soontoown

Hey,
glad to find the forum. Sorry to start off with newbie questions. I tried local sites, google, yahoo, etc looking for a 2nd Gen Faq, but didn't turn up anything that was terribly helpful. Also searched the archives here, but still have some questions. hopefully y'all can help.

Just today I decided I'd like to get a 2nd Gen Rx 7 convertible. I currently drive an Audi A4, but am looking to pick up something fun and sporty. The A4 is a sweet ride, but so sluggish. Even with the chip. Before the A4, I had a Miata, which I was very found of.

Is the 91 the best year for the Convertible? If I can't find a nice ride that's already modded, I'd be looking to do some basic performance mods (maybe exhaust), but nothing to heavy duty.

As much as I love to drive, I don't know much about car workings. Is the RX7 something that a skilled mechanic (Palo Alto/SF) can take car of, or am I in for a world of headache? Is there a checklist of issues/items that I should know about ?

and, anybody within 200 miles of SF selling a nice 'vert? Drop a line, I'm interested.

thanks in advance for sharing the knowledge.
Seth

Icemark

90 and 91 are the worst years for the convertible. In those years, the convertible was its absolute heaviest (actually the heaviest RX-7 ever made), and 5 speed trannys were rare. Build numbers were low, because of cost and sales. Also the power steering switched to engine speed and a 17:1 ratio, instead of the much better vehicle speed sensing steering of the 88 and 89 (that was also found on all the power steering equipped T2 models). To top it off the 90-91 'vert has an airbag (which is coming up for maintenance replacement in a few short years- SRS air bags need replacing every 15 years).

Better choices would be the 88 (the lightest) or 89 (slightly faster than an 88, because of gearing and a little more HP, but a 100lbs heavier- as well as Mazda added drip rails on the Targa section for the 89+).

The only real advantage was on the 91 was Mazda's Hi-Reflex process, which rotated the body while spraying the paint and in the drying oven. This process permitted thicker coats of paint to be used without runs or drips and provided a much more even finish than conventional painting processes. Mazda would later use this same method on the up-market bound Millennia sedan.

As far as a mechanic local to you, you would want to post the west section of the forum.

As far as what to look for, please read the FAQ at the top of this section.

As far as selling/buying please post in the for sale/ wanted section of the forum.

soontoown

thanks for the tips. Now I see that the faq was posted in the forum. I ended up reading the FAQ for the site. Ok, sounds like 88/89 is the way to go. the hunt is on.

dole2000

I've had two 88 Vert's. I am crazy but not dumb so I like to drive fast but I use my other cars for drifting.