So I wanted a cool, fun car on a budget...I came across a nifty 1980 that had been restored and tastefully modified and took a roll on it.

It's one of the worst decisions I've ever made.

Here's why...

All I want to do it drive it. If it isn't raining, I drive it work. I drive it on my lunch break. I run errands just to drive it. I obsess over it. I just go out and start it up for the hell of it. I go the long way everywhere.

I think about the last 24 years of driving and realize what I was missing.

Driving it puts a huge smile on my face.

I've driven some decent backroads here in NC, and today I called my buddy who organizes Porsche rallys to see if he wanted to go on a ride. We met up and went on a 20 mile loop outside of Chapel Hill...after that experience it dawned on me I'd never truly driven a car. My buddy is a very experienced driver and his outlaw 911 is a piece of art, so following him was a real eye opener. The RX-7 held its own, pulled strong, was smooth as can be, and just wanted more...it was in its element.

The car is just a joy to drive...the stereo doesn't work and I don't care as I enjoy listening to the exhaust tune.

I really messed up and bought a great car...

 

You gotta bring that thing to DGRR..... Let the Dragon be the judge!!! haha

 

That's a real shame you're so happy! A rotary will do that every time.

 

I feel your pain every time I get in my car. Think about your buddy trying to loose you and you just keep up. I bet he's beside himself when he looks at that little 12A.

 

Por-SHAAAH! 911? have you checked out what those old porsche 911's go for now? Imagine this: that beautiful 911 in the sunset. Then imagine your SA22, and it is in a garage attached to a house. A big ole house or a tiny house depending on where you live. But a house with a garage.

I had a porshe, and people F with it. People won't F up an RX-7. Anything dealing with the dealer, and you get F'd. Even the people that work there say it is ridiculous.

 

He blasted through the curves, but on straightaways the little 12a did great.

Then again this car is far from stock!

 

Haha good post.

What are some details on your SA? I like the front bumper/airdam. Is it Mariah?

Fender mirrors look awesome.

 

Thanks! I bought it with documentation but have pieced together the following:

front air dam (not sure if it’s Mariah)
48mm Dellorto
RB manifold
RB headers
Magnaflow exhaust
MSD ignition
Mallory fuel pump
Holley regulator valve and pressure gauge
RB braided oil cooler lines
RB strut tower brace
ReSpeed front coilovers with Koni reds
ReSpeed adjustable rear with Koni reds
LSD rear
rear disks
braided brake lines
OZ wheels
FD seats
Nardi wheel
Rotary Engineering center console with VDO gauges
HID headlights
full repaint in Tornado silver
all new gaskets and seals on Windows
FB trim
JDM mirrors

Sure I am missing something.

As far as the engine, no clue what was done to it, but runs like a banshee...redline at 7k in 3rd and you pushing 80-85mph.

It was built right for sure...someone knew what they were doing.

 

Yeah I remember reading your earlier posts, your car is setup pretty solid for sure.

 

Someone tried to sell me this huge *** manifold for a 12a. Was he bullshitting me?

 

I can imagine that driving that could would put a lasting smile on your face!! These cars warm people's hearts. They tend to make such and impression that we find that we will never be without one ever again. Since I started driving in the 90's, I have had an RX-7. I have never once been without one and I could never see myself without one. You bought one that was done right and is in absolutely breathtaking condition and I can imagine why you love the car so much.

 

You always hear those 911 guys talking about that secret sauce and smiles per mile. Never could afford one, but I think I get that same feeling in my FB.
And that side draft Dellorto sounds so good!

 

If I sold one of my vintage Rolex, I could get a nice air cooled 911, but I am not sure spending $40k more than I spent on the RX7 will give me that much more enjoyment.

Since I have a solid platform to work with, I am thinking of improving the suspension, there is some bobbing at speed over bumps, and I’d like to get some better rubber. Maybe get 15” wheels.

I think sorting those 2 things would dramatically improve the car. But we will see...

 

Dunno about you, but any time I have sold a watch I’ve always regretted it...

 

Yeah, I am pretty sure I’d kick myself for letting one of these go to fund a 911...

 

Pretty weather today, so I washed and waxed...some glamour shots.

 

That is a nice car you have there. Take care of it and enjoy it.

 

That car really is in amazing shape!!! Its definitely been well cared for! How's the interior?

 

Thanks...the previous owners were good stewards of the car.

It’s pretty good shape I guess. Some cracks on the dash and the chrome trim is flaking.

 

Wow, gorgeous car. Ill never forget, when I was 15, someone from here (I believe) came over to help with my FC projects. I had never rode in or driven any RX7 at the time as mine didnt run. He had a 1st gen and we went for a ride or two to the parts store, holy cow what a fun car. I dont remember his name or nickname, but that definitely cemented my love for rotarys and these cars, i’d like to thank him again.

 

I remember seeing this car for sale, a couple year ago or so. Congratulations, and enjoy!

 

Went home for lunch and drove back to work...

 

That a Xenon front lip on the SA, I had ran into brand new one's. One of them was this design and 2 other different ones for a FB chassis last year. The guy I bought them was selling all the parts in his grand fathers shop that had passed away. I sold two of them and kept one for my car.

 

glad to know what it is! Thanks. It seems to do its job, as the car runs really cool.

 

The TII seats look great in the car and appear to fit well!!! I think the interior is in great shape overall!!! Thank you for sharing the pictures!