FD3S Update – Full Rebuild and Supporting Hardware
The FD is back together after a complete engine and systems overhaul. The brief was straightforward: address the known weak points of a high-mileage sequential 13B-REW, install proper control hardware, and leave the car ready for street, events and promotional work while setting a clear path toward time attack focus by mid-2027.
Engine
Full rebuild by Revs. New housings, big extend port, port matching, and balancing by Xtreme Rotaries, with full dowelling. The sequential twin turbos are larger units that have been completely rebuilt and high-flowed. Target for the initial run-in and street phase is a measured 300 hp. The motor is built to live at well above that level, updated power figures once final tune is in.
Cooling and Bay
Koyo radiator replaces the aged OEM core. Higher efficiency and flow keep temperatures stable once heat builds.
3D Motorsports cooling panel follows the factory curves exactly, however since we have not upgraded the intercooler on this pass, we have opted to leave this off for now, as the OEM trim funnels the airflow better. We are exploring V mount options currently for the next round of upgrades.
RaceOnly AST delete removes the plastic separator tank and billetises the thermostat housing. Better flow, no brittle failure points, and extra clearance around the bigger turbos.
RaceOnly low-temp thermostat brings the engine to temperature quickly and holds it lower under load.
RaceOnly ACV block-off and air pump delete kit remove the emissions hardware no longer required under standalone control. The air pump delete also cleans belt packaging and eliminates a common source of slip. To add to this, minor heat soak improvements by removing the redundant pump.
RaceOnly oil pedestal improves filter access once the bay is sorted, the pedestal also incorporates handy ports for additional oil pressure, temp senders, looks great and fit perfectly.
As mentioned the OEM intercooler remains for the run-in period. The next priority is a proper intercooler upgrade timed with a vented carbon fibre hood.
Fuel, Ignition and Control
Haltech Elite 2500 plug-and-play is the new brain. Full sequential control, proper logging and the ability to run modern sensors without workarounds.
Haltech WB1 wideband and 4-bar MAP give accurate air-fuel and load data.
Haltech IGN1A coils on a RaceOnly coil bracket with RaceOnly ignition PNP harness replace the factory coil packs. Stronger spark energy and reliable dwell at higher RPM and boost. Raceonly Ignition leads.
RaceOnly fuel rails, BMS injectors, Aeroflow FPR and the supporting Aftermarket Industries fuel pump upgrade complete the delivery side. Consistent pressure and the capacity to support the power the rebuilt motor is now capable of making.
The entire sequential turbo system has been overhauled. All new hoses, sensors and valves, with the Haltech now running the changeover and boost control.
Drivetrain and Exhaust
Exedy clutch handles the increased power cleanly.
Gearbox has received a full refresh. Rear differential was inspected and left alone as it remains healthy, with a 1.5way eyed for the successor when required.
Greddy dump pipe improves flow immediately after the turbos.
Option Howacan exhaust finishes the system with free-flowing design that keeps backpressure low without turning the car into a pure race machine.
Chassis and Wheels
Blitz coilovers in all four corners give proper rates and correct load paths.
RE Amemiya-style rear diffuser cleans underside airflow and adds a useful amount of high-speed stability.
Current wheels are Work Meister S1 with stretched tyres for street and general duties. A dedicated set of Enkeis is planned for track use.
Curb weight remains largely stock for now. Weight reduction will be a deliberate focus going forward rather than chasing power alone.
Path Forward
The car will see street, event and promotional use while the run-in is completed. Priority after that is the intercooler upgrade timed with a vented hood. Track-focused work, including the Enkei wheels and further weight reduction, is targeted for readiness by mid-2027.
This is a working rebuild, not a catalogue car. The engine is stronger and more consistent. The cooling, fuel and ignition systems can now support it. The sequential twins are properly controlled. The chassis is tighter. Everything is there for a reason, and the next steps are already mapped.
