Thinking of Buying a 1st Gen RX-7
03-14-12, 10:58 PM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Thinking of Buying a 1st Gen RX-7
I bet some of you have owned a couple of the cars that I have been thinking about.
The list I have to choose from is
BMW 2002
RX-7 1st Gen
240z-280z Datsun
Possibly a 510 Datsun
For some reason I like the older cars. I like the way that they will not loose their looks and respect. And plus I like how people look at them more then say a 2nd gen RX-7 or a DSM (which I owned at one time). Those cars will get you pulled over for no reason. Ask me how I know...
The DSM is sold and I want to move on to more of a track able car
The main two that I am going back and fourth on is the Datsun Z and the RX-7. Both are good looking cars with good aftermarket following. Just wondering what people here thought.
When bought, the goal is to autocross/rally/track the car. Nothing more of a weekend car. I was thinking of a 2nd gen RX-7 at first but it sounds like the light weight of a 1st gen still rules over IRS. Opinion still holds true? The only car that I am afraid of in the group of friends that I hang out with is a miata. I want to give that miata a run for its money (the DSM was faster in the straights but in the end the miata is quicker around the corners then the DSM could keep up with. )
Maybe I am just thinking out loud but I wanted some input from people who owns a 1st Gen RX-7 to give me some insite on what it is like to own one and compare if they can some of the ones on the list.
The list I have to choose from is
BMW 2002
RX-7 1st Gen
240z-280z Datsun
Possibly a 510 Datsun
For some reason I like the older cars. I like the way that they will not loose their looks and respect. And plus I like how people look at them more then say a 2nd gen RX-7 or a DSM (which I owned at one time). Those cars will get you pulled over for no reason. Ask me how I know...
The DSM is sold and I want to move on to more of a track able car
The main two that I am going back and fourth on is the Datsun Z and the RX-7. Both are good looking cars with good aftermarket following. Just wondering what people here thought.
When bought, the goal is to autocross/rally/track the car. Nothing more of a weekend car. I was thinking of a 2nd gen RX-7 at first but it sounds like the light weight of a 1st gen still rules over IRS. Opinion still holds true? The only car that I am afraid of in the group of friends that I hang out with is a miata. I want to give that miata a run for its money (the DSM was faster in the straights but in the end the miata is quicker around the corners then the DSM could keep up with. )
Maybe I am just thinking out loud but I wanted some input from people who owns a 1st Gen RX-7 to give me some insite on what it is like to own one and compare if they can some of the ones on the list.
03-14-12, 11:35 PM
#2
A friend of mine owns a 280z, he was able to buy it in great condition and at a great price where as I own a '79 Rx7.
They just have so many pro's and con's for each car it just depends on you.
One of the main differences between the two is engine placement.
The Rx7 is a mid-engine car putting the 12a or 13b around the center of the chassis. Where as the 280z has the engine up front putting the driver towards the back of the car.
The 280z's engine bay is huge enabling the owner to put a RB25DET engine under the hood and have room for a nice turbo.
Where as the Rx7's haven't been blessed with such a roomy engine bay but then again you dealing with a rotary powered car so you don't need a massive engine to keep up with competition.
Where the Rx7 lacks is in the aftermarket community. I can name four of five places to pick up Z car parts, but can only name three shops that support the Rx7. But the shops that do support the rotary community are strong.
I hope you know what I'm getting at.
They just have so many pro's and con's for each car it just depends on you.
One of the main differences between the two is engine placement.
The Rx7 is a mid-engine car putting the 12a or 13b around the center of the chassis. Where as the 280z has the engine up front putting the driver towards the back of the car.
The 280z's engine bay is huge enabling the owner to put a RB25DET engine under the hood and have room for a nice turbo.
Where as the Rx7's haven't been blessed with such a roomy engine bay but then again you dealing with a rotary powered car so you don't need a massive engine to keep up with competition.
Where the Rx7 lacks is in the aftermarket community. I can name four of five places to pick up Z car parts, but can only name three shops that support the Rx7. But the shops that do support the rotary community are strong.
I hope you know what I'm getting at.
03-15-12, 10:42 AM
#5
Full Member
Thread Starter
So what I am understanding, it is a difficult decision on choosing between the Z and the R
Starting to make a list
Differences
Engine in engine bays located differently meaning different weight distribution?
IRS on Z vs Solid rear axle
Where the driver sits in the car
I6 and bigger engine bay vs Rotory
Similarities
Parts and aftermarket support is there
Older cars
handling characteristics?
Performance potential?
Starting to make a list
Differences
Engine in engine bays located differently meaning different weight distribution?
IRS on Z vs Solid rear axle
Where the driver sits in the car
I6 and bigger engine bay vs Rotory
Similarities
Parts and aftermarket support is there
Older cars
handling characteristics?
Performance potential?
03-15-12, 11:54 AM
#6
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My experiences with the 2 FB's I've owned,
Stock-
Nirvana in the corners if you have good tires, fresh chassis parts and a fresh stock suspension. It grips like a crab and it has that X factor that gives you a great deal of confidence when you're charging into to a corner. It gives you nice tactile feed back, allowing you to "feel the road" and also what is mechanically happening with the car. A minty fresh FB can be had for an absolute maximum of $3000 and suspension mods are cheap. The rotary engine is fun and spirited, and gives you a very linear power curve, however make no mistake it's still only going push 100hp in stock form. All in all it is a great car that challenges the all mighty Miata at autoX events every weekend.
My V8 swapped FB.
Swapped in a stock 93 ford 5.0ho with the T-5 trans from a mustang gt, so it accelerates like a ford mustang that had a 1000-900lb weight reduction and the 2.73 rear end gears swapped for 3.909 gears, so yeah...she goes! As for handling, I haven't noticed any change from what I wrote above, yes I'm serious! I have no regrets on swapping my car, I have muscle car acceleration, FB handling, and stock v8 reliability, the very best of all worlds.
I don't mean to step on the toes of the die hard rotary guys, all of the above can be accomplished with a rotary, I'm just saying the bang for buck is quite good if you go the v8 route.
Stock-
Nirvana in the corners if you have good tires, fresh chassis parts and a fresh stock suspension. It grips like a crab and it has that X factor that gives you a great deal of confidence when you're charging into to a corner. It gives you nice tactile feed back, allowing you to "feel the road" and also what is mechanically happening with the car. A minty fresh FB can be had for an absolute maximum of $3000 and suspension mods are cheap. The rotary engine is fun and spirited, and gives you a very linear power curve, however make no mistake it's still only going push 100hp in stock form. All in all it is a great car that challenges the all mighty Miata at autoX events every weekend.
My V8 swapped FB.
Swapped in a stock 93 ford 5.0ho with the T-5 trans from a mustang gt, so it accelerates like a ford mustang that had a 1000-900lb weight reduction and the 2.73 rear end gears swapped for 3.909 gears, so yeah...she goes! As for handling, I haven't noticed any change from what I wrote above, yes I'm serious! I have no regrets on swapping my car, I have muscle car acceleration, FB handling, and stock v8 reliability, the very best of all worlds.
I don't mean to step on the toes of the die hard rotary guys, all of the above can be accomplished with a rotary, I'm just saying the bang for buck is quite good if you go the v8 route.
03-15-12, 12:50 PM
#7
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
The rx7 is going to be a lot cheaper to acquire, maintain and modify than the Z.
In stock trim, the Z may out accelerate the 7 but I think the 7 will hold its own
on the handling even tho the Z has the IRS.
Depending on the generation Z, the 240 and 260 and even the first gen 280s are
older than any 1st gen 7 and they are even worse at rusting away than the 7.
Something to keep in mind in the far north where you live eh.
Ah and remember theres a reason the rx7 won so many races when it came out
in the 80s. It was a more reliable and better car than its competitors at the time
including the Z cars.
I think I've made my mind up, have you?
In stock trim, the Z may out accelerate the 7 but I think the 7 will hold its own
on the handling even tho the Z has the IRS.
Depending on the generation Z, the 240 and 260 and even the first gen 280s are
older than any 1st gen 7 and they are even worse at rusting away than the 7.
Something to keep in mind in the far north where you live eh.
Ah and remember theres a reason the rx7 won so many races when it came out
in the 80s. It was a more reliable and better car than its competitors at the time
including the Z cars.
I think I've made my mind up, have you?
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03-16-12, 07:42 AM
#8
Full Member
Thread Starter
you know how to appeal to me $ wise. I am on a budget and that is why the rx7 is sounding more and more attractive. I am not looking for high hp (yet) I just want to learn to drive fast on track or autox course. 13 inch tires are cheap and with a light car you can get a lot of life out of them. The z cars need a little more fab work to get them to handle well. And now I think about it I have never seen a z out handle a miata. With the 7 there is a chance.
So I think I have made up my mind also. Unless I find a deal on the way.
So I think I have made up my mind also. Unless I find a deal on the way.
03-16-12, 08:07 AM
#9
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
Check out kentetsu's FTD with his FB on the autox course last year.
Look thru his threads to see how he setup his car.
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-general-discussion-207/ftd-baby-967363/
Look thru his threads to see how he setup his car.
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-general-discussion-207/ftd-baby-967363/
03-16-12, 01:34 PM
#10
Lives on the Forum
Thanks for the referral Tim 
I'm actually a pretty good source for information on your question. Not just because I race the hell out of my 7, but because I come from a very long background in Z cars. Add to that my knowledge of Bimmers (currently own a 98 328i), and I think I'll be able to add a little to this thread (let's hope so).
Z cars are simply great cars. The older, the better. Anything over about a '76 and you're going to be trading performance for luxury. Early Zs are great performers, very powerful for the weight of the car (even the pig heavy '83 was beating the Vettes of the same year). My alltime favorite was my '73 240Z. Light, powerful, and handled like a dream. But like most, died of rust.
It should be noted that in the mid to late '70s, Datsun basically handed over the performance market to the RX7 and the Scirroco. I hated that when I read it, but you can't experience it without believing it. Where the Z is roomy (even great for 6+foot drivers), and feels very solid, the 7 is definitely a tighter fit and the interior feels a lot cheaper (lots of plastic). But if performance is a priority for you, then the answer should be clear.
The RX7 is such a different car. You don't drive it. You wear it. Comparitively speaking, its louder, rougher, stinks of gas and exhaust, and can be very temperamental unless you have a deep understanding of the rotary engine. You will feel safer at 120 in the Datsun than you will at 90 in the RX7. But when you get to the fun stuff, as in twisties and such, the Datsun will be eating your dust the entire time.
It could probably say that my love for the Z cars runs much deeper than the 7s. In fact, I was searching for a Z when I ended up "settling" for my 7. However, I have no regrets. When it comes to straight out performance potential, the 7 just can't be beat.
One other great benefit for the 7s is the incredible community support. There's not much out there anymore for the Z cars. And that goes for aftermarket performance parts as well. We have a gold mine in www.re-speed.com And I haven't seen anything like that for the Datsun crowd in decades.
If you decide to go with a 7, and have any questions related to suspension setup or racing in general, feel free to hit me up. I keep no secrets!
.
I'm actually a pretty good source for information on your question. Not just because I race the hell out of my 7, but because I come from a very long background in Z cars. Add to that my knowledge of Bimmers (currently own a 98 328i), and I think I'll be able to add a little to this thread (let's hope so).
Z cars are simply great cars. The older, the better. Anything over about a '76 and you're going to be trading performance for luxury. Early Zs are great performers, very powerful for the weight of the car (even the pig heavy '83 was beating the Vettes of the same year). My alltime favorite was my '73 240Z. Light, powerful, and handled like a dream. But like most, died of rust.
It should be noted that in the mid to late '70s, Datsun basically handed over the performance market to the RX7 and the Scirroco. I hated that when I read it, but you can't experience it without believing it. Where the Z is roomy (even great for 6+foot drivers), and feels very solid, the 7 is definitely a tighter fit and the interior feels a lot cheaper (lots of plastic). But if performance is a priority for you, then the answer should be clear.
The RX7 is such a different car. You don't drive it. You wear it. Comparitively speaking, its louder, rougher, stinks of gas and exhaust, and can be very temperamental unless you have a deep understanding of the rotary engine. You will feel safer at 120 in the Datsun than you will at 90 in the RX7. But when you get to the fun stuff, as in twisties and such, the Datsun will be eating your dust the entire time.
It could probably say that my love for the Z cars runs much deeper than the 7s. In fact, I was searching for a Z when I ended up "settling" for my 7. However, I have no regrets. When it comes to straight out performance potential, the 7 just can't be beat.
One other great benefit for the 7s is the incredible community support. There's not much out there anymore for the Z cars. And that goes for aftermarket performance parts as well. We have a gold mine in www.re-speed.com And I haven't seen anything like that for the Datsun crowd in decades.
If you decide to go with a 7, and have any questions related to suspension setup or racing in general, feel free to hit me up. I keep no secrets!
.
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