Ive been looking at the 1st and 2nd gen Rx7's and I love em both. How much does a GSL-SE go for in good condition? And of the 1st and 2nd gen which handles better?

 

A GSL-SE in good condition is about $2500 USD. As to handling, I love the -SE but the recirculating ball steering sucks. I'd rather have the rack & pinion of the 2nd gen, but the 2nd gen is heavier. It suffers that late 80's luxosport disease that almost killed the 300ZX before it's magnificent rebirth.

Having driven all 3 types I definately prefer 1st gen over 2nd, but it's just that: a preference, which is a personal opinion.

 

whats difference between recirculating ball and rack and pinion, can you feel it?

 

Do you mean that "play" in the steering wheel!?! It's mass easy to get rid of that...i seen pat from cp racing do it. He would just touch the wheel and the car would start to rock back and forth. As if it had the directness of power steering..

 

I've adjusted the steering in both of my Rexes and the play always comes back.

Same thing has happened in every recirculating ball system I've seen (lots, on military vehicles)

I'll take rack & pinion over recirculating ball any day.

 

i agree with manntis on the steering issue. i prefer the Gen II cars for that.

i think both cars ultimately handle VERY well when modified. i prefer the feeling of the "stock" Gen I to the "stock" Gen II, but i never drove either one brand new, so ...

i'm sure the independent rear will ultimately mean higher lateral g's (for those of you guys who only deal with numbers) for the Gen II cars, but i still prefer the overall "feeling" of the Gen I cars.

but ending on the point that manntis brought up earlier, just because i "prefer" the handling of the Gen I, it doesn't mean it's "better" ... just that it's better for me.

 

2 different cars. drive one of each and see which you like. more importantly, take your time.