Obviously I'm new to the non-piston world, so bear with me.

I'm shopping for a 1st gen rx7, what I'd like to know is if there's any advantages to certain models? What I'd like to build is a 1st gen w/ hella suspension mods, possibly even forced induction, probably gutted interior, just something light, fun and relatively cheap.

I'd also like to know if the 2nd gen powerplants will swap into the 1st, or if the swap is even worth the effort/ cost. Also, do the later models have better suspension or more available aftermarket than some of the late 70's models?

Right now I'm just trying to find what's going to be the most ideal 1st gen to buy as a project car. Thanks for the help!

 

I would say you want a 1984-1985 GSL-SE, it has a much better suspension and a common bolt pattern. The engine which comes in it is a 6 port 13b. The GSL-SE makes it much easier to swap in any other engine into the car, so you want to start out here.

 

Welcome. Judging by your requirements it sounds like a 1st gen. will be perfect for you.

There's literally a multitude of different engine swaps (including those from later models) and combinations you could use so it really comes down to how much work you want to do, how much money you have to spend and most importantly how much power you want.

Getting the car to handle isn't a problem either as there's plenty of aftermarket gear to have it cornering like it's on rails.

Also, if you didn't know already the 1st gen was available from 1979 to 85.

 

nevermind, made a mistake, posted in wrong thread.

 

The 13B in the GSL-SE is about 100cc larger than the 12A, but it also has a more favorable (read: more broad) torque band and starts at 135HP instead of 100.

Many people have swapped in a TII engine (see the sticky threads at the top of the 1st gen forum page) to get turbo and more torque/HP. Me, I'm running my car's original engine with an aftermarket exhaust system (see my sig) and am happy with the results.

 

Thanks for the help. This gives me a nice idea of where to start looking. I still haven't narrowed down what I'm going to buy, but I know I'll never have another FWD.

Really I'm weighing the options of the 1st gen rx7 vs a newer sr20det powered 240sx. Then there's always the wild card of finding a clean used M3, selling the prelude and going the pimp route.

Other than the afore mentioned sticky threads, anyone know of websites with plenty of info on the different rotary motors available, and which ones have readily available aftermarket parts ect ect?

 

www.mazdatrix.com has good parts/selection.

 

there is a big difference in m3, sr20 240, and a first gen rx7....

personally, if i could afford it, i would choose the m3 all day long.. im sure other people would agree. the sr20 240 sounds good, my friend is in the process of pricing **** out for his.. its pretty much set in stone, but other than that.. ive never been in one.. if i had the money though.. turbo 2 engine in a first gen would be my choice... but i dont have the money for htat. i would say research alot before you decide on anything for definate...

 

Yeah, my one wistake when buying mine was just not spending enough serious time on the forum learning everything i could before I bought mine (although i ended up getting lucky with a really good one anyway).

 

Yelp a lot over 10k later and I have a fast first gen... I say a lot over 10k, cause I dont really know, I have all the receipts tho.. for a good headache LOL

 

buy a first gen, 12a turbo, slicks = lots of fun for cheap!!!!!!!!!!!!! no pistons please!!

 

while we are on the topic.. broken down, and overall, how much roughly would it be to get a t2 motor in a 85 gs and running..

 

carburated blow-through turbo or efi? haltech, or stock ecu? wich tranny? stock ot turbo 2?

 

just basics... fairly stock t2 motor.. rebuilt, streetport since it would be taken apart (im probably going with a 13b n/a since it would be alot cheaper) im guessing the 12a tranny wont hold up to the power of a t2 motor. so i guess that owuld need to be replaced with a t2 tranny. if i can keep the 12a tranny and rely on it, then it will stay and be upgraded later. i think its just goiugn to be too much trouble.. who knows..