1995 Mazda RX7 FD Efini Stock Twin Turbo 13B-REW Build Michigan

Dontae Havinga-Hamilton

1995 Mazda Rx-7 /Efini

Instagram: @slow_efini

Photographer: Gabriel Wallace

Instagram: @_wallacemedia_

Performance Stats

• Stock 13B-REW rotary engine
• Sequential twin turbos (original 1995 setup)

"A lot of people thought I would never be able to obtain this car. But with patience and saving up money, I was finally able to get the dream car I've always wanted to own." – Dontae Havinga-Hamilton

Muscle Car Family, JDM Heart

Dontae Havinga-Hamilton is from Allegan, Michigan, where he grew up in a family deeply into cars. His father is big into muscle cars, owning a 1967 Camaro and a 1969 Chevelle. "My younger brother and I were always in the garage with him, whether we were the person that was holding the light for him or just being there to keep him company," Dontae recalls.

"He always thought my brother and I would end up wanting muscle cars too. But we both decided to switch it up on him." Both brothers ended up owning JDM cars—his brother owns an Evo 8, and Dontae owns his dream RX-7.

The Fast and Furious Effect

"Ever since I watched the first Fast and Furious and saw Dom's RX-7, I knew that was my dream car," Dontae explains. The iconic curves, the pop-up headlights, and the unique rotary engine all captured his imagination. "The curves that the car has always bring me joy every time I see it. The pop-up headlights never get old. And being able to have a car that doesn't use pistons is pretty cool in my opinion."

He was lucky enough to find his 1995 Mazda RX-7 Efini already in the states—someone else had done the hard work of importing it. "A lot of people thought I would never be able to obtain this car. But with patience and saving up money, I was finally able to get the dream car I've always wanted to own."

Current Setup: Tasteful and Timeless

The car currently sits on BBS wheels and features a Mazdaspeed wing that Dontae personally loves. The exterior already has 99 spec wing and tail lights, giving it a refined, period-correct look that honors the car's Japanese heritage.

Inside, he's kept things functional with a touch screen radio, Nardi steering wheel and shift knob, NRG quick release hub, and a Haltech ECU for engine management. The suspension has been upgraded to Ohlins coilovers, while the brakes remain stock for now.

Most importantly, the engine is still the stock 13B-REW with its iconic sequential twin turbos from 1995—a testament to the reliability of this particular rotary when properly maintained.

Mazda RX7 FD Efini: Complete Build Specifications

Engine and Performance

• Stock 13B-REW rotary engine (1995)
• Sequential twin turbos (original setup)
• Haltech ECU for engine management

Suspension and Brakes

• Ohlins coilovers
• Stock brakes (upgrade planned)

Wheels

• BBS wheels

Exterior

• 99 spec wing
• 99 spec tail lights
• Mazdaspeed wing
• M-Sports body kit (ordered from Japan, installation planned for summer 2026)

Interior

• Touch screen radio
• Nardi steering wheel
• Nardi shift knob
• NRG quick release hub

Future Plans: M-Sports Body Kit and Beyond

Dontae recently received an M-Sports body kit from Japan. "Shout out to @mastermind_north_america for being able to get the kit ordered and shipped to me," he says. "I am hoping by summer of 2026 I will have the kit painted and on the car."

He also plans to upgrade the brakes, install a new exhaust, and slowly start upgrading the engine. "But again, it is a rotary, so who knows how long the engine will last since they are known to have issues," he admits with a laugh. "My goal is to have a nice street car that I can still take out on the weekends and just truly enjoy driving the car."

The Reality of Rotary Ownership

Dontae is refreshingly honest about rotary ownership. While the 13B-REW is an engineering marvel with its sequential turbo setup, rotaries are known for requiring more maintenance than traditional piston engines. His approach is measured and realistic—enjoy the car as it is, make thoughtful upgrades over time, and accept that rotary ownership is a journey, not a destination.

"The RX-7 is truly a one-of-a-kind car, and I would recommend owning one," he says.

Dream Car Achieved

There's something special about someone who sets a goal as a kid watching Fast and Furious and then actually achieves it through patience and dedication. Dontae didn't compromise or settle for something else—he saved, waited for the right car, and finally got the Mazda RX-7 Efini he'd been dreaming about.

Now, whether he's cruising Michigan backroads or working on the upcoming M-Sports body kit installation, he's living the dream he set for himself years ago. And unlike Dom's movie car, this one's real, registered, and ready to enjoy every weekend.

Shout Outs

@mastermind_north_america

Final Thoughts

From holding the flashlight in his dad's muscle car garage to owning a 1995 Mazda RX-7 Efini with a stock 13B-REW, Dontae Havinga-Hamilton represents a generation that grew up watching Fast and Furious and turned those cinematic dreams into driveway reality. His approach—keeping the car reliable, making thoughtful upgrades, and simply enjoying weekend drives—shows maturity that many young builders could learn from.

"A lot of people thought I would never be able to obtain this car." But he did. And that's what makes this story worth telling.

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