Most people don’t just happen to end up owning a rotary. Renowned for engine problems and unreliability, most commonly known for apex seals wearing. Due to the high rpm nature of the engine. Yet, rotaries are fantastic engines from a performance standpoint.

Suppose people kept up maintenance or could figure out the correct fuel. Then, it could have prevented the iconic engine type from dying out or being rarely seen in more recent times.

After Eric’s first car, a DC5 Type R, the JDM ball was rolling. From a punchy Civic EK4, FK8R and NA MX5 evolving to the mighty R34 Skyline, Evo 8 MR, JZX100, S15 and R32 powerhouses, what could be next?

Eric’s desire always pushed towards the iconic Mazda RX-7 FD. Finally, this dream became a reality in 2018 when a reasonably priced Series 8 appeared in near-perfect condition.

Upon purchasing, the RX-7 presented as an excellent stock example. Unfortunately, it sported Enkei wheels and some faded, cracked carbon interior pieces. To the RX-7’s credit, though, only a few swirls and dents proved it to be in fair condition for its age.

Eric’s main goal when purchasing the FD3S was to get the car back to its prime—keeping the 13B healthy and running as it should, allowing him time to envision the RX-7 build.

With the fenders repaired and rolled, Eric used this time to fit a straight pipe exhaust system, dump pipe and Power FC ECU. Before carrying out preventative maintenance, such as spark plugs and servicing and then sending it off to Race only for its first tune.

The welcome change had the 13B pushing a safe but pleasing 230KW at the wheels, a figure Eric finds impressive for a considerably stock, 20-year-old car. Even so, Eric wasn’t done yet.

Purchasing a brand new set of VS-KF in Shadow Chrome, but they were too big. This resulted in buying a set of BC coil-overs and Hardrace/Moon racing control arms, allowing for more camber and height adjustments.

Owning a vehicle in NSW can be testing at times, with road conditions and especially the police enforcement on modified cars. A couple of run-ins and defects later, Eric decided to move the VS-KFs on.

Selling the VS-KFs allowed Eric the funds to buy a set of his dream Blitz 03 wheels. They are a very in-demand, aesthetically pleasing five-spoke design three-piece wheel.

The Blitz brand is well known as one of the leading tuners in Japan due to the fine detail and superior quality of its products. Although discontinued back in 2004, their Blitz 03 wheels have kicked up drastically in popularity. With prices skyrocketing in the late twenty-teens.

Currently, a complete, brand-new box set of Blitz 03 wheels goes for upwards of $20,000 by threepiece.us, which is mind-blowing considering the prices 5-10 years ago.

Luckily for Eric, he managed to secure a set of Blitz 03 wheels. He rebuilt them in 18×11+35 and 18×11+25 to complement the style he was aiming for on the RX-7 build.

Other modifications on the FD included a custom front bumper and RE Amemiya diffuser. A Rocket Bunny ducktail spoiler and Border Racing side skirts finish off the exterior.

Finally, interior pieces such as the Sparco EVO bucket seats and a Dasai steering wheel freshen up the FD RX-7 interior. A ‘yummy’ example of a Mazda RX-7, steering true to its factory beauty.

Although the RX-7 has finally come together, he is confident that plenty more will come with the build. In the future, he hopes to overhaul the engine and make the iconic 13B-REW a powerhouse.

Eric would like to thank his friends and family for being supportive throughout the build process. You can see more of Eric’s FD RX-7 on Instagram.