I don't know if you guys know this or not, but my friends and I just found this out. You might want to change your locks, it appears that all keys for the 81-83 RX-7 are all the same ?!?!

We found out when they got their keys switched and they worked!! So we set out to find other 1st gens to test this on...it appears that all 81-83 1st gens have the same keys or something. (I don't know about the 79 though.)

 

ur right on that. i changed my locks to something different. its called solex and was made in the philippines. they have some copy cat now which u can buy at pepboy, autozone but i dont know the quality.

 

Actually its pretty much any key. Once i locked mine in my car and my buddies 83 s10 key opened it and another time a padlock key opened it. Once i was in class and i see my car drive by A guy I know who had an 89 thought it would be funny. His key started mine too.

 

My 85 key will start all of my RX-7s. Won't work on the RX-2 though.

 

After reading this, I feel incredibly glad to have an alarm system.

 

I've had aprox. 10 1st gens and none of the key/lock combos have exibited the behavior described here. I would recomend getting the locks checked to make sure that the pins that actually make the "key" aren't damaged. Before everyone flames me, I just went out and tried this on 3 1st gens, 80, 83 and 85.

Kamal

 

I tried it on my 83 GS, my 85 GS, my 85 GSL-SE and my friends 83 Limited. My 85 GS was the only one it would work on. All the other cars have alarms that lock and unlock the doors so the locks are not used and worn. My 85 GS has 140,00 and have always used the lock so it is possible it is just worn out. Only key to start it is it's key.
I would like to shave my locks but really don't want to do it to my GSL-SE.

Good luck to all.

 

that is kind of interesting...worn out keyholes, I'll see if I can't find a newer 1st gen that wouldn't be worn out and i will try it.

 

My key hole is worn out ( Will not let me lock or unlock the door using the key) and I am going to weld the holes shut and shave the doors so that it is nice and smooth. Of course I will have my alarm added with the keyless entry aded first.
P.S. I will keep my hatchback key just incase I loose power.

 

Keep the hatchback key. It is highly advisable, esp. if you plan on throwing in a monster stereo, to shave the door keyholes. All it takes is a big screw driver jammed into that hole and pulled upward to unlock the door. I found this out the hard way and said goodby to an EQ and two amps as the alarm screamed in the parking lot of a club with roaming security officers. The headunit was ripped out as well but they had to leave two amps. All in an est 5 min. I've got my alarm controlling lock/unlock now as I no longer have the door keyholes. I've also got an override swc tied directly to the drvr solenoid hidden so I can pop it in case the fob's batteries go dead and I can't control the alarm. Once in, you can override w/key turned to IGN and holding the kill button also hidden in the car. It just looks better, also...

 

The worn out holes and the fact that most RX-7's use the Mazda MZ-15 or MZ-13 (same but different number) key. As such, a worn-out lock can accept the same blank with a different cut. I.E., my key for my '87 626 works on my dad's '88 MX-6.

 

My '80 and '87 keys do not interchange.

Beyond that, they are different lengths, so they shouldn't interchange anyway...

Of course, give me a screwdriver and I can get into an SA/FB faster than the owner could get in with his key, no damage... the security on these cars is just *awful*.

 

Tough guy eh? In case im in the forest for some strange reason i can open mine with a twig! Beat that :p huhahahahha

 

once the locks get worn out almost any key will work.
im luck though both of my se's have the same key

mike

 

I believe you told me about the sunroof deal. Tell me about this if it's any different.

When my car was drivable, it had the POS theft deterant system. (Steal that thing? Man Hell no! That thing is a POS.) But after it's all nice and fixed up, I don't want it messed with. I hear they're stealing em because they're highly prized antiques in Japan.

I'm probably gonna weld in a metal plate above the locks like the BMW's have. This'll stop standard slim jims and coat hangers from working.

An alarm will be installed, as will a fuel cut and starter cut switch. (All installed by me, but with reccomendations and discussions with alarm guys. Are any of you alarm guys?)

I'm trying to figure out how to stop vandalism, such as broken windows and keying, as well as theft by tow truck. Anybody?

 

I dunno...angry pitbull in the back seat maybe?

 

I've had cars vandalized before, but so far not my RX-7.

There's really only so much you can do to prevent "keying" and stuff like that, so about a year ago I decided to get insurance to cover that.

It ain't cheap but at least I don't worry about it anymore.

 

The last bit was mostly in humor. I know you can't stop vandals from pitching a rock through your glass or anything. (How much would bullet proof plexiglass cost? Is lexan "unbreakable" ? What about this new 3M stuff that replaces nose bras. It's clear and strong? Damnit. I should stop trying. They do sell things similar to boots that cops put on your car. But what's to stop the modern supertheives from using a helecopter... )

Anywho...

Here's my thought. Put the alarm brain in a hidden place. Back where the cruise control box and stereo amps are sounds good. Put a rechargable 12 Volt battery right next to it. Use that battery as the main power source, but charged off the car's main electrical system. Any connections from the alarm to lights should be fused to prevent anyone from just breaking a light bulb and shorting it all out. Two 140+dB sirens, one outside the car, one inside. You may take my car or any of the stereo equipment, in exchange for your hearing. Pager or cell phone based alarm system to alert me because people never pay attention to car alarms anyhow. Independant starter, fuel pump, and ignition system kill switches, hidden in the car. Backstrapped stereo, razor blades attached to the backside of the stereo to dice unknowing tamperer's hands. All other stereo equipment secured by hardened, tamper resistant screws.

That oughta hold someone for half an hour at least.

 

ive always thought that if someone wants your car badly enough they will get it. there are a bunch of things you can do to make the car less stealable though. the fuel pump winrings go right through the storage bin on the left side it would be really easy to put a switch on that.
get a light flywheel and a copper clutch. dont get a stereo that looks good/flashy hide as much of the stereo as you can in the stock spot. around here all mazda's have anti theft, the name plate that says mazda, nobody in their right mind would steal one.

mike