Thirty-three years after its debut, the FD3S Mazda RX-7 stays one of the fascinating tuning platforms to emerge from Japan.
I first saw this particular 1999 FD in May when it was on display at Wekfest Japan 2024. On the time, the engine wasn’t quite finished, so I made plans with Masatsuga Chiba of X-Point Import Co., who played a crucial role in its recreation, to shoot the Mazda later within the 12 months. I used to be keen to take a more in-depth look and discover which direction this 25-year-old beauty had been taken.
Like anything that’s stood the test of time in popular culture, certain formulas are inclined to get repeated. Take the Mont Blanc cake, for instance – it’s been a favorite since 1915, and over time, many great recipes have been developed. Step into any patisserie, anywhere on the earth, and also you’ll discover a pile of chestnut vermicelli topped with whipped cream, resting on some type of pastry or sponge base. But to seek out one which achieves the right balance of bitter, sweet, and texture – that’s a wholly different story.
Very similar to the Mont Blanc, most nostalgic tuner cars built today follow a time-tested recipe. There’s nothing fallacious with that – these tried-and-true combos of parts and styling cues are inclined to work well together. I’m guilty of it myself, having opted for a WRC wide-body kit alone blue and gold GC8 Impreza.
Typically, FD RX-7 builds in Japan follow an expected formula: custom side-porting, an enormous single turbo, a v-mount intercooler setup, and a body kit from TCP Magic or RE Amemiya. It’s a recipe that consistently delivers a tough-looking and fast street automotive. However the query is – do any of those builds truly have a soul?
But what’s it that offers a automotive its soul? Perhaps it’s tied to the owner, or perhaps it’s a token of authenticity – like a set of 30-year-old wheels or a vintage wing – that offers the automotive a way of history and character.
Seiya Inazu‘s RX-7, finished within the stunning Nouvelle Blue Pearl (a second-generation Honda NSX color), has gone above and beyond the everyday formula. It’s greater than just one other JDM FD3S; it’s the automotive equivalent of a gourmet Mont Blanc, the sort you would possibly anticipate finding in Heston Blumenthal’s fridge.
Interestingly, a Honda S2000 provided much of the inspiration for Inazu-san’s creation.
Inside, the automotive has been thoughtfully upgraded with loads of suede. On top of all of the expected aftermarket additions – including Bride XERO CS seats, a Renown x RWB steering wheel, Defi gauges and a BattleCraft shift knob – it possesses a level of comfort that nearly appears like it was a part of the factory’s design.
Outside, the mix of a RE Amemiya aero and a Scoot Sports vented bonnet gives this FD an aggressive, almost Dodge Viper-esque look.
But the true magic happens under that hood. Sure, you may throw a bunch of tuning parts at any FD’s 13B-REW twin-turbo engine and expect a certain result – it’s a recipe found on countless Instagram feeds. But making all of it fit together in a way that’s each functional and exquisite is one other challenge entirely.
This 13B was originally modified by Mochi Racing and features custom side-porting, a large HKS GTIII-4R turbocharger, Trust/GReddy v-mounted intercooler, a titanium exhaust system from Automobile Shop Glow, and more. Nevertheless, it was later torn down and rebuilt at X-Point, who also handled the wire tuck and shaved the engine bay using a custom harness from Rywire Motorsport Electronics. That harness supports the Ignition Project ignition system upgrade (with R35 coil packs) and the Link G4X engine management system.
The wheels are Desmond Regamaster EVO IIs throughout, very similar to those on the 97GT automotive I shot a couple of weeks back. It’s clear the owners of each FD3S RX-7s followed an analogous recipe.
If I were to check the 2 cars – that are each sensible in their very own right – I do know which one I’d drive home. But what about you?
Toby Thyer
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This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
