hey guys i just wanted to know your oppinions. i was thinking of buying a pretty cheap, project condition 7 as a first rx7 to get me into rotary. something that i can do work on, basically learn from and drive. anyway i was wondering what model would you suggest. i was thinking of some kind of n/a fc, but then i guess i could also get an fb. is the fb a lot simpler mechanics wise than an n/a fc? thanks, and any other suggestions would be appreciated.

ps i dont really know where to post this since it is both fc and fb but i just want a rough idea. thanks

 

generally the fb's have more problems as they are older my first 7 was an 88 gtu and it was a lot of fun to learn on and now that i have my turbo i really suggest learning on a n/a because you get the feel and then when you get the turbo you have the feel and then get the power.
tony

 

FB's are cool, don't get me wrong... but... if it has a distributor in it... RUN AWAY... you'll pay hell trying to keep it tuned up!!

I had an 89 GTU as my first seven, and it was a lot of fun.. took one hell of a beating, handled great, and was very reliable! (unlike my TII!!! but, you have to pay the piper when you bown down to the alter of boost!!)

 

I have both ('79 SA22C.) An SA/FB is way easier to work on. Problems are easy to fix and diagnose. But then again, even the newest FB is 19 years old or so.

Oh, when I meant way easier to work on, thats with the carbureted 12A. The fuel injected GSL-SE 13B is quite similar in setup with the FC's.

 

I suggest a s5 GXL .... Just so you have all the stuff to mess with besides a turbo. And it will be reliable even after you start modding it. Lots of fun.

 

thanks guys i really appreciate your views.

 

get an S4 SE - easy to maintain, no extra features to worry about breaking

 

S4 easy to maintain ? Ok..... The s5's are updated materials like the OMP which is hell if it breaks cause you wont know... and then you have to keep premixing the s4... There are lots of lil things s4's have that are not "reliable".

 

so s5 over s4? and fc over fb? lol i guess this is what i get for asking fc guys

jk, great suggestions, thanks.

 

i have never had a problem with my s4...if the owners of the car had done their job and maintained it properly, then it should run just fine.

 

OMP failure cant be prevented. The OMP just fails and stops pumping oil into engine. Hence why people premix b/c they dont trust the OMP. S4's have lots of weak stuff compared to the s5. Even in the engine types S5 will output 20 more hp being just as reliable as the S4 engines. Trannys on S4's are a bit weaker in the ballpark I think. My choice would be a s5 simply because power and more updated stuff. And a GXL is not hard at all to maintain compared to a turbo or even a SE (which has like 3 things less to watch).I mean what are you worrying more about on a GXL ? Differential fluid ? hah.

 

My first was an SA, but a beginner should stick with an FB or N/A FC. There are a lot of weird things and unavailible parts when it comes to SA's. Parts are plentiful for FB's and FC's, and both are fairly easy to maintain.

(Coming from a guy with a shed full of spare parts.)

 

Since when? My SA is the most reliable car I have ever owned (not counting the Honda). NEVER ONCE left me stranded. All I replaced was oil, filters, clutch master/slave and tires. Great car. 1st gens are rock solid.

Funny, I have never worried about my MOP. Many "newbies" premix out of ignorance, some people have legitimate reasons.

Since when?

I've noticed the trend that S5 engines are less reliable then the S4. Also, the S5 is MUCH heavier then S4, so the extra engine power is pretty much negated.

Trannys are basically the same.

This may help:
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/buy1.htm

 

i'm 16 and I bought a 91N/A off a forum guy back in dec and its been pretty easy to work on (ive done everything myself thus far) and very reliable, as long as your handy with a wrench you should be ok ...just do lots of reading..there are some very smart people on this forum. if its your first id deff recommend going N/A and try to find one with lower miles or a rebuild and from someone whos got all the receipts and records if possible.

 

thanks for the help guys, keep the suggestion coming!

 

I would like to point out the center console compared to the s5 ! and i know there are alot of people can speak for that damn thing.

 

I think S4 since its a bit simplar and lighter, although I have a S5 and won't trade for anything... well maybe a FD... but the point is I love it.. its my first car, gots great power (for me anyways) and handles great it should defnitally be a N/A. Fallows aaroncake's how to buy an rx-7, its really great write up. I would suggest getting a 88 GTU or a 89 or 90 GTUs if you can find them.