OK. I have been reading the first gen, Mountain States, and performance boards. Lots of good info for a brand new Rexaholic. But I need your opinions...

'85 GSL-SE
60k miles
original everything but it has had some parts repainted once.

It's in great condition inside and out. I have had a blast driving it around on the good weather days. The engine is strong, I have no rust (even in the storage bins). The door seals and the speakers seem to be the only issues I have to deal with. I will be using this car as a daily driver to work and for running around on the weekends with my wife.

Do you ladies and gentlemen have suggestions on things I should do to increase the fun, but still keep it in condition for a comfortable commuter? Mantis suggested racing beat exhaust. Why? any other suggestions will be welcome too. Also what tires should I be looking for as all around drivers?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. If there are threads that have this info, just include a link to it and I'll go read through it.

Stephen Johnson
Colorado Springs, CO

 

A complete rb exaust system will increase your horsepower by a significat amount.... as well as your mileage.

 

Beautiful car, man, and welcome to the wonderful world of 1st gens. I'll second the RB exhaust. If there's one thing these cars need more, its power. Also, if you have the money, Tokico Illumina struts and shocks are great. I have Tokico blues, which are significantly stiffer than stock, and I like 'em, but they might be a little harsh for your wife, unless she's a car enthusiast, too. That's why the Illuminas would be so cool, cause they're adjustable from "Cadillac smooth to race car stiff" (as Directfreak put it) with just a twist of a screwdriver.

 

Clear bra for a Colorado winter driven car. If you want to keep is rust free and drive it in wet conditions, make sure the holes that cause the storage bin rust in the rear wheel wells are well plugged. The bins don't need a salty environment to rust since water can sit there for a LONG time.

 

Since we're throwing around opinions...

You've got a very clean low milage SE - rather than start replacing things that doen't need replacing, you may want to look at this this way:

If the exhaust is in good shape, leave it. If you want a little extra power, you might want to add a header and presilencer (RB all the way) and leave the existing muffler until you NEED to change it. Most of the power pick up is in the header less the cat's. That way you can leave the car looking as stock as possible (is that what you're trying to do??)
Same goes for suspension - if the springs are saging, replace them with a performance spring from the favorites that a search will provide - if not, leave them until they need replacing. The shocks probably need to be changed anyway and Tokico is a good choice in providing a sportier ride. I use the Blues and they are not that stiff - however, the adjustables are better (and a lot more money) By the way, your car is sitting very nice as it is.
A few of the little things you should upgrade/replace include K&N filter, Good plug wires, bushings (front at least), and maybe the stereo (if you're a CD guy).
disclaimer - these are, of course, IMO
Nice car man

 

No disclaimers needed...

I am asking for opinions!

The suspension appears to be in good shape. No bouncing or any noticable roll during hard cornering. I would like a power AND mileage boost... Didn't know that was option How much do the racing beat pieces cost? And, brand/cost for a clear bra?

Thanks all

Oh yeah... I'd like to keep close to the stock look. I like having more power than is advertised by the exterior pieces. If I have a spoiler (front or rear) it'll be because I NEED it, and then just what I need. i.e. Function before form... I think I will go for the stereo though...

 

Well Stephen, just so you know, "increasing the fun" is a relative term, and most 1st gen owners would be hard pressed to put a definate limit on their number of desired mods once they start "upgrading".

You have a clean, low mile, unmolested car, which is great, but you're right about the potential for more fun to be had from it. Just keep in mind once started it's hard to stop

Anyway, as for my daily driver 84 SE:

Mazdatrix short throw shifter
Mazdatrix driveline
Aluminum Flywheel
Centerforce clutch
Tokico illuminas
GForce front coilovers & castor/camber plates
Eibach springs
Racing Beat front antisway bar
Cusco strut tower bar
Racing Beat streetport header
custom cat (still run an airpump)
81-82 dual pipe Racing Beat muffler
K&N cone intake
Konig Traffik rims (15")
2nd gen 80amp alternator
Aiwa MP3 CD, Pioneer amp and speakers
all A/C components ditched
and more to follow..........

http://www.rx-7.net/1gallery.mv?browse+176

 

The clear bra is usually about $100. Body shops will usually install it.

 

All very good advice.

That car is exceptionally clean.
I love the Tender blue metallic.

Congrats.

 

Check their web site (search on Racing Beat) - it's all bolt on and you can do it yourself in a couple of hours. You'll need the presilenser set up for the 5/6 ports on the SE. The site is pretty clear on directing you to the right stuff. As far as price goes, they are not the cheapest on the market but they are considered by many to be the best for our cars (not only for quality but for fit and ease of installation). I'd go for it if you lookin for a little for HP on a daily driver