I've always wanted to know the diffence me being a fc guy myself I never understood why the first gen had two different chassis codes? And isn't the rx8's chassis code SA as well? I'm just curiouse and would like to know thanks

 

SA22C was the chassis code for the first-generation RX-7. In '81 the U.S. went to 17-digit VINs and so the SA22C became the FB33, but only in North America. Everywhere else they retained the SA VIN. There's some confusion as to how Mazda referred to the car internally. But you can be sure that if someone says "FB", they're talking about an S2 or S3 ('81-85) North American chassis. If they say "SA", it could be either an S1 ('79-80) North American car or any year first-gen from other regions.

I'm not really up on RX-8s, but as I understand it, it's kind of in a similar boat. The chassis code is apparently SE3P. However in North America (maybe elsewhere, too), the model designation in the VIN is FE17.

 

^+1

Visible exterior difference is mainly the bumper design, side molding type & rear finish (taillights, license plate location, etc.)

SA's (pic in my sig is my SA) have separate steel "beam" front & rear bumpers, the front running lights are on the front face of the bumper, unslotted steel lower front valences, narrow rubber side moldings mounted inside the horizontal body crease, the taillights are separate from all other trim, the license plate is centered on the rear above the bumper, and have surface-mounted plate lights right and left.

FB's have 'integrated' bumpers that merge smoothly into the lower front valence, the front running lights are on the corners of the bumper, wider side moldings that mount below the body crease, taillights that merge smoothly into a rear finisher trim, and the rear plates mount below the bumper line. Plate lights are concealed in the bumper.

Once you look at a couple side-by-side, differences are obvious.

Interiors are quite different, and there are a number of mechanical differences, too.

 

Thats ok, all FCs look the same to me as well.

 

It's funny but true! While watching a Mecum auction recently, the comment was made about how cars used to have slight changes and variations from year to year, which made model year identification easy for the knowlegable enthusist.

More and more, the small changes have become less and less. Kind of goes with our disposable way of life now a days. It has to be all new or the latest thing. With out the shock value, it doesn't stand out and say "Spend your money on me"! So just what are the FC differences? Or do I need to go look in that section.

 

I think there are differences between the S4 and S5 FC's. different bumpers, tail lights, motors, interior colors, etc. I'm not sure about year to year though.

 

The major differences are limited the two series S4 and S5 which do have lots of differences in rotors, engines, body finishes etc. , and also the Models , the most drastic two differences being the only Convertible RX7 ever produced ( by mazda anyway) , the First turbo charged RX7 ( T2) and of course the little differences between the base , GXl , GTU, GTUs etc. Overall , I would say the FC's have likley more differences than both the other two generations.

FWIW , I think my S5 vert is a fantastic car ad I will never get tired of it.

 

the chassis code for the RX-8 is FE. it continues the RX traditional sequence.

the 79-80's vin number started with SA22C, making them an SA while the 81-85's have a vin number starting with JM1FB33, making them an FB.

 

What are the VIN codes for RX 2's , 3's , and 4's ?

 

every japanese magazine uses SE3P for the Rx8, ive no clue why, its not on the car anywhere like FE is...

 

thats a good question. maybe Wacky can chime in on that. i should've been more specific in saying that its continued on in RX-7 fashion instead of RX fashion. the other RX models won't have the newer 17 digit vin code and they are not an SA series so i'm not sure.

 

My 74 Rx-4 coupe starts with, LA23S

 

well that was pretty straight forward lol

 

Even though the US got two years of SA's, there are still exterior differences. The '79 came with 1 side mirror, the '80 got 2 (the passenger side was the non-"objects in mirror are closer then they appear" those came in '81 with the US safety standards). The '80 bumper received 2 verticle rubber mouldings on the back below the horizontal rubber protector. And the prop rod for the hood went from the right side to the left side.

Are there any others I'm missing?

 

only earlier 79 had the right side prop rod

the SA voltmeter was in the middle of the tach

and always fun watching FB owners trying to turn on the headlights of an SA lol

 

79 had points ignition, 80 had electronic with ignitors on the fender; FB's all have electronic with ignitors on the dizzy.

79's and 80's have external gas cover keylocks, and differ between the two years.

The hatch latchplate on SA's did not have the painted logo, and was faceted rather than rounded.

79's from the US have 130mph speedos; 80's only go to 85mph.

Interior trim differs as well.

SA's all have FMOC's.

Thousands of little differences.

 

External regulator on '79's, as well. 1980 and on had internally regulated alternators. Didn't the 1980 also start offering LSD/disc brakes? Man, my '79 backfired like crazy, and shot flames, with no shutter valve and anti-afterburn valve. I miss my SA.

 

130 speedo is kinda funny thou lol

 

DD, a difference in the fuel doors/keylocks from 79 to 80?

 

the 74 rx4 i used to have was LA23S, 73 rx3 was S124A. yeah still have the titles altho the cars r long since gone.

 

I noticed it in a detail photo of a 79 that was for sale some months back; the lock is in the same position but the shape of it was somewhat different from what's on my '80. The 79 lock was taller, and more sharply squared off. 80 lock exterior is more rounded, doesn't stick up as high.

Could be an alternate-sourcing issue rather than a model-year difference, but they were visibly different.

Interesting sidenote; the famous Monogram plastic model kit of the SA has the lock hole on the wrong side of the gas cap door; model has it on the front edge, actual lock is on the rear edge.

 

Man thanks guys you all pretty much answered all my questions! It's crazy how different they I never knew or noticed all the differences! Makes me want to learn more about the differences in the fc s4 and s5 i know a little about them like the bumpers and tail lights like all the obviouse stuff but only cause I really would like to convert my s4 to look more like an s5 again thanks alot guys!

 

makes you want to go out and buy a first gen doesnt it

 

i do!