borinquen7

iTrader: (1)

Hey everybody
I currently own a 85 RX-7 GSL-SE. I have own 9 1st gen's. I think I'm starting to lean towards the second Gen..
Could you all help me ou with a lil info.
What year or model is most sought after.
Are the bodies the same for all years.
Is the back seat when available usefull, or as useless as the back seats in a first gen.
I've been leaning towards the second gen basically for the variety of aftermarket parts available, I have such hard times looking for anything for my car..
Also do you guys think anyone would be interested in a a even trade.
I would be looking for an unmolested 2nd gen, As mine is completely stock..
Thanks ahead for all your help...

jmkogut

Generally the S5 TII is the most sought after.. possibly a tie between that, the 10th Anniversary Edition, and a GTUs.

There are two different series, the S4 and the S5. They feature MINOR asthetic differences, minor engine differences (S5 makes a bit more power through a better intake system and higher compression), and generally an S5 is just in better condition due to it being a few years younger and it'll probably have less miles on it. On a 20 year old car though, a couple of years doesn't make much of a difference. I'd personally take a 60k mile S4 over a 150K S5 any day.

The backseat is utterly useless. Even more useless if you don't have the stock seats.

I don't think anyone would trade from an FC to a 1st gen. I could be mistaken though.

borinquen7

iTrader: (1)

Thats great,,, thank you for that info now from that I can go and do my research. decide where I should go from here.

Saavedro88

iTrader: (1)

Another thing to note about the S5: The redline is higher than the S4.

demontwig

Because of little things like the ecu and intake manifold

rogrx7

iTrader: (11)

I beg to differ..

The s4 TII is more sought after...due to the fact the parts are more readily available.

rxtuner79

iTrader: (1)

I had back seats in mine and they definitely came in handy quite a few times. They're not the most comfortable seats in the world, but they get the job done. And I have them for sale because I'm stripping my car so if you need a set let me know.

I don't think a straight up trade is out of the question. The GSL-SE is faster than the NA FC so that might appeal to some as well as the lighter weight. Also, some people just like that style better. I wouldn't bet on trading it for a TII, GTUs or 10AE without adding some cash, but the SE's aren't too common so you never know.

Everything else has basically been answered.

borinquen7

iTrader: (1)

You know I have had driven a NA 2nd gen, I didnt want to start nothing on this forum, but it seemed slower than my gsl-se.
I'm gonna do my research see if I can come up with something.
do you guys have a thread with specifics for each model. I just want to fiqure out all the diffrnces, so that I make a educated decision,,,
I personally am not deep into the racing seen, but I like the fact that when needed my lil baby gets up and go..
So if I don't go turbo thats fine, but I would be just let down if the second gen didnt get up like my GSL-SE.
The styling for the second gen is really appealing to me. especially with alittle drop, deep lipped rims and a front lip...
The ground effects are much cheaper and more options, more options on rims, brakes etc....

cmanns

I would but I'd want some cash depending on the 1st gen's quality.

Go with a s5! It's like a 85GSL SE over a normal 1st gen (To me atleast)

jmkogut

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/specifications-what-did-2nd-generation-rx-7-come-w-options-standard-features-642372/

No need to worry about starting ****

We know the GSL SE is faster. :[

Omixeo

iTrader: (1)

Parts like what? Like crappy *** rteks and other associated garbage? Most of the stuff made for FC's will fit either series, turbo or NA. S4 TII's are a dime a dozen as well. Like someone else said, the S5 TII, 10th Anniversary or the GTUs are the more sought after cars because of their rarity and value and potential.

Dillon

I dont think the GTUs have much potential. Unless you turbo swap them

cmanns

The S4 parts are easier to get and cheaper (for the drivetrain n such) thats why. If your rich sure a S5TII would be perfect but a poor man would have to sell his left ball for some S5 TII parts.

The 1st gen GSLSE is faster because it's a lot lighter.

jmkogut

Most all of the parts between the two generations are swappable with minimal effort. Not to mention there are quite a few S5 parts cars available on the FS forum.

RETed

We converted a die hard SA owner, and he has never looked back.

Gone are the recirculating ball steering...
Gone are the live rear axle that can bind...

It really depends on what you're looking for.
Your GSL-SE has an edge in power-to-weight ratio, so if you're satisfied with that, there's no sense to move on.
The real advantage of stepping up to the FC's is the option to go turbo.
If you're a power junkie, it's a guarantee hook.

Desirable non-turbo FC models:
1986 - 1987 Sport
1988 "GTU"
1989 - 1990 "GTUs"
All these models are the "best" of the non-turbo models by giving you the best brakes, best suspension, and (usually) lightest weight combined with the non-turbo engines.

1986 - 1988 FC's are known as Series 4 (S4) or Zenki models.
1989 - 1991 FC's are known as Series 5 (S5) Kouki models.

Zenki FC non-turbo engines are rated at 146hp.
Kouki FC non-turbo engines are rated at 160hp.

Kouki FC's are slightly heavier in weight.

A lot of this is covered in the FAQ.

Keep in mind that Mazda has discontinued a lot of the non-turbo specific parts (especially engine).
Turbo specific parts are still abundant due to the fact that all Japan FC's are turbo.


-Ted

Hypertek

iTrader: (3)

stay away from S4 SE 4 lug model = borring and if your planin to have it as a project car, you will spend some money just ot upgrade it to a better model.

And the FC aftermarket isnt really that big either imo. but im sure its better then teh fb.

But these cars are old, go with whatever good deal you come across. Your a rotary guy so you would already know what to look for.

beefhole

iTrader: (29)

Not entirely right. Only the N/A S5 w/ manual tranny has a higher redline at 8000rpm. All other FC models @ 7000.

rxtuner79

iTrader: (1)

I thoght Rteks were really good? I have no experience with them but I've heard great things. And didn't C. Ludwig tune something like 46 rwhp at 5k rpms on an S5 with just an RB header as the only other mod?

Omixeo

iTrader: (1)

Exactly.

As for the Rtek, it's just another crappy piggy back. It's in the same league as the safc and not quite up to the standards of an e-manage.

rogrx7

iTrader: (11)

YOU HAVE NOOOOOOO Idea what your talking about.


The Rtek is not a piggy back.

The Rtek gives you control of fuel map/timing maps/Starting crank/ and monitoring sensors.

Have you even used a Rtek?


Are you going to spend a Grand on an ecu for 300-330hp or half?

Omixeo

iTrader: (1)

Actually, yes, I am going to spend a grand on a real ECU. An ECU that can support anything I want to do to my car without having to worry about any limitations. Rtek is inferior by every means.

jmkogut

Wrong.

Rtek piggybacks are an excellent choice if you're not looking for a ridiculously expensive EMS.

rogrx7

iTrader: (11)

The rtek is not a piggy back...it doesn't trick the ecu...it not an additional piece that splice(piggybacks) into a harness.

Omixeo you sound like the typical kid who plans to blow a lot of money but has no idea what your blowing it on.

The Rtek is for people who wish not to go all out..the rtek has its limits...but so do does your motor...Unless you going over to 350hp or you just have that kinda money laying around I wouldn't recommend an full on aftermarket ECU.

Omixeo

iTrader: (1)

I actually am going for over 350hp. I'm aiming for 400-450. Plus I get parts at cost from work, so I don't have to worry about paying retail for anything. And I'm anything but a typical kid like half the people on this forum.