GothicBlade

Allright. Like I posted in my earlier thread regarding FC trim levels, I'm thinking about getting an FC, but I need some convincing. Right now I have the option of getting an 88 Supra Turbo or, possibly, a 90 GXL FC. I wrecked my old car (old Honda Accord... not my choice in driving it, but its all I had) about 2 weeks ago and have been searching for a relatively inexpensive, but fun car, preferably RWD.

The Supra kind of fell into my lap, its inexpensive, and looks to be in good condition.... I plan on test driving it soon.

The FC is listed at 4200 dollars, no mileage listed in the ad... I'm waiting for the owner to call me back.

Anyways, I'm looking for a car that handles, and is reasonably quick. Downhill driving on curvy roads is what I live for (well, I dont think I'm *that* obsessed, but its pretty much my favorite recreation activity). Is the FC the car for me? Is it a capable mountain warrior? Can it be made to pull better than 1g with well-adjusted coilovers and sticky rubber? How does it drift and handle oversteer? (I like oversteer, as long as its controllable, I'm not afraid to get the tail out, I just dont want to kill myeslf quite yet In fact, I want to learn to drift properly).

Anyways, let me know what you think!

-Patrick Moore

RarestRX

Yo,


Well, I'll do my best.

I drive a 1989 GTUs, this is the stipper NA FC. I love it. I'd recommend the FC over the Supra just because it's lighter, and non-turbo. Turbo's are a pain in the ***.

The car will handle. Even with my stock spongy suspension, I can still outrail lots of cars out there. Once I get some coil overs, it'll be all over. The 13B rotary is actually mounted behind the front strut towers, making it almost front-mid engined. It has 50/50 weight distribution out of the box. Dropping the cats and putting an intake on will make the car "reasonably quick."

The car is a capable mountain warrior, ESPECIALLY going downhill. Not the most torque in the world, but get it pass 5500 and you're good to go, even uphill. It's no slouch.

About the 1G figure, if a freakin' Del Sol can do it, I don't see why a properly sorted out FC couldn't do it. It's all about the tuning.

The FC is the third favorite drift machine in Japan. #1. AE86, #2. S14, #3. FC3S. Of course that's the turbo, but the inherent drifting dynamics are still there. You NEED to get rid of the "rear steer" DTSS bushings and have them replaced with the Racing Beat units that get rid of them. I have NOT done this, and I tend to spin my car when trying to drift in the rain because the toe of the rear tires is constantly changing at the limit. The bushings get rid of this spongy rear toe. The LSD unit in the later FC's is pretty good, but if you're seriously into drifting, getting a KAAZ unit is a must.

The reason I bought my FC was that I wanted to pitch the back end out. It can be done, but it's tough with an NA. Usually you're doing an inertial type drift, or a "feint" style where you feint to the outside of the turn, wrench it back in (upsetting the balance) and drifting it that way. Trying to drift an NA FC is a challenge do to the lack of torque and power. It can be done, but usually you're going a lot faster than a TII would because you have to in order to upset the rear end. It's kind of sketchy, but I haven't hit any curbs/trees yet.

I hope that helps.

KS
1989 GTUs "100% fat free."

Dragon Frank

Patrick, I'm a little confused here? I was under the impression that you wanted a 2 seater... So why would you want to get a Supra since they don't come in 2 seaters?
Anyhow, If you want reliability and handleing in my opinion there is no beatting the FC3s. When it comes to quickness the FC3s can also outquicken the Supra specialy an '88. Now if you go with an FC '90 you pretty much will have the most refined model of the FC3s models, including more hp then the earlier model.
As it was mentioned by "KS" the Turbo models are a different story when it comes to maintenance. As you know Toyota wants to make you believe that their supras are supper sofisticated and if you can't work on them yourself which in my opinion are a pain to work on, they'll be sticking it to you with everything and no grease if you know what I mean. In my personal experience with the later model FC3s it is a very reliable car as long as you keep your tune ups mainly your oil change. Since you are not looking or considering a TII at this time and you're new at the RX-7 world as you stated your choice can be a really nice experience for you. Now before you buy the FC I suggest that you have it checked by someone that knows about these cars to better your chances that it has no leaks or accident signs. Eventually you can invest some money if you so desire and make some modifications and really have a nice kick butt TRUE SPORTS vehicle.
Frank

Scott 89t2

test drive both cars and buy what you want. you're the one that is going to have to drive it everyday, not us.

FEDREX

If you buy the Supra, one of these days you're going to run into a TII that's going to smoke your ***.

If you get a GXL, one of these days you're going to run into a TII that's going to smoke your ***.

Get a TII. (I've had a '91 N/A and now a TII) If you like speed - get a turbo, I've had mine for 3 years with zero problems. Just change your oil religiously, don't run lean, and let the turbo cool down after a run.

A TII is probably the best performance platform on the market in it's respective $ range.

Mallard Duck

My NA FC is clean, inexpensive fun. Turbochargers just complicate the matter.

Xentrix

The FC is a good platform, I read your other post about the model differences. I have a 89 gxl, and it has the same 4 piston vented brakes that the T II's have. The auto adjust suspension could be bad on the car that you are gonna look at. Mine works great hahah florida car

With a couple mods (full exhaust) you'll be at the stock T II level. There are guys with N/A's in the low 14's so they can be pretty quck.

I'm not sure where but there was a link floating around on here on how to make your FC pull 1G in the skidpad. If I remember right it was changing the front camber some and getting 225's on the rims. I'm sure there was more too it but That was the jist of it.

Go look at the FC and tell us what you thought, maybe we can help you determine if the car has any problems ect...

fc3s.org

Well, if you get a Supra, then you can go fast downhill but it won't really handle that well. If you get an FC, you can do downhill fast, but the added bonus is you can go uphill fast to

The FC was built to be a mountain warrior. We the local clubs go on car drives in the mountains, there are motorcycles that won't pass us because we are going fast enough that they can have good runs as well just driving behind us! Lots of people use the FC to drift in Japan, and from what I hear it is starting to become more popular over here state side these days. I can't remember ever hearing of older Slow-pra's drifting.

Now remember, I am a little biased here (hence my website below) But I think you will enjoy an FC over a Supra. Like Scott said, drive them both and we will let the FC speak for itself. Good luck!

GothicBlade

Simple. I know I can afford the Supra, and I can test drive it... I dont really *want* the supra, but if the people who own that FC dont call me back... no luck on the FC. The Supra is at a lot. Also, I dont know a d*mned thing about buying a car from a private party... in fact, this will be my first time buying a car... the old Honda (may she rest in peace.. or pieces) was a gift of sorts.

KNONFS

iTrader: (14)

If you need to be convinced into the FC...then you don't deserve one J/K No but in all seriousness, the FC's have the electrical gremlins Are you aware of that? Are you up to the task of maintaining a FC? (oil change, check the coolant/water, etc). Don't grab the first FC you see, check for near by you areas.

Beware of the supra (specially those years) they tend to have a head gasket problems....which is a PAIN IN THE *** to fix due to lack of space.

Hope this helps

87jap951

I agree with the cane! Get a T2! The na are fun but not fast, they will handle better stock to stock then a Supra, but my 2 T2's have been trouble free! I have had many na's and they are great true sports cars too, but you will just end up wanting more power. The Supra is a reliable car too, but feels much more heavy. For what you said you want, its a no brainer! buying from a private party is the best way to go IMHO! You can get service records and much mort likely, an honest opinion. Dealers just want the BIGGEST profit possible! While a private owner might just be wanting to sell. Of course this is a general statement. But don't feel rushed, get whats the best out there and bring someone with you that knows about these cars! You will love the RX-7! I agree, the best value in a TRUE sports car!

HENRX7

if you're gonna buy the FC and just wreck it again, might as well get the Supra.

GothicBlade

Hey hey hey! I dindt *want* to wreck my Honda, and I didnt wreck it doing anything out of the ordinary... I just happened to have a run in with a raised dodge ram.... Ram vs Accord... you figure it out. lol

Fc3sracer

I would look around for another couple of 7's cause i know you can find one cheaper thean that. I would go with a 89-91 cause there good daily drivers.

GothicBlade

Allright... well I just got back from test-driving the Supra... and well, I'm definitely looking forward to driving the FC. The supra was pretty quick, the the engine felt really rough in the boost zone... and I think the clutch needs replacing, and the shifter is really balky... I was unable to get it to move smoothly from first to second or second to third. I did hang the tail out around a turn and fishtailed it getting on the freeway though... (its raining in norcal)

I did get in touch with the owner of the FC and have made arrangements to go drive it next week. Cant wait! I am leaning towards trying to find a turbo II though... anyone know of any for sale in the northern half of california? No luck for me on autotrader or excite.

supergoat

You will LOVE the FC. It is a great handling car. I have taken corners in my n/a FC at speeds I would never try in another car. The ebst thing is, there was little(if any) body roll. The car basically stayed flat like normal. I love my FC. The bad weather in Oregon(snow) had me looking into selling it and buying FWD car, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I love the damn car too much. It has a personality.

It's also a great looking car. Put a set of nice rims on it and it looks totally different. It really is a joy to look at everyday. I also love the agressive stance. Looking at them from behind is amazing. The low/wide stance and dual exhaust just screams "drive me NOW!"

The FC3S RX-7 is the biggest inside joke ever....if you don't own one, you wont understand.

kliftin

I agree with all of that. Get an 89 gxl. with stereo, rims fresh paint and lowering springs. Makes for an awsome daily driver.

Green

my friend has 89 supra turbo... Big HEAVY hog... If you are a drag race only kinda guy, The supra is nice, Hard to make an N/A FC keep up ... But Rx7 will always out-handle the supra and if you have turbo FC then you will most likely smoke the supra either way I personally like LIGHT cars...

Thaniel

I have got to agree here. My Brother has an '87 supra turbo. Drove the thing and it feels like it weighs twice what my N/A Rx-7 does. I much prefer the light tossable feel of the Rx-7.

If you do consider the supra look for a head gasket leak. Hear it is common on them. My brother already had to replace the one on his.

NathanRX7

Patrick,

What's up? I met you last night at about 2 AM. How did you like the ride in Buddy's vert? I'll take you for a ride in mine, too, if you like. Come by on Tuesday before 2 PM or after 5 PM. Also, when the owner of the GXL for sale calls, I would be happy to go look at it with you and make sure all is good. I want a T2, but it would have to be a 89-91, and I believe the T2 Jef told you about was an 88. Good luck with the search, and feel free to give us a call anytime you want. The number is 898.1937. Later.

Josepi

N/A RX7-depending on your addiction to speed and boost, the N/A might be a lil slow for ya.

MKIII Turbo-depending on how many miles are on the motor is your decision. You'll find they blow head gaskets pretty often.

But what do you want?

Highway speed-Supra
Tossable turn fun-RX-7

Sorry to be abrupt to the N/A guys

supergoat

It's ok, just remember who will pick you up from the side of the road when your turbo blows. :p

B430

too bad it'll be such a long wait for you to catch up.

kliftin

Good thing we can handle!!!! NITROUS.!!!!!

BogusFile

Do yourself a favor and get an RX-7. The 2nd gen supras don't do the name justice. Don't get me wrong, they are great cars, but the RX-7 is overall far better for performance and asthetics. And yes the supra does have the dreaded head gasket problem, that can be quite costly. Dont worry, there will be other RX's around if you dont bag this one. And like everyone said drive them both.