View Poll Results: What Makes the Rx-7?
The Rotary Engine?
47
82.46%
The Body?
6
10.53%
The Name?
2
3.51%
Not Sure
2
3.51%
Voters: 57. You may not vote on this poll
What makes an Rx-7... an Rx-7??
08-17-01, 09:15 PM
#1
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What makes an Rx-7... an Rx-7??
After having read MANY MANY posts involving the conversion of the 7 to piston power 
. I have come to wonder what all you people think makes our wonderful cars what they are. I personally feel that its the complete package of which 80% of it is the engine. No other car in america is rotary powered therefore ownership of an Rx-7 of any year automatically creates and commands EXCLUSIVITY 
. However, there are several people out there who feel that a 7 can be made faster and better via bastardization 
(swapping in piston engines) 
.
Has it occurred that of all the cars in the import drag circuit the FASTEST is rotary powered?
At any rate.... heres the poll lets see what the people have to say....
. I have come to wonder what all you people think makes our wonderful cars what they are. I personally feel that its the complete package of which 80% of it is the engine. No other car in america is rotary powered therefore ownership of an Rx-7 of any year automatically creates and commands EXCLUSIVITY . However, there are several people out there who feel that a 7 can be made faster and better via bastardization (swapping in piston engines) .Has it occurred that of all the cars in the import drag circuit the FASTEST is rotary powered?
At any rate.... heres the poll lets see what the people have to say....
Last edited by YellowJacket; 08-17-01 at 09:22 PM.
08-17-01, 10:14 PM
#3
08-17-01, 10:51 PM
#4
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Guess you know which way I voted...
For me, it's the ridgid chassis and wonderful handling.
Although I have a V-8 in mine, I wouldn't make the blanket statement that it's better than rotary powered car. For me, it's better, for anyone else, maybe not. I know it's not as fast as a lot of rotary street cars, but I didn't build it for outright speed. I know it won't ever handle with a rotary car, it's 200lbs heavier. It's just exactly what I wanted... 12lbs per HP, easy to drive in traffic, cold AC. I seldom push a vehicle to it's limit any more, I guess I'm gettin' old. With my driving style, I'll hardly ever notice the difference in weight, but I notice the difference in torque every time I push the accelerator pedal. So for me, it's a good trade off. Every time we make a change to a car, we make a compromise. You HAVE to give up something (money, time, comfort, etc) to get something else. I wasn't willing to live with the sacrifices necessary to get similar power from the rotary.
The rotary is far superior to the piston engine an many respects. The piston engine has it's advantages as well. For me, the piston engine made more sense. For the majority, it seems absurd. That's cool. I respect your opinions. Please respect mine.
Kerry
For me, it's the ridgid chassis and wonderful handling.
Although I have a V-8 in mine, I wouldn't make the blanket statement that it's better than rotary powered car. For me, it's better, for anyone else, maybe not. I know it's not as fast as a lot of rotary street cars, but I didn't build it for outright speed. I know it won't ever handle with a rotary car, it's 200lbs heavier. It's just exactly what I wanted... 12lbs per HP, easy to drive in traffic, cold AC. I seldom push a vehicle to it's limit any more, I guess I'm gettin' old. With my driving style, I'll hardly ever notice the difference in weight, but I notice the difference in torque every time I push the accelerator pedal. So for me, it's a good trade off. Every time we make a change to a car, we make a compromise. You HAVE to give up something (money, time, comfort, etc) to get something else. I wasn't willing to live with the sacrifices necessary to get similar power from the rotary.
The rotary is far superior to the piston engine an many respects. The piston engine has it's advantages as well. For me, the piston engine made more sense. For the majority, it seems absurd. That's cool. I respect your opinions. Please respect mine.
Kerry
08-18-01, 12:26 AM
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I did that poll for the FD, and why people got it. The rotary engine was not the main reason. Handeling, and looks were.
Looks , handeling, engine was the order the main reason people got that car.
You could have included those items too, why didn't you?
Afraid of the results?
I means, it's a sports car, and you didn't include handeling as what makes the car ??
-Les
Looks , handeling, engine was the order the main reason people got that car.
You could have included those items too, why didn't you?
Afraid of the results?
I means, it's a sports car, and you didn't include handeling as what makes the car ??
-Les
08-18-01, 06:21 AM
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I thought pretty hard about the options that I selected for the poll and originally had a VERY long list;
50/50 wieght distribution: many cars have it also (IE MR-2)
Superb handleing: The BMW M3 handles like its glued to the ground and so do alot of Porsches.
Looks/Chassis/Mechanics: All fall under BODY (Sorry for any confusion)
I could have gone on and on and on and eventually I would have had an ineffective poll. So I took the most basic components that no other car has (IE the Rotary).
And as for my NEW best Buddy Pittdp: One day I will see you on the street, and Im gonna hit you with an EGR valve (HAHAHA)
DIE ENVIRONMENT!!! EMISSIONS SUCK! ROTARY RULES!
50/50 wieght distribution: many cars have it also (IE MR-2)
Superb handleing: The BMW M3 handles like its glued to the ground and so do alot of Porsches.
Looks/Chassis/Mechanics: All fall under BODY (Sorry for any confusion)
I could have gone on and on and on and eventually I would have had an ineffective poll. So I took the most basic components that no other car has (IE the Rotary).
And as for my NEW best Buddy Pittdp: One day I will see you on the street, and Im gonna hit you with an EGR valve (HAHAHA)
DIE ENVIRONMENT!!! EMISSIONS SUCK! ROTARY RULES!
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08-18-01, 09:25 AM
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Originally posted by Kerry
Guess you know which way I voted...
For me, it's the ridgid chassis and wonderful handling.
Although I have a V-8 in mine, I wouldn't make the blanket statement that it's better than rotary powered car. For me, it's better, for anyone else, maybe not. I know it's not as fast as a lot of rotary street cars, but I didn't build it for outright speed. I know it won't ever handle with a rotary car, it's 200lbs heavier. It's just exactly what I wanted... 12lbs per HP, easy to drive in traffic, cold AC. I seldom push a vehicle to it's limit any more, I guess I'm gettin' old. With my driving style, I'll hardly ever notice the difference in weight, but I notice the difference in torque every time I push the accelerator pedal. So for me, it's a good trade off. Every time we make a change to a car, we make a compromise. You HAVE to give up something (money, time, comfort, etc) to get something else. I wasn't willing to live with the sacrifices necessary to get similar power from the rotary.
The rotary is far superior to the piston engine an many respects. The piston engine has it's advantages as well. For me, the piston engine made more sense. For the majority, it seems absurd. That's cool. I respect your opinions. Please respect mine.
Kerry
Guess you know which way I voted...
For me, it's the ridgid chassis and wonderful handling.
Although I have a V-8 in mine, I wouldn't make the blanket statement that it's better than rotary powered car. For me, it's better, for anyone else, maybe not. I know it's not as fast as a lot of rotary street cars, but I didn't build it for outright speed. I know it won't ever handle with a rotary car, it's 200lbs heavier. It's just exactly what I wanted... 12lbs per HP, easy to drive in traffic, cold AC. I seldom push a vehicle to it's limit any more, I guess I'm gettin' old. With my driving style, I'll hardly ever notice the difference in weight, but I notice the difference in torque every time I push the accelerator pedal. So for me, it's a good trade off. Every time we make a change to a car, we make a compromise. You HAVE to give up something (money, time, comfort, etc) to get something else. I wasn't willing to live with the sacrifices necessary to get similar power from the rotary.
The rotary is far superior to the piston engine an many respects. The piston engine has it's advantages as well. For me, the piston engine made more sense. For the majority, it seems absurd. That's cool. I respect your opinions. Please respect mine.
Kerry
I hope we don't make you feel unwelcome...
08-18-01, 01:35 PM
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Does it occur to you that a Chevy powered RX-7 is not legal for IHRA racing? However, in NHRA racing (the real drag racing) it is completely legal. And there are 6 cylinder Buick Grand Nationals that go just as fast (mid 9's) and are street driven than the fastest import drag race rotary engined car that is no where near street legal.
Have you ever wondered why it is still "import drag racing" in japan? Does that make any sense at all?
Have you ever wondered why it is still "import drag racing" in japan? Does that make any sense at all?
08-20-01, 12:42 AM
#13
Super Newbie
Originally posted by rotonomo
Does it occur to you that a Chevy powered RX-7 is not legal for IHRA racing? However, in NHRA racing (the real drag racing) it is completely legal. And there are 6 cylinder Buick Grand Nationals that go just as fast (mid 9's) and are street driven than the fastest import drag race rotary engined car that is no where near street legal.
Have you ever wondered why it is still "import drag racing" in japan? Does that make any sense at all?
Does it occur to you that a Chevy powered RX-7 is not legal for IHRA racing? However, in NHRA racing (the real drag racing) it is completely legal. And there are 6 cylinder Buick Grand Nationals that go just as fast (mid 9's) and are street driven than the fastest import drag race rotary engined car that is no where near street legal.
Have you ever wondered why it is still "import drag racing" in japan? Does that make any sense at all?
08-20-01, 12:43 AM
#14
Super Newbie
Originally posted by Audio Science
I thought Ari Yallon was doing like 7.5 in a 3rd gen. Not street legal but it is rotary, I think.
I thought Ari Yallon was doing like 7.5 in a 3rd gen. Not street legal but it is rotary, I think.
08-20-01, 12:45 AM
#15
Super Newbie
Originally posted by Kerry
Guess you know which way I voted...
For me, it's the ridgid chassis and wonderful handling.
Although I have a V-8 in mine, I wouldn't make the blanket statement that it's better than rotary powered car. For me, it's better, for anyone else, maybe not. I know it's not as fast as a lot of rotary street cars, but I didn't build it for outright speed. I know it won't ever handle with a rotary car, it's 200lbs heavier. It's just exactly what I wanted... 12lbs per HP, easy to drive in traffic, cold AC. I seldom push a vehicle to it's limit any more, I guess I'm gettin' old. With my driving style, I'll hardly ever notice the difference in weight, but I notice the difference in torque every time I push the accelerator pedal. So for me, it's a good trade off. Every time we make a change to a car, we make a compromise. You HAVE to give up something (money, time, comfort, etc) to get something else. I wasn't willing to live with the sacrifices necessary to get similar power from the rotary.
The rotary is far superior to the piston engine an many respects. The piston engine has it's advantages as well. For me, the piston engine made more sense. For the majority, it seems absurd. That's cool. I respect your opinions. Please respect mine.
Kerry
Guess you know which way I voted...
For me, it's the ridgid chassis and wonderful handling.
Although I have a V-8 in mine, I wouldn't make the blanket statement that it's better than rotary powered car. For me, it's better, for anyone else, maybe not. I know it's not as fast as a lot of rotary street cars, but I didn't build it for outright speed. I know it won't ever handle with a rotary car, it's 200lbs heavier. It's just exactly what I wanted... 12lbs per HP, easy to drive in traffic, cold AC. I seldom push a vehicle to it's limit any more, I guess I'm gettin' old. With my driving style, I'll hardly ever notice the difference in weight, but I notice the difference in torque every time I push the accelerator pedal. So for me, it's a good trade off. Every time we make a change to a car, we make a compromise. You HAVE to give up something (money, time, comfort, etc) to get something else. I wasn't willing to live with the sacrifices necessary to get similar power from the rotary.
The rotary is far superior to the piston engine an many respects. The piston engine has it's advantages as well. For me, the piston engine made more sense. For the majority, it seems absurd. That's cool. I respect your opinions. Please respect mine.
Kerry
(I still miss hearing my Trans Am at idle. .550 lift cam with 1.6:1 roller rockers sounded pretty damn good
)...
08-20-01, 02:59 PM
#17
smog nazi destroyer
Originally posted by Felix Wankel
I know there are 6 second ***cough cough***street-legal***cough cough*** V8 cars, but I don't recall a GN runningthat fast unless its pure race.
I know there are 6 second ***cough cough***street-legal***cough cough*** V8 cars, but I don't recall a GN runningthat fast unless its pure race.
08-20-01, 03:05 PM
#18
Super Newbie
Originally posted by riffraff
there is a guy out here that has a grand national that has over 1200 hp (i donot remember the exact number). and as far as i know, it is legal.
there is a guy out here that has a grand national that has over 1200 hp (i donot remember the exact number). and as far as i know, it is legal.
GN's are sick. I want one. Or at least the drivetrain to put in a small pickup
08-21-01, 10:20 PM
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When I created this thread I had hoped to see what every thought about what I had to say. Especially on what makes a 7 what it is. And its turned into a whole other thread LOL. Figures we spin-heads just go round and round :spin:
08-21-01, 11:25 PM
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i myself cant' really pinpoint what drew me to the RX-7 I mean i love everything about my car. The looks, the handleing, the sound, the engine. I mean just knowing that you are in a car that has no real equal in engine comparison, ie displacement to power ratio. Hell even the comrodery that is felt by All RX-7 owners circling the globe. I think just the fact that you could be driving anywhere in your 7 and see someone else with one and its an instande bond between you, even if you are total strangers. That alone is a great thing, i was at a gas station about a month ago and i was on my way out to my car and a guy pulls up in an SUV and he asked me if that was my RX-7 i told him it was and right then his eyes lit up and was like i have a second gen Maroon (i had seen his car around a few tims but no chance to talk to him) and righ thten and there it was like we where brothers, sharing stories and some hi-fives, and then he was on his way again. I mean when you buy into an RX-7 you not just buying a car, or some hunk of metal. your in a sence in a brother hood with spirit and heart that..well, gives you that good warm feeling, a sence of belonging. Just a part of a great disfuncional family .... i love you guys, cheers to all of ya 
Just look out for the family reunions
Just look out for the family reunions
08-22-01, 01:45 AM
#21
8krpm is not enough
I originally was attracted to the car because of the uniqueness of the powerplant. That attraction was joined by about 7000 other things as soon as I sat in an RX-7. Like I've said a few other times, after I got my first ride in the car it ended up in my garage 2 weeks later. Practical? Nope, I really needed a car to replace the one I had and that included winter use, which I will not use the RX-7 for, so I'm back in the same situation now, with an aging, unsafe winter car. But I tell you all this. I fell IN LOVE with my 7. Everything about her. I've driven faster cars, but none of them speak to me like she does. I'm sure one day I'll own a BMW or Audi, or something like that, but I still fully expect to gaze fondly at my bright silver 1st gen and smile. She has soul, something that's rare in this world (in people and cars now-days it seems 
), and I love her for that.
Yep, she handles, stops and goes pretty well for a 17 year old beast, I get looks from people (my rear quarter pannel is kinda, intresting ), and I'm now part of a big family of triangle-loving car whacko's, but in the end I bought her because I love that damn car.
no offence to you triangle loving whacko's out there, I'm sure I qualify as much as the rest of yas!
--matt
), and I love her for that.Yep, she handles, stops and goes pretty well for a 17 year old beast, I get looks from people (my rear quarter pannel is kinda, intresting
), and I'm now part of a big family of triangle-loving car whacko's, but in the end I bought her because I love that damn car.no offence to you triangle loving whacko's out there, I'm sure I qualify as much as the rest of yas!
--matt
08-22-01, 10:17 AM
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I totally agree with Speckamp and CECCHIN on this one. The Rx7 has soul and there is a strong bond between "enlightened" Rx owners. That's probably why most of us take such offense to puttin a V8 motor into a 7. I just wish some people knew what they had more than: "I couldn't afford a Cobra Stang so I settled on a Rx7. Boy I want to put a V8 in it." 
08-22-01, 02:25 PM
#23
I have to chime in from the other end of the Engine Conversion discussion happening here.
My 13B-SE engine with stock EGI is being transplanted into a ’65 MG Midget. Power to weight should fall well under 10:1. What’s an RX7 got, 20:1???
Kerry,
I occasionally take flack from the British Car Enthusiasts for bastardizing a MG with parts not emblazoned with the Union Jack!
I think that they have more to grip about than the RX7 owners do when it comes down to keeping with the originality of their cars. Long discussion… But it’s your wheels, and most importantly, your time and money. No one should be telling you what to do with those.
Why did I choose the MG?
Because I had it left over from an old project.
A two seater convertible roadster has sex appeal that hard tops can’t imagine.
Half the weight of an RX7.
Anything smaller wouldn’t be street legal or has to be a Lotus 7.
Why the Rotary engine?
The stock 4 banger engine was 56hp.
Size mattered.
Uniqueness.
Why combine the two?
Power to weight ratio.
Proven winners at various Autocross events (mine will be a street car)
Reliability
So does a Rotary engine make my MG an RX7, hellllllll no!
But it should make the drive much more fun.
My 13B-SE engine with stock EGI is being transplanted into a ’65 MG Midget. Power to weight should fall well under 10:1. What’s an RX7 got, 20:1???
Kerry,
I occasionally take flack from the British Car Enthusiasts for bastardizing a MG with parts not emblazoned with the Union Jack!
I think that they have more to grip about than the RX7 owners do when it comes down to keeping with the originality of their cars. Long discussion… But it’s your wheels, and most importantly, your time and money. No one should be telling you what to do with those.
Why did I choose the MG?
Because I had it left over from an old project.
A two seater convertible roadster has sex appeal that hard tops can’t imagine.
Half the weight of an RX7.
Anything smaller wouldn’t be street legal or has to be a Lotus 7.
Why the Rotary engine?
The stock 4 banger engine was 56hp.
Size mattered.
Uniqueness.
Why combine the two?
Power to weight ratio.
Proven winners at various Autocross events (mine will be a street car)
Reliability
So does a Rotary engine make my MG an RX7, hellllllll no!
But it should make the drive much more fun.
08-22-01, 02:32 PM
#24
On day after happy hour in Hollywood, I had to fight through a group of young ladies that had crowded around my '85 GS when the vallet drove her up.
One babe was saying, "Isn't that my car? You know, the one I've always wanted? Yup, that's the one."
I'd have offered them a ride, but my RX and I had a date with the twisty curves for Mulholland drive in the Hollywood hills. It was nearing sunset on a Summer day. My commute back in those days were awesome!!!!
Maybe that's what make her an RX7?
One babe was saying, "Isn't that my car? You know, the one I've always wanted? Yup, that's the one."
I'd have offered them a ride, but my RX and I had a date with the twisty curves for Mulholland drive in the Hollywood hills. It was nearing sunset on a Summer day. My commute back in those days were awesome!!!!
Maybe that's what make her an RX7?
08-22-01, 04:57 PM
#25
smog nazi destroyer
Originally posted by Rotary-MG
On day after happy hour in Hollywood, I had to fight through a group of young ladies that had crowded around my '85 GS when the vallet drove her up.
One babe was saying, "Isn't that my car? You know, the one I've always wanted? Yup, that's the one."
I'd have offered them a ride, but my RX and I had a date with the twisty curves for Mulholland drive in the Hollywood hills. It was nearing sunset on a Summer day. My commute back in those days were awesome!!!!
Maybe that's what make her an RX7?
On day after happy hour in Hollywood, I had to fight through a group of young ladies that had crowded around my '85 GS when the vallet drove her up.
One babe was saying, "Isn't that my car? You know, the one I've always wanted? Yup, that's the one."
I'd have offered them a ride, but my RX and I had a date with the twisty curves for Mulholland drive in the Hollywood hills. It was nearing sunset on a Summer day. My commute back in those days were awesome!!!!
Maybe that's what make her an RX7?
that does it for me right there.. both the commutes, and the looks..