1993 Mazda RX-7. Sept 06

The grey import market, however, is still healthy and it's where most recent RX-7s, like our feature car, are sourced nowadays.

From its decidedly humbler origins in 1978 as a budget, yet still competent sportscar, the RX-7 evolved through several series. With the release of the Series VI model (or Gen III if you prefer) in 1993, the RX-7 was definitely knocking on the door of the Supercar league.

In factory spec, the 13B twin rotor powerplant puts out an impressive 255hp and 217 lb/ft of torque.

Those sort of figures put the RX-7 in Porsche territory, a conscious decision by Mazda management in the late 1980s as they endeavoured to turn the RX-7 into a dedicated competition machine.

From the outset though, RX-7s have always been 'driver's cars', and while the factory spec performance was usually enough for most enthusiasts, there are always those who want more! Such is the case with our feature car. The list of body & engine modifications on this one reads like a virtual 'wish list' for the hard core performance driving enthusiast.

As well as being an awesomely powerful street car, our feature RX-7 has also been a more than competent performer on the 1/4 mile. Steve 'Rusty' Krstevski from JSA Imports tells us that in its current spec, this RX-7 has run a 10.80 @ 129mph at the Calder Park legal off-street drag meets (9's are on the way!) and can do the 0 to 100kph sprint in close to 3 seconds. Yes, almost three seconds.

So, how does he get all that out of a humble 1.3 litre rotary?
For starters, our feature car runs a Bridgeport 20B triple rotor - instead of the stock 13B - with a big Garrett T88 hybrid turbo. Combined with a 48mm Garrett wastegate, this almost triples horsepower compared to factory spec.

Recent dyno figures from Mazteck of Melbourne were 700hp @ 15 psi and 1.9 @ 60ft. But that's not all. The rest of the performance mods to this car are as follows:
_ 4" thick Garrett Core intercooler
_ Stainless steel exhaust manifold of Rusty's own design
_ Twin Bosch 044 motorsports fuel pumps and Bosch 1800cc injectors
_ PWR aluminium radiator
_ Type 3 Turbosmart blow off valve
_ Twin oil coolers
_ Braided oil & fuel lines
_ OS Giken 3 plate custom clutch
_ and a Microtech LT12 computer.

The new 20B engine has only covered 6,000 kms, the rest of the chassis having racked up 112,000 clicks total from new.

The race theme continues in the cabin, with carbon fibre panels fitted to the dash fascia, instrument surround (which includes an RE Boost gauge) and transmission tunnel. There's also a leather-wrapped Sparco steering wheel and custom Sparco race seats with Willens belts on a 4 point harness, plus a 1/2 roll cage. The Alpine CD player wasn't in the car when these pics were taken, but the system, with Alpine amps and 2 x 12" Clarion subs, is included in the sale price.

The rest of the interior and the seats are custom trimmed in black suede with yellow leather accents that pick up on the yellower-than-yellow exterior.
Speaking of the exterior, the first thing you notice (after the searing custom yellow duco, courtesy of Ares Speed in QLD) is the sleek body kit. Aftermarket bodykits are always a matter of taste, hence the huge range available, but for this writer, the Mazda Speed 21 GT tourer kit on this car looks good. The wheel arch flares are noticeable without being ridiculously chunky - not a good look on a small car. The front clip and rear spoiler also stand out without being overpowering. The bonnet is actually a custom-built aluminium unit and the rims are 18 x 10" Enkei LXM chromes.

The "Rusty's" graphics are easily removed, if you fancy whacking on some of your own signage or 'Fast and the Furious'-style graphics, although I would be tempted to keep the 'Dyno Tuned by GOD' sticker from the rear valance!
In normal use, rotary engines need regular, but not obsessive maintenance to keep them running smoothly. However, the performance focus of our feature car definitely requires a more disciplined and regular maintenance routine. You'll also need to know what you're doing. If you're not that confident under the bonnet - especially with all this aftermarket hardware - leave it to an expert. Similar caution is required behind the wheel, too. It's not often I give a 'warning' for a feature car, but with the level of performance this car has on tap, be aware, it's definitely not for amateurs!

For alternatives, our feature car is in BMW 3 Series and (older) Porsche 911 territory in terms of performance - as well as price. You could also consider a late model 350Z or Honda S2000 if you wanted to stay 'Japanese' or maybe a base model Chrysler Crossfire as a left field alternative.

Some standard spec RX-7s from Series VI, VII & VIII are selling for close to half the price of our big dollar feature car, but obviously they don't have anywhere near the level of performance goodies and custom touches this one has. If you do want performance and an eye-catching custom that can embarrass some much bigger units on the dragstrip, our feature car delivers in spades.

Yes, there are still a fair few RX-7s on the road, but how many are as impressive as this one? Give it a closer look and judge for yourself.
Mike Ryan

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model:Mazda RX-7
Year:1993
Dealer:Japanese Sports Auto Imports
212 Bell Street
Preston, VIC, 3072
Ph: (03) 9495 1533

Price:$65,000
0-100 kph:A little over 3 seconds
Best point:Mechanically advanced
Worst point:You'll need to be, as well!
Recommendation:Straight line stunner
Trivia: In the hands of Allan Moffat, early Series RX-7s were quite successful in Australian Touring Car Racing in the 80s & early 90s. Mazda honoured that success with a series of 'Bathurst' limited edition RX-7s that were sold exclusively in Japan.