Okay, I'm almost ready to go out and buy my RX-7. Now the big decision. Do I go for a 1st Gen or a 2nd Gen? I'm 90% positive about buying 1st Gen over the 2nd Gen; I think the lines and body of the 1st Gen are classier. However from what I can gather a stock 2nd Gen is as fast as a Stock GSL-SE, maybe more. Is this correct? Although if I get a 2nd Gen, I think I'll have to get a convertible. I know that baby is heifer (weight wise in comparison).

I've a line on a couple 1st Gens. Two are GSL-SEs (99K &125k miles) and one is a GSL with 69K miles. I'm leaning towards to GSL only due to the interior condition, lower miles, and it's close by (only a 4 hour drive). My question is regarding the 12A versus the 13B engine. What would it take to get a 12A to run below 7 seconds 0-60mph and below 15 seconds on the 1/4 mile? I want to make it fast but not so loud it's embarrassing. Is this possible without turbo charging? Or is it just better to get a GSL-SE (less to modify to get to were I want it to be)? There's a GSL-SE near by but I'm not fond of the interior colors. How hard is this to change?

My last set of questions revolves around the body:

Are these rims hard to come by and are they available for the 12A bolt pattern (4 x 110mm)?


Here are some other cool rims, anyone know what type they are and availability (kinda like the paint too) - Are those 5 bolt paterns?:


This body kit looks cool to. Anyone know of a good source to body kits. I want to retain a stock look but give the car a slightly more aggressive look. 3rd Gen Wheels?


BTW, thanks to the Portuguese Thug, I stole these last two pictures off his site. I can't remember where I got the first picture.

Please let me know your thoughts on the above items as it's been quite a while since I've been in the rotary scene and quite a bit has changed. Trying to get back up to speed is like trying to drink water from a fire hydrant (too much all at once).

Thanks!
-Mike

 

The first one (yellow) is a 12A Model. The Rims
are ROH Snypers

He bought them here: http://www.jdwheels.com/roh.htm

The Blue car appears to be a custom 5 lug conversion, and so does the black one.

The Body kit on the black on is a kaminari kit.

 

based on the fact that you are caught trying to decide between Gen I and Gen II, maybe an SE would be your best compromise. you get the Gen I with a 13B-E already in place.
getting the car to perform at the level you mentioned really is not a problem (for any of them), the question that needs to be answered is really what are you and aren't you willing to do to achieve it.

 

Here's the rims I'm currently running on my GSL-SE. They're Enkei RS-Evolutions (RSE - same thing) with a 38mm offset





I have an '83, and in my personal preference my GSL-SE is far more bang for the buck.

 

Manntis, I never knew you had two cars . I thought you only had the -SE .

~T.J.

 

I still have the '83 as a parts bitch - signal lenses, header panel, a few interior pieces (they're both charcoal over burgundy) etc.

A shame she bled to death when she did (blown coolant hose while at speed on the freeway) I had just mounted new Pirellis and new tie-rod ends on her.

 

Thanks for all the responses.

I've decided to go with a 1st gen so I can still keep my Accord. The Boss (my wife) said she won't allow our daughter to ride the RX-7.

More Questions:
By modifying a 12A with induction (new carb), headers and exhaust (nothing too loud), are 0-60 in less than 7.0 seconds and under 15 sec. 1/4 mile times attainable? I would also street port the engine if needed, just no turbo. Also the interior would remain stock so no weight reduction and I would improve the suspension to give it a good sporty but daily drivable suspension.

Still I would prefer a GSL-SE but I doubt I could get a low mileage one in good condition for $2,000. I may be able to do $2,500.

Your comments are very much appreciated.

Thanks!
-Mike

 

More questions- the answer is yes, but it would be more economical to go with a modified Nikki which can provide all the flow needed on a stock port.

The problem with porting is by the time you have the engine stripped down and worn parts replaced, you will be spending more than you paid for the car.

That is why the GSL-Se is a better starting point as it already has 35% more power, and more potential for future modifications.