alright this may be stupid but i couldn't find any thread explaining (maybe i wasn't doing the right search or something) what is the difference between an SA and an FB?

 

Look in the FAQ it is there.

 

Basically, SA is '79-80, FB is '81-85. The terms are often used interchangably, especially outside the U.S./Canada, because everywhere else, all first-gens were SAs.

 

The first two letters of the VIN code.

 

Except UK uses SA and FB same year splits as your good selves. My '85 is an FB as per the VIN.

 

Really? Interesting. I did not know that. Any other regions use FB in the VIN?

 

cool, i didn't know if it was just something different in the car/engine or something cool..thanks

 

there are many small differances between the 2 . it basiclly a bunch of updates such as the bumpers are steel on sa's and aluminum with plastic covering, the tach.and volt gauge is the same gauge in an SA . there are no storage bins behind the rear seats they have bracing back there instead. the rear of the car is completely differant with the license plate mounted between the tail lights instead of under the rear bumper , just some examples

 

Interesting.... I thought the US cars were the only to get the FB code. Learn something new everyday! lol

 

yes, we have SA's and FB's (1st Generation - together less than 80 left on the road in UK is my guess), FC's (2nd Generation) and FD's.
I think the SA and FB production years are are as you've set them out.

 

How long have you been a member? :-)

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/1st-gen-rx-7-faq-page-237777/

Q. What's all this talk about SA, FB, FC, FD's? and what about S1, S2, S3
A. In short, it's all about VIN numbers.
Check out this thread entitled fb, fc, f-me I'm confused (which also answers about the S* designations)
Here's a cool page called Alphabet Soup & Vehicle Identification