Hey all,
I own a Sec Gen FC... A Really sweet RX, but I have always been interested/ loved in the style of the first generation. So much so, I really want one... lol...
As owners (that know second gen rx's) what do you think are the differences between the two I should look out for (reliability, power, ect, ect).

I use my car as a daily driver, and make alot of weekend trips home from college (about 160 miles).

I really would like to know if you think/ recommend I sell my (beautiful, clean, two owner, working great) RX and buy a Fist Gen/ Trade, ect.

 

i daily a 1st gen 30 miles each way, 3 times a week from college to home, and have never been left stranded. you already should know you just need to maintain these cars, and you're fine. A stock first gen is an excellent daily driver. they'll get a bit better mpg than your fc, too. Personally, i say go for it, just make sure youre finding something as nice, or nicer than the car you've already got

 

These things are inexpensive compared to the FC, why dont you keep the FC and save for a first gen? You won't regret it. As for these cars? I love them, I beat on mine pretty hard sometimes and she still purrs on home. Like landon said, just keep her maintained well and any generation will live a long time.

 

I would love to just buy another car... but I really don't need two, and I don't have the room to keep 2...

 

you'll love the after driving back fires and the flames the 12a can shoot or 13 calmness of the GSL-SE 13b for its extra power you would be very impressed how much like the fc the fb 13b really is on power. i suggest if you do buy a 13b version to do the airpump 6th port conversion.

 

1st gens RULE!!! i dalily drive mine....she goes everywhere i go.....She just turned over 140k on the original 12A engine...and she keeps going strong!

 

The only problem with daily drive (or legally drive) a fb is smog (especially the carb ones). so i'd say depends on your smog laws over there...

 

I agree on the "keeping both" part.

Since you do some long distance driving - I need to make you aware that the highway gearing for a 1st gen is not as good as an NA 2nd Gen. Also, the car is MUCH smaller inside (total room) than a 2nd Gen.
So if you are traveling with lots of crap, it may not fit comfortably.

I prefer the 1st gen in every way - it's small, light, and deceptively quick, even stock. But that being said, a good, clean and well running 2nd gen is a rare find.

If you do decide to make the jump, I would not settle on anything less than a GSL-SE. It's a very torquey, smooth, and reliable fuel injected 13B, that can usually lay a smack down on most N/A 2nd Gens.

 

+1. I daily drove my FB for over a year and a half and loved it. I daily drive an S5 GXL now and yeah the fuel injection and power steering are nice luxuries but I miss driving the FB(waiting for a rebuild). IT was a simple and seemed more agile. If you can find one with decently low miles and well maintained you wont regret it. You will though feel alot bigger sitting in one LOL

 

Mines too I agree 1st gen rule by far!!

 

Although smaller,the GSL-SE shares many traits with the average FC,including power delivery,reliability and maintenence.The weight is closer too,so braking and handling(to a degree) will feel similar.The SE uses the same basic 13B with fuel injection that the 2nd gens use,and it comes fully loaded.....most of which items ended up being standard,or at least common,on the 2nd gens.The 2nd gen may have more advanced suspension,but many enthusiasts preffer the simple,more predictable solid rearend thats under the 1st gen.Typically,the 1st gens will have inferior,looser steering feel compared to the rack and pinion steering of the FC,although the power assist steering availible on some GSL and GSL-SE 1st gens,isnt as bad.

The 12A powered 1st gens(especially the S and GS) will feel quite a bit different than your 2nd gen.While they arent any smaller than the GSL-SE,many are quite a bit lighter and have a power delivery that is higher up in the revs,hence the tendancy for a lot of 1st gen guys to really work their cars hard.The GSL gives you almost all the options(weight) of the GSL-SE,but with the same power as the base model 12A car,so its less "sporty".
The 12A 1st gen will have a bigger fun factor,being much more nimble and high strung than the FC.The 13B 1st gen will be better for road trips and high speed stuff,but will still be smaller and more agile than the 2nd gen.

 

drove mine 10+ hours straight (from sc to ohio) right after i bought it.. not one single problem

 

The only difficulty I think you might have in a 12A is malfunctioning/old/nasty carburetor. They can make an otherwise nice car a little quirky. Like all RXs, what the previous owner did is crucial to its condition.

If you're not gonna leave it stock there is a lack of aftermarket parts for first gens and not a big selection of wheels, but the brands availible are well established.

 

Drove mine for 12 hours a day for 3 days then 6 hours on day 4 from MD to ID packed full of **** and had no problems, well except for the whole *** hurting thing LOL

 

When you're used to fuel-injection, carburetors can take some getting used to (unless you get a GSL-SE), but tuning sure is easier. Power is pretty similar. Handling isn't quite as good at the limits, but it is fun. First-gens feel smaller and lighter. Reliability is similar, but with less electrical to worry about. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for rack-and-pinion steering.

 

Well my 2 gen isn't really loaded with much. No power steering or cruise control... So it won't be that much of a change. I want to make sure I get a GSL SE because I need the car to be running good for commuting and 2- 3hr trips every other weekend or so...

Let me know if you or someone you know is interested in a trade...

 

no smog in hawaii =

 

You won't have any problems with a carbed 12A either, so long as the carb is in good shape. Not only that, but the stock carb is great due to the fact that you don't need to tune it nearly as often as a lot of other carbs you can buy.

Buy the GSL-SE for the power, not reliability. Reliability is very similar in both 12A and 13B powered FB's.

 

^ What he said. I just meant that it is a little different driving a carbureted car versus a fuel-injected one.

 

I bought my 85 GS new off the dealers showroom and have loved it ever since. I have always maintained it well and have had virtually no problems. They only problem I did have was the alternator failing last year after having had it for 26 years. So, that said I think it's safe to say that it is a reliable car. I have left the car stock and it's plenty of fun to drive and the power is good enough for me. That being said I don't think you need to hesitate buying one if you can find one in good shape. One bit of food for thought. The reason that I bought the GS rather then the GSL or GSL-SE in 1985 was the headroom. I am 6'3" and upgrading to above the GS model meant getting a sun/moon roof standard. This lowered the headroom just enough that my head was touching the roof due to the room needed for the retractable sun/moon roof. So, if your tall it might be something to consider.

 

Yea,if youve not had problems with the 2nd gen EFI,then the getting the SE wont neccesarily make things easier.
If you HAVE had to chase gremlins in the rotary EFI,then owning an SE will be more familiar,since it very similar to the FC fuel injection.The SE has its share of EFI issues and quirks,and they tend to be common on most EFI engines of that era.Getting an SE wont garuantee reliability,but if your unfamiliar with carbs,then it would be the better choice.