19801980RX-7

Hello, last month I was able to purchase this 1980 SA (X Anniversary) from my work (wholesale car auction) and come to find out it is in a mint original condition. I was going to sell it and use the proceeds to buy a 70-73 240Z (my past passion) but changed my mind after driving around in it for 2 days and talking to people.

Looking for expert opinions on what can I do to this without spoiling its original condition. I'd would like to modify the engine somewhat (not to race) and maybe install some modern suspension/shocks, and modify the exhaust system. Just looking for advise on what you would do with a 7 like this.

Also, anybody know a great RX7 FG mechanic in Los Angeles/Long Beach/Orange County?

RXJIM

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't do anything but maintenance.

Nice Find.

stupidturbo

your best bet is to read the faq otherwise some one is gunna start calling you names... nice find on the car tho

876portturbo

iTrader: (4)

I would keep it as close to stock as possible, do stuff that is reversible, coils, air filter, small things, but thats just my opinion. You are lucky to find a clean SA, good luck with her

dbragg

iTrader: (7)

its your car do with it as you wish. how stock do you want to leave it?

if it were mine heres what id add:

tokico illuminas
eibach springs(if you can find them)
all new bushings
upgrade to a 81-85 GSL rearend for rear disc and LSD
upgrade to 81-85 front spindles for better brakes
upgrade to a 81-85 distributor
run a 2nd gen coil for the leading, MSD for the trailing
remove all emissions..if you can in CA
add a strut tower brace
remove rear sway bar
add bigger front sway bar
add a header with a nicely designed exhaust; racing beat or custom borla
either slightly mod the nikki or go with a weber/dellorto/mikuni, depending on how far you wanted to go


after that, id just drive the hell out of it and enjoy it.

Terrh

iTrader: (7)

man.

Leave it BONE stock.

if you were closer I'd come buy it off you, and seal it in a bubble in my barn.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

I would leave it stock. An original un-molested Sa is getting harder and harder to find.

19801980RX-7

Thanks for all the input guys...I pretty much new that but needed to hear from FG 7 experts. I knew it when I first saw it. Oh, it also came with sealed factory packages of the shifter boot with the attached coin holders, the chrome mounts for the door handle, and the glass moon roof still in the original box.

Thanks again

citizenchan

Dude. You're a turd. Kill those ideas about modding that care, right now.

This guy is my friend. I told him a week ago not to mess with the car, and to drive it conservatively. So, what's he do? Start popping the clutch to race ricers. STOP MESSING WITH YOUR CAR. Fix the motor mount that you broke and chill on it man. How many times I gotta say it.

I don't think you should mod it at all, maintain it, but high quality stuff in it, and keep it. If all you want is to race around, mod up an FC and have some fun, but don't race around with this car. The guy found it for a less than a week's paycheck too. Like I said man, I'll buy that thing from you before I let you mod it.

PEACE.

He's gonna be mad that I busted him out on this forum, but maybe it'll help my point sink in. lol.

citizenchan

Hey, did you get that package I sent you yet?

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

i'm with the above on keeping it 100% bone stock. do not modify it at all. the 10AE SA is a very rare and desireable 7. if you have questions on the car pm me, as i'm full of knowledge on the X model. an original untouches SA is a rare find in any grade. i'm extremely glad my 80 Leather Sport is an untouched car and i wouldnt modify it at all.

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

Yep...I'm a "kepp it as original as possible" guy:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2114698

I have aftermarket wheels and tires, a taillight insert, and a sun shade across the top of the windshield, otherwise it looks as it did when I bought it. Inside I have an aftermarket stereo and speakers, and under the hood I've swapped the distributor for an FB distributor (but did it in a way that is easily reversable). I've recently replaced the radiator hoses and belts, otherwise under the hood it looks as it did the day I bought it.

Rich

EnzoRWD

i also just picked up a mint SA.
im going the all-original route, there is plenty of aged bits to keep me busy for a while with 'upgrades'
even stock parts are upgrades when your rubber bushings are 30yrs old...

dantheman

iTrader: (4)

I wouldn't do any major mods honestly. Basic upgrades to things that need fixing, like the idle arm, bushings, shocks, ect. Send the carb off to sterling to get cleaned up and basic proformance stuff done to it, but leave it stockish. Thats my thoughts.

Felixwankel

If you want to make alot of money on it keep it as it is and maintain it. gen1s are becoming harder to find especially in an unmolested condition like yours. Keep her as it is and with no doubt will you be getting prices people are offering for rx2's 3's etc.

or sell it to someone who will keep it original. any pics?

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

dodger stadium area

82transam

iTrader: (18)

Sounds like a good find, we need pics! I wouldn't do much to it either fwiw. Also, 79/80's are "SA" and 81-85 is "FB" not FG as you keep saying Good luck with it

daemonjosh

If you try racing ricers with it, you're going to be seriously disappointed. Either enjoy it for what it is, or buy another car.

vipernicus42

iTrader: (4)

Why oh why would you go MSD trailing? It's not worth the price of buying TWO MSD boxes to get 1hp!

Jon

vipernicus42

iTrader: (4)

What do you mean by "FG 7"?

Jon

finishline

iTrader: (13)

congrats on the find!

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

i would think he's saying FG is "first gen", but hey, you know what happens when you assume....it spells itself.....i'm not gonna be "that guy"

vipernicus42

iTrader: (4)

Oh, lol.

You shouldn't shorten it to FG because that gets confusing since we already have acronyms for FB, FC and FD... I was wondering where he got this FG from, since that would imply a fifth-generation Rx7

Jon

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

loo, i was thinking the same on teh fifth gen route, jon, lol. it looks as if heknows that he has an SA...i wonder where the FG came from....

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

From LA.