Design flaws.
Uchinanchu
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
I don't know if its available in the states yet but they've had a CAT for the rx7 that eliminates the airpump for a few years now. I know for a fact that RE Amemiya sells them. They're good enough to pass emmission testing in Japan so I'm guessing that they're good enought to pass the test here in the States
According to and article I read in Sport Compact Car you can also legally drive any car there, doesn't matter where or when it was made it'll fly in japan. Sounds sweet to me.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Shelburne,Ontario
Originally posted by 31rx7
A few to think about. Design flaws:
- Rear suspension as noted. The geometry issues cam be addressed through various means, but having 250 lbs of unsprung weight is a bit more difficult. IRS would be nice.
- The storage bin rust issue as noted on other threads. Inexcusable.
- Recirculating ball steering as noted. No easy permanent fix. I would be curious about the impact to geometry for CP Racing Rack and Pinion setup on lowered cars. Particularly as it relates to ackerman.
- Window regulators. The shaft for the crank goes bad because there is no bushing in the door panel.
- Fuel pump volume and pressure. On the 12a cars, it can't keep up at sustained high RPM or wide open throttle.
- On the 84-85 cars, the stereo surround. They all break!
- The rear hatch carpet, and much of the interior materials is poor quality. It starts fading after a few years.
- Outside door handle / latch design. You can break into most 1st gens by lifting the handle and inserting a screwdriver in the opening.
- The oil cooler design on the 83 - 85 cars. Tendency to leak and is generally not very effective.
- Storage bin hinges. They all go bad.
- Idler arm is weak, and the bushing disintegrates under heavy driving.
I am careful to differentiate between design flaws and weak points. For example, the foam in the seats and the visors crumbles, but I credit that to old technology...then again, maybe it was just cheap to begin with.
A few to think about. Design flaws:
- Rear suspension as noted. The geometry issues cam be addressed through various means, but having 250 lbs of unsprung weight is a bit more difficult. IRS would be nice.
- The storage bin rust issue as noted on other threads. Inexcusable.
- Recirculating ball steering as noted. No easy permanent fix. I would be curious about the impact to geometry for CP Racing Rack and Pinion setup on lowered cars. Particularly as it relates to ackerman.
- Window regulators. The shaft for the crank goes bad because there is no bushing in the door panel.
- Fuel pump volume and pressure. On the 12a cars, it can't keep up at sustained high RPM or wide open throttle.
- On the 84-85 cars, the stereo surround. They all break!
- The rear hatch carpet, and much of the interior materials is poor quality. It starts fading after a few years.
- Outside door handle / latch design. You can break into most 1st gens by lifting the handle and inserting a screwdriver in the opening.
- The oil cooler design on the 83 - 85 cars. Tendency to leak and is generally not very effective.
- Storage bin hinges. They all go bad.
- Idler arm is weak, and the bushing disintegrates under heavy driving.
I am careful to differentiate between design flaws and weak points. For example, the foam in the seats and the visors crumbles, but I credit that to old technology...then again, maybe it was just cheap to begin with.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 515
Likes: 1
From: Hilliard, OH
Thanks. I am certain the CP Racing rack and pinion conversion greatly improves the feel and responsiveness of the steering, which in and of itself assists in handling improvement. $500 or so is not a bad price for improving the "wonder steering" on the 1st gen.
However, I am interested to know what happens with the tie rod angles and ackerman, particularly with a lowered car.
I suppose if I was that interested, I would email or call them directly...
However, I am interested to know what happens with the tie rod angles and ackerman, particularly with a lowered car.
I suppose if I was that interested, I would email or call them directly...
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