looking for info
 

Im looking for some info on the first gen RX7's. Ive gotten the basics down, as to making them thru 85, etc, but what years and models are more desirable, whats the power potential and handling potential of one, etc. Trying to make up my mind, first or second gen, help!

generally, 2nd gens are nicer, faster, and more powerful. but 1st gens are more fun to own and drive and the parts are less expensive.

later is usally more desierable, mostly the 84-5 gsl-se with the efi 13b 6-port. which is 135 bhp. then there are the 12a powered cars which the gsl ones are more desired because of the lsd/ disc brake rear end, they are rated at 101bhp.

i would get a first gen if i were you, slightly cheaper on the pocket book. they dont have the power out of the box like a second gen turbo does but you can make them very quick. and the lightness of the first gen is allways helpful

I think everyone will probably tell you an 84-85 GSL-SE is the most desirable example of this fantastic car. They have a larger and torquier 1.3 liter motor (135 hp vs 100 hp for the normal 12A motor), revised rear suspension mounting points, a bolt pattern which is easy to find wheels for, bigger brakes, etc. They are fuel injected, while the smaller 12A motors are carburated.

But remember that with the SE comes heavier weight, and more complicated electronics, etc, associated with the fuel injection. I love my 1982 12A car because it is so easy to work on, which is important for a broke-ass university student like me who is new to car mechanics and such.

I have no air conditioning, no power steering, and I like it that way - makes my seven fast and handles like it's on rails.

Also remember that it is very easy to boost the 12A's power to the level of the stock 13B's. All you need is a set of headers and some sort of freeflowing exhaust, remove emission controls, some sort of modified ait filter, advanced timing a little and you are there.

The reasonable power potential is around 180-200 for the 12A with a better carb and ported out, probably another 50 or so for the 13B. But lots of people swap in second gen motors for loads of power, it is pretty much up to how far you want to take it.

My best advice is don't get too hung up over which model you get, just look for the nicest one you can find, ie strong well maintained motor, good paint with no rust and interior in nice shape. I honestly think you will love whichever model you get, just browsing this forum is a testament to that.

I have not found the second gens to be nearly as fun as the first gens, they feel heavier without that 'go-cart' feel to them. As well, a first gen with a few mods is as fast as most stock NA second gens on the road.

I'd look for the very rare, much sought after, 1985 and 1/2 GSL/GXL-SE-Two + Two...(It's an Ancient Japanese Factory Secret as to the number made, let alone imported) This scarce model has the nose of 2nd gen, 13B superchanged engine from the much vaugnted 1st gen, and a MX-3 chassis and tailend! It's true! It's true! I heard it from a freind of a freind's ex wife, who heard it at a bar where an ex-Mazda mechanic's son used to drink at. Except for the engine the rest of the thing was made from magnisium. Think about it, total weight was a bit over 700 pounds, and the horsepower was an uderrated 275!....

Awww, shucks...Wife popped in, gotta quit drinkin' the MMO...
Anyway, honestly, an '84-'85 SE, for a snappin' good ride thru the twisties, and easy to work on and mod....If no SE, a '85 GSL. (you still get the LSD, and 4-wheel disk brakes) If you just want looks, comfort, and a "no-work" boulevard cruiser, the 2nd gen is your model...Especially the '89 GXL with the high compression motor....(My son's gonna come after me with the "challenge you, 'ol man" look...

Shoot, I just love 1st gens of any kind. If that's gonna get me in trouble, Bring it on!

Denny, from the 'ol corncrib....


:D