Upgrade Your Mazda RX-7 FD's Front Bumper for Improved Style and Performance

Upgrading the Front Bumper on an RX-7 FD

The third-generation Mazda RX-7, known by enthusiasts as the FD, features gorgeous, flowing lines and was designed to epitomize the perfect sports car. Underneath the sleek exterior lies a high-revving rotary engine that provides incredible power in a lightweight package. For many RX-7 owners, maintaining or enhancing the FD's striking visual design is just as important as tuning the engine for more performance.

One of the most commonly upgraded exterior components on the RX-7 FD is the front bumper. While the stock bumper matches the car's curvy OEM body panels nicely, the aftermarket offers solutions to give the front end a more aggressive or customized look.

Reasons for Upgrading the Front Bumper

There are several motivations an RX-7 FD owner may have for replacing the front bumper:

• Improve style and aesthetics
• Add functionality like front splitters or dive planes
• Repair damage to the existing bumper
• Gain clearance for wider tires on modified fenders
• Install an intercooler in turbocharged builds

With so many choices on the market, what are the best options for upgrading the front bumper on an FD RX-7?

Popular Aftermarket Front Bumper Choices

OE-Style Reproduction Bumpers

Some manufacturers like Shine Auto and KBD produce direct OEM-style replacements for the stock front bumper. These options retain the iconic original styling lines but are constructed of more durable materials to prevent damage from scrapes and debris.

JP-Style Body Kits

Japanese tuning company Jun Auto produced some of the first and most legendary aero kits for the FD. Their JP-style bumpers feature an aggressive front splitter and revised intake ports for high airflow. Many replica JP bumpers are available from brands like PLM and INGS+1 today.

Ganador Mirror Bumpers

Inspired by JGTC racing RX-7s, Ganador mirror bumpers have a nearly symmetrical left/right design with integrated turn signals and cooling ducts. The mirror style became hugely popular in both Japan and overseas markets. Authentic Ganador bumpers can cost over $2,000 but more affordable replicas are made by companies like AIT Racing.

Tips for Installing a New Front Bumper

Upgrading the front bumper may seem straightforward, but there are some important installation tips to keep in mind:

• Carefully measure and verify fitment before painting/finishing
• Check turn signal and fog light buckets for compatibility
• Adjust aim of headlights after bumper replacement
• Take time fitting and adjusting alignment of new bumper
• Apply protective clear bra and keep area clean during install

With custom front bumpers that require cutting of the stock crash beam, a front splitter brace should be added for safety in a collision. Always test drive the car after install to ensure proper operation of lighting and safety systems.

Complementary Upgrades When Swapping the Bumper

Since changing the front bumper requires some disassembly, it's smart to address some other upgrades at the same time:

• Intercooler - More efficient front-mount intercoolers can be added with aftermarket bumpers
• Aero Parts - Canards, dive planes, and splitters integrate nicely with new bumpers
• Radiators - Upgraded oil and coolant radiators improve cooling capacity
• Intakes - Aftermarket cold air intakes optimize air entry to the engine

Important Factors When Selecting an RX-7 FD Front Bumper

With so many front bumper options on the market for the RX-7 FD, choosing the right one involves weighing several variables:

Bumper Material

The material used to construct the bumper determines durability as well as fitment tolerances. Fiberglass replicas offer affordability but may require adjustments to align perfectly and lack metal structure behind the fascia. Polyurethane bumpers withstand damage better but cost more. Authentic dry carbon bumpers are very rigid and lightweight but expensive.

Desired Style

RX-7 owners upgrading their bumper likely want to alter the visual style. Aggressive splitters and diffusers support race-inspired looks while clean, OE replica styles retain a more timeless appearance. Consider your vision for the car’s final form when choosing bumper styling.

Integration of Other Aero

For FD RX-7 builds focused heavily on aerodynamics, ensure the bumper properly integrates splitters, canards, endplates, and dive planes. Bumpers designed specifically for drift competition may position airflow accessories differently than ones intended for circuit racing for example.

Budget Limitations

Some original Ganador and Trial front bumpers can cost $5,000 or more for rare configurations. High-end dry carbon bumpers also demand premium pricing. Quality fiberglass reproductions offer similar styles for far less investment, ideal for budget builds. Consider both material and design when factoring cost.

By carefully weighing factors like these when selecting an aftermarket front bumper, RX-7 FD owners can achieve their desired style and function goals for this vital exterior upgrade.

Installing and Caring for a New RX-7 FD Front Bumper

Once you’ve selected the perfect front bumper for your FD RX-7 build, proper installation and ongoing care is key to getting lasting performance from this upgraded exterior component.

Professional Installation Recommended

While adventurous enthusiasts may choose to tackle the task themselves, removing and reinstalling a front bumper is one of the more complex procedures on these cars. Unless you have plenty of experience modifying vehicles, seek out a qualified shop to do the work instead.

Taking Proper Precautions

The install process for aftermarket bumpers requires drilling into the fragile factory crash beam. Removing headlights, signals, and fog lights also demands care to avoid damage. A professional shop will take the necessary precautions when handling delicate bodywork parts and wiring connections.

Getting Adjustments Just Right

Since bodywork and paint is susceptible to damage if fittings are slightly off, precision adjustments during install are a must. The right shop will meticulously gauge gaps around all openings and seams so panel alignment looks factory fresh after attaching your upgraded bumper.

Protecting Your Investment

New bumpers represent a huge investment into your RX-7 build. Once installed, preventing chips anddaily wear requires keeping the area clean and guarded. Consider clear bra protection film across exposed front lip areas. Avoid parking closely to curbs or barriers that could scratch your bumper over time.

Following professional best practices for installation and taking measures to keep your new bumper damage-free ensures you’ll enjoy an aggressive upgraded look that lasts.

FAQs

What are some popular aftermarket front bumpers for the FD RX-7?

Some of the most popular options are OE-style replacements from Shine Auto and KBD, replicas of the legendary JP-style bumpers made famous by Jun Auto, and Ganador "mirror" bumpers modeled after JGTC race cars.

Do I need any additional support when installing an aftermarket front bumper?

For bumpers that require cutting of the factory crash beam, adding a front splitter brace is highly recommended for safety in collisions. This provides critical structural support.

What type of material should I choose for my new RX-7 bumper?

Fiberglass replicas offer cost savings but may require adjustments to fit perfectly. Polyurethane withstands damage better but is more expensive. Authentic dry carbon fiber bumpers are very rigid and lightweight but cost the most.

Will I need to realign my headlights after installing a new front bumper?

Yes, any time the bumper is removed and reinstalled you'll want to check headlight aim to ensure you don't blind other drivers. Proper adjustment is important for safety.