Originally posted by Traiko

Now I did notice something. The guy said it was normal. But I want to make sure. The whole steering wheel... when you pulled it, it moved out a good half inch. You could just push it back and forth. Is this normal?

Originally posted by Traiko
A few other questions I have about the first gens.

Is it hard to find rims for them?
Do the erebuni kits fit well to the car or is there lots of molding involved?
What's their stock hp? (I think this is a SE?)
What models of the first gen are there?
Does it take a lot of work to turbocharge an n/a first gen?
How well does the car do with a system in it? Does everything rattle to hell?

Thanks!
Oh, and here's a picture:
www.mazdasource.com/rx-7/firstgen.jpg
and my poor FC3S....
www.mazdasource.com/rx-7/crash/

Mazda RX-7 First Generation 1979-1985

Mazda formally started the project in 1976 when it was called X605. The first prototype was completed in 1977. It was introduced to America as a 79 model on April 24, 1978 since production began in March. A slogan Mazda used was "It's the real thing. A sports car with all the traditional virtues and then some." One magazine's headline was "The Rotary Revolution has begun". Thus began Mazda's passion for pure sport cars that has continued through three generations and includes the Miata and RX-01.
The 12A engine (2 x 573 = 1146 cc) had two side intake ports and one peripheral exhaust port per rotor. There was a thermal reactor. Transmissions were four and five speed manual and three speed auto.
American models were two seaters only, though a 2+2 was offered in Japan due to relaxed crash standards.

S Model (Base)


GS Model


P642
The P designates "production". Upgraded interior materials. Production changed October, 1979.

P815
It appeared in August 1980. The rear and tail lights were redesigned eliminating the "Baroque depression". Front bumper, air dam changed. The Japanese variant had rotor inspired aluminum wheels.

GSL Model
This began in 1980 (part of P815 run) as the "Leather Sport", 2500 units, and became the GSL in 1981. In Canada, this was known as the GX.

Series II
In 1981 they were restyled, most visibly in the rear.

P130
A stop-gap version appeared in July 1982, the P130, with an improved engine for better fuel economy. A high output audio system was an option. It was called "Black Dynamite".

P132 or GSL-SE Model 84-85
The SE saw the re-introduction of the 13B engine, last seen in the 1978 RX-4, but now rated at 135 bhp because of Dynamic Effect Intake (DEI), six port induction (2 by 3), and electronic fuel injection. In Japan, there was a P132 with a 12A turbocharged engine. Power steering was offered for the first time. The interior was upgraded, but this did not appear in the Japanese turbo version.