Okay, so I want to modify the RX-7 but my parents think I should keep the 7 stock because it will be worth more money in the future. Reason why they want me to keep it stock is because so many people have complimented it. I know that modifying the car won't raise the price, what I mean is I could put $5,000.00 into the 7 and know that I won't get the $5,000.00 back.

So in your opinion, would modifying the 7, make the value of the 7 go down?

 

typically a modified car brings in less money but with an old car its a fine line.

unless its crazy modded no one will pay 5k for it.

 

They aren't (and aren't going to be) worth much anyway, you might as well have your fun with it. In my opinion they are quite boring stock, especially since most of the suspension etc is worn out from age. Now I will add that it doesn't take much to wake one of these cars up. Basic bolt on suspension pieces and a new exhaust does wonders. Those mods kept me happy for many years. It's up to you, but the whole "keeping it original" thing never did it for me.

 

if you have a RX2 or a R100 or a Cosmo....

 

I'm a "keep it stock" kind of guy if it's that old and is still pretty much stock and in good shape. I like modding too, but only with the right car. I've followed three different paths:

1) I restored my MGB to completely original condition http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2114701

2) I bought my '79 RX-7 brand new in May 1978 and have kept it virtually original http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2114698

3) I'm now working on an '85 RX-7 that is my project car...supercharger, nice tires and wheels, etc. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2114700

All are cool in their own way, and it's completely up to you what you do with it, but like I said before, I'd vote for keeping it stock if it's already stock and in good condition. Whatever you do, don't do it with money in mind...you won't get rich off these things (now, if you had a Mopar right now that would be different!). Do it because you want to.

Rich

 

I noticed in your public profile you have an '82, which in 1st generation speak is not exactly rare. This isn't to trash your car, it's just to point out rarity, which in turn drives desirability and in turn $$$, is critcal factor in determining old car value.

It's obviously a personal decision, but I believe if you were contemplating whether to keep an 84 or 85 GSL-SE, 1st year model, '80 Leather Sport package or 83 Limited Edition, than your decision whether to modify would be easier. These particular models/years were more limited in production and offer to most buyers higher desirability if left stock, in excellent condition, low miles, etc.

I suppose the question should be more along the lines of how much modifications (and how much $$) you want to put into your car knowing more than likely you'll not see a return. That may be more along the lines of what your parents will want you to lay out when and if you make a decision to move away from a completely stock car.

I personally love to see stock 7's of any year as they're drying out as each year passes. I happen to have an 84 SE with 50,00 miles that is in bone stock condition. I'll never modify it, but then it's a personal decision, and one that I'm not making based on it being worth "x" dollars down the road.

Good luck! Kevin

 

im all about the upgradeing i want to get body kit redo everything under the hood under the car all the inside but the only thing i would not change is the motor, why get a 7 and take out the part of it that makes it so diffrent lol but in my opinion i think of them as cars that get all that stuff done to it

 

1st gens are worse than a drug addiction! No matter what it needs, you'll figure out a way to get it...

- David

 

if you modify it just save your original parts.
in my eyes exaust and 2 barrel/intake are a must for a 12a.
wheels too.
just dont go drilling holes in the body or interior.

 

my interior sucks the carpet needs replaced the senter consel was broke so i removed it (still in the back of my car) where the CD player is(got it with no CD player put my own in) looks like someone riped the old one out becouse there is a big crack and the crappy black plastic that hold the old CD player in is gone seats need redone( dont like the color) lol.

 

Okay thanks guys. I'll tell my parents what you guys said and see what they think.

I've been driving the 7 alot lately for 2 reasons. Number one reason being the rear brakes in the Subaru are going and the second reason being that it's going to snow soon and I want to get as much driving time in the 7 as I can. We'll I've been driving the 7 this past few days, I have noticed that it is really boring to drive stock. I feel like it needs 50 - 100 more HP. Then it would be more fun to drive. Pick up speed sucks too, so I'd like that to change.

 

Old school is the way to go. Like ice cream, it comes in different flavor. Something that cant be done in newer models.

 

Personally, I like to keep all of my mods under the car or under the hood. I keep the interior/exterior stock as well as the wheels ( 13" waffles ). The only exceptions are that the muffler tip is not the stock dual tip and the tire size I like is 205/60 13s for the better grip. The only time you really need to do aerodynamic body mods is when you go racing, then its open season, IMHO.

If your expecting these cars to appreciate in value, don't hold your breath. They were too successful and had a long run so they aren't that scarce. There are a few SA limited edition models that may appreciate sooner than later but even then the demand has to be there. Your parents aren't telling you the real reason they want you to keep it stock, they're worried about you building a rocket and launching it into a tree.

 

Actually I don't think that is why because my parents told me I could get a Chevy muscle car, like a 1970 - 1973 Chevy Camaro or a Chevy Chevelle and said I could modify that.

 

I would mod it; I have LS with 69k on the body and 6k on a new motor. The car is mint but with that said it would probably take me a long time just to find someone that will pay 5k for it and I don’t think I would let it go for that. Seeing how the last repair bill for the engine, shocks ect. Was $4200. You will put more money into the 7 then what someone will want to pay for it. I would just have fun with it.

 

I would mod it; I have LS with 69k on the body and 6k on a new motor. The car is mint but with that said it would probably take me a long time just to find someone that will pay 5k for it and I don’t think I would let it go for that. Seeing how the last repair bill for the engine, shocks ect. Was $4200. You will put more money into the 7 then what someone will want to pay for it. I would just have fun with it.

but that just my 2cents
Good luck with the 7
Chris

 

In my eyes, if its not a rare model, mod it. Something like an 85 GS which is what I have, is not a special model and because of the weight, it's a perfect car to mod.. but a GSL would be better