My current First Gen RX7 ownership has involved a 10,000 mile ‘85 GSL which I have owned since 2014. As a virtually brand new car whose primary currency is its low mileage, it does not get driven much. Furthermore, when compared to my daily driver, it ain’t tremendously super fun to drive. I mean, it drives like a brand new car... did... in 1985. It’s okay, but it’s not super compelling. Don’t get me wrong, I love the car, but more for it’s time machine value than its actual driving experience.

Enter the 1984 GSL-SE. This sucker has 10x the mileage of my GSL Time Machine. While it is a one owner car in great condition, at 110,000 miles it has seen a lot. It is also a blast to drive. Doubtless most of the 5 letter owners on here know this already, but the SE really is a different animal than all the other first gen 7s. This is my fourth first gen 7, (my second in my “modern era”, lol), but my first SE.

I now understand why the 5 letters command such a premium. But when I sit in my time capsule GSL, I also realize what a rarity it is to own a “new” car that is 35-ish years old. I wish I had the garage space to keep both... maybe I need to move?

 

That SE looks beautiful, nice find. If you really can only keep one sell the GSL. These cars are meant to be driven, and it sounds like the cream puff GSL doesn't do much for you. The mileage will bring a good price on Epay or BaT.
I personally am past the mileage thing, having to replace all the dry rotted bushings, useless shocks, brittle vacuum lines and more and more brittle plastic and rubber bits on my low 56k mile car. I would have been money ahead just getting a 130K mile example that had already had everything replaced. Keep the SE and sell the GSL to some low-mile sucker (like I was). The SE gives you what you wanted an FB for, and the sale of the GSL will fund the restoration.

 

As you've already identified , that extra 35hp is nothing compared to the flat torque curve you get out of the 13b and dynamic effect intake, fed through those 6-ports. Install a RB header, Presilencer and PP rear muffler and you open up a bit more HP and torque for not much extra $$$, and it will sound the part, too. Really, garage queens have no place in the car culture for me, and an unused car is a useless car in my book.

I'm sure you'll make the right decision for your future rotoring enjoyment!

 

Ah, if one really wants rotary motoring enjoyment, they’ll have an ‘8. I had one of those too, and honestly nothing in the 7 world holds a candle to it.

 

Do you mean an rx-8? I test drove a new one. It didn't have that carnal raw go-kart feel that my rx-7 did. I also tried a miata, and a honda s-2000 new models. They were comparable, felt smoother, felt more refined, more civilized, more domesticated. So what would be the point of driving one? Might as well get a toyota camry. Motor Trend and Road and Track liked them. I don't get it.

 

Just give me that GSL with the 12A and Nikki, I'll make it as fun as the GSL-SE with a few boltons and a new ignition setup.

Also 110K on a RX-7 is just being broke in. You have a lot of miles and smiles left in that car.

 

I test drove one of the first few examples in my home city after the stealerships started loosening up on test drives. Many of the first shipments were spoken for, so they wanted to be careful with them. I was wanting a titanium silver with the Cordova beige leather interior, but that first test drive showed me that the "4-door sports car" was anything but that. It felt too heavy, and while it accelerated a bit faster than my -SE, it was so refined that it lost that edgy feeling.

I bought a 2005 Mazda6, V6, 6-speed in Blazing Orange that year instead. After 180k miles as a commuter car and still going strong with only oil, gas, front suspension arms, a set of coil on plugs, a serpentine belt and 2x motor mounts, I feel like I made the right decision.

I rarely see Rx8s from that vintage still running,

 

Now now, to be fair, how many FB's do you see on a regular basis? Or FC's? Or FD's even? Depends on where you live and how many car shows and import drags you attend, but here around Philly all the rotaries are on the drag strip, not the street. I have seen less than 10 FBs in my entire life, counting the two I've owned. There are 8 RX8's for sale near me right now, for about what I paid for my 1985.

Top Gear liked the 8 when it came out, saying it had all the race car thrills when you wanted it, and the calm commuting manners when you didnt. A nice sporty car.

But yes, I was watching RX8 vs Miata vs BRZ/FRS videos lately and the 8 always loses on the track. Too heavy. Too refined. Too,... middle aged lady.

Nice sporty car. Not a sports car.

 

I worked in a dealer in that time period,saw all the FBs,FCs,FDs i wanted. Now area where i live,never see a 1st gen,rarely a 2nd gen,same for 3rd gen.

 

My buddy has a really nice RX8 with a ported motor built by Petit Racing. It runs well but not well enough to leave my SA behind. He was amazed he wasn't blowing me away acceleration wise and on the twisties its a pretty even match. I weigh less and my car weighs less than he and his car. Lightness makes you faster everywhere.

 

Yep. That's the thing with our cars ... they aren't powerhouses but they are light and handle very well from the factory (compared to the competition of the time). The RX8 had 220hp from a naturally aspirated 13, which is very impressive. But it weighed 2900+ lb dry. So it was "nice" and fun, but not in the same league as the FD it replaced. More powerful than a Miata, yet can't catch up to one on a track.