Ever had the mad urge to go racing? This RX-7 could be just the ticket
We suspect that the old rule about buying classic road cars also applies to their track cousins: That is, it’s usually far cheaper to buy something that’s been properly built/restored by someone else, than tackling it yourself from the ground up.
Of course you miss some of the trials and tribulations of doing it from scratch, but it also means you’re in the seat and driving more or less instantly. And we have to admit that has huge appeal.
Which is a longish way of getting round to this, a 1983 RX-7 track car owned by one of our staffers, Joseph Lenthall.
We’ve featured it in the past in a series on RX-7s, as it’s a great example of a serious competition build, proving that it can be done even if you’re not a millionaire.
The headline for us is two sets of numbers: It’s done a 1:40.8 around Sydney Motorsport Park, within a second of the lap record; And has clocked 272 rear-wheel horsepower on the Armour Motorsport dyno. So it’s quick.
Of course when you’re talking about the details of the build, you’re at risk of getting into a foreign language, so strap yourself in.
Originally built by RevDoctor Motorsport, it’s had lots of chassis work, with the engine relocated back and down, Wilwood swing-mount pedal box and a custom rear end. There’s a Rod Andrews CAMS-approved roll cage, and it scored a rotisserie respray by Race Motorbodies. Its done ten race rounds since.
The RX-7 is running a Selectmaz 13B Bridgeport, a complete race motor that’s two rounds old. It has new crank and ports, nitride housings and high-compression rotors. Controlling it is a Motec C125, M84, PDM 15, and the car has been treated to a total rewire from Armour Motorsport.
It’s running a custom manifold and airbox, stainless custom exhaust with help from Rohan Ambrose, built by Paul Mckinnon at Evolution Motorsport. There is also a custom baffled sump with Morosso Accusump.
The transmission is running a billet bell housing and Tilton clutch. It features a new Samsonas RDH six-speed motorsport dog box, with custom two piece tailshaft (all two rounds old).
There’s a lot more to it, but you get the picture. It has competed very successfully in the Improved Production series and had several upgrades since the photo shoot was done. The RX-7 is on the market at $75,000. You can find out more via email at uniquecars@primecreative.com.au
Photography: Alastair Brook