Simple Beauty // Tiago’s Mazda RX7

Patience is a virtue. While it is familiar, the concept proves difficult to execute. We spend so much time waiting. We wait for parts, we wait at the doctor’s office, we wait for the end of the work day, we wait for our time to shine. The waiting game is frustrating; however the anticipation of achieving our goals contributes to the value of attaining them. In Tiago’s case, he was forced to wait for his chance to create the beautiful FD3S Mazda RX7 you now see before you. His love affair with the RX7 began early on, though the price kept him waiting for his opportunity to own the venerable Japanese sports car. He patiently worked with a Nissan 200SX until the ripe age of 21, when he became bored with the “other” car and was finally was able to obtain this Mazda RX7.

Photos By: Christopher Lim exclusively for StanceNation.com

After all of that waiting, Tiago went straight to work; starting with the 13B heart of the FD. It was rebuilt and fortified with Tuff Stuff apex seals, a round of bolt-ons, and tuned on a Microtech LTX11 ECU. Boost pressure from the factory sequential turbos is regulated by an A’PEXi AVC-R.

With a healthy powerplant ready to go, Tiago suddenly found himself back in the waiting game. It took 3 months for the Burning Black Work VS-KF wheels to be built and delivered. JDM Concepts in Sydney is credited for helping him out with the wheels. This particular wheel finish was another must-have for him and it simply looks amazing. It emphasizes the strength of the VS-KF design and the finish works well with the pristine white paint.

Flawless fitment — just what we wanna see! The 235-treadwidth Goodyear F1s stretch perfectly onto the 18×10.5” +14 VS-KFs and fit flush under the rear guards. I’m personally a sucker for barrel-poke, especially with deep-lip wheels like these.

Photographer Christopher Lim truly captures the timeless lines of the FD3S. The OEM late-model wing and front-end are the definition of tasteful and add a touch of aggression to the otherwise silky smooth body. While I have a great appreciation for aftermarket aerokits, I’m glad to see that Tiago went with the factory components with subtle aero additions.

The front fitment features the same tire specification as the rear, but this time on an 18×9.5” +19 VS-KF. A favorable characteristic of the VS-KF wheel is that the disc design allows for plenty of front brake clearance while still offering a huge lip.

One of my favorite pieces used on this vehicle are the Feed sideskirts, they flow perfectly with the OEM splitter that hangs just below the GReddy front-mount intercooler. These components hover inches above the ground, thanks to the Ohlins DFV coilovers chosen to provide the footwork for this FD.

The Magnaflow exhaust peaks out from between the bumper and the gorgeous Sanai diffuser, emitting the signature ‘brap-brap’ note of the rotary engine that Tiago has rebuilt twice during his ownership.

I’m sure passersby can see their jaws drop in the mirror-like finish of the lips as Tiago engages the Exedy clutch to navigate the streets of Australia.

They say good things come to those who wait, Tiago’s FD3S RX7 is a perfect example of the truth found in that statement.

What’s next? He tells us that his palate has shifted to more of a Euro-flavor. This time his heart is set on a Mercedes.

Hopefully, Tiago won’t get stuck waiting on his next dream to come true, though I’m sure he will take it in stride if he once again finds himself in that predicament. Regardless of how long it takes, this particular Mazda proves that the next car will not disappoint.

• Wheels/Tires/Suspension

  Ohlins DFV coilovers
  Work VS KFs – F: 9.5″ +19 R: 10.5″ +14
  Good Year F1 tyres 235 all round

• Exterior

  Feed side skirts (carbon fibre)
  Sanai rear diffuser (carbon fibre)

• Engine

  Rebuilt extend port 13BT
  Tuff Stuff apex seals
  Exedy cushion button clutch
  Exedy lightened fly wheel
  Mictrotech LTX11 ECU
  GReddy front mount intercooler
  Koyo N Flow radiator
  Full exhaust w/ Magnaflow muffler
  Apexi AVCR