Exercise in Simplicity
Phil Sohn - 1993 Mazda RX-7
Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by Jeff Boesch (@The.Optical.Prime)
The Mazda RX-7 has always carried a certain weight in tuning circles, and among ’90s JDM enthusiasts. As one of the most recognizable Japanese sports cars of its era, the FD earned a reputation for balance and endless aftermarket support. More than three decades later, it remains a favorite canvas for builders who appreciate both preservation and reinvention. For Phil Sohn—who has been building and organizing within the rotary community for over twenty years—the 1993 RX-7 you see before you represents the culmination of his experiences.
Despite its intricate details and modern technology, Sohn describes the build as an exercise in simplicity. Instead of piling on complexity, he focused on refining each aspect to give the car a more modern feel without compromising its core identity. That philosophy extends right down to the wiring, where the entire factory system was stripped away in favor of a Haltech Nexus R5 paired with a PD16 to manage everything electronically. OEM relays and fuse boxes are gone, replaced with a cleaner, more centralized solution.
Under the hood, Sohn bolstered the 13B with a BorgWarner EFR 9180 turbo paired with a custom V-mount setup, supported by components from Franklin Performance, Radium Engineering, and SamcoSport. The rotary is fueled by dual Injector Dynamics setups with ID1700 and ID1300 injectors, with ignition duties handled by R35 coil packs mounted on a Franklin Performance kit. The result is a powertrain that stays true to the spirit of the FD while leveraging modern electronics for a more refined, responsive package.
The drivetrain features an RZ transmission, a carbon fiber driveshaft from Driveshaft Shop, and a Carbonetic 1.5-way differential, with power delivered through an Exedy Hyper Single clutch. Suspension is equally deliberate, with Tein Flex Z coilovers paired to EDFC Active Pro, a system that automatically adjusts damping based on G-force and speed inputs.
The exterior reflects Sohn’s deep respect for Japan’s tuning culture, particularly Re-Amemiya and Fujita Engineering (FEED). Their influence shows in the N1-02 front bumper with carbon diffuser, FEED fenders and flares, and the distinctive Re-Amemiya powered fender mirrors. RX Lights infinity tails and a SakeBomb Garage swan-neck wing sharpen the rear without taking away from the FD’s unmistakable silhouette. Sohn entrusted the bodywork and paint to one of the country’s top specialists, ensuring every line and reflection matched the precision of his mechanical execution.
Inside, the FD’s cockpit continues the same philosophy. A custom EVOR carbon interior houses Recaro Podium seats, Schroth harnesses, and Mazdaspeed accents throughout. The EDFC Active Pro controller is neatly integrated into a custom speaker pod, while a Haltech iC-7 digital dash framed in a custom bezel keeps the driver’s focus clear. Even the rearview mirror features CarPlay integration, a backup camera, and a dash cam—small touches that seamlessly modernize the classic environment.
The RX-7 platform has seen countless interpretations, but Sohn’s stands out for its restraint. By modernizing the FD without going overboard, he’s created something that feels both familiar and forward-looking—an RX-7 that acknowledges its roots while embracing modern technology. For a chassis that’s often celebrated for how far it can be pushed, Sohn’s approach proves that sometimes the best builds are the ones that know exactly where to stop.
ESSENTIALS
VEHICLE:
1993 Mazda RX-7
LOCATION:
Birmingham, AL
HORSEPOWER:
450 whp
SOCIAL:
IG: @herblenny
ENGINE:
BorgWarner EFR 9180 turbo + Custom V-mount + Davies Craig EWP150 + FEED turbo elbow + SamcoSport camo hoses + Haltech Nexus R5 and PD16 + NGK/NTK R35 coil packs + Injector Dynamics ID1700 and ID1300 injectors + Franklin Performance R35 coil pack mounting kit + Radium Engineering oil catch can and fuel system + Custom wiring harness
EXHAUST:
BNR midpipe + Apexi N1 Dual cat-back exhaust
DRIVETRAIN:
Exedy Hyper Single clutch + RZ transmission + Driveshaft Shop carbon fiber driveshaft + Carbonetic 1.5-way differential
WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
RAYS Volk Racing CE28 CR2 Black Edition wheels - 18x9.5 +35 front, 18x10.5 +22 rear + Toyo Tires R888R - 255/35R18 front, 295/30R18 rear + SakeBomb Garage Wilwood front BBK and race-spec large rear rotor adapter kit
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
Tein Flex Z coilovers with EDFC Active Pro + Adjustable sway bars + Powerflex bushings + Race Shop roll bar
EXTERIOR:
FEED front fenders, rear flares, and side skirts + Re-Amemiya N1-02 front bumper with carbon diffuser, hood, rear diffuser, and powered fender mirrors + SakeBomb Garage swan-neck spoiler + RX Lights infinity tail lights and front signal lights
INTERIOR:
Custom EVOR carbon interior + Greg Thompson iC-7 dash kit + Recaro Podium carbon seats + Race Shop roll bar + Schroth harnesses + Mazdaspeed shift knob, carbon steering wheel by Garage Alpha, and E-brake handle + Custom EDFC Active Pro control pod
AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
CarPlay rearview mirror
SPONSORS:
Haltech + BorgWarner + Exedy + Toyo Tires + Radium Engineering + NGK + RAYS + Davies Craig + SamcoSport + Tein
