I own a 1993 300ZXTT. This car will be a beast when I finish building it up. 500-550 RWHP capable of some really exciting "Strait-Line-Fury" LOL. Don't get me wrong though, I love driving on the twisties. But let's face it.... at 500hp in a 3500 pound car, it will start to get dangerous. I am looking for a daily driver that I can also drive hard, and have decided on an RX7. I have friends with all of the RX7s. Two N/As (S4 and S5), an S5 T2 with a 60-1 turbo, and one with an FD with a singe GT45R (highway action). Anways, that's basically all the different kinds of RX7 and I have ridden in all of them.

Now to my point. I'm wanting an NA RX7 that will be driven hard at the track (road track) and the twisties in the mountians. I'm thinking either an '84-'85 GSL-SE, or any of the 2nd Gen N/As. I plan on shaving all the weight off of the car (AC, Interior, Leight Wheels, etc...) To be honest, I will be using this car to learn how to "Drive". What do you guys think would be the beter car to learn in and to have fun with? Also if I ever get bored of the NA in the RX7 (which I don't think I will since I'll have my 300ZX) I can swap the T2 motor in.

 

ok..

 

Nice response, keithrulz. VERY informative to the post, I don't know what we would do with you.


I'd say with a first gen NA. It's infinitely tossable, VERY lightweight, and significantly cheaper than a 2nd gen NA.

Although..the GSL-SE..goes for a lot. Probably a good 1-2000 more than a 2nd gen NA. If you aren't willing to get a regular first gen (GS, GSL), than go for a 2nd gen.

If you would like to search around a bit, go for the 1987 Sport, or 1988 GTU. These both have turbo suspension+brakes, 5 lug wheels, disc brakes, and LSD's. The ULTIMATE NA RX7, really. If you don't mind not having it, go for one without a sunroof. More chassis rigidity (you probably won't notice at this point), and also, its lighter.

If you want to get the better looking, faster, heavier S5 (1989-1991) 2nd gen..then go for the GTU-S. It's fairly rare, and probably a little more expensive than the others, but it is..the 87Sport/88GTU + more horsepower and better looks. No downsides, besides a tad bit of more weight. The great looks + upgrade in power is well worth it, though. It's power potential is higher than that of the S4.

 

I would do the 2nd gen RX-7 if prices out there are anything like CA; 1st and 2nd gens have basically fallen to the same price.

1st gen is a little lighter, but if you want to eventually make power and put it down in anything other than a straight line the 2nd gen suspension REALLY helps and you have the TII drivetrain for available for strength.

My '86 base w/ full interior was 2,450 Lbs w/ 1/4 tank of gas.

My '87 TII converted to base level accesories is 2,620 lbs w/ 3/4 tank gas (missing carpet though). That is w/ huge radiator, IC, WG, gauges, etc to make 400RWHP reliably...

Sell the 300ZX and get a nice TII and $$ to upgrade!