Restoring an Abandoned Mazda RX7 EP. 14 / Tearing Down the 13B

The 13B That I had already built always sketched me out in the back of my mind. The rotary engine is not as scary as some people make it out to be. But it never had the engine balanced or clearance. This time we will be doing that. Luckily we have Atkins rotary local so we can drop off our engine with them for some work! Also prepping to have a good chunk of parts Dry Ice blasted to get the drivetrain and more back into the
Shop titanium goodies at jdcustomsusa.com/
Shop Eastwood Goodies glnk.io/mz0zy/... / Code Smeedia10
Tools For The Garage:
battery relocation cable: amzn.to/4cfhi5l
Terminal crimper: amzn.to/4ckgf3Q
Terminals: amzn.to/3VXmkO3
Engine Stand: amzn.to/3VK7vwO

[@smillman437]

Your rx7 is my favorite ongoing project car of all the KZbin channels I’m watching, and my favorite in your stable. It’s just grown on me like crazy. Watching it come together looking like the SEMA level restoration you set as your goal has been really fun to watch.

[@Smeedia]

I’ve been enjoying it, it’s such a nice change of pace from just pulling end replacing engines all day 😅

[@josephmatuszak3855]

Yes, if you are going fulltime E85 on a rotary, you need a different Pre-mix. My go to with a spicey light fuel or E85 is Klotz 2 stroke synthetic with Techniplate. I know a few other guys like to run Redline, but Klotz has an amazing smell and has never done me wrong in anything I ran it in...

[@Smeedia]

I’ll do some research, ideally I’d like to just mix it into a 55 gallon drum and pull fuel from it. 😅

[@Caterisma]

@@Smeediamost premixes even ethanol soluble will separate when they settle most street e85 cars I hear people running idemitsu or renewable lubricants both are 2oz a gallon mixes in my personal I run 91 and the blue lucas premix about 1.5oz per gallon but unless you’re trying to make some serious jam 500+ just pump 91 and go

[@josephmatuszak3855]

@@Smeedia Avoid doing that if you don't have a larger mixer. It can settle quicker than you'd think. Just fyi

[@Winborne09]

Amazing looking car man! I love your enthusiasm and down to earth attitude. Best of luck on the rest of the rebuild.

[@tokirak]

Fair word of warning, Atkins can and will substitute AFTERMARKET alternatives to parts you order from them, even if the picture, part number, and price listed on their site matches OEM. Make sure you specify you want OEM parts in your order notes, otherwise they’ll pull the old switcheroo on you where you end up paying OEM prices for aftermarket parts you could buy yourself for significantly less. Guess how I know…

[@Smeedia]

I’ve been warned 🫡 right now they are just balancing everything

[@jacobmcfarland3117]

Killing it as always Tanner! Made me laugh looking at the trans on the palette that says "DO NOT REUSE PALETTE" as your were explaining why its a good palette to reuse 😂 So stoked to see the final touches on this build, it's already looking so clean!

[@Smeedia]

I refuse to let a pallet tell me what to do 😅 excited to finally see it out of the shop 🎉

[@noesnce]

My clutch went out and I got lazy, been a year and I finally got a new clutch recently and finally put in the diy time to replace it. Just finishing up assembling drive shaft, slave cylinder, etc. anyways.. I started watching your videos again. My point is your videos have always been an inspiration and motivation to get sh** done. They’re always informational and well edited. Wish for your continued success 💯

[@jamaln2525]

I’m here !!!! Waiting on this all day !!!

[@Smeedia]

🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@ryans5615]

I am digging the music! I mean, also the car and the work and everything. But the music and editing especially in the first half is great!

[@doghairgarage9022]

I gotta give props to you for taking on such a big project. Let alone on a whole new platform! Looking forward to the STI as well!

[@drkangel1134]

Rotaries look like they’re alot easier to work on than other motors

[@Smeedia]

Tbh it’s the easiest engine I’ve ever taken apart and built. It’s like building a sandwich 😅

[@quocta1978]

I don’t even have a Mazda or Subie but I enjoy your channel since I used to live in the northwest. Still have my first home there in North Tacoma, but can’t beat this weather in Northern California

[@Smeedia]

The weather down there is hard to beat 😮‍💨, thankfully been decent up here 😅 always appreciate the support 🫶

[@bradgreen987]

Loving the rotary content as always. So educational and fun. Beautiful car ought to really move when finished. Good luck

[@Smeedia]

Thing should be a little 🚀

[@Paddy_Badger]

Everything is getting blasted around here!! The freshness that will be assembled in that shop will be the stuff of legend. Good stuff, my guy. 💯🤘👍

[@Smeedia]

Everything gotta look good if it’s going back on 💪

[@deybi1]

Love the progress

[@Smeedia]

Coming along nicely 🫶

[@PsiGen100]

Man! I wanna like every video you make.. This is so cool. In terms of info, design, colors, tech and etc., etc.... I'd like to do same stuff for living

[@06Salvi_LGT]

This thing will be awesome, love the FD RX-7 body style so much. Cant wait to see it complete, I absolutely love seeing restorations like these ❤

[@Smeedia]

The body is so timeless 😮‍💨🔥

[@blobeye_josh]

Can't wait to see you ripping this thing!

[@Smeedia]

It will be properly sent now that our engine will be balanced and good 💪🥳

[@FADWC]

A vlog of judging the car show would have been sick! Not like you need more on your plate but I'd watch it lol keep up the awesome work!

[@SmarterEveryGame]

Best car videos on KZbin. I've learned a lot about cars from all of your videos

[@Smeedia]

Happy to be able to share with everyone 🥳

[@Telesko]

That battery location is super nice. I think it was the better choice vs behind the seat. Every time I see the underside and suspension and really any part of this car I remember how crisp and minty it is and I love it.

[@Smeedia]

Super glad I opted to swap the battery set up, that new one fits so much nicer. And will be totally hidden too once the interiors back in! It’s so clean, I’m going to feel guilt driving it 😂

[@steeveamedee5021]

Bros the only thing i can t say im learning by whatching u😅 sens 2 year 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️good job

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Steve 🙌 always glad to be able to share 💪

[@Evzn.]

Hyped for this build coming together, keep it going!

[@Smeedia]

Stoaked to be able to get this engine fully sorted and the driveline back in 🎉

[@tommanning7337]

Coming together nicely!!! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

TOM! MY MAN! excited to get the driveline and engine going 🥳

[@matthewsimpson2264]

New RX7 build episode dropped! Big hyped 😎

[@Smeedia]

Now we should be able to really start moving on this thing 🙌

[@matthewsimpson2264]

@@Smeedia Dude. you've been "really moving" on this project for weeks! Loving it! Keep it up

[@daveb920]

So good! Can’t wait for the next one!

[@huss9796]

Hey mate! Congratulations on your progress so far. A tip that will help for your near future oil sump resealing; 1. Use a new oil pan, they are still available from Mazda 2. Don’t use a gasket 3. Sealant choice is key; after a few different brands I found the best that worked for me was Threebond 1207B, works great with ethanol fuels also as some don’t play nice after a while. Hope this helps mate! Looking forward to you being able to fire her up and enjoy it all over again :)

[@Smeedia]

I’ll pick some up! That oil is brand new. Should I buy a brand new one again for sealing it up? I’ve had that pan leak every single time 💀

[@huss9796]

@@Smeedia Being that they are thin-sheet metal re-using them can lead to a leak. If It’s cheap enough to source a new one then it’s a good option. I find scuffing the sealing surfaces with a scotch pad or 1000 paper helps also as well as leaving the sealant to set over at least 24 hours before putting any oil in. Also; for your ethanol premix - I run straight E85 on my personal FD and have been using Penrite Race Castor which has been a great choice; being in the states your best choices would be Motul, Klotz or Redline.

[@leoncarlier]

Don't rush, do it as perfect as you can!

[@Daniel-vf5oc]

So relaxing.!

[@Smeedia]

☕️

[@omialmanza1900]

👀👀 oooo, the tear down begins... awesome 👌.

[@Smeedia]

Now we can get into the fun stuff 💪

[@Beatcheeks]

Tanner quick question you know anyone that’s added a limited powered seat in a premium model who would have a wiring diagram ?? Or just any leads where I could find one . Love the videos man also I mean in a va chassis. Found some limited recaros for a steal

[@Smeedia]

I have the full wiring diagrams I can email you if you need em 👀

[@seven_sixtwo]

18:37 "why not use [this pallet]" sir that pallet clearly reads "do not reuse" you might be tempting fate and the universe by reusing that pallet. nah, project looks to be coming along well, can't wait to see that car on wheels again!

[@WraithlingRavenchild]

Instructions? We don't need no stinking instructions. "DO NOT REUSE PALLET" 😆😁😅😁😄

[@Smeedia]

That pallet can’t tell me what to do 😂

[@joshanderson1122]

Haha your reaction to it leaking extra coolant was like your puppy peed on the floor. Too funny😅. For as bad ass as this thing will be it'd never pass smog check in some states

[@Smeedia]

Every time I think all the fluid is out, more comes out 😂 Even with the age of the car? I thought 30+ Y/O cars are smog exempt?

[@joshanderson1122]

@@Smeedia you might be right now that I think about it. California probably still smog check👎

[@Smeedia]

@@joshanderson1122jk for California it’s 1975 or older 😨

[@joshanderson1122]

@@Smeedia that's why I love living in MN no testing ever. Still couldn't drive it here now too much flooding

[@kevind_53]

Shaking stuff and say it's not going anywhere - Every man ever

[@tgracing5532]

Hey dude, can you post a link to that battery holder in the boot? It's cool as balls 😅

[@Smeedia]

jp3motorsports.com/products/mazda-rx7-fd3s-battery-relocation-kit-with-antigravity-atx-20-hd 🫡🫡

[@tgracing5532]

@@Smeedia legend thank you

[@t1bmxfbm]

hot damn, amazing how a powerful ass engine breaks down to just some simple ass parts you can literally throw around.

[@Smeedia]

Seriously 😅 it’s essentially just a sandwich of an engine 😅

[@vincentvarela7610]

I know nothing on rotary’s other than full bridge means fun braps we all know and love, so why half bridge instead of full bridge?

[@Smeedia]

Half bridge still gives the braps but is much easier and controllable for driving on the streets 🫡 more stable idle

[@vincentvarela7610]

@@Smeedia ohhh gotcha, I’m excited to hear it. Building a masterpiece as you usually do 🔥🔥

[@ianmansfield8885]

Hey Tanner..watch the video clip..The very best of Mad Mike at Goodwood..you ll see a white RX7 that you ll love its an awesome clip it will inspire you

[@jpkillah1]

18:34 oh no you’re reusing that pallet when it clearly says to not reuse it….. what are we going to do now???? 😂😂😂

[@Smeedia]

Ain’t no pallet telling me what I can do 😂

[@jpkillah1]

@@Smeedia 😂🤣 that’s right you tell that pallet who’s boss lol

[@WRX_TunedFA20]

Hey, nice content out there love it Rx7 getting spicey.. tho on side note what camera are you using and its lenses or if you have an older video you can reference me to it💝

[@Smeedia]

I use a canon EOS R5 with a 15-35 as a main lens and a 70-200 as a secondary 🫡

[@GotBoostMyBoy]

Keep it up bro !! Whatever happened with all the porsche issues ?

[@Smeedia]

I need to bring it in, it’s misfiring right now😅 need to get the FD off the lift first though

[@trist_the_beast8437]

How much power do you expect to have with this engine ? I don’t know much about them …

[@Smeedia]

600-700ish 🫡

[@trist_the_beast8437]

@@Smeedia that’s what we like to ear !! 🤝

[@YourHobbyDad]

put some insulation on that power wire from the battery

[@Smeedia]

I have some more Dr25 on the way 👌

[@beardedmonk87]

Super early. Keep at it broskie.

[@Smeedia]

🫶🫶🫶

[@CruelUnknown]

Damn it's been 2 years already?? That's insane, I swear you only picked that thing up a few months ago 🤣

[@Smeedia]

Picked it up April of 2023 so I guess a year 😅

[@mohammada3473]

Thoughts on upgrading fuel rails / lines when going E85(1050x injectors) with stock turbo/dp? Is it Necessary ?

[@timmytenders8536]

Funny a couple of months ago you're like " I'm gonna branch out learn a new chassis " Looks like you might know your way around an Rx-7 now.

[@BraddahTones]

Taco Tuesday next week??

[@Smeedia]

Waiting on some parts to show up I ordered a month or so ago 😢

[@codyhenley12]

Lmao he said why not use the pallet, as the pallet says do not reuse this pallet right on it.

[@kevinbean9380]

So before you were talking bout moving closer to other builders like Devin and Bader. Whats going on with that? Still have plans on moving?

[@Smeedia]

Still in the plans, have to wait until the lease is up on the shop and new place. We had a sticky situation where we had to move pretty quick

[@Thechaoscrusadors]

Amazing video as always!!! I am excited to see the rx7 rip!!! Btw its thomas. I changed my yt name as this is my posting channel aswell. Eager to see what you do!!

[@joshchaides]

🔥

[@ryanhall3689]

His engines are super finicky you have a local rotary place working on the rotating assembly. What is you was having build the whole motor together. That seems to make more sense

[@aynun1647]

Is that welding wire OFC or CCA? If it’s OFC I have a new way to wire up my subs without buying $200 worth of wire

[@Smeedia]

Pretty sure just copper, DEF not CCA. Advertised as copper wire 👀

[@BushidoPhoto]

Shark teeth Dorito's!

[@Smeedia]

Shark bait whooo ha ha

[@daveevans8355]

Dorito

[@dougl4253]

Don’t keep the battery on the ground it will ground out

[@Smeedia]

Powering the earth with batteries 😅

[@dougl4253]

@@Smeedia 🤣

[@arthurfain]

Please put back the A/C back in in some way shape or form

[@zachattach850]

Commented before I liked and you dropped this 1 minute ago. For your research purposes…lol

[@Smeedia]

Always appreciated boo thang 🫶

[@stefanvanbraam4378]

Bu$y bu$y

[@lawrence_lee.]

First

[@Smeedia]

🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@tylerscott305]

One thing about this mildly disappoints me: When you were putting the STI back together, you said it made no sense to be a "purist" about what engine goes in it. And yet, when rebuilding an RX-7, which actually has an engine that you'd be better off replacing, you stick with the rotary. I for one would love to see this thing with a Porsche engine in it.

[@Smeedia]

The difference is the rotary is a unique engine really only in an RX7. Value wise Fds with a rotary significantly hold their value better than any swapped version would. While I’m not getting rid of this car, It doesn’t make sense to ditch the rotary when I’ve already bought everything for it and haven’t got any use out of either

[@H3xyexe]

Checked in boss 🫡

[@Smeedia]

Marked for attendance ✅

[@johnlexus1]

🔥

[@stefanmodeste359]

First

[@Smeedia]

Early bird 💪