Articles

STATUS: THE FD3S - REBUILD

Jul 30, 2026Jesse Herbert

The FD3S rolled into REVS Rotary Performance as a clean Japanese import. 2002 model, original motor, 260,000 kilometres on the clock. No major failures yet, just the usual rotary clock ticking louder with every kilometre. Pre-emptive rebuild was the plan. Get ahead of the inevitable before a roadside grenade forced the issue. Jas had the car on the shop floor when the cooling system decided to empty itself. Full dump. Coolant everywhere. Water seal failure was the immediate call, and the teardown confirmed it. Motor out, stripped to the housings. Multiple water seal failure points showed themselves straight away. Bearings and housings worn in the classic pattern of a high-kilometre 13B that has done its time. Nothing dramatic, nothing unexpected. Just the honest wear of age and distance. That is the state of play. The rebuild starts here. Stand by for the updates. Mini doco series coming on the full strip, the upgrades, the work at REVS, and the road back for this FD3S. Photo's kindly supplied by Jas, REVS Rotary.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: THRYVE MEDIA, ADELAIDE

Jul 30, 2026Jesse Herbert

Thryve Media is a rising automotive media company based in the Adelaide Hills, specialising in high-quality photography and videography that celebrates car culture. The photographer behind Thryve, Ed Eastwood, first picked up a camera over 10 years ago, focusing on nature and wildlife. After an extended break, he returned to the craft two years ago with a fresh passion for automotive and modified car photography. Today, Thryve Media is focused on creating dynamic visuals for private car owners, motorsport events, and commercial clients. With a growing emphasis on videography alongside stills, they capture everything from raw track action to lifestyle shoots that showcase cars in their natural environment. What drives the work is a deep appreciation for the personality of each car and the culture surrounding it, the intricate details, the chosen locations, the stories of the builders and owners who pour their hearts into their builds. Every image and video aims to honour those elements and present vehicles the way they deserve to be seen. Looking ahead, the goal is to grow Thryve Media into a go-to media partner for dealerships, event organisers, and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s professional stock photography for sales, capturing unforgettable memories on and off the track, or simply helping owners show off their pride and joy, Thryve Media wants to make quality automotive content accessible and impactful. Get in touch with Thryve Media:Website: https://www.thryvemedia.com.au/Instagram: @Thryvemedia_ (DMs open) With a keen eye for detail and a genuine love for the scene, Thryve Media continues to deliver standout visuals for the Clubhouse Works spotlight series and beyond.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: THRYVE MEDIA, ADELAIDE

STATUS: THE FD3S

Jun 23, 2026Jesse Herbert

I have owned a few cars over the years, but the FD3S has always been one of those that stays with you. This particular example is a 2002 model, imported from Japan in impeccable condition. No sunroof, factory blue paint, and still fitted with its original ETC toll machine. Small details that remind you where it came from. Under the bonnet sits the well known 13B REW twin turbo rotary. These later Series 8 cars left the factory producing 280 PS (206 kW) and 314 Nm in stock form, with the characteristic high revving nature that made the FD famous. It is paired with a 5 speed manual transmission, which is exactly how I prefer to run it. The current setup includes a Bride Zeta IV drivers seat, Works Bell Rapfix quick release, Dasai steering wheel, slotted brake rotors, Trust coilovers, and Work Meister S1 wheels. The Car Shop Glow LED tail lights and Option Howakan extras round out the look. It is a clean, usable street car that still wears its age well. The FD3S was always one of Mazdas most focused machines. Lightweight, sharp handling, and built around that unique rotary character. At just over 1,280 kg in standard form, with double wishbone suspension front and rear, it remains one of the best balanced sports cars of its era, and still sets and holds TimeAttack records around the world to this day. Right now the car is undergoing a significant amount of work. Over $30,000 worth. That story will come in future updates. For now, this is simply an introduction to the car that sits at the centre of what we do at Clubhouse Works. It is not a show queen and it is not finished. It is a living project that gets driven, modified, and documented in real time. There is something honest about these cars. They demand respect, they punish mistakes, and they reward proper maintenance. That is the kind of relationship we understand here. More to come.

Articles

STATUS: THE FD3S - REBUILD

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: THRYVE MEDIA, ADELAIDE

STATUS: THE FD3S

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