A JDM Themed Dream Come True
Rotary Dreamin’

The FD3S Mazda RX-7 is a car with many special traits. Its light weight, low center of gravity, and impeccable balance puts it in a different league when it comes handling. A 13B-REW sequential twin-turbo engine ensures the chassis has enough power to make it a fun drive on the track or your favorite back road. And finally there’s the racing pedigree that’s part and parcel of Mazda being the only Japanese manufacturer to have won the Le Mans 24 Hours, thanks to the 787B and its four-rotor motor.

For Lino, the owner of this Texan RX-7, it was the timeless styling of the FD3S and the curiosity surrounding the famous Wankel engine that first saw him fall head over heels in love.

Lino bought his first rotary-powered Mazda back in 2002, an FC3S RX-7 Turbo II. Although it wasn’t the FD3S he yearned for, it was a good introduction to the rotary, allowing him to discover in the ins and outs of the engine by fixing any issues that arose and modifying it to make more power, all in his apartment kitchen. With the help of an HKS turbo kit and all the necessary supporting modifications, 380whp was the end result.

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But Lino didn’t have to wait all that long for his FD dream to come true. In 2005, an old neighbor rung him up, telling Lino that he was thinking about selling his RX-7 to help fund the start-up of a new business venture. Given that it was in pristine condition with 80,000 miles on the clock, Lino expected the asking price to be way out of reach, but had to ask anyway.

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The answer: a surprisingly cheap $4500. I think you know what happened next…

RE Amemiya
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With the new car in his garage, Lino wasted little time getting to work on it. Inspiration for the build would come from RE Amemiya’s time attack FD3S, which Lino had taken a keen interest in. If he could capture just a little essence of that car, it would go a long way to achieving his dream RX-7.

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Knowing that sourcing an RE Amemiya body kit would be a sizeable investment, Lino first turned his attention to the RX-7’s engine. Although he didn’t want to go too extreme, the 13B was never going to be left factory – a happy medium where drivability and reliability was maintained, but performance was markedly increased over stock is where he saw the build going. The engine itself has received a slight porting, but it’s the sum of the bolt-ons that have netted the biggest gains. There’s ’99 model turbochargers in the mix, plus a custom v-mount intercooler setup delivering cool air through a FEED big throttle body. Fuel is supplied via a Denso JZA80 Supra pump, while an HKS Twin Power ignition amplifier promotes a healthy spark.

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Tuned through an A’PEXi Power FC engine management system, Lino’s 13B-REW is generating around 340hp on 14psi boost, plenty of power to get the FD up and moving. A titanium Sanai exhaust system ensures that it sounds every bit as sweet.

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With the engine sorted and running nicely, Lino turned his attention to the exterior and the genuine RE Amemiya AD-GT wide-body kit that he had lusted after for so long. Nothing else was ever going to do.

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Lino’s kit includes the N105 front bumper, under sweep, fender and front bumper canards, a rear carbon diffuser and generators. I love how one of the GReddy Airinx filters slightly pokes through the AD9 hood, giving it a slightly more menacing look.

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As much as I like pop-up headlights, the sleeker RE Amemiya headlight kit looks absolutely stunning and definitely helps alter the appearance of the FD3S for the better. Other exterior enhancements include Ganador Super Mirrors and a huge Voltex Type 3 GT wing out back. The latter was an absolute must!

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The sticker かんばろう日本 Never Give Up/Do Your Best commemorates the fighting spirit of the 1991 Le Mans win. The 787B wore the very same slogan.

Rounding out the visual upgrades is a set of Advan RS wheels in 18×9-inch (front) and 18×10-inch (rear) fitments, with Federal 595 RS-RR 265/35R18 rubber at all four corners. The Advans sit nicely under the fenders thanks to Aragosta Circuit Spec coilovers.

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The interior has also received a few select JDM modifications, including a Works Bell steering wheel, blue RE Amemiya shift knob, and a km/h-reading dash cluster. To keep him secure, Lino sits in a Recaro Pole Position race seat.

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I love seeing people go out and make their dream builds come true. Doing all the work himself, Lino wanted to create something that would not only be reliable, but would pay homage to Mazda and the Japanese tuning scene. I’d say he accomplished that mission, wouldn’t you?

Ron Celestine
Instagram: celestinephotography

The Cutting Room Floor
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36 comments

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1

4500 Dollars... I stopped and cried for a second. LHDs in germany are now closer to 30k Euros then anything else

2
Daishi Kunitake

You can find manual FDs from around ¥700,000-800,000 [5.6k-6.4k Euros] in Japan. Even considering tax and shipping fee it would be cheaper I guess.

3

Yeahh.. that was def a lucky break haha. I don't think you can find one anywhere near that price now..

4

That price doesn't even make sense. 80k miles and "pristine condition" for a car that typically goes for 20k+? Was that a 'friend hookup' or what.

I'm definitely jealous, the FD is one of my dream cars as well.

5

Haha you can say that. It was from an old neighbor a while back and helped out from time to time. So when it came time for his neighbor to start a shop, he basically 'gave' him the car.

Moral to the story - always be nice and help out when you can! You never know how karma will pay you back ^^

6

This car was built by Robert Ramos of Kenfowerkz Customs based in Coupland, Texas.

7

I'm gonna hafta go with KB on this one. I mean this is a GREAT overall effort that took alot of work from alot of people, including Kenfowerkz pulls through on a great exterior build... yet they aren't even given a mention?

8

The car wasnt "BUILT" by Kenfowerkz but yes the "BODYWORK" was done by Kenfowerkz. The owner "BUILT" the motor and everything else associated himself. I know the owner personally.

9

And... what would this car be without the kit? Just another RX-7 with a rebuilt 13B. You don't see that?

10

Stop being jealous and give props.

11

Jealous? I'm proud of the person who's responsible for the entire kit and wish he had been credited for his work. And you're telling me to give props? The irony

12

If another business produce the kit then they should be credited....what is Kenfowerkz? I cant find any info on the business except for a design contest they held and an outdate Youtube channel, where can I find more information on this business?

13

could stare at the rea kit all day

14

agreed ^^

15
Patrick Peebles

He also goes to the 7's day in Japan almost every year.

I remember when he first bought that FD. I had no idea it was so clean until I saw it in person. Keep in mind, his FC was no piece of trash. It was pretty immaculate too.

16

Yeah, he was telling me about that ( he should be up here in Japan this year as well haha)

17
Patrick Peebles

Lucky... I'm hoping to drag the wife to Japan soon. She's not what you'd call a "good flyer".

18

thats real lol.. Tell her it will be worth the flight ^^!

19

That hanging licenses plate though..... put another bolt in it! Beautiful car though and that price tag I'm sure many people are crying right now.

20

This is such a nice car. I was thinking of getting a rx8 since I know I can fit inside one lol. I hope this guy lives near San Antonio Texas so I can get a glimpse of this FD in real life. GREAT BUILD

21

Haha yea.. it's kinda of a tight fit unless your close to jdm sizing lol. And he lives in Austin, Tx. I think he takes it out to COA and down to Houston from time to time

22

$4500... $4.5k...
I've never felt so unlucky but the way that Greddy air filter peeks through the hood gives me a hardy.

23

I am so very proud of my son. He is a mature young man that has an awesome ♥ heart. He is so intelligent, go getter, loves to help people, from since I can remember he has always loved

24

$4500. what. the. fuck.

25

Right place at the right time (with the right luck lol)

26

Check out grandmighty.com 's RX7 build you won't be disappointed

27
Michael Silcock

I love these "simple" street car builds. Especially ones with authentic Japanese parts but from other countries.

keep 'em coming :)

Author28

I may have a few more up my sleeves ;)

29

All of that beautiful work and he throws on cheap tires...

30

This car was built by Robert Ramos of Kenfowerkz Customs based in Coupland, Texas and he isn't credited for his work in this entire article. Shame.

31

"it was the timeless styling of the FD3S and the curiosity surrounding the famous Wankel engine that first saw him fall head over heels in love."
I can say the same! Hopefully I won't have to wait too long to get one of my own.

32

I think I like interior even more than the exterior... Ron getting his photo game up as well.

33

Awww someone noticed ! ^_^ haha I'm just kidding but on a serious note I really do appreciate it! The interior is pretty awesome as well I must admit

34

Just focking beautiful man!

35

Does anyone where we can buy that "never give up/do your best" Mazda decal/sticker?

36

lino the LIAR didn't build that himself my son built it-KEFOWERKZ bitch lino

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