Well I was all set to go pick up a 83 rx-7 with 65k on it sunday. But, I ran across an even cleaner 86.
The 86 is equally as clean, only has 56K origial miles on it. The thing runs like a bat out of hell compared with the 83. Only problem with the whole car is a slightly worn driver seat "looks like some of the white dots of the frabric have worn off". Any way I like the interior of the 86 looks more modern. But I like the sleeker lines of the 83 and the style of the back glass.
But I'm thinking with 10k less miles and the 13B instead of the 12A I have to go with the 86, looks like there are more mods available for it also.

Any ways the 83 is $3000 and the 86 is $3500 I'm thinking I won't find anything nicer and lower in miles than these two.

Both cars drive great, I didn't get a chance to floor either one of them but the 86 felt like it had a much stiffer suspension.

Any imput would be apprectiated.

 

I'd get the '86. The only 1st gen I would buy would be a '78, or an '85 with the 13B.

Though the 1st gen can be made faster than the 2nd gen with basic bolt ons, the 2nd gen will always handle better due to the fully independant suspension. Plus, as you say, it is a more modern car. I have always thought the 2nd gens have a much cleaner and flowing look than the 1st gens...

 

The 2nd gens seem to have the largest portion of the online community. I would get a 1st gen if I wanted a racer, otherwise I don't think I'd want anything, even a 7, that old. I would offer the guy $2500 for the 86, and meet him in the middle at 3.

 

The guy originally wanted $4850 for the 86 and 3500 is the absolute lowest he'll go. The 86 has an electrc moon roof, air, cruise and the original invoice says it listed at around 16600 when new.

The 83 has a manual factory sun roof "just cranks up"
air, power windows. Only cosmetic problems with it are fryed interior panels across the tops of the doors and one very small ding in passenger door.

I'm just thinking for 500 more I might as well get the 86 with bigger motor and power roof.

I didn't know the gen 1s make better race cars, I also didn't know they had 13bs in some of the models I thought they were all 12a's.

Both cars have excellent paint and no rust to be found either exterior or interior.

I noticed the 86 had dual exhaust " at least from the mufflers forward, must split off from the headers or cat.

When you say the 1 gens make better racers are you referring to the 13bs or are they considerably lighter than the gen 2s?

 

Actually I just meant, for me, a 1st gen would be the affordable choice

 

MUCH lighter!

 

Go for the 86... I have an 86 and its a great machine. I bought mine with 100k miles on it, in great running condition for $1500, all it needed was new tires. The 86 will serve you well, and i personally think that it looks a hell of a lot better than the 83

 

I just got back from taking the wife to look at the 86
She liked it alot more than the 83, see though is was alot bigger and liked the meatier doors more than the 83 had.
She even drove it, It's kinda embarassing but I think she was smoother with the clutch work than I was.
Any way I'll go back and pick it up monday, the guy is a dealer and has to do everything legal "$410 for sales tax" ain't america a great place to live.

Any way I gave it a closer second inspection, not single sign of any kind of oil leak, the engine looks real clean for not having been cleaned. Looks like a new oil filter, air works great, power moon roof works fine, stereo check.

It looks like there are a million screws that secure the air cleaner lid on, I didn't check that. Also looks like a real elaborate air induction system for a stocker.
Do you guys usually leave that stock with maybe a K&N or do you replace it with a cone cool air induction?

It has new goodyears all the way around, can't remember which ones. As I said earlier the paint is perfect but the guy made no effort to make it pretty all he did was washed it I think I'll give it the mothers treatment.

If you guys have any suggestions on things to watch for or precautions I'd apprectiate them.

I'll wax it up next weekend and post a pic of it.

I plan on driving it till late october and putting it in storage, unless my new nissan 350z comes early.

 

Search on pulsation dampner. Consider this an immediate check item. All 86-88s have this problem, and to avoid a fire in the future, check this.

I know it's a hassle, and it's a fairly major R&R job, but it's not something to mess with. That's why my 88 is now a race car :\

PaulC

 

Hey Paul,
Is that another pic of your car in your avitar?
Charles

 

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/buy1.htm

 

Yup

PaulC