new to RX-7's... thinking of getting an 81-85
10-08-04, 10:44 AM
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new to RX-7's... thinking of getting an 81-85
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So I've been looking at cars for the last couple days, trying to get ideas of something to replace my 2000 miata. I cant really afford the car payments and the full coverage insurance that comes with it. The only thing i'm interested in is rwd, manual, decent handling, under $4500 and the options seem fairly limited. I started by looking at n/a MR2's (meh), moved on to a S13 (overpriced thanks to dorifto fanbois), noticed the prices on early 90's BMW's are falling (only the 4cyl lol uber weaksauce), and eventually landed back at mazda looking at a 90-93 miata or a 1g RX-7 (well, 2g's too but man... they're fugly).
The only thing I have against the 7 is well, the car's gonna be as old as I am, but there seem to be enough clean examples around that its not that big of an issue. That and a general fear of carburetors thanks to extreme lack of knowledge. I know people got around fine with them back in the dark ages, but I know almost nothing beyond the general operating principle. What kind of special care needs to go into a carburated cars to get them to run well, or hell even to start them right? I always had a hell of a time starting my frat's beater Caprice that we used to rally down dirt roads around the house, but it was missing the choke. Are carbs really that bad for a daily driver?
BTW, i'm looking for a 81-85 with the 12A rotary. Updated body styling, better overall quality, and supposed to get 25ish mpg if tuned right according to mazda/rx7 forum info. I can deal with the "lack" of power (since I'm used to it anyways lol) and besides, its easily fixed with a call to Racing Beat once the suspension and driver are properly sorted. I found one locally that I'm gonna try to test drive tonight after work to see what I think. Also going to try to drive a early miata this weekend to get a good comparison. I've always been between lukewarm and loving to the styling, but there's a lot I like about it mechanically and as a driver that I'm willing to overlook it. Then again, I could basically buy 2 decent 7's for the cost of a clean miata...
Anyways, hello, sorry to make my first post a long one but there just seems to be something magic about these cars that I just cant shake.
So I've been looking at cars for the last couple days, trying to get ideas of something to replace my 2000 miata. I cant really afford the car payments and the full coverage insurance that comes with it. The only thing i'm interested in is rwd, manual, decent handling, under $4500 and the options seem fairly limited. I started by looking at n/a MR2's (meh), moved on to a S13 (overpriced thanks to dorifto fanbois), noticed the prices on early 90's BMW's are falling (only the 4cyl lol uber weaksauce), and eventually landed back at mazda looking at a 90-93 miata or a 1g RX-7 (well, 2g's too but man... they're fugly).
The only thing I have against the 7 is well, the car's gonna be as old as I am, but there seem to be enough clean examples around that its not that big of an issue. That and a general fear of carburetors thanks to extreme lack of knowledge. I know people got around fine with them back in the dark ages, but I know almost nothing beyond the general operating principle. What kind of special care needs to go into a carburated cars to get them to run well, or hell even to start them right? I always had a hell of a time starting my frat's beater Caprice that we used to rally down dirt roads around the house, but it was missing the choke. Are carbs really that bad for a daily driver?
BTW, i'm looking for a 81-85 with the 12A rotary. Updated body styling, better overall quality, and supposed to get 25ish mpg if tuned right according to mazda/rx7 forum info. I can deal with the "lack" of power (since I'm used to it anyways lol) and besides, its easily fixed with a call to Racing Beat once the suspension and driver are properly sorted. I found one locally that I'm gonna try to test drive tonight after work to see what I think. Also going to try to drive a early miata this weekend to get a good comparison. I've always been between lukewarm and loving to the styling, but there's a lot I like about it mechanically and as a driver that I'm willing to overlook it. Then again, I could basically buy 2 decent 7's for the cost of a clean miata...
Anyways, hello, sorry to make my first post a long one but there just seems to be something magic about these cars that I just cant shake.
10-08-04, 07:39 PM
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That's too funny. I just bought an 85 GS to repalce my 2000 Miata, still have the Miata but it's up for sale soon. You won't be disappointed. You will miss the Miata, but the 7 is close enough with a bit of work and TLC. Good luck, be patient and don't jump on the first one you see, there's enough of them out there that you can be a bit picky, and if I can give you any assistance, let me know. Anything for a fellow Miata brother.
10-08-04, 09:31 PM
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'84 and '85 SE's came with fuel injection. They are the nicest and affordable.
Regardless of your decision, take your time and check 'em thoroughly.
They're even less practical than a miata, in part because of age and the
availability of rotary engine parts. But, I for one, I'm addicted with my
SE. Good luck and good hunting.
Regardless of your decision, take your time and check 'em thoroughly.
They're even less practical than a miata, in part because of age and the
availability of rotary engine parts. But, I for one, I'm addicted with my
SE. Good luck and good hunting.
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