Phil Sohn’s Mazda Rx7

We finally return with another feature for you guys.  This time the photos were not done by any of our direct photographers.  Due to location and scheduling we had the pleasure of having the photos taken by Taylor Wellborn and Richard Benson out of Birmingham, Alabama.

Back when I first started my fascination with the Mazda brand, I always heard about a guy that owns a Eunos Cosmo in Alabama.  I had never knew his name, or even knew much about the Cosmo at the time.  Over the years I learned more and more about the Mazda brand,and how important that car was.  And how much Mazda put into it to make a statement with it.  There was a day that I had a chance to see the car and meet the owner at The Mitty event held annually at Road Atlanta.  But i was not able to make it, I can not remember how many years ago it was but it may have been 5+ years.  It may sound insane, but I am still upset that I have not been able to see the car in person till this day.

There was also another vehicle that I would always hear about , that was back and fourth between Georgia and Alabama.  It was a widebody 1973 Rx3  but I had seen the car in person at a few events in Atlanta.  The Mazda RX3 is another car that made a huge statement for Mazda during the 70s.

I went though all that to introduce Phil properly, because he is a very important guy in our community.  Those cars are all also owner by Phil, and at the time I never put them all together as being owned by the same person.  Phil has built some of the best Mazda’s, and his screen name (Herblenny) is known all over the internet world.  His knowledge and drive for being so active and building comes from the community that taught him.  Going from not knowing anything in 1998 to being able to build cars like this takes me back to a good time in our community.  When Forums were filled with helpful people and knowledgeable moderators.  And replies were helpful instead of just saying “search”.  There were no step by step directions to build, you were forced to experiment, and ask questions until you are satisfied with what you have put together.

This FD has been a project of Phil’s for 10 years, and it has gone through many stages.  Some of you may have seen the car on the latest issue of Import Tuner, where Phil starts out by saying “I really dont remember having any issues with the car”.  Which may be surprising to anyone not familiar with the rotary.  With anything that is being modified, if it’s built correctly it will last, and the rotary is one engine that is a testament to that.

These days it is a rare sight to even see a rotary still in a FD chassis.  I like to call it a shortcut to perfection, when people swap out the rotary for a piston engine.  But I can not personally blame anyone who does it, especially if you are not familiar with the rotary engine.  But Phil has stayed true to the Rotary Experiment  name and kept the 13b REW where it belongs.

  The front of the RX7 is treated with FEED Type 2R front bumper, and FEED Carbon fiber canards.  The pop up headlights were replaced with the R-Magic HID lights.  And the front signals were also upgraded to FEED signal lights.  Notice the duct in the bumper that channels air through for proper cooling when combined with a cooling panel.  Which helps fight the FD’s biggest enemy heat.

Shot of the FEED Carbon Fiber side skirts, and  FEED wide front fenders.  And the Rays Engineering Volk Racing TE37SL 18×9.5 on Toyo R888s 255/35  /  18×10.5 on 295/30 in the Rear.

Out back you see the FEED rear fenders, and RE-Amemiya Rear diffuser and APR GTC-300 rear spoiler.

We are also used to seeing cars built like this and all this money invested, and never being put to use.  But not ever taking out your rotary and giving it a good beating, can prove to be harmful to the life of the engine.  So Phil is sure to take the FD out as much as possible to track days and enjoy the FD properly.   As I said before most of Phil’s knowledge and love for the rotary is owed to the community that empowered him to build his rotary vehicles.  He has set on giving back to the community by holding a annual event called Deals Gap Rotary Rally , which has been going on every year since 2005.  It has grown to be the must attend events of the year for Rotary enthusiasts.  The event has gained the spotlight of Modified Magazine (Seen here) in the past.   We usually have a scheduling conflict with our annual event here, but this year we are scheduled to attend and cover the event for the first time.

Under the hood is a Ported 13B-REW engine, with stage 3 BNR turbos.  There is a method in building a proper rotary, and making sure its built to how you want it.  Phil’s supporting mods are mostly slightly modified factory parts.  By simplifying the 13B and being sure that it gets the proper cooling and gets all the fuel it begs for.   And it gives him just enough power to please his right foot.  But is built for much more. 

Aerial shot of the FD’s curves..

The interior from 1993 is still more refined and driver oriented than most brand new sport cars.  The biggest changes being the Bride Artis III Navi seats and Personal steering wheel.  The cluster has been fitted with the  JKL Engineering Carbon Fiber Gauge cluster hood surrounding the RE Amemiya gauges , AC panel,  and shifter surround.  

That is all that we have of Phil’s FD this go round.  Hopefully we can get some time with the rest of his stable in the future.  Some of you may have seen the car on other sites and plenty of magazine articles.  But I always like to present good builds by good people that are helping the community grow regardless of how many times the car has been seen.  We applaud Phil for his efforts of building a helpful community, while building bad ass cars.

DEALS GAP ROTARY RALLY 

ROTARY CAR CLUB.COM

Special thanks to Taylor Wellborn and Richard Benson again for the photos!  

SEE THE FULL SET HERE!

Thank you for looking

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