ROTM July 2012 Winner: Ben@K-Tuned.com
K-Tuned's Turbocharged K20 FD RX7
This K20-swapped turbocharged RX7 belongs to John Veloso, the owner of K-Tuned. One of John's favorite vehicle chassis is the FD RX7. It's a timeless design that will never get old to him. After owning four RX7's, his love for this particular model has not changed one bit. As an experienced RX7 owner, John doesn't like fixing the problematic rotary motor that RX7's come with. So, for this particular car, John knew he wanted to work with a K-series from the start, explaining that the "K" is their business. They design and machine parts, so it is only right to try one in this chassis. As you can see, it worked out extremely well.
Their goals for the K20a2 engine are to use it for testing and make normal, usable power for a pump gas application. Something around the 450whp mark. There's no need to go for more at first, because the motor is relatively stock - minus the valve springs, head studs, and bolts. As time goes on and they get a feel for the car, they plan to do testing with different gasolines to make the jump to around 700whp. There are no current plans to make more power because they want to leave the drivetrain as it is, stock. RX7 transmission and all. Make sure to get a good look at both the intake manifold and exhaust manifolds.The Magnus intake manifold with K-Tuned design collaboration is a one-of-a-kind piece. And the turbo manifold was designed with the wastegate as the primary focus - not the turbo like most manifolds. This will ensure that there will be absolutely zero boost creep - a common flaw of almost every turbo manifold made.
There are quite a few plans for this turbocharged K20-swapped RX7, including respraying the exterior, adding a few hard-to-get components to the body, possibly changing the wheels, and adding a hood! They plan to get on the dyno with the car as soon as possible. After Import Alliance, the phones and emails have been time consuming but thats what K-Tuned is about, right? Customer satisfaction!
The car will end up being a shop car, and more importantly John's toy. It will be getting daily use, and possibly will be used as a daily driver. You may never know what to expect with K-Tuned.
A few words from Ben Howard, a member of the Team at K-Tuned. "I have been involved/working with the company since early 2011. I enjoy being part of a strong team like K-Tuned. Quality parts, even more pleasing to work with a team that is composed of such a great group of guys."
"Thank you to everyone already involved with K-Tuned. You know who you are already. We would also like to send out a special thank you to each and every one of our customers and vendors. We would not be able to do it without your dedication to quality. The fabrication on this car is simply amazing!"
