I am a complete newbie. The forum search function is pretty weak and all the information on the internet isn't very complete. So please be patient with me.
I just went rallycrossing with my AE86 Corolla SR5 (Non GTS) this past weekend and I absolutely fell in love with it. I got more than 11 runs (more than 10 miles worth) in one day and I didn't have to work around the cones ... Solo II is kinda a waste of time for me now ....
Anyway ... now all I can think about is rallycrossing ...

I'm looking into getting a more competent rally beater than my SR5 ... which has about 70hp and no LSD. I was pretty set on getting an AE86 GTS (112hp, 2300lbs, LSD option, 30mpg), but then I picked up the Ancas' book on the RX-7's and read through the whole thing ... Before, I always thought that 1st gen rx7's are rusted junk with thirsty, unreliable, no torque engine ... but the book really opened my eyes. I also have the 13b rebuild videos, but don't have a VCR to watch them yet.
Anyway, I just want to hear your guys' opinions on this and which year/model (1st or 2nd) of rx7's should I consider with my tight tight budget.
Thanks ...

 

tight budget, get a 84 or 85 gsl-se, they have the 13b in them, LSD, EFI(even though it's primative), great suspension, all wheel disk, and a very impressive torque curve. if you had the money though, i would get the gsl-se and do a turbo II swap and then upgrade the suspension. although i let my friend kevin who builds rx-7s for a living drive my car and he out did a porche, but then again a guy with a stock 99 camero out did everyone. it's a test of the driver more than the car. so get something you feel confortable with and like the feel of and go with that. hope that helps

 

A GSL would be another good car, basically a GSL-SE with a 12a. You could also look into an old AWD Impreza, just a suggestion.

 

Impreza's are too expensive for me to beat around the gravel ... performance parts are also pretty expensive ...
12A is carburated and 13B is EFI, correct????

 

correct. only 1st gens that came with EFI stock are the 84-85 gsl-se's

 

with the 13b, sorry.

 

Imprezas are around $1,500, same as a GSL-SE

 

REALLY!?!? AWD Impreza's are that cheap now??? You would have to tell me where to look for that kind of deal ... I can't even afford a VCR to watch the rebuild video's ...

 

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/v...r=&cardist=417

Impreza AWD $1,900. It's a dealership and since it's an AT, it raises the bluebook value that dealerships go by, besides i'm sure they could be talked down to $1,500. There were also plenty of other ones listed as $1,600 and below that did not list their trim level so i was unsure if they were AWD.

 

Unfortunately those impreza's are SLOW and dont have much aftermarket following.
I just ran a amatuer rally in my freinds care (GSL-SE) and beat those things pretty easily. Those Imprezas also get put in the 4WD class in which there are more competitive vehicles around so if you want to win in your class more stick with the RX-7 and stay in 2WD.
Here's webpage for the rally i raced in www.dcrally.com

 

So can somebody give me a brief 1st gen vs 2nd gen summary?!?!
1) reliability
2) parts availability
3) cost of maintenance
4) cost of used parts
5) cost of modification
6) handling potential