I have been a huge fan of Mazda rotary power, and have owned both a 1979 RX-7 LS as well as a 1987 RX-7 Turbo II.  I was drawn to the RX-7 for the following reasons:  Extreme tuning potential, hp/weight ratio, unique sound, smooth power delivery, great chassis, and fantastic performance value.  

I autocrossed the RX-7 Turbo in the NWOR region of the SCCA from 1992-1997.  During those years it was transformed from the B-Stock category to the B-Prepared category.   I have met several other enthusiastic RX-7 owners, gained great tuning and modification advice, and located many OEM and aftermarket parts resources through TEAM FC3S and FC3S.ORG.  After 159k miles of highway, autocross, and track events (Mid-Ohio), the original engine expired.  I performed a successful 1988 J-spec 13BT motor swap in 2001, along with several other mods.

Update 8/12/05:  The Majestic Turbochargers upgraded turbo is leaking oil from the exhaust side (blue puff o' smoke after getting into the boost).  Working to have it rebuilt.  I'll be replacing intake manifold gaskets and O-rings while I am under the hood. 

Update 2/20/05:  I've replaced the dual exhaust for a Motoria 3" ID mandrel-bent turbo-back single exhaust. The turbo spools even quicker now.  The car has a nice idle below 3k rpm, and has a great snarl above 3k rpm.  I've also added the Atkins Rotary thermal pellet replacement as well as an Atkins Rotary serpentine belt kit (no more slipping/breaking v-belts).  Spring project will be to install the Energy Suspension full poly bushing kit.

Update 12/6/02:  I've added a headlight cover intake duct, which supplies cold air to the air box.  I've posted the box design on the TeamFC3S.org forum.  It generated interest, and I've started producing them.  If you are interested in a VinSpeed custom airbox, please click the For Sale link.

I've also discovered that the stock (worm-gear style) hose clamps on the turbocharger-intercooler hoses have been leaking.  I've replaced those clamps (along with the coolant hose clamps) with T-bolt style stainless clamps, and they have proven to be much more reliable.

Update 7/1/02):  I added Autometer Pro Comp Ultralite water temperature and oil pressure gauges to keep a closer eye on things (along with an Autometer Boost and A/F ratio gauge).  The oil pressure sensor plumbed easily with a Racer Wholesale oil filter sandwich plate (modified) and the water temp sensor was plumbed into a modified plate on the coolant filler neck).

Update 1/18/02:  I fabricated a cold air box for the intake (see the pictures link above) in order to cool down the intake temps a bit. 

Update 8/27/01:  The car has been on the road for nearly a month, and is an absolute blast to drive.  Discovered an electrical gremlin (lights were bright but "pulsed" in relation to rpm); replaced the j-spec alternator with the new one from the old engine and the problem was solved. 

Update 7/18/01:  Had the car on the road, and it was fantastic.  Boost was strong, A/F ratio was good (Autothority ECU), sound was great (Sebring 2.5" id stainless mufflers + MindTrain downpipe + 2.5" cat and exhaust pipes).  Still curing the "high-temp" paint, so a little bit of smoke comes off of the exhaust.  Not as much lag with the remapped ecu (correct a/f ratio helps), and the power above 3000 rpm is very strong.  

Update 5/10/01:  I started the RX-7 for the first time May 10.  It started on the 2nd try after I primed the fuel pump and oil pump.  Ran great, with a little bit of smoke off of the turbo side.  Smoke may be from the high-temp paint on the turbo and downpipe.  Throttle body mod (removed cold start assist and re-routed coolant from the 90 degree elbow directly to the BAC valve) seems to be working well.  Need to check the timing, but no leaks of any kind.  Big first step.  It actually moved under its own power!  More to come!

The RX-7 enjoys a great following in the states and worldwide--they continue to do well in road racing, autocross (Solo II), track events (Solo I), and import drags due to the developments at the grassroots level (very talented members of FC3S.org and TEAM FC3S), aftermarket industry, and through factory support (Mazda Motorsports).