Hi i am fixing up my 1979 Mazda rx7 sa was just curious if replacing some parts would take away it's value since it is a 1st year model. I know basic stuff like brake pads, spark plugs and such won't matter because that all needs to be replaced regularly but i have to change the exhaust out because it is badly rusted i want to add a racing beat setup. I was also planning on adding rb springs and Tokico struts next year but i don't want to ruin the car's value but to tell you the truth i will probably love it so much i will never want to sell it lol.

 

cody-
personal opinion - go for it. You are describing additions that can easily be reversed and, with the exception of some OE-Lunatic Buyer, are all bits that are recognized by RX7 fans as smart improvements. Where practical, hang on to the OE parts to offer up to the Next Owner.
Good luck on the SA!

Stu Aull
80 GS
Alaska

 

Hanging on to your old parts like the exhaust and such is good advice even if its rusted. You can't just go down to the corner muffler shop and find a replacement. Keep the bones, you never know. Springs, struts and such are not the sort of additions that detract from value. First of all, the car needs to be "all original" to begin with, for little things to affect its value. Even then, it's kind of subjective as poeple have a wide range of opinion.

I think what you want to avoid are big changes or something outlandish. Small things tastefully done shouldn't devalue the car significantly, if at all. Improvments should be done that enhance what the vehicle already is. Unless your end goal is to restore it to 100% showroom stock, variences here and there are perfectly acceptable and sometimes necessary as these cars now lack a number of good OEM replacement parts.

 

Hey, I resemble that remark!!

 

i would keep the springs, and the original exhaust parts, but other than that you're fine

 

You mean just hold on my to them righ. I can replace them?

 

yes.

 

I was trying to keep your name out of it....and I think Banzai has perfected this particular Black Art.



Stu Aull
80 GS
Alaska

 

That's the pot calling the kettle black.

 

Yup, two peas in a pod. Don't forget to add DivinDriver to your team as well.

 

In my opinion, the only time keeping the original parts will help the value is if the modifications are very significant (like extreme lowering) or if the car is in extremely good shape and all-original already. These cars likely won't be rare enough to be a high value car for decades, so might as well modify it and enjoy it.

 

My rule of thumb is as long as it doesn't affect the exterior or interior look or styling, its fair
game. My cars a rolling lab for playing with suspension, ignition, fuel, fans etc. I even have
a hidden cable to jack my ipod into the stock radio for long drives.

But I still have waffles with RWL sidewalls even though they are sucky tires performance wise.