We are developing an adaptation kit to put the aluminum RX7 4pots on the front of the Protege Rally Car and RX7 big singles on the rear w/ the vented rear rotors.

Pluses:

Rotor is 10 13/16" and kit fits under the 15" wheels I use for gravel tires (probably not a concern of most of you ).

High quality OEM parts (no Wilwood crap). Availability.

Wide selection of pads available for RX7.


Minuses:

Many parts need modification (new mounting ears on upright, machine a little off the caliper mounting ears, machine a little off the face of the rotor hat area, 3/16" taken off a-arms.)

Need longer studs (something you could probably live with anyway.)


Other issues:

Don't know if handbrake cable will line up yet (I have a hydraulic handbrake, so is of little consequence on my car.)

Widens track in front 1/4" per side (could be a good thing...depending on your tires, wheel offset, etc.)


Anyway...
Just wondering if anyone is interested in this sort of kit for purchase. What are other kits going for? (Maybe we can't even do it cheap enough, but it's worth asking.)

Thanks for your help!

 

Lurch, that does sound interesting. I've already ordered a front upgrade from Precision Brakes Co. which includes DBA 13" front rotors, 4 piston calipers, stainless lines, and custom mounting bracket for $850. They're looking into a rear upgrade for me now, so I might be interested in the rear setup you mentioned.

 

Since the rear is a floating single piston setup much like the stock Protege deal, it appears to be much easier to adapt. the fronts are the hard part.

I would say if you can get the front kits (not familiar with DBA, but...) for 850 then it is well worth it. We couldn't do it cheaper by the time you bought the rx7 calipers, etc.

I will keep you updated on the rear caliper/vented rotor conversion and let you know if it is economically feasible for mass production.

Thanks for your replies!

 

Thanks Lurch, what year and model is the RX7 that the rear rotors and calipers are from? Are you getting these new or used? I'd be interested in the complete kit, or parts, as soon as possible to go with the front upgrade I have coming.

 

I just thought of a couple of things. The RX-7's all use 5 lug hubs don't they? So this upgrade would only apply to '01+ Proteges. Also, the RX-7 never used a 55mm center opening did it? How are you getting around the hub size difference?

 

Like I said, all the parts require a little machining.

 

LOL, if that's what you mean by a little machining, I'm definitely in over my head...