1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Looking to import a first gen

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Old 02-19-14, 12:34 PM
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Looking to import a first gen

I want to import a first gen from Japan. I want the turbo version 12a. But the 13b has more power. I want power and classic looks with a turbo. Is it possible to tune a 12a turbo to be similar in power? Or would I just want to turbo kit the 13b? I'm trying to figure this one out and I'm not experienced enough with rotaries to decide. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.
Old 02-20-14, 12:19 AM
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Does it have to be rhd? If not just find a clean roller here and swap in a t2...way more power than a 12at and possibly cheaper than importing a car, getting it running right, and dealing with inspections to make sure it conforms to usa emissions/safety standards...just my .02

Also if you are just getting in to rotaries i would recommend an n/a car until you figure things out, then go turbo. Nothing against the turbo, but n/a requires less maintenance from my experience.
Old 02-20-14, 08:01 AM
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Do you really know how hard it is to import a car from Japan or have you been watching too
many FF movies?

All kidding aside, rotornoobs advise is good. Get it local and NA then make it turbo once you get
everything else working well and understood.
Old 02-20-14, 12:16 PM
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Ive seen a couple right hand drive cars from overseas in my time. It looks fun until your driving on the interstate. The guy in the car next to you can smell you. Scratch your nose? Forget about it. Hot woman with ****? Yeah good luck with that. Stay left handed. Avoid the awkwardness lol.
Old 02-20-14, 01:20 PM
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I'm located in Canada and it will cost 10,000$ to buy the vehicle, import it, and register it including all taxes and other costs I can't think of. I'm set on a rhd just because I want something fun and unique to drive.

Also, my father owned a TII in his day. So I'm not worried about not knowing what I'm doing. I'm just wondering if there's any threads on 12at builds...

Last edited by Corythebory; 02-20-14 at 01:22 PM.
Old 02-20-14, 04:00 PM
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Check out www.bonsairides.com
Old 02-20-14, 05:34 PM
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Step one: win lottery
Step two: hire lawyer
Step three: take out loan
Step four: file for bankruptcy

I'm located in Canada
Location: Ogden, Utah

Old 02-20-14, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by DivinDriver
Step one: win lottery
Step two: hire lawyer
Step three: take out loan
Step four: file for bankruptcy


Location: Ogden, Utah

I'm from canada, but I'm in Utah right now for personal reasons. I'm moving back in may. Sorry for the confusion :p
I will make around 7-10 grand this summer.
Old 02-20-14, 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Mazda RX-7 EFINI TYPE
Not sure if I'm looking in the right area. The listings do not include Mazda as a manufacturer?

Old 02-20-14, 08:18 PM
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Here you go,

◆無事故低走行サãƒãƒ³ãƒŠRX7æ¥µä¸Šè»Šï ¼ - ヤフオク!

about a $9,500 buy it now price + $5,500 for shipping via http://r-international.co.jp/stock/

For $15,000 you can have a nice RHD "SA" in the US
Old 02-20-14, 08:30 PM
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Old 02-20-14, 11:43 PM
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He's a client of mine. He can get anything. He's brought in several FD's. Did a basic tune up, detail & and a couple small things on a minty Bathurst last summer. His pricing is extremely fair, and he'll do his best to help you find something within your budget.
Old 02-21-14, 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Corythebory
I'm located in Canada and it will cost 10,000$ to buy the vehicle, import it, and register it including all taxes and other costs I can't think of. I'm set on a rhd just because I want something fun and unique to drive.

Also, my father owned a TII in his day. So I'm not worried about not knowing what I'm doing. I'm just wondering if there's any threads on 12at builds...
That budget seems optimistic. No room in it for fixing the car or making it road worthy
based on the other posts about the costs.
Old 02-21-14, 04:57 PM
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^thats what im seeing too. If the op REALLY wants a rhd sa, and manages to import one then good for him. With the budget he stated earlier, i can see getting a hold of one but then there is still a few grand at minimum that will need to go in to it before it is roadworthy, reliable, and legit. And it should be noted that an engine rebuild should be expected..these cars are old, most are tired, and the last thing you want is to take it out on its "maiden" voyage just to have a tired engine grenade on you...
Old 02-21-14, 05:35 PM
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RX for fun

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Several of my friends own a RHD SA, 88 supra and 70s Nissan skyline. It is not easy to make a left turn on a busy street and i dont see myself owning one...not very appealing to me
Old 02-22-14, 08:37 AM
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To each his own. I don't own an RHD, but I've driven many. I've driven R32 GT-Rs, FDs, Mini Coopers, Kei Trucks, many of them around the city, and I've never had an issue, or minded it at all. Takes a little more precaution, but not a big deal to me. If it bothers you that much you ciuld always mount a camera on the passenger side to help with left turns.
Old 02-22-14, 09:01 AM
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It's crazy to me that importing a turbo SA is the same money as a 3rd gen.

The OP would be way better off building a turbo 1st gen from available chassis.
Old 02-22-14, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Corythebory
I'm from canada, but I'm in Utah right now for personal reasons. I'm moving back in may. Sorry for the confusion :p
I will make around 7-10 grand this summer.
PLEASE take Beiber back with you!!
Old 02-22-14, 10:05 AM
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RX for fun

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Originally Posted by Mazda RX-7 EFINI TYPE
Takes a little more precaution, but not a big deal to me. If it bothers you that much you ciuld always mount a camera on the passenger side to help with left turns.

And i bet you will look stupid with a camera since it is not period correct. Technology is not always the answe which your generation will never understand.
Old 02-22-14, 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by MosesX605
It's crazy to me that importing a turbo SA is the same money as a 3rd gen.
In Japan there's likely far more 3rd gens left than there are first gens; Japanese smog laws are harsh even by CA standards. Old cars don't stay around long there without major efforts.
Old 02-22-14, 02:08 PM
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Yeah the shaken exam is brutal...no rust allowed, no leaks, cant be lowered, has to pass a sniffer...its designed to keep people buying new cars, thus stimulating their economy...
Old 02-22-14, 06:01 PM
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I just came back from a Vacation to Japan where I showed some locals pics of my FB. They were all excited to see my car because they all said "You just don't see any of these here in Japan anymore".
Old 02-22-14, 08:41 PM
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http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3198/Vehicle-Importation-Understanding-the-25-Year-Old-Rule.aspx
Old 02-22-14, 09:02 PM
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If u want a rhd SA, my buddy wants to sell his.
Old 02-24-14, 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by luiml73
http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3198/Vehicle-Importation-Understanding-the-25-Year-Old-Rule.aspx
Excellent article. Like I said, its not cheap and it takes a lot of time and work.


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