2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

87 N/A Project car, good Idea?

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Old Nov 17, 2003 | 09:56 PM
  #1  
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Lightbulb 87 N/A Project car, good Idea?

ok I have this Rx-7 NA, I wanna turn it into a project car, my last one (a CRX) was totalled shortly after it's first track day. The accident was due to an old person not seeing me and pulling out, I hit him totalling the car sending my friend in to the windshield.

Anyway, the Rx-7 would be a street driven Rx-7. This is perfect car because it's pretty much due for a over hull, the paints gone, and the motor for the most part is shot, and it didn't cost me jack.

So I'm looking to invest a decent amount of money into it, do you guys think this is a good idea?????????????

Heres the catch, I am willing to physically go through what ever work is needed to perform this but the cost and the actual ability is in question, it's NA, I want to switch it to the S5 turbo, or at least an S4 and put abigger turbo on it,


I can do it, but is it worth it, I've built performance hondas for the last 3 years, I like the Rx, and I want to build a nice one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Help me out guys give me your thoughts!!!


Joey
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Old Nov 17, 2003 | 10:39 PM
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It will be a much better project car if you invest INDECENT amounts of money.

Go for it. if you want to, it's worth it.

BTW, if you confess your sins and earnestly seek absolution, you will receive forgiveness for your un-natural activities with hondas
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Old Nov 17, 2003 | 10:46 PM
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 01:24 AM
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Joey,
I just bought an 87 N/A running, and in good condition about 3 weeks back, and it's turning into a project car. I've never worked with a rotary engine before, but it is becoming a fun challenge, and I would reccomend it only if you are not worried about the $$$. But these Rx-7's haul ***, so it's worth the time tuning and working when you get behind the wheel and tear down the highway. Anyway, that's my 2 cents... Good luck!

-Cyrus
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 01:51 AM
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I own an '87 N/A and Love it. I guess it'll be a good project car depending on what you're looking for. What model is it?
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 02:49 AM
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The s4 turbo swap is the way to go. No reason to go s5. The fraction increase in power in the s5 will not make up for the less boost friendly rotors, un-needed and problem prone electrical OMP and the hassle of much of the electrical issues that could arise when going to s5 components on a s4 car.

The swap is straight forward. Do it and have fun. If you do the swap correctly you will forever be a rotorhead afterwards.

steve
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 02:52 AM
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I have a crx right now and am in exactly the same boat. 'cept it's not totaled. ow! Looking for an s4 gxl, most likely (cuz my gf REALLY wants me to get pwr windows, otherwise i'd get an '88gtu lol). but glad to hear these kind of responses
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 05:45 AM
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If you are a weight obsessive kinda guy like me, you should probably stay away from the GXL for a progect car. My '88 GXL weighted in at 2740 pounds, and my current '86 Sport comes in at 2580. 160 pounds is a pretty big price to pay for the little toys like power windows/locks, sunroof, cuise, etc. If I drop my A/C, the difference is more like 200 pounds... that's like driving with an extra me in the passenger's seat.

On a side note, I am also a Honda guy who "saw the Light."
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 09:08 AM
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i have an 88 gxl and i'd have to say GO FOR IT! I'd say its worth taking any rx7 to the project car status. It'd be nice to have someone in the same boat as me.
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 11:57 AM
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Just letting you guys know, the power windows actually weigh in LESS than the manual ones, someone here weighed them both...
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 12:04 PM
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I bought an 86 sport back in April to turn into an IT car.
It has close to 170k on the car so was very worn, rusty, and crusty...but it runs well. I've done quite a bit to the car and I must say it is quite peppy to drive. It's nowhere near my FD (YET!) but it still can scoot pretty well.
FWIW I've already stripped about 200lbs out of the car and I haven't even touched the interior yet
Crispy
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 02:09 PM
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I'm working on my 87 NA which I just got a couple months ago. I think it was worth every penny of the $600 (CDN) I paid for it! My 13b is in pretty healthy condition and I'm focusing on body work until next spring when it'll be ready for street. (Can't hardly wait!)

I'm already looking to get an extra s4 for parts and an extra 13b for a rebuild...

I can do it, but is it worth it, I've built performance hondas for the last 3 years, I like the Rx, and I want to build a nice one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's easy to say that you "want a nice one" - if you get down to work and start building a 7, I'm sure you'll see that it's worth it (7's are becoming such a rarity on the import scene...)
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Old Nov 18, 2003 | 04:39 PM
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First of all, You're asking a bunch of rotor freaks whether or not you should buy an rx7. I doubt you'd get one person to say no. Secondly, The car is free! I'ts immediately worth IT. And finally, It's an rx7, It's got better weight distribution than 90% of the cars on the road and an engine who's (HP per Liter) ratio is off the chart. If you like to whip your car around, Then it's the car for you. Not even to mention the fact that there are about a million after market parts for the rx7. The parts and the car are also relatively inexpensive. Like a Jspec motor for 1200.00. Just my 2 cents
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