hbattousai89

Need some help. i want to buy a Rx7, FC3S (daily driver as well as somethin to take autocrossin or to the race track) but dont know the specs of any of the 89's up. Is there really a big difference btwn the 89, 90, and 91?
or are they pretty much the same? (i am very picky when it comes to cars) anything would be helpful

Jpk3200

Icemark has some good info on his website.
http://www.mazdamark.com/about_the_s5_fc.htm

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

There are a few differences between the models available each of those years.


Check the sticky at the top of the 2gen page and spend some time in the FAQ.

You will find lots of good info to help you decide. You should probably place more importance on finding a good example with solid mechanicals than looking for an exact model.

Welcome to the Club.

HOZZMANRX7

iTrader: (43)

Quick answer, 89 Verts don't have Air Bags. So I assume 89 Coups don't have mouse belts. Otherwise, pretty much the same.

Roen

iTrader: (2)

89 Coupes have mouse belts. I know, I have one.

no piston drifter

mouse belts? <a href="http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q203/allengetts/?action=view&current=ratbelt.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q203/allengetts/ratbelt.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Icemark

actually if I was going auto crossing or a race track and was not buying a Turbo, I would be looking at a 87 Sport or a 88 GTU. 150-200 lbs lighter and the 87 Sport was the 2nd quickest non turbo FC (and was only .5 seconds slower in the 0-60 than a S4 Turbo). Both cars have the heavy duty suspension that the S5 models don't. Both cars have the 5 lug wheels, and the 4 piston front brakes and vented rear brakes, both have the radically better vehicle speed sensing power steering (most S5 models had the lame engine speed sensing power steering).

Yep all US spec S5 coupes have mouse belts.

Roen

iTrader: (2)

As an add-on to Icemark's post, if I were selecting SCCA autocross, specifically, the STS class, I would pass over the 87 Sport and go for the 89 or 90 GTUs instead, as the only allowed LSD in that class is an OEM viscous LSD.

eage8

iTrader: (9)

the GTUs also has 4.3 gears too

Icemark

Yeah, I just don't like the 17:1 engine speed power steering and extra weight of the GTUs for racing purposes. The steering is easily overdriven and the weight penalty makes the extra engine power and 4.3 rear end an even trade off to a 88 GTU (clutch type LSD factory) or a 87 Sport (one of the lightest FC's made).

Now if you could strip out the power steering and use the smaller gas tank and lighter dash supports of the S4 models in the GTUs model, then you might be talking.

Roen

iTrader: (2)

It's either the GTUs, or something that has an open LSD, like the 86 base.

As per the stupid SCCA rules, you'd have to convert everything exactly to a different model if you wanted to do so. That means, if you had an S4 and wanted to use the GTUs VLSD, you'd have to swap the engine, harness, ECU, power steering, etc.

The 87 Sport had an LSD as well, right? as well as the 86 Sport?

You can remove the power steering, but you can't use the smaller gas tank or the dash supports without fully converting to an S4 model.

Icemark

The 86 and 87 Sport had an open diff, but the 88 GTU (which was really the same thing as a Sport, just with the GXL carpet and padding) had the clutch pack LSD. Both came intermittently with the light alum hood though.

Roen

iTrader: (2)

Actually, my GTUs has the 3 line power steering system, while my 91 Coupe has the 2 line power steering system. The GTUs power steering system definitely feels like a speed-sensitive PS system, which is very useful.

Blaen99

iTrader: (1)

Out of curiousity, is there any difference between the 86 and 87 sport? Is there a reason that you are being specific about the 87 sport, Icemark?

Icemark

Just minor upgrades. The 87 adds a blue white clock panel, rear bins, and speed sensing power steering and is more likely to have an aluminum hood and factory alarm, the 87.5 also adds the seats from a Turbo.

hbattousai89

thanks for all the input guys. i appreciate it. from the looks of it, the most desirable model would be either the 87 or 88. puttin all the factors into one pot, hp, weight, suspension, in your opinions, which one would be the best to race in with mild - medium modifications? (this is concerning all 2nd gen rx7's)

84 rotary rocket

if your going turbo and not looking to upgrade it, go 89-91 more hp. i've driven the 86-88 and you notice the difference. plus they have better compression