I have a 1988 rx-7 se, i bought it about a month ago with 138k miles on engine, same on chassis. It runs really well, no major flaws, only stuff like sunroof needs a little coaxing. But what i was wondering was whats the preformance compared to a GXL or GTU or even a t2? should i resell and invest in a t2, or stay with this?

 

Actually the SE is the "base model" and for the most part the fastest of the non-turbo RX-7's.

 

Ya you loose most of the " options " you would get from a GXL etc; I personally bought the SE for that reason. I am just getting into the whole rotary scene and I want to start with a N/a to get used to the car learn how it reacts blah blah and save money from blowing a turbo because I dont know what im doing! *lol* anyways. . . i guess it all depends on what your gona do with the car.

- James

 

Best Model in my 2 cents. Lightest of all models.

Mine came with LSD rear end, and lightweight hood, almost no options. I got it down to 2,187 lbs.. and still have parts to remove..

 

yup, how i look at it is if you dont mind rolling up your own windows and you dont need a wiper on your back window.... you got the perfect car!

 

It's a great car. Small, agile, decently quick, reliable, etc.

Some day you will want something faster, and then it will be time to upgrade to a TII. In the meanwhile, be sure to research as much as you can about turbo rotaries - you don't want to be in the position of owning a TII and not knowing too much about it. (especially if you are modifying it).

 

I bought my 88 SE new, and I really liked it. I hate power windows and all that other power junk that always breaks, and the smaller tires were cheaper to replace. It worked well as an autocross car, and I had a lot of fun with it. Eventually, I decided on the 20B swap once the original engine got tired. I later bought a TII, and didn't like it as much as the SE, although it was faster in a straight line. Fortunately, I also have the 84 RX-7 which is as much fun to drive as the SE was in stock form.

I would keep what you have unless you just happen to find a good deal on an upscale model. The TII is much more expensive to maintain, and it simply is not as much fun to drive in my opinion. However, if you want to go faster at the drag strip, then a TII will work much better than your SE. I don't think that the LSD, 5-lug wheels, and 4-piston front brakes of the other NA models are really all that much of an advantage until you get to the big race tracks like Daytona or Sebring. Honestly, do those items really make a difference while driving to and from work or school? I don't think so. The only other advantages of the GXL are the nice seats and stereo, which probably aren't so nice at their current age, and you could easily upgrade these items in your car.

 

My 86 Mutt is the equal of an 88 SE... I'll agree with most of what has apready been posted: Less is better! I've never had to worry about power windows switches, power steering warning beeps, the cost of replacing the Auto Adjust Shocks, mouse seat belts, rear wiper switch....etc etc etc.

Overall the car has always been reliable and trouble free. (Except for when MY tinkering f***ed something up) Factor in the light weight and the lower cost of repairs and you have a winner on your hands.

Just remember to cut your losses and buy a turbo II when you start thinking about making the car go real fast. Otherwise you'll end up with a money pit that still isn't very fast. (IE: My 86 has thousands spent on it and its just starting to reach the level of a stock S5 Turbo II)

 

i also have an 88se. The only thing im considering is the power locks. I have an after market security alarm and it does get a little annoying having to make sure all doors are locked....(yeah yeah yeah im lazy i know) anyway other than that I love it. I also thing power windows are the bane of all existance. All I need is an LSD and a lightweight hood. And ill be happy. Then maybe a new exhaust and an intake.......... OK maybe I want to do a lot But either way its a FUN car.

 

"All the doors are locked"

Yeah I always forget the back doors. hahaha!

 

passenger door...ive actually left the passenger door unlocked all night one time. Not a good thing in a big city