View Poll Results: What Gen?
SA / FB
7
77.78%
FD
2
22.22%
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll
What Gen should I buy?
02-07-22, 07:25 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
What Gen should I buy?
Hello everyone,
I was hoping to find some advice on what Generation will work best for what I want to build. I don't own any project car at the moment and have been saving up pretty well over this last year in hopes of buying a 1st or 3rd gen and build it into a drift car. I'm mainly looking for a car to have alot of fun in on the track or cruise around in not needing to daily it but not trying to do anything too crazy either. I have enough saved up to buy a 1st gen ( Around 7k) but I get the impression they don't have as much potential as a drift car. I'd save up for a 3rd gen but I'm afraid the prices and supply of stock vehicles will become increasingly expensive and hard to find by the time I have enough saved to buy one. ( I also don't do loans, I buy with the cash I have saved so if I have to buy a 3rd gen for 25K then I would have 25K in my bank account) . I'm really passionate about these cars and just want to get my hands on one but don't know if I should just go for it or have patience until I can buy a 3rd gen. (Also just wanted to let it be known I have no desire for the FC's save for the motor. No hate just not as much of a beaut as the other two). For those of you who have owned both let me know what you think or just leave an answer on the poll, thanks. (Haven't done a poll before hope this works)
I was hoping to find some advice on what Generation will work best for what I want to build. I don't own any project car at the moment and have been saving up pretty well over this last year in hopes of buying a 1st or 3rd gen and build it into a drift car. I'm mainly looking for a car to have alot of fun in on the track or cruise around in not needing to daily it but not trying to do anything too crazy either. I have enough saved up to buy a 1st gen ( Around 7k) but I get the impression they don't have as much potential as a drift car. I'd save up for a 3rd gen but I'm afraid the prices and supply of stock vehicles will become increasingly expensive and hard to find by the time I have enough saved to buy one. ( I also don't do loans, I buy with the cash I have saved so if I have to buy a 3rd gen for 25K then I would have 25K in my bank account) . I'm really passionate about these cars and just want to get my hands on one but don't know if I should just go for it or have patience until I can buy a 3rd gen. (Also just wanted to let it be known I have no desire for the FC's save for the motor. No hate just not as much of a beaut as the other two). For those of you who have owned both let me know what you think or just leave an answer on the poll, thanks. (Haven't done a poll before hope this works)
02-08-22, 05:51 AM
#2
I would personally start small. Buy an SA or FB and get the Mazda Workshop Manual from that subsequent year. The cars are easy to work on so enjoy working on the car and fixing it up, but most importantly, learning about the car and its operating principles. Many of the same principles apply throughout the RX-7 series. The earlier cars are the simplest and provide exceptional reliability and are an absolute blast to own and drive. I would then consider something more technical such as a TII or FD once you've owned the earlier car. You will have a deeper appreciation for each generation once you've owned the earlier example. Honestly, I still love driving my 1980 RX-7 most days over the 10th Anniversary RX-7 TII. I appreciate and enjoy the simplicity of the car!
You could however just buy the FD and that wouldn't be a bad thing either. But the cost of ownership is much higher initially, and parts costs are more and the car is more difficult to work on and service. But again, many of the same principles apply and that goes in reverse as well. Its honestly up to you. Drive both and let your heart decide.
You could however just buy the FD and that wouldn't be a bad thing either. But the cost of ownership is much higher initially, and parts costs are more and the car is more difficult to work on and service. But again, many of the same principles apply and that goes in reverse as well. Its honestly up to you. Drive both and let your heart decide.
The following users liked this post:
cspohn (02-08-22)
02-08-22, 06:15 AM
#3
Coming from a person who has built a couple of race cars. I would get involved with the drifting first, make some contacts that have similar interests in the car you would like to build. And then try to find the nicest built car you can buy. You will be into your hobby a lot quicker and more than likely cheaper as well.
The following 2 users liked this post by eprx799:
cspohn (02-08-22),
mustanghammer (02-08-22)
02-08-22, 08:18 AM
#4
welcome to the board. 
check these out:
Gen 1: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...t-car-1155436/
Gen 3: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...heavy-1077596/
check these out:
Gen 1: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...t-car-1155436/
Gen 3: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...heavy-1077596/
The following users liked this post:
cspohn (02-08-22)
02-08-22, 08:59 AM
#5
I think you have already identified the issue with the FD. They are an expensive car. Not only to purchase but I think you need to factor in the complexities of their suspension and engine. So likely more expensive to modify.
Beyond that, follow eprx799's advice. Research. Learn. Buy a built car that you can personalize.
All I would add to that advice is focus on the basic elements of what a successful drift car is. Regardless of make/model there have to be things that a good drift car has to have.
Beyond that, follow eprx799's advice. Research. Learn. Buy a built car that you can personalize.
All I would add to that advice is focus on the basic elements of what a successful drift car is. Regardless of make/model there have to be things that a good drift car has to have.
The following users liked this post:
cspohn (02-08-22)
02-08-22, 04:14 PM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I would personally start small. Buy an SA or FB and get the Mazda Workshop Manual from that subsequent year. The cars are easy to work on so enjoy working on the car and fixing it up, but most importantly, learning about the car and its operating principles. Many of the same principles apply throughout the RX-7 series. The earlier cars are the simplest and provide exceptional reliability and are an absolute blast to own and drive. I would then consider something more technical such as a TII or FD once you've owned the earlier car. You will have a deeper appreciation for each generation once you've owned the earlier example. Honestly, I still love driving my 1980 RX-7 most days over the 10th Anniversary RX-7 TII. I appreciate and enjoy the simplicity of the car!
You could however just buy the FD and that wouldn't be a bad thing either. But the cost of ownership is much higher initially, and parts costs are more and the car is more difficult to work on and service. But again, many of the same principles apply and that goes in reverse as well. Its honestly up to you. Drive both and let your heart decide.
You could however just buy the FD and that wouldn't be a bad thing either. But the cost of ownership is much higher initially, and parts costs are more and the car is more difficult to work on and service. But again, many of the same principles apply and that goes in reverse as well. Its honestly up to you. Drive both and let your heart decide.
Coming from a person who has built a couple of race cars. I would get involved with the drifting first, make some contacts that have similar interests in the car you would like to build. And then try to find the nicest built car you can buy. You will be into your hobby a lot quicker and more than likely cheaper as well.
welcome to the board.
check these out:
Gen 1: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...t-car-1155436/
Gen 3: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...heavy-1077596/
check these out:
Gen 1: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...t-car-1155436/
Gen 3: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...heavy-1077596/
I think you have already identified the issue with the FD. They are an expensive car. Not only to purchase but I think you need to factor in the complexities of their suspension and engine. So likely more expensive to modify.
Beyond that, follow eprx799's advice. Research. Learn. Buy a built car that you can personalize.
All I would add to that advice is focus on the basic elements of what a successful drift car is. Regardless of make/model there have to be things that a good drift car has to have.
Beyond that, follow eprx799's advice. Research. Learn. Buy a built car that you can personalize.
All I would add to that advice is focus on the basic elements of what a successful drift car is. Regardless of make/model there have to be things that a good drift car has to have.
02-08-22, 04:39 PM
#7
www.AusRotary.com
Given the prices of FDs, I would only get one to keep unmodified (which is exactly what I have done) or reversible mods only.
If you want to build a car, definitely go the 1st gen. They are simple to work on, very fun to drive and easy to make fast and handle better. The only major hangup that is difficult / expensive to address is the steering. You can definitely improve it and learn to live with it, but it may be a shock if you are only used to driving more modern cars.
Availability of new parts is also a problem if you're set on using OEM, but if the idea is to modify the car, that's less of an issue and in the USA you have the advantage of there still being plenty of 1st gens for second hand parts. Where I am, first gens are far more rare than FDs now and parts prices have gone up accordingly.
If you want to build a car, definitely go the 1st gen. They are simple to work on, very fun to drive and easy to make fast and handle better. The only major hangup that is difficult / expensive to address is the steering. You can definitely improve it and learn to live with it, but it may be a shock if you are only used to driving more modern cars.
Availability of new parts is also a problem if you're set on using OEM, but if the idea is to modify the car, that's less of an issue and in the USA you have the advantage of there still being plenty of 1st gens for second hand parts. Where I am, first gens are far more rare than FDs now and parts prices have gone up accordingly.
Trending Topics
02-09-22, 03:16 PM
#8
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
Over here, pristine series 1 (SA) are getting to the FD price range now. Your best bet is the 84/85 GSL (the SE also pulls in a lot of $$, so skip that). The series 3 GSL have 4 wheel disc/LSD and the always reliable 12A. They also are more common and thus more reasonably priced.
02-09-22, 06:23 PM
#9
If you're considering buying a FD to modify, stop right there. It's a very complicated car to work on if you don't have any experience with the rotary platform, extremely expensive to purchase, own and, modify, and when you wreck it drifting (let's be real...you're gna wreck because all drift cars wreck) you are pretty much going to be paying the amount it would take to buy another car to fix it....and it'll never be the same. $25k would've gotten you a FD 3 years ago....now you can add $10k to that and start there. If you find one for $25k, it's gna cost you at least $10k to get it sorted. How would you feel about smacking a wall in a $40k car? That's something you have to think about. These cars are not getting any cheaper, as parts are becoming harder to come by and less and less of these cars are surviving every year. Many of the gentlemen (and gentleladies) that own FB's now have had many of them over the years, sometimes turning 3 cheap cars into one really nice car. These cars are climbing in price FAST, even faster than their 0-60 times. 5 years ago $7k could've gotten you a truckload of FB's. Now? You're gna be hard pressed to find just 1. THEN you need to budget tires, seat time, safety gear, etc etc..
I said all that to say this...you might be on the wrong forum. Traditionally, we'd drift anything as long as it was cheap and not hard to find parts for. In some situations where you have 2 events in a month, you have 7 days to find a fender and a door, get them painted, and mounted. I challenge you to find body panels and control arms, or any suspension components for a FB, FC, or FD and see what they cost...you will be surprised IF you can even find them. I'm not here to dissuade you from your dream, I just want to share as much truthful information as possible before you start diving into the rotary world.
Now on the drifting front, the BEST way is to find a way to get involved with guys that drift. Volunteer at local events, attend local car meets, and look around your area for Facebook groups who hit the track. I wish you nothing but the best of luck!
I said all that to say this...you might be on the wrong forum. Traditionally, we'd drift anything as long as it was cheap and not hard to find parts for. In some situations where you have 2 events in a month, you have 7 days to find a fender and a door, get them painted, and mounted. I challenge you to find body panels and control arms, or any suspension components for a FB, FC, or FD and see what they cost...you will be surprised IF you can even find them. I'm not here to dissuade you from your dream, I just want to share as much truthful information as possible before you start diving into the rotary world.
Now on the drifting front, the BEST way is to find a way to get involved with guys that drift. Volunteer at local events, attend local car meets, and look around your area for Facebook groups who hit the track. I wish you nothing but the best of luck!
The following 4 users liked this post by Manny_Apex:
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SSpyderX
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
2
10-04-05 02:56 AM
t_mak@mail.plymouth.edu
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
1
11-28-01 10:17 AM