Insane Saki's Idea Station: Jared Roark's "True" Grit Tuning FC front subframe and IRS FB Mazda RX-7

Photo Credit Jared Roark

Jared Roark's RX7 gets a lot of attention, as soon as most people see his body work, they have to know where he got his Aero. Well, that aero sprayed in Daytona blue pearl, is one off. Jared's talents has allow him to create a very unique and functional pieces. What you don't see at first, is all the work he has hiding under the skin of this FB RX7. He is one of the few guys that have a full FC Front and Rear subframe Swap. That's right full Independent suspension all the way around. The IRS is a huge undertaking and is why most people never finish it. But Jared followed thru to make this little track monster. Even motorwise he has opted to swap in a SR20DET. He was looking for a light and factory turbocharged engine that fit in his price range, almost going with a CA18DET, but chose the SR20DET, because of the huge aftermarket and info on it, although he still kind of wishes that he went with a CA18DET for the stronger valvetrain.

Photo Credit Jared Roark

All of this done a shoestring fryboy budget.

That's right, he built this while working fast food for the 1st 10 years, something that is not an easy task. The Car has been a 15 year project, that he started with very little mechanical knowledge, when he was just 18. Jared's favorite part of the journey building this car is learning things like painting,bodywork, composites, welding and just fabricating things.

Dreams Of Time Attack

Taking inspiration from RE amemiya and MC towing time attack RX7 , he fabricated his; body kit, headlights, engine/trans mounts, Aluminum oil pan, intake, 3 inch exhaust, chassis to accept FC3S rear end, 4 point roll bar, fiberglass dash/center console and door cards. Setting his goals for competing in time attack and to be in a magazine feature someday. I'd say he has a pretty good shot with all the greatness this car has.

He is most proud of his FC3S RX7 rear swap, and he should be there are not many out there that can claim or have the dedication to have completed a full fc subframe swap.

Looking towards the future he would like to install a KAAZ LSD and finish making Custom rear quarter panels on the car.

Currently he is using the car to autocross, track days, drift, and hillclimb as much as he can. Seems the RX7 is a great all around performer.

Humility

My experience with Jared, he was very humble for a guy that had tenacious ambitions and great follow thru. He always was humble willing to learn more and get better in all aspects from fabrication to driving and tire selection. He is willing to learn and adapt , then apply that to his build or his driving. And I'm sure his build is like mine and many others it will never be truly finished, it just keeps evolving just like Jared. That is what is so great about loving your build, it becomes that wonderful extension of yourself. Remember if you're looking for a place to start modding you car check out our SA/FB Drift Tune Index

Best advice for new SA/FB racers:

"Get good tires(200 treadwear) and good brake pads (carbotech xp8 or Hawk HP plus) before any other upgrades. Get seatime! And more Seatime!"

Favorite Memory:

"My first track day at Oregon raceway park. Your first trackday is priceless."