). You OEM manifold is a heavy non flowing casting & the header is a tubular individual runner performance part designed to flow better.

[rx7Noobie]

Wow im an idiot lol but this is it: http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=350456993524&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=22554621866

[BoostedFC]

It's the same basic header as the 2nd one you linked just different exterior coating.

[rx7Noobie]

Lol jus checking, the stainles steel jus looks nicer lol, so when i get it should i wrap it in that heat wrap stuff before i put it on? And so yeah its pretty set im most likely gunna get this pacesetter its the cheapest price for what i need

[BoostedFC]

Nothing really wrong with the Pacesetter header, they come in a jet black coating & a polished. If you were going wrap the header now would be the time not after installing it.

[rx7Noobie]

Header orderd :), is it hard to install? Or just simple bolt on

[BoostedFC]

4 bolts on the flange to block & two bolts on the flange to cat. Old bolts may be a bitch to remove, other then that fairly simple.

[rx7Noobie]

Alright sounds good, today i was driving and all of a sudden 3rd gear wasnt working id shift into third from second and it sounded like i put it into fifth but it wasnt accelerating the car... I had a small gap from the top of the short throw to the tranny so i tightend it all the way hopefully that fixes it or im gunna have to put bak the stock shifter -_- also is this good? Is titanium heat wrap ideal? http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=380190198911&index=9&nav=SEARCH&nid=75780336697

[BoostedFC]

Not sure on the shifter issue & the heat wrap seems fine.

[rx7Noobie]

Also i think i read somewher theres a o2 sensor or some wire or something that goes in the header? Idk if thats for the 1st gen or what but i remember something about parts w/ a housing for a sensor

[BoostedFC]

You will need the header with a the O2 unless you feel like drilling a hole & having someone weld in a O2 bung.

[rx7Noobie]

I think the pacesetter has it, it says it has "Hook-ups for smog and engine managment sensors"

[BoostedFC]

Then you will be fine.

[rx7Noobie]

Yeah i jus got the header in the mail today, the only thing im not sure about now is if i should replace the rest of my stock exhaust to 2.5 inch piping, maybe my stock piping after the header an hi flo car is gunna be restrictive

[BoostedFC]

You can if you want, but at this point it's not needed.

[rx7Noobie]

Niceee 8-) i just hope after i put my header on it still has a deep tone. and im gunna wait on putting the header on till i get some money for heat wrap i guess, do you think its worth waiting for or does heat wrap not make much of a difference?

[BoostedFC]

Heat wrap serves two functions. 1. Keeping heat in the header. 2. Helps with under hood temps & keeps heat off other components.

[rx7Noobie]

Update: waiting on my $200 to buy heat wrap n magnaflow hi flo cat...
P.S: with 160k miles on my 13b what do you think my chances are for blowing my engine going over 90mph if i take it to the track?

[BoostedFC]

160k is a lot & any track time is added wear & tear so yes you would be increasing the chances. Not saying that it will let go, but going to the track os a situation where you pay to play. Sometimes things break or fail, so be prepared to fix.

[rx7Noobie]

I tryed ripping the ebrake in an empty lot and it doesnt lock up the back wheels it just slows it down why is this?

[BoostedFC]

Possible that it needs adjustment! May I ask why you were yanking the E brake in a parking lot?

[rx7Noobie]

Trying to enter a drift, & idk i tightend the ebrake it still doesnt make the rear lock up -_-

[BoostedFC]

Don't know what to tell you then. Should be working if the cable is adjusted correctly.

[rx7Noobie]

I nvr changed brake pads before and i figured it out on the front right of my FC but when i tryed to left, the two pistons that push the pad into the rotor wount go in so i can fit the new brake pad, the front left i replaced fine without a problem, i bled the brakes but it still didnt help..

[BoostedFC]

Did you use a C clamp to compress the pistons?

[rx7Noobie]

I actually used the highly sophisticated method of: Hammer+Wrench+screwdriver lol first i used the flat head screw driver stuck it in between the rotor n piston n pryed it n the piston went rite in, then for some reason i pumped the brake and the pistons went back to the rotor n when i went to pry it again the piston wouldnt budge. Im gunna try n borrow a c clamp from my woodshop class tmrw though.

[BoostedFC]

I wouldn't suggest using that method anymore, by prying it like that you could damage the rotor & you are not compressing the piston correctly. Real simple either use a flat piece of steel or the old brake pad with the C clamp to draw in the piston.

[rx7Noobie]

Alright, ive been needing breaks for a while now in the front, one pad from both pairs from the front had little pad left then the other pad had no fiber left and was just begining to scratch the metal :X & man ive beeb day dreaming on jdm engine depot.... Just 1400$ and i could have a turbo II engine & tranny... *day dreams* lol i wish i wasnt selling my FC =\

[BoostedFC]

So you are selling the car, well good luck with that.

[rx7Noobie]

I might, and great i figured leaving the car over night would let the pistons loose pressure from when i hit the brake but they still wount freakin budge and my woodshop teacher wouldnt give me a c clamp n now i dont even think a c clamp will evem help me

[rx7Noobie]

Update: got a c clamp, loosend the bleeder valve and opened the brake fluid resivoir under the hood and still nothing... I cant take the caliper off either cuz before i knew what i was doing i thought i needed to take the caliper off to replace the brakes and it wouldnt come off and i stripped two of the caliper bolts.. I dont understand.. First it was jus the two right brake pistons that wouldnt go in, i pumped the brake and after the right pistons that were fine came out now they wount budge either.. If i cant do it by the end of today im just gunna try and put back the old brake pads n get it done somewhere

[BoostedFC]

What do you mean before you knew what you were doing & tried removing the caliper to change the pads? If you stripped the bolt heads you most likely were using the wrong size wrench/socket or you didn't have the wrench/socket completely on the bolt head.

You do need to remove the caliper to install new pads! Remove the caliper bolts, then work the caliper from the rotor. After the caliper is off the rotor use the C clamp, one side on the caliper one side on the old pad & tighten the clamp to compress the pistons. Repeat for the other side of the caliper. BTW you don't have to remove the brake line. I'm not sure if you have purchased a repair manual or not, but obviously you are a beginner so you need one when working on a car. Even if it's just a Hayne's manual.

You really need to know your limits, if you can't or don't know how to fix the issue then leave it to someone who does! At least have some around you to help that does know what to do. If you think you are saving money by doing things yourself, you would be wrong. By not knowing what you are doing you are cause more problems costing more & sometimes not doing things correctly can maybe cause injury to yourself or to someone else.

I think it may be time for you to just let someone else to work on the car.

[rx7Noobie]

I DID IT!!! It took a looong time and a lot of patience but i did it, the right two pistons after i was about to give up just went in, using the old brake pad to put inbetween the rotor n piston and hitting that helped a looot i wouldnt have been able to do it if i didnt do that, and im a senior in high school im gunna go to UTI when i grad. The FC is basically my textbook im learning from working on, as for selling my FC after summers over its not a practical car for the snow we get here so im gunna sell it and my dads gunna give me the rest of the money to get an 02-04 WRX, but after that once i get a new job im going to save up and build a RWD drift car which will either be an S13 or MK3 turbo supra, or a Turbo II

[BoostedFC]

Stay clear of the MK3 Supra they are heavy. 240SX's, RX7's & AE86's would be good choices for drifting.

BTW you are 20 & still in Highschool?

[rx7Noobie]

Nah im 18 lmfao i put my age as 20 cuz i didnt wanna be treated like a baby but yeah idk i like the way the mk3 supra sounds =\ id get a turbo ii but then id have to worry about over heating problems and ae 86... =\ i want a nice clean looking car ae86's arent so sleek lol, unless i end up giving in to my love for turbo ii im prob gunna get an s13 and get kouki 180sx tail lights and do a silvia front end conversion and then just do a shit ton of work to the engine, it just sucks im only gunna be able to drive it the 4 months of nice weather we get in NY and the couple days of cold where theres no snow or rain =[, i also considerd a 13B TT silvia >=] that'd be sick seeing a silvia and hearing a TT 13B hahah

[rx7Noobie]

Is the clutch fluid unde the hood top left resivoir? My car wouldnt go into gear for a while then my car rolled forward a little and my hand on the shifter dropped into gear... Also my friend got in my car when it was off and said i have no clutch n it barely engages..? Also when i hold the clutch pedal down when the cars running sometimes i hear a rattling noise kinda sounds likea cross with a tiny bit of screetching and change moving around in your pocket

[BoostedFC]

The reservoir is the little container mounted on the master cylinder with the line running to the slave cylinder on your trans.

You may have a bad release bearing, which you would need to drop the trans to access.

[rx7Noobie]

And does royal purple sound ok for an oil change?, if not what do u recomend

[BoostedFC]

If you were to use synthetic oil, Royal Purple would be fine or Idemetsu.

[rx7Noobie]

Is where u put clutch oil the cyldender type container at then top right of the engine bay like a foot right from the oil filter?

[BoostedFC]

It's the container on the clutch master cylinder not the one on the brake booster. Should say on the cap, do you have a shop manual or the owners manual in the glove box? Pretty easy to figure things out with them.

[rx7Noobie]

Idk, i found a cylender shapped resevoir at the top right where i said n the cap said dot 3 only, and the resevoir was empty. my clutch didnt have much resistance at all and i barely made it to school, i asked my friend if he had clutch oil n he said brake fluid is the same and the cap said dot 3 which brake fluid says so by the time i got to school i barely made it, my clutch just was sinking to the floor n would sometimes stick, after skool i filled the resevoir and played with my clutch and got resistance back thank god.

[BoostedFC]

Brake fluid is perfectly fine in the clutch system.