Though it is starting to seem like RX-7s are a thing of the past, running across some beautifully built ones still brings tears of joy to our eyes. Chris Wold, one of our contributing photographers, is an avid fan of drag racing and as a result has been able to get his grubby little hands on this beautiful drag inspired RX-7. It is extremely simple on the outside, but under the hood it’s packing a huge punch spinning the dyno at 586.2 rwhp and 424 tq @ 7,000rpms. This rotary engine surely means business, and we love the fact that the outside is so underdressed; as a result – this bloody red devil surely doesn’t care about fancy amenities such as a Prada!
The goodness of this RX-7 starts with a completely rebuilt 20B from Racing Beat, featuring lightened rotors, a full street port, and ceramic apex seals. Now that is can safely spin to 7,000rpms over and over and pushing plenty of horsepower through it, custom aluminum fuel rails, oil pan, motor mounts and a manual steering rack were fabricated for the car. A Garrett GT4202 turbo can’t be missed, and yes it’s a single turbo RX-7. A’PEXi’s products come into play with their dual blow off valve and 4 core intercooler. A 50mm HKS wastegate helps regulate boost, while a Weldon fuel pump, six 1600cc Bosch injectors supply all the fuel it needs. With all the goodies in place, nothing but the highest quality in engine management was installed. The brain of it all lies in a Motec M800 ECU along with a Motec Ignitor box. Getting the power to the ground is an ACT 6-puck clutch kit with lightweight flywheel and a Quaife LSD.
Everything else on the car has been kept basic and simple, yet functional and clean. Tokico Illumina 5-way adjustable coilovers along with 18-inch CCW powdercoated wheels and 285/30/18 BFG G-Force tires helps make this RX-7 scream race-ready. Aesthetic wise only a 2000 JDM-spec front bumper and spoiler can be seen on the outside. The smooth and glossy red paint and finish contrasted by the powdercoated black CCW wheels makes this RX-7 beautiful enough in our eyes. Last but not least, an NHRA certified chromoly cage has been custom fabricated into the chassis.
Even though it’s simple, we love the fact that this RX-7 stays true to what it was meant to be – a street bruiser with plenty of punch. We’d definitely take a few glances at this car if we ever saw it on the street, but who would be expecting over 550 rwhp? That’ll trump even some of the best cars that are rolling off the lot today, and this thing is well over a decade old! Who cares about Prada, this devil’s taking its own names.
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