2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
View Poll Results: What was the vintage year for the FC?
1986
39
6.26%
1987
95
15.25%
1988
170
27.29%
1989
97
15.57%
1990
78
12.52%
1991
144
23.11%
Voters: 623. You may not vote on this poll

Best year for FC3S?

Old Aug 15, 2002 | 12:10 AM
  #76  
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From: Rohnert Park CA
Originally posted by n/arotary
Here is a table I made when I was really bored a while back. It didn't turn out very good pasting it in from excel, but all of the information is there.
Missing some models there... like the GS in 82-85, the 86 Luxury or anything in 90.
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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 07:39 AM
  #77  
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That is true that there are some models missing. I didn't seek out the GS models and the 86 luxury model because they weren't performance oriented. Those models do not offer any performance benefits, soley luxury upgrades (minus the GXL which does offer LSD, and braking, suspension, but you can get all of that by going with the 86 Sport model and save some weight). As far as the 1990, it had the same models as the 1989 year, except with only a 100 GTUs models produced.

I didn't say it was an all inclusive RX-7 table Just helpful for some information in one place.
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Old Aug 31, 2002 | 02:36 AM
  #78  
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From: Ft Myers Fl
i love my 91 baby yeaaaa
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Old Aug 31, 2002 | 11:15 AM
  #79  
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Series 5... here's why in my opinion.

I've got an '89, and I'd be inclined to surmise that they may be built with a little more attention to detail as I'm sure moral in a factory is always up when a model is updated / massaged.

Series 5 because:
The mouldings are colour coded, the tail light cluster is truer to past rotary styling cues (R100, Rx-2, '3, '4...) The badging on the bumper is embossed as opposed to the sticker on S4's. The lower lip was re-worked and the "teeth" look of the S4 grill was toned down. Stock wheel sizes were better (no more 14" phone dials). Obviously the increase in power, and numerous quirky reliability issues addressed. '88 10th Ann. is a close second.
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Old Aug 31, 2002 | 08:31 PM
  #80  
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From: Orange County
Originally posted by jspecracer7
'88 rules! Low compression rotors, NO electric OMP, lighter than '89+.

....and I own a '92....FD3S
glad you agree, S4's are better. I like my 87
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Old Sep 18, 2002 | 12:40 PM
  #81  
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From: Ft Laud, FL
I have a '91 vert as of late and used to have an '86 base model... the vert has been giving me more problems at half the mileage than what was on my '86... Sometimes i miss the '86... but i love the vert. In general, the S4's are better, lighter.
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Old Nov 14, 2002 | 07:06 AM
  #82  
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From: Mars
My fav. is series 4 turbo tii's, excluding 10th AE's. They are WAY over priced here, and there isnt really anything that special about them. Its kind of stupid imho. Everyone else listed why series 4 tii's >

Sure the s5 tii came with better manifolds etc, but when you start porting **** and modding ****... Stock specs arent really of any concern
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Old Nov 14, 2002 | 11:23 AM
  #83  
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looks 91,speed86
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Old Nov 14, 2002 | 11:43 AM
  #84  
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From: Welland
87 is the best flat out
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Old Nov 14, 2002 | 12:42 PM
  #85  
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leaving your car stock, i vote for S5.

however, modifying I vote for a S4 turbo II because they are already lighter and simpler.

and imho, the 91 shouldnt win. They are nice, but if going for speed why not start with something lighter?
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Old Nov 14, 2002 | 06:40 PM
  #86  
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91, best looking, years w most power, more refined...the only downside being added weight which is not as much of an issue w the slight power bump. I have an 88 and wish it was a 91...so I got the 91 nose and tails w/ mazdaspeed lip and RE type 4 wing...I just need the mirrors and new trim and paint the trim to match. currently the trim on the new nose is black to match the rest of the car
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Old Nov 21, 2002 | 08:12 AM
  #87  
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I love my 91 NA, but I lust for a black/black 90 TII that has been parked near by in the same place for almost a year.
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Old Nov 21, 2002 | 09:18 AM
  #88  
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From: Asheville, NC
89 all the way
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Old Nov 22, 2002 | 03:47 AM
  #89  
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I am the guy with the 91 Black Vert with 5 spd and four piston brakes that gefunk referred to. No LSD though. I am partial to the 91 as its what I own. Car has been good to me. Ask me again in a little bit. Oh and if anyone wants it let me know, it is most def for sale.

Ben
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Old Dec 14, 2002 | 08:42 AM
  #90  
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From: Jacksonville, FL
I had an 87 Sport, an 88 TII and now a 91 TII. It's a hard call. I LOVED the Sport. The 88 TII was a project that I sold half way through restoration when I moved, so I drove it very little. The 91 I have now is in absolutely mint condition and is just a beautiful machine. I don't punish the 91 out of fear of (a.) adding undue stress and (b.) adding mileage (only 87k miles.) Whereas on the 87 Sport I had NO fears of redlining through every gear and beating the **** out of it—she could handle everything I threw at her. So, overall, for pure driving fun I have to say an 87 Sport and for the enjoyment of owning and driving a refined sports car I'd have to say the 91 TII. I think we should all have a TII and an NA. I have a garage full of TII mods that I won't even install because this car is in mint stock condition.

Brian
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Old Dec 16, 2002 | 01:48 PM
  #91  
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From: san francisco
89 B/C OF THE GTUS
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Old Dec 16, 2002 | 02:51 PM
  #92  
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am For the 89 also, One i Own an 89 GTUs and the S5 is sweet. If all you guys like 91 just becouse it newer, Buy an FD. 2 years is not taht much a differance anyway. That my 2 cents
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Old Mar 12, 2003 | 05:54 PM
  #93  
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I voted for 91 but I wish I had voted 88.
I figured that newer was better but then I read about what mazda changed.

I hate those dumb seatbelts. and the series 5 has an electronic oil metering pumnp that likes to break.
I didn't know that there was that much of a weight difference between the two series either. and the 88 AE is an awesome car!
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Old Mar 12, 2003 | 07:51 PM
  #94  
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I'm voting for the 87's. Of course that the year I have. I really like them all.
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Old Mar 13, 2003 | 02:53 PM
  #95  
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From: Brooklyn NY
GTUS
88TII for speed and modibility (upgraded to 91 spec)
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 10:47 AM
  #96  
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From: Rohnert Park CA
Originally posted by Canadian Rotary Man
and the 88 AE is an awesome car!
The 10AE was almost as heavy as the 88 'vert...
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Old Apr 3, 2003 | 12:05 AM
  #97  
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I feel so special now that I have a '87 TII!!! even though Im stuck in the Gulf, I cant wait to drive her!!
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Old Apr 3, 2003 | 11:53 AM
  #98  
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Everyone seems to forget the key for this poll was that it is not what year that you own, it is for year you think Mazda built the best FC RX-7.
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Old Apr 15, 2003 | 11:54 PM
  #99  
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[QUOTE]

And where do you think most of the power came from on the S5 turbo....could it be the extra 2 psi they gave it?
[QUOTE]
The power was gained by introducing an independent twin-scrolling turbo, which is btw, a lot more effiecient, thus allowing them to add 2 more lbs of boost.
Bring your S4 on against my 89 GTUs Turbo, 4.30 gears,power nothing, hey the s5 weight issue isn't a problem here, lol. I love every 7 but 89 is my vote because I can't have a bias on a model I have never driven.

Last edited by JAPSPECGTUs; Apr 15, 2003 at 11:56 PM.
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Old Apr 27, 2003 | 03:33 AM
  #100  
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Everyone forgot poor old '90! I have to go with the S5s because they are the more modern car. I love the slightly flared fenders (as compared to the S4), they remind me of the first gen race cars (when Mazda still raced--sigh). The round tail lights are retro without being tacky ala New Ford Thunderbird (can you say ugly, elevated Miata?) The front grill is a big leap forward. The interior is much more pleasing to the eyes and touch. In defense of the S4, it is lighter and has a better more brutal LSD. I have all respect for them, but the S5 is clearly my choice. The S4 is simpler but who cares when you have a Haltech? I do have my own particular tastes though. I don't like the hood scoop on either models. I converted my GXL to a Turbo and went to great lenghts to put in a FMIC so that I could keep what I consider the sleaker, more slippery hood. To each his own. I also have the S4 LSD on my garage floor just waiting for me to get back from the gulf. I am voting for '90.
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