newbie looking to get an FD
01-08-04, 01:34 AM
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newbie looking to get an FD
I currently own an '00 audi A4 1.8t quattro and have lately been thinking of either investing more money on upgrading this B5 or selling and parting it out to get an FD. Ive always been in love with its shape and the great potential it offers, but I gotta admit I know little about it.
I like my A4 in that its reliable, a great cruiser and has tasteful design, but I want something a little...faster.
Are RX-7's comparitively reliable? Its amazing that the wankel squeezes that much power out, but what happens when it goes kaputt? I can imagine the aftermarket communitys much larger than the german crowd - larger and cheaper product support. What would $25k worth net me? (including the FD itself).
Ive got alot of other questions that I'll ask later, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA
I like my A4 in that its reliable, a great cruiser and has tasteful design, but I want something a little...faster.
Are RX-7's comparitively reliable? Its amazing that the wankel squeezes that much power out, but what happens when it goes kaputt? I can imagine the aftermarket communitys much larger than the german crowd - larger and cheaper product support. What would $25k worth net me? (including the FD itself).
Ive got alot of other questions that I'll ask later, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA
01-08-04, 01:46 AM
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Short answer: There's a search function. Just click the "search" link below the white RX7 "featured car" at the top right of this page.
Not-so-short answer: They are not very reliable, as most sports cars are. They are also very expensive to maintain and it takes a special dedicated enthusiast to take care of it.
Look here: https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...threadid=68640
It's a sticky thread for newbies.
Not-so-short answer: They are not very reliable, as most sports cars are. They are also very expensive to maintain and it takes a special dedicated enthusiast to take care of it.
Look here: https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...threadid=68640
It's a sticky thread for newbies.
01-08-04, 01:47 AM
#3
Re: newbie looking to get an FD
Originally posted by pogi
Are RX-7's comparitively reliable?
Are RX-7's comparitively reliable?
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=251252
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=256054
Originally posted by pogi
but what happens when it goes kaputt?
but what happens when it goes kaputt?
The thread at the top of this forum can help you alot.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...threadid=68640
You should really research the RX-7 for some time, not just decide to jump into one.
Originally posted by Rob Robinette
Many people ask me about purchasing a 93-95 (3rd Gen) RX-7 as an only, daily driven car. These cars are not known for their reliability and they are absolutely scary in any amount of snow. Many, many people have had to replace their engines well before 100,000 miles. And an engine overhaul is expensive ($5000 or more with labor) because the engine must be completely removed from the car. The turbo control system is complex and prone to problems. Repair and upkeep can be expensive because the cars are rare and most Mazda dealers are not familiar with them. I've heard hundreds of horror stories from people that had minor problems that were diagnosed by their dealer as something much more expensive such as "need new turbos" when only a vacuum hose was lose, or "need a new pre-catalytic converter" when the problem had nothing to do with the exhaust.
Many people ask me about purchasing a 93-95 (3rd Gen) RX-7 as an only, daily driven car. These cars are not known for their reliability and they are absolutely scary in any amount of snow. Many, many people have had to replace their engines well before 100,000 miles. And an engine overhaul is expensive ($5000 or more with labor) because the engine must be completely removed from the car. The turbo control system is complex and prone to problems. Repair and upkeep can be expensive because the cars are rare and most Mazda dealers are not familiar with them. I've heard hundreds of horror stories from people that had minor problems that were diagnosed by their dealer as something much more expensive such as "need new turbos" when only a vacuum hose was lose, or "need a new pre-catalytic converter" when the problem had nothing to do with the exhaust.
Last edited by diablone; 01-08-04 at 01:50 AM.
01-08-04, 02:32 AM
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Re: newbie looking to get an FD
Originally posted by pogi
Its amazing that the wankel squeezes that much power out, but what happens when it goes kaputt?
Its amazing that the wankel squeezes that much power out, but what happens when it goes kaputt?
01-08-04, 03:05 AM
#6
Re: Re: newbie looking to get an FD
Originally posted by marix1521
New engine from www.sportcarmotion.com I'd suggest either a replacement 13B REW or a 20B.... I'd love to have a 3 rotor.
New engine from www.sportcarmotion.com I'd suggest either a replacement 13B REW or a 20B.... I'd love to have a 3 rotor.
Last edited by diablone; 01-08-04 at 03:11 AM.
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01-08-04, 05:18 AM
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Re: Re: Re: newbie looking to get an FD
Originally posted by diablone
Yes, a 20b swap is so cheap and easy. Great suggestion.
Yes, a 20b swap is so cheap and easy. Great suggestion.
Someone said something about a rebuild for $4000.... why would you want to rebuild for $4000 when you can get a brand new engine for $2400? and you can have it "Jumbo Street Ported" for an extra $450.
Originally posted by cloud9
if 25K is what you have to spend and you are set on buying an FD I would be patient and shop around untill you find a nice one in good condition and low miles, thats what I did, I got lucky with my find and my FD is in perfect condition
if 25K is what you have to spend and you are set on buying an FD I would be patient and shop around untill you find a nice one in good condition and low miles, thats what I did, I got lucky with my find and my FD is in perfect condition
I'm so ready to get it.
01-08-04, 06:06 AM
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if u want the rx7 and you think you can handle the headaches it comes with then get one. the relibility will not even come close to the audi however i am sure you will have more fun driving a rx7 when its running. also dont count on your FD running all the time unless you have a lot of money. 
01-08-04, 09:53 AM
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Hi pogi
First of all, check my signature, the very last sentence 
No, just kidding...I can understand very well what you're going through. The first time you notice the FD anywhere it lets you no sleep unless you get one.
Well, with 25k$ you're up to find sth VERY decent and afterwards you'll still have some extra to do all the reliability mods (that make your FD go FAST for the next 20yrs instead of HAULING ASSES for the next 5yrs). The very best Buyer's guide in English is that one:
http://www.robrobinette.com/buyaused.htm
In general: If keeping the FD as fun car for the weekends and therefore having a daily beater, it will be very reliable with the mentioned reliability mods. They include:
- Boost gauge
- Downpipe (which replaces the restrictive pre-cat)
- Substitution of vacuum/coolant hoses and lines with sth more heat resistant
These are the mods on my R1 and should do it when keeping the car most of time garaged and NOT using it on the RACETRACK.
One of the most common reasons for engine failure is the broken coolant seal; prevention is done by regularly changing the coolant (1x Year regardeless of how many mile you did with it) and CRUCIAL attention to the temp gauge. If you ever overheat it once that could already be death...oh, and by the way: Oil needs to be checked very often due to the rotary principle. Just get used to it by doing it every time your pouring gas into...which will be OFTEN the case
So good luck man! Be patient and find a decent one...possible for that amount of $
cheers
Patrick
I like my A4 in that its reliable, a great cruiser and has tasteful design, but I want something a little...faster.
No, just kidding...I can understand very well what you're going through. The first time you notice the FD anywhere it lets you no sleep unless you get one.
Well, with 25k$ you're up to find sth VERY decent and afterwards you'll still have some extra to do all the reliability mods (that make your FD go FAST for the next 20yrs instead of HAULING ASSES for the next 5yrs). The very best Buyer's guide in English is that one:
http://www.robrobinette.com/buyaused.htm
In general: If keeping the FD as fun car for the weekends and therefore having a daily beater, it will be very reliable with the mentioned reliability mods. They include:
- Boost gauge
- Downpipe (which replaces the restrictive pre-cat)
- Substitution of vacuum/coolant hoses and lines with sth more heat resistant
These are the mods on my R1 and should do it when keeping the car most of time garaged and NOT using it on the RACETRACK.
One of the most common reasons for engine failure is the broken coolant seal; prevention is done by regularly changing the coolant (1x Year regardeless of how many mile you did with it) and CRUCIAL attention to the temp gauge. If you ever overheat it once that could already be death...oh, and by the way: Oil needs to be checked very often due to the rotary principle. Just get used to it by doing it every time your pouring gas into...which will be OFTEN the case
So good luck man! Be patient and find a decent one...possible for that amount of $
cheers
Patrick
01-08-04, 10:11 AM
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Re: Re: Re: Re: newbie looking to get an FD
Originally posted by marix1521
Someone said something about a rebuild for $4000.... why would you want to rebuild for $4000 when you can get a brand new engine for $2400? and you can have it "Jumbo Street Ported" for an extra $450.
Someone said something about a rebuild for $4000.... why would you want to rebuild for $4000 when you can get a brand new engine for $2400? and you can have it "Jumbo Street Ported" for an extra $450.
And suggesting that a newbie get a 20B is ridiculous. I could count the number of people on this forum with a 20B FD on one hand....with fingers to spare.
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