When it comes to Rotaries, few people are able to wrap their heads, around the Doritos spinning around in a Pringles shaped containers. But this one is unique because it’s owned by Jigar. Now by most standards the RX7 is a JDM Legend because it’s famous curvy lines and unmistakably unreliable engine is comes with. Now I myself aren’t too familiar with the rotaries but all I know is they make braps and the right noises, so I’m all for it!

Jigar is going to walk us through what it’s like owning a JDM Legend.

How did you decide on buying a Mazda RX7?

My mates always had cool cars while I was in my Holden commodore so I decided it was time to buy something nice. Looked around with the typical Sub/Evo route but then this rx7 came up. I had no clue about anything rotary at all and neither did any of my mates at the time but I just fell in love with how it looked and how it drove.

Ah yes I remember a time when you could purchase a JDM car without haven’t to spend your life savings on it. Fair to say times have definitely changed where you have to definitely plan on buying a GTR, Evo, STI or RX7 an year or 2 years ahead. It’s just abit sad to see the newer generations of cars are moving to electric, although the future of electric performance is very promising, where cars become faster and more efficient, they tend to have less character. Abit hard to chuck in some drop in cams and a single turbo into an electric motor. But I digress.

What has been done modifications?

It’s got a fresh short block from Mazda which was stripped apart by Mazin at M&M racing and received a full cut bridge port, enlarged exhaust ports, extra dowels for strength, spec gen 2 rotors with oiling mods, SCR power seal apex and corner seals with Mazda everything else.

1000cc primaries, 1680cc secondary injectors with a Bosch 480LPH in tank pump along with an Aeroflow fuel rail. Custom exhaust manifold, downpipe, exhaust and intercooler piping done by Spec 2 Performance. Holset Pro 52 turbo, Turbosmart 50mm wastegate running at 16psi made a nice healthy 442hp.

Not too much on the outside as its always changing but it’s got some nice rare Rays Engineering Mazdaspeed Competition wheels on Toyo semi slicks.

Yes personally I am a fan of the Mazdaspeed Competition wheels, might I recommend some Desmond Regamasters? I think they would look phenomenal! But my opinion might be just a bit bias.

What are your future plans with the car?

To drive it! If you know me then you’ll know how much slack I get for not actually driving the car, it sits in the garage haha. Ultimate end goal would be a Time Attack/Kanjo (yes I know they are Hondas) inspired build with the full wide body, aero package etc for the road.

I’d love to see it being driven, would love sit as passenger if the opportunity comes, and I’ve yet to be a passenger in one. It would definitely grab quite abit of attention on the street with its pulsing idle and slick looks.

Any future events you are looking forward to attending?

I would love to go to the next RE Reunion and actually have my car there any event with the NZFC club would be amazing, hopefully in the near future!

Of course it would be awesome to have your car with us at events!

I have one final question.

How many neighbours have complained about your car?

ALOT. When I lived at my parents almost all the neighbours would complain, coming from down the road even. There’s a video on my Instagram of “Karen” having a go for us even being at my parents’ house.

Well thanks Jigar for taking time out of your day to chat with me. I look forward to seeing the infamous “OHDADY” brapping around the streets of NZ!

• Team NZFC

Photo Credit – Beardie Photography and Tavita Stewart