Martin’s FD3S Mazda RX7 – A Rotary Dream Reimagined

The Beginning of a Dream

In the realm of automotive dreams, Martin’s teenage aspirations revolved around iconic names like the Mazda RX7, Toyota Supra, and Nissan Skyline. His journey took an unexpected turn when he finally found his dream machine—a Mazda FD3S RX7—on a Japanese used car platform.

What began as excitement soon revealed a challenge. Beneath a pre-installed body kit lay hidden body rust, cleverly concealed but waiting to be uncovered. Determined not to let that discourage him, Martin worked with a skilled body shop to restore the car’s structure and integrity.

The defining moment came at the paint shop, where he selected a bold and elegant Porsche Turbo S blue finish. The short but intense restoration process became a symbol of his passion and perseverance—a true testament to the pursuit of automotive dreams.

A Performance Revival

After the stunning blue respray, Martin set his sights on performance. His RX7’s 13B rotary engine was transformed into a single-turbo powerhouse, featuring a Garrett GTX3582 Gen 2 ball-bearing turbo setup sourced from Pac Performance in Australia.

Upgrades included stainless steel oil lines, larger 1300cc secondary injectors (with stock 550cc primaries retained), and a V-mount intercooler and radiator kit from VinnyFab in New Zealand for optimal cooling. A Tial wastegate, Apexi Power FC ECU, HKS Hi-Power exhaust, and aggressive Volk TE37 wheels (18×9.5 +22 front, 18×10.5 +15 rear) complete the performance and visual package, topped off by a carbon fiber bonnet.

Bodywork, respray, and the intricate rotary engine rebuild were all handled by Dunwell, while Swiftune took charge of the ECU tuning and fine-tuning process to unleash the engine’s full potential. Throughout the project, the global RX7 community—particularly RX7club—provided invaluable support, advice, and troubleshooting help.

The Street Presence

In the urban landscape, Martin’s RX7 stands as a JDM icon — commanding attention wherever it goes. During our photo session, the unmistakable whir of the rotary engine blended with the hypnotic spool of the turbocharger, drawing the eyes (and ears) of curious onlookers.

Every pull, every rev, and every spin of the turbo reminded us why cars like these continue to define a generation of enthusiasts. Martin’s RX7 isn’t just a build—it’s a statement of passion, craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of the rotary engine.