HLK

A Story of Persistence and Patience

Good things always take time, but the end result is always worth it.

The story of this RX-7 is one of perseverance, culminating from a desire to build not only a unique car, but a capable car that could hold its own on the street, at the track and at car shows.

Owner, Axe, is no stranger to the modified scene, previously owning a number of modified cars and bikes. It’s therefore no suprise that on his FD, nothing has been left untouched.

Step into the world of Axe and his 900HP Rocket Bunny kitted 20B Madza RX-7.

Builds Of This Calibre Are Bound To Come With Struggles

As Axe would quickly figure out, dropping a 20B engine into the bay of an FD is no easy task. Given that the motor sticks out of bonnet by about 15cm, a custom subframe had to be commissioned to fit the 20B.

After importing a subframe from Canada, Axe fitted a power steering rack to the front with modified steering arms.

With 900HP at the rear wheels, a triple plate clutch was needed to handle the power, so Axe opted for a Carbonetic clutch; for smooth street use. An OS Giken billet 5 gear set was also imported and built by Gearbox Masters.

“I always wanted to build an RX-7 with a 20B 3 Rotor”

A self-confessed rotary fan, Axe admits that this isn’t the first FD RX-7 that he has owned. His first one was purchased in 2003 and from then the desire for a 20B 3 rotor grew.

After parting ways with his first FD, in 2014 Axe purchased the one you see before you, and it’s been a work in progress ever since.

Only a handful of 20B Rocket Bunny RX-7’s exist worldwide and to make his mark, Axe finished his one off in a vibrant Metallic Green; homage to an earlier motorbike he had owned – a Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R.

Parts and Pieces

After sorting out the gearbox, Axe moved onto stopping force. The whole brake line was overhauled from scratch to be hidden including the ABS system, which is now neatly tucked away under the dash.

The analogue cluster was switched out for a Microtech 7″ digital dash which works in sync with the Microtech LT16C ECU.

Alcantara adorns the interior and the custom boot, which also includes two huge subwoofers with a carbon fibre surround.

Inside the engine bay, every hole was smoothed and filled; and every wire possible was tucked.

Overall, rare parts were found and sourced online from across the globe including Russia, Thailand, USA and Japan.

Future and Accolades

Looking into the future, a billet engine featuring Billet Boss parts with a Gato Performance billet intake is on the cards to make this the ultimate 20B RX-7.

The rear will also be upgraded to a Ford 8.8″ IRS system with billet shafts and extra bracing to make this FD unbreakable.

Many hands made this build possible and the owner Axe would like to thank everyone involved in the build.

This includes HPRE Motorsports, Kairouz Kustoms, Westside Mufflers, AEA Auto Apholstery, Gearbox Masters, Earls Australia, RB Racing Rotors UK and Airride Suppliers Australia.