Time-Attack Champion: 100-Year-Old Rotary Tech Powers Modern RX-7 Racer
The Mazda RX-7's innovative rotary engine, patented in the 1920s, revolutionized sports car design when it debuted in the 1967 Mazda Cosmo. The RX-7, introduced in 1978, became the most successful rotary-powered vehicle ever produced, cementing its place in automotive history.
Chris Johnston's FD3S RX-7 exemplifies the perfect balance between classic Japanese tuning and modern performance. Rather than opting for a conventional engine swap, Johnston preserved the car's rotary heart while enhancing its capabilities.
Power comes from a modified 13B-REW engine, featuring:
- Half-bridge porting for improved airflow
- Balanced rotors and eccentric shaft (10,000 rpm)
- BorgWarner EFR 8374 single turbocharger
- Custom titanium intercooler piping
- Dual fuel injection system with Injector Dynamics 1000cc/2000cc injectors
- Triple Walbro 400 fuel pumps
- Haltech Elite 1500 engine management
Yellow RX-7 on road
The drivetrain features:
- Japanese-market transmission
- RX-8 4.44 final drive
- KAAZ 1.5-way LSD
- Exedy twin-disk clutch
Mazda RX-7 engine bay
Handling and safety upgrades include:
- Project Mu 4-piston front brakes
- Spirit R rear brakes
- 945 Garage 10-point roll cage
- CE28 Club Racer wheels (18x10.5)
- Custom suspension setup
Interior view of RX7 race car
Yellow RX-7 with rear wing
The exterior maintains period-correct styling with:
- RE Amemiya components
- R Magic N1 spec parts
- Carbon fiber accessories from Esprit, Seibon, and Carshop Glow
- Custom Mazda Sunburst Yellow PPG paint
Yellow Mazda RX7 driving fast
Following its debut at the 2021 SEMA show, Johnston's RX-7 continues to prove itself on the time attack circuit, demonstrating that classic engineering can still compete in modern motorsports.
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