About to buy a 1986 RX-7
 

Hi all,
Im 18 and about to buy a 1986 series 4 RX-7.
I've finally saved enough to buy one and im really really excited.

The one im buying is a really well maintained model with rebuilt engine and turbo, new computer and worked interior.

I was just wondering on the opinions of this model and how well I will be able to handle it.

I now have 3 years driving experience which others have said is plenty, but I wanted an opinion from those who regularly drive RX-7s.

Also, is it possible to remove the turbo from it? Because if not, then there would be no point in me buying the car as New South Wales driving laws prevents me from driving Turboed cars :(

As for money wise, im working full time and will he able to sustain the car as well as paying insurance.

So yeah, should I go for it?

You could swap the intake manifold and exhaust to the N/A stuff. Why does the law prevent that? Is there an age limit?

Welcome to the forum! I was 18 when I bought my first RX-7 last year so I know your excitement!

I dont know, the government regarding cars in Australia is ridiculous, but I can reinstall the turbo later. So it will only be non-turboed temporarily. :D and yeah, I'll definitely be swapping exhaust and manifold.

How did your RX-7 treat you at 18?

you should check the laws to see if you can even drive a turbo chassis car. if they won't let you drive a turbo car they probably don't even want you to have a turbo chassis in your name and may prevent you from licensing it.

that is a rediculous law anyways, my RX8 has more power than a stock TII all around and is only 100lbs heavier. most any car off the dealer lot will beat the stock power level of a 1980's turbo car.

will you be able to handle? i sure hope so, even a grandma wagon grocery getter new Toyota Camry has more power than a stock TII does.

Ive checked the laws and sent enquiries and I can infact drive a non-turbo RX-7 so that's fine on that part

And I dont plan on boosting around corners or anything, so I'm pretty sure I can handle it.

Why don't they allow turbo cars there? That's odd.

Rotary >Pistons

Something about protecting young drivers from "dangerous cars" except that there are cars that are non turbo, medium power engines that ate much more dangerous than some cars with high range engines and turbos. The gold VTI is banned for young drivers with this plan while the old buggati roadster isnt. Stupid assault Australia...

Australia has lots of rotary people, pac is pretty well known.

My brother had a turbo eclipse when he was in high school , usa has no laws lol.

Rotary >Pistons

well legal issues aside, tires and how you drive are going to be big factors. the Rx-7 is an excellent handling car provided it is all in proper working order. It is rear wheel drive and can get a bit tail happy if one is being aggressive with the throttle but if one is driving responsibly its low center of gravity and excellent suspension means it will do exactly what ya tell it to do. being rear wheel drive with a fair amount of power to weight, means that if you have a lead foot, the car will spin out if you start to get side ways and don't correct properly. basically it is not unsafe provided you don't over drive it. but there is enough car there to challenge a new drivers ability it is after all a sports car. so take it easy for the first few years of just becoming a better driver and take good care of a good car.

it will be slower than what we know as USDM non turbo cars with the lower compression turbo engine without the turbo.

to me it doesn't sound worthwhile and a waste of time. buy a different car until you can legally buy a turbo car and then buy one.

It will only be non-turbo for a year and then I'll be reinstalling it, but I get what you mean.

As far as removing the turbo goes, does it need to be inspected and have all the factory non-turbo items in place? If so, that'll be a good bit of work depending on how mechanically inclined you are.

If you are unfamiliar with the car, it will take you 6 months to get it to run well enough to enjoy. Then it'll be time to swap it back to turbo. Which will probably take another 6 months. The 2nd gen cars are not very forgiving when it comes to vacuum leaks and incorrectly adjusted sensors. Those are the most common problems when removing and re-installing intake components like this. Mostly for maintenance or engine swaps (which some may also consider maintenance :D).

I'm with RotaryEvolution. Put off purchasing the fun car until you can get a decent vehicle, whether your reasons are economics, laws, availability, etc. Learning to drive a slow car quickly is an excellent way to learn car control.

i'd just make a shield to cover everything with a sticker that sais "no turbo here!"

Well, the deal is too good to pass up, so I might just keep driving my Ford Laser for a year and keep the RX-7 in the shed and start her up once a week to keep her ticking over. Then once it's time, I can juat drive it without removing anything :) Thanks for all the help guys! :D

How much you getting it for?

If you get it just do as much updating/preventive maintainence as you can before you drive it.

Rotary >Pistons

Im getting it for $8500 which I talked down from $12000

And yeah, id be maintaining and upgrading as much as I could so it would be running like a dream when I do start driving it :)

How are you affording a car that expensive at 18?? Wow lol

Rotary >Pistons

I already work full time as an engineering cadet :D

So you fly planes and work on them?

Make a rotary powered one :)

Rotary >Pistons

Rotary turbine jets? Challenge accepted :D

I've seen them on cessna's and other planes with propellars.

Www.rotaryaviation.com

Rotary >Pistons

I love mine! It was non turboed and paid $1600 USD for it. I drove it for an entire summer and into fall and this winter tore it apart. Engine is now rebuilt and will come back with a GT-45 turbo strapped to it!