pheo

I want my first rotary in a few months and i thought of getting a fb because they are still reasonable priced and easy to work on (atleast thats what i heard). I will also buy a workshop manual for it. I plus absolutely love the looks of it and it would be a dream.

On the other hand, there are RX-8´s which are dirtcheap but relatively unreliable in comparison to older rotaries and of which i dont really like the looks. They are more new tho which means that you can easier get your hands on parts, but which also means they are more complicated to work on.

A FC is not possible due to the price. So what would ya´ll suggest me. I already searched for a thread like this but found none. If there is, then please send a link to it. Thank you

j_tso

iTrader: (2)

Keep in mind the newest FB is 37 years old, so it's not just the engine's reliability to think about.
They're simpler than an RX-8 but replacement parts like brake calipers are hard to find now.

Slow_sevens

I started working with my son on an FB last year. Same thing... he loved the looks of the car, and its a simple machine. And its a total blast to drive, could not be more seat of the pants. Its loud, hot and 60 feels like 100. So far we have not run into any parts availability issues despite having pulled and rebuilt the engine and the carb. However the car was in running condition with no big problems so most of the parts I needed were wear items, gaskets, seals etc rather than actual component replacements. We are total newbies with zero automotive experience, but the FB is such a simple machine that you can kind of work out whats going on by simply sitting and looking at it. I would say go for the FB, but make a list of problems that cannot be easily fixed (someone mentioned brake calipers) and check the car for those before buying.

Mivroum

Yes, it is the simplest of all rotaries.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

I highly recommend buying one. They are by far the easiest to work on and are also enjoyable to restore and drive. Parts availability has been a concern over the last few years but we have a great community that helps each other in our time of need. You'll definitely want to buy a factory service manual as they are invaluable.

Slow_sevens

Had another thought. If it’s between a FB which you really like and a RX8 which you kinda like.... get the one you really like. There will be moments working on your car that are so frustrating you want to start throwing stuff and sell the car. Then you walk away from the car for a few minutes, maybe glimpse if from the kitchen window, and realize what you have parked out there is really really cool and you get that extra spark of hope that gets the job pushed through and finished.

Benjamin4456

An FB is a great first rotary, and in my opinion the best first rotary. They're dead simple to work on, parts availability is still decent, and they are a blast to drive once you get it up and going.

I highly suggest a 12A carbureted model over the 13B GSL-SE model as a first project, namely because they are simpler from the get go and are easier to modify with DIY methods. For something that'll see the road consistently I'd also suggest an FB (1981-1985) over an SA (1979-1980). FB wear items, particularly rear brakes, are far easier to find that SA ones, as well as a number of other odd bits and bobs. The SA is still a great car, just know that you'll have a little more to deal with in the way of parts and whatnot.

It is worth knowing though, that these are not cars where you can walk into your local auto parts store and buy much of anything. I think the most I've bought locally anytime recently was a brake light switch, spark plugs, and a carb rebuild kit, two of which had to be ordered. Brake pads, gaskets, hoses, etc. are all pretty hit and miss. On the flip side, we have companies like Atkins, Mazdatrix, Pineapple, and many more that specialize in parts for our cars. Rock auto also has a fair share of the more common parts.

Many factory manuals are freely available on the foxed.ca website. I'd hold off on buying one unless you really want a hard copy.

Maxwedge

iTrader: (1)

A 1st Gen RX-7 is def the easiest Rotary powered car to work on. And as Benjamin said, an FB model ('81-85) with a carb'ed 12A engine is the simplest. Earlier RX-7's (the SA's, '79-80) had some different chassis pieces (brakes, brake line fittings, etc) and are a little harfer to get parts for. And the top-of-the-line GSL-SE ('84-85) had a larger fuel injected engine, but 38 year old fuel injection isn't fun to work on.

The later FC's and FD's were good cars, but unless you want to drop $15-40k you'll be dealing with lots more computer and fiel injection issues. The 12A 1st gens don't have those problems.

But you can't just walk into NAPA and buy brake parts for these cars, like an '80's Mustang or Camaro. You'll need to get to know the community and our vendors (as someone mentioned above). It's easier to restore a '65 Mustang than an '85 RX-7.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

Personally, I think the non-turbo FC is easier to work on. Partially because the carb is complicated vs the EFI on the FC.
RX8 isn't too bad to work on too but definetly not as simple.

derSchwamm

iTrader: (1)

I bought my GSL-SE FB as a first rotary because I was intimidated by the FD I really wanted. It worked out great. I learned a ton about rotaries as I fixed it up. Some parts took a little digging to find but I've never been unable to find something. And they aren't too hard to keep running well with a Haynes manual. I later bought an FD and I swear I would have been lost under the hood if I hadn't owned the FB first. It's a great first rotary