Rotary YouTubers BOTCHED This $14k CYM RX-7 Build

After 4 years, we finally got the FD3S back from the shop. Unfortunately, it took an attorney to get it, but now it's not in great shape. However, with the power of friendship, and hopefully minimal money, we can get this thing back up and awesome.
If you have a performance car you need parts for, see me at work at
www.vividracing.com/
If you have a JDM Legend that you want more power out of, check out my family at
apexi-usa.com
If you want something for below MSRP, just dm me direct
For everything else, oreillyauto.com has you covered.
Also, find me on IG
@iori_Oki
and DJ @ midlife.pilot
Thank You.
Please like, comment, and subscribe!

[@noidea6311]

Vargas Bros. Also, would NOT be surprised if there’s an issue with coolant seals.

[@ioriOki]

It's crazy how easily you guys guess it. I think they check the seals in a future video. I hope that's not it though.

[@noidea6311]

Fingers crossed it isn’t, but at this point everything that was touched should be considered tainted. No one ever cuts just one corner…

[@rx7bruh]

Coolant seal failure would result in a lot of white smoke

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

@@noidea6311we are pretty sure it’s not a seal issue. We did find one issue, but you wouldn’t believe it we told you, so just look out for the next couple of videos.

[@tsherwoodrzero]

I've been one of the moderators for the RX7club for over a decade now, and been in the rotary game for 15 years, setting the benchmark for all 20B builds. If you need a recommendation for a tried-and-true shop, there are maybe 5 total I would consider. Defined Autoworks, Banzai Racing, Rotary Resurrection, Atkins Rotary and Mazdatrix. And every single one knows me by name. There are also some independent guys whom are equally reputable and skilled, one is Ryan Heinrich of RGHTBrain Designs. Something I noticed immediately when the key was ON was the add Coolant Light was on. There is a Level Sensor on the Water Pump housing below the Alternator. There are 3 possible causes for this. 1. Low Coolant (sensor element not underwater) 2. Disconnected Sensor (sketchy shops can do this and ground the connector to shut it up) 3. Air bubble stuck on sensor (most common) If it is unplugged, it starts screaming via the Redline Buzzer. If not underwater, it screams more. In the 11/1991 Wiring Diagram book for Japan, it is Connector C-11 and is part of the Emission Harness. For 1993 North America, it is C1-07, also in Emission Harness. Most common spots for leaking coolant are the heater lines. One runs right under the oil filter. When combined with climbing (NOT sudden spiking) temperatures, I'd bet money it is this hose that has failed and is puking on the ground.

[@noidea6311]

I’ve had good success with Pineapple Racing out of Portland. They a 6th shop or not-so-much?

[@tsherwoodrzero]

@@noidea6311 I've heard both good and not-good things about Pineapple Racing, but I have not dealt with them personally and it is against my policy to make a recommendation based on hearsay. As for "unf*cking" this FD, the first step is generally to undo any poorly done "mods" this shop has put in, such as the Methanol/Water injection setup and battery relocation. Anyone that's been on the RX7club knows that I am a HARD critic about wiring, on par with Aaron Cake. I apply those lessons on any wiring project I've done, including an OEM+ Auxiliary Power setup on my Expedition. It uses a rewired Chrysler Sebring fuse/relay box (because it uses the same Ford style relays and ATM fuses as the rest of the truck) and is controlled by the overhead console, modified to house 5 OE Ford window switches instead of 2 for the pop-out quarter windows on Eddie Bauer models. 4 go through a latching relay board to make it 8 push on/push off switches that all go out to dedicated circuits. The last one is still momentary action, reserved for a winch solenoid and winch at a later date. It's as close to an Expedition SSV (Special Service Vehicle) as could be done. To date, I have only seen one battery relocation that met my standards. It was for a Group 48 Deka Intimidator AGM battery in my 20B FC in the passenger bin using a battery box I fabricated to be completely reversible using only existing bolt holes that were required to survive FMVSS destructive testing effective September 1985. No cutting or modification was needed to the storage bin, and I utilized the same approach that Aaron Cake did on his because it works. It is as close to an OEM+ modification that could be done. First time I ever welded too. As for the Methanol tank, there's no excuse whatsoever. Better fabrication is done by the kid in 7th grade shop class with an arc welder in one hand and jerking off with the other.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Thank you so so so so much for this. The team at Mazdatrix is always super helpful and goes above and beyond, so they will be covering what we can’t do. I pray you continue to give me advice on the upcoming video because like I said, I’m no rotary expert, but I know a little bit.

[@tsherwoodrzero]

@@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403 All good, no worries. I'm watching the latest update now. Had to cringe a bit when you said something about hammer crimping. But you saved face by going for the hydraulic crimper. I got the same style and it works beautifully. Alternately, soldering terminal lugs onto cables with a torch works too. I've done both, but I just prefer crimping because high current means heat buildup can happen, which can make an iffy solder joint fail under load. Been there, done that.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

@@tsherwoodrzero woah woah woah, the hammer crimp was what was in the budget. When properly executed, it’s good, but this hydro press is so good I didn’t return it

[@SarahnTuned]

I vote Mazdaspeed MS-02 wheels, Fourth Stage Keisuke vibes.

[@ioriOki]

I mean this could totally be the car for that.

[@802Garage]

Hi Sarah!

[@Bruuhhhhhh]

love to see ppl in the comments spreading the knowledge good shit

[@ioriOki]

We need more of that for sure.

[@jesseframe5134]

Subscribed, because the RPM/ Vargas Bro’s are scammers.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Welcome to the family Jesse

[@efaracing4000]

I think every rotary head knows whos being talked about but forget the negativity shes an absolute beauty and will be a stunner once there! Best of luck to all involved 💪

[@ioriOki]

I hope they know. I also hope this sort of behavior doesn't continue.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Everyone knows. I think the bones are good with this one

[@jdeath2001]

Hey DJ, its Keith from Mazdatrix. We got you for your part needs brother!

[@ioriOki]

Hey Keith, Iori here! Thank you for always being there for us!

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Thank you so much Keith. You’ll definitely be hearing from us soon

[@802Garage]

Have a friend of a friend who went through it with a shop recently. They diagnosed one engine as bad that turned out to be good. I know because we swapped it into another car and ran it. They had his car for ages and kept making excuses. They charged him tons of money, blew his engine on the dyno, had to rebuild it again, charged him more money. He took delivery of it after allegedly making over 600whp on the dyno, but now turned down and with crap drivability. Lots more issues too, but bottom line tons of time and money to have a car that still doesn't work. He took it to the shop we went to for tuning instead and hopefully they're gonna have him fixed up right now. Absolutely crazy the bros had this CYM car for YEARS to do so little work and do it so poorly. This is really why I learn to do everything myself, hahaha. Video still running. I just noticed the fuel pump relay wasn't even plugged in all the way and they only used one screw to hold down the cover. Wild. Also if someone cut up my valuable FD interior bits for shitty parts installs, I'd be pissed. Thanks for the vids!

[@ioriOki]

The interior will be the least of our worries by the time all of this blows over. But the stories with those guys seem to all be the same, yet somehow people keep supporting and it's sad. Sorry about your friend of a friend!

[@springbay1]

I have nothing to add, because I know nothing about these cars. But it will be very exciting to follow the videos.

[@ioriOki]

Well thank you for commenting and watching!

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

We appreciate the support so much

[@kenfuji2001]

everyone needs a good friend like DJ. Bravo for helping your friend with this mess. it so disappointing when you figure out who "they" are.

[@ioriOki]

I think it's a big project to take on, but if anyone's got it, he's got it.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Thank you. It’s all for the love of the boys and the love of the culture.

[@knightsportsfc3s]

Those guys are absolute Muppets. I feel embarrassed for them... Seriously. 3rd graders could have done that. Loving the content. There's a channel called Rad Potential. He has put together a comprehensive amount of information about FDs and Rotary Engines on the channel. Best thing to do is start everything fresh. Check fan operation, hoses, airflow, thermostat and do a coolant replacement.

[@ioriOki]

I love Rad Potential!

[@knightsportsfc3s]

@@ioriOki I love your channel!!

[@knightsportsfc3s]

@@ioriOki I hope everything is well with you.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Truuuust me, we are very familiar with RAD potential.

[@blackrifle6736]

*DJ: Top comments here are from solid, knowledgeable guys who love RX-7s and hold your best interests at heart. Permit me to add this: Please install the Racing Beat exhaust system. I had one on my 1993 RX-7 and currently on both my 2003 MS Protégé and 2002 Protégé ES. No ricer-child coffee can buzz here. RB makes performance exhaust systems for adults, wherein one may actually hold a conversation (or record A/V) at freeway speeds. Cheers!*

[@ioriOki]

I think he's dropping the RB video pretttty soon.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

We definitely have the RB exhaust coming up

[@scotty305]

At 20:25 that's a fuel pressure sensor threaded into the fuel pressure regulator, hopefully it's going into the ECU so it can datalog fuel pressure and protect the engine if it measures too low. It might also be going to a digital gauge, but I wouldn't recommend doing it that way. The part number isn't visible and there are a few AEM pressure sensors that look like that, it's likely 0-100 psig or 0-150 psig measurement range. It could also be a MAP sensor that measures both vacuum and pressure, but that would be a weird choice for measuring fuel pressure.

[@scotty305]

I agree with the others who said the cooling problem might be ducting and air pockets. The Lisle 24680 funnel kit is really helpful at getting air pockets out of the system even without running the engine, and you can find similar funnels at most parts stores. Also I like to drill a couple of very small holes (similar size as the hole for the jiggle pin) in the OEM thermostat to help move air and coolant even when the thermostat is closed, if you happen to be already in there doing water pump things. Don't got too large or the car won't get up to temperature.

[@ioriOki]

I definitely have one of those funnels at my home. Hopefully he goes and grabs it.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

I probably won’t modify the factory thermostat, but I think there’s likely just a bunch of bubbles in it

[@touchedbyawankel]

Unfortunately way too many stories like this have come from that shop. Glad to see this CYM will be rescued though. Excited to see the progress in the future. Proper research and doing it yourself is the best way to know it was done right. I would honestly go through every line and fitting in the engine bay like you were pointing out the mismatches and leaks. Coolant and overheating is most likely just a bleeding issue to start with. From what you are describing, you have air bubbles in the system and depending on the design of the piping/radiator setup, it may be hard to bleed out. Get yourself a coolant funnel and make sure the filler neck is the highest point in the system while trying to bleed. Ducting also looked to be non-existent for the v-mount setup so all the air will go around the radiator and intercooler rather than through so unless you have the fans 100% all the time you won't get the heat transfer you need. The dual oil coolers are stock on R1 models but they may have replaced them with something aftermarket which isn't really needed since the stock ones cool more than enough even for higher horsepower FDs. I think you have a good handle on the issues, just start on one thing at a time and complete that project as it can be too easy to get overwhelmed trying to fix everything at once.

[@ioriOki]

I hope we continue to get in depth comments like this.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

I’m thinking since they quickly put it back together, they didn’t properly bleed the system, but we’ll break in and check that out. I also have big ideas for the ducting.

[@touchedbyawankel]

@ioriOki legit FD people are usually a great group that love to help each other out for the love of the car and rotory community.

[@802Garage]

@@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403 With our rotary swap we kept having a strange issue with coolant pushing into the overflow too much and we were worried. After a few cycles though, it just stopped and now works perfectly. I think proper bleeding can def be a source of coolant concerns.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

@@802Garage I think that’s what the issue was since the car was thrown together so quickly. I’m hoping to take the maiden voyage today actually.

[@JustASimpleGuy]

really glad the uploads continue from my favorite KZbin couple (shoutout 1964) but seriously keep up the grind and comedy is great stuff

[@ioriOki]

Thank you so much!

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

You have no clue how happy this comment makes me

[@itsBlack]

The self adjusting strut bar

[@ioriOki]

It's a rare overnight JDM parts. lmfao.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Bro! Huge fan. We’ll get that fixed ASAP

[@marcheynderickx7985]

Sorry to see this happen to your friend. This now defunct "west coast shop" also claimed a local victim, for $24k. Some times its just best to move on and work with trusted people. Now, for the issues in the video - I recommend starting with the overheating. The car, while moving should not overheat. Sitting in traffic on a hot day, it happens - esp with poorly ducted V- mounts. I know its super tempting to start with the battery, but lets ID if the engine needs to come out first. 1) Buy or borrow a Lisle 24680 funnel. Properly bleed the cooling system and watch for bubbles once warmed up. 2) If you see a constant stream of bubbles once started, it's time to pressure test the block. Pineapple Racing sells a block tester, but an autoparts store one will work.3)If the cooling system tests out, it's time to start tearing into that terribly designed cooling system. Hit me up with any questions and good luck!

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

How do they keep getting away with this? That’s wild! I got high hopes for the cooling system.

[@15zerosheen]

Car looks like fairly quick repairs to get it to the point where your buddy can at least enjoy it. You guys should just clean it up and leave the parts thats on it. Let him enjoy the car before its next phase.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

It’s a bunch of little repairs, which is annoying because the parts are there for the most part, the work is just lazy.

[@starvNdrewskie]

That Trust cat back👀 if it’s the 3.75” it’s a rare cat back, limited run. Maybe going with a better resonated mid pipe? 🤷🏻‍♂️ if one is not installed? V mount isn’t bad just needs some proper ducting for proper air flow, really one of the best cooling modifications you can do to these cars. Hope you figure the coolant issue out. I believe someone mentioned checking coolant level and burping the system, 👍🏼 Nice CYM though🔥Can’t wait for the content!

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

We don’t care about rare parts over here, so if you want it you can get it. Lol I hope we get to the bottom of the cooling system too

[@starvNdrewskie]

C’mon! How much we talking about? It will help fund repairs for the CYM😂

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

@@starvNdrewskie 😂😂❤️

[@MrATV612]

Vmounts are very effective in cooling. With the RX7 engine bay having a lot of room to work with. RX7s are able to take advantage of using vmounts. I saw there’s plenty of info that could lead to you cooling problems. I would not worry about it being a vmount setup as your problem. Good luck with the build🤙🏼

[@nathanopare-addo8856]

Channel has gotten 5x more epic since DJ has taken over!

[@ioriOki]

I honestly thought people would not take kindly to him.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Bro. Thank you! Lol

[@rx7bruh]

It’s funny that even when provided with evidence I still got people saying things like “V*rgas is goated” It’s this kind of behavior people need to change. They saw them on KZbin and think they can do no wrong. Because they’re only showing you one side of them and the other side is pretty ugly

[@scotty305]

I wonder if any of those people have been their paying customers? It's one thing to enjoy watching someone's videos for free, it's very different when thousands of dollars are involved or quoted deadlines are missed.

[@rx7bruh]

@@scotty305 I assume they have not. But I have a couple friend and acquaintances that had negative experiences with them as customers. The proof is there, people just gotta take off the KZbin blindfold.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

There’s no way any of them are paying customers. Or if they are, it was for such a simple install, they couldn’t possibly mess it up

[@gcorona]

For the overheating issue i would start with checking coolant, topping it off and burping it. Then replace water pump and thermostat. Mine was overheating like that and I had to replace the pump even tho it wasn't leaking. But it worked!

[@ioriOki]

I think a full cooling system overhaul is almost required at this point.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

I’m definitely looking to upgrade his water pump.

[@verdict1163]

Agree. It probably just needs a flush with a radiator cleaner. The stock cooling system works fine when functioning properly.

[@daniel27x]

😍😍😍😍

[@lpvgs-817]

bring that thing to Lucky7Racing they'll get you right!!!! Oh shit I know who he's talking about ugh man sorry I feel bad for your friend damn~

[@ioriOki]

I think the new budget on this entire build is aimed at under $1000 usd so they have to DIY it.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

The budget is even LESS than that right now lol

[@lpvgs-817]

@@ioriOki Oh ok copy!

[@verdict1163]

Lots of horror stories about the Vargas Bros on the forums. Their shop RX-7 that they used to promote their business is clapped as well. They only know how to make gutted single turbo lag monsters, and even that they apparently can't do well. Not a good place for anyone with even a semi-nice RX-7.

[@ioriOki]

This is the truest statement I have read in a long time.

[@jasonanderson2876]

Wait sooo… ur Buddy still owns the car and ur going to fix it for him, or u traded the vette straight up for the FD? Not gunna lie that would be sick if you two had FD’s together!! 🙌🏼 Either way, regular content is 🔥 keep em’ going bro!

[@ioriOki]

We do not own the car. Our friend does, DJ was going to trade his Vette about 4 years ago when all this was happening, but was sketched out by the shop owners' work. DJ is now going to fix the car for free for his friend and teach him how to do it/drive it on track long term... But I'm trying to get him to get his own FD as well.

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Yeah, my buddy owns it, we are just going to fix it without costing him more money.

[@jasonanderson2876]

@@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403 still gunna be good content, & a good cause… looking forward to it 💯

[@marcuswynn89]

Bro you barley fit

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

I had to spit on it first

[@802Garage]

@@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403fuk

[@brianskotch2922]

Hates the exhaust until he sees the logo. Then it’s ok all of a sudden 😂

[@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403]

Nah, I still hate it. It’s still being recycled and replaced with a RacingBeat.

[@ioriOki]

Yeah, we're not clout demons around here. Still hate it.

[@blackrifle6736]

@@djthewafflehouseconnoisseu9403*Smart move you will not regret.*