RX-7 FD Background

The 13B-REW engine found in the Mazda RX-7 has a reputation of being unreliable and being victim to sporadic faults as the engine gets older. While this may be true for some examples, well looked after cars should generally be reliable if they have been serviced/tuned professionally by people who are experienced with the Mazda RX-7 and the Wankel engine in particular.

The styling of the Mazda RX-7 still looks modern today 14 years after the car was put on sale and the standard power figures still stack up against modern high performance cars. The 13B-REW was rated at 255bhp at the flywheel with 215lbs/ft of torque. The Mazda RX-7 utilised a sequential twin turbo set up, and according to Corky Bell, the complexities involved in designing a sequential twin turbo set up is similar to putting a man on the moon! There is a small turbo and a large turbo, the small turbo is used for low end torque whilst the larger unit is used for out and out power at the top end of the rev range.

As with all turbo cars (with healthy engines) there are big gains to be made by freeing up the breathing of the motor.

Stage 1 - A'PEXi Power Intake System

A dry type cotton filter with inverted cone which directs air into the neck of the filter with the minimum of turbulence. One of the most respected manufacturers of air filters in the world. Kit utilised 2 filters, one for each turbo.

Peak Power Gain: +3bhp
Peak Torque Gain: +4lbs/ft

Stage 2 - A'PEXi Dual N1 Performance Exhaust System

Not for the introverted, a very loud exhaust for maximum flow. Rear bumper may need some heat protection as exhaust tip sits very close.

Peak Power Gain: 6bhp
Peak Torque Gain: 7lbs/ft

Stage 3 - A'PEXi Power FC

Stand alone engine management. One of the most widely used engine management systems on the Japanese tuning scene. The Power FC can alter fueling and timing allowing the boost to be increased safely, in the case the boost was increased to 14psi.

Peak Power Gain: 52bhp
Peak Torque Gain: 25lbs/ft

A'PEXi N1 Cat Back on FC RX-7 not FD

External Links
Turbo RX-7 Information
RX-7 Information - Answers
RX-7 Club