Hi everyone. Someone from honda-tech.com suggested I come here in search of answers about the FC3S. I've been in love with the RX-7 for years now, especially the FC. Now that I can drive, i've been dying to own one. I currently have a '97 Honda Accord (obscenely high miles: 129k). I'm hoping to get rid of the piece and pick up an FC, though it all depends on my dad (since the car is in his name).

So my questions to you are:

1) Is the rotary as horrifying as people make it out to be? I keep on hearing these horror stories about blown engines, seals, massive repairs, etc. If this is true, then I definately don't want to put money into an FC.

2) Which would be a better option to go for: an NA or a turbo'd model? By "better option" i mean price, gas milage, reliablity, cost of keeping it maintained.

3) If need be, how much would an engine rebuilt cost (an average price)

4) Sort of a silly question, but are you all satisfied with your FCs? Fun cars to own and drive?

Well, thanks a bunch. Hope to hear from some of you, and maybe even own my own FC sometime soon.

 

What do you expect us to say here, we're biased. In all seriousness no. Blown engines tend to happen do to poor maintanance (previous or current owners), modified TIIs with fuel mod issues, high millage. So you'll probably see more engines blowning here than if you go to a forum for a newer, n/a or just less extreme modded car. I blew mind by running around @ 8k all day at the track. Lack of oil pressure for those RPMs, possible prior abuse and the abuse that day did it. Even in this case I'm still ahead of buying a "comparable" car, if you add up the money!

FCs are excellent value, you get a lot of power for little money with a TII. N/a is cheaper, gets better millage, and people say they are substantially more reliable, I'm not so sure that stock vs. stock they would be that different. I've found mine to be fairly low on maintanance. Better than you'd expect for a car of its age. Many say it's very maintanance oriented. That said, Mazda likes you to pay through your nose for parts. There's nothing like paying $90 for a gasket that cost $0.15 to make.

Say ~$1500USD, don't quote me on that though.

Yes, many of us are very fanatical about them. In my mind there is no other choice for a car of its price and in it's field of "competitors." I haven't heard of anyone saying that they'd driven another car and wanted to trade their FC as a result. Sometimes you hear n/a people trading up to different cars, but I'd say the turbo lot are pretty confident few can touch a car that does everything well and has very few weaknesses.

 

Rotaries are not as bad as people make them out to be. You just have to tune them more precicely and maintain them more regularly than a regular piston engine to attain great reliability.

If what you are concerned about is price/mileage/reliability/maintenace then the way to go is for an NA. If you care about power or speed, the TII is the way to go. Don't plan to add a turbo to your NA later anyway, just buy a TII to start with. If speed isn't too important than buy the NA. But, I wouldn't bother buying an NA FC3S. You can get an equally performing car such as an S13 which would be more reliable and longer lasting. Turbo for power.

You can buy rebuilt FC3S engines for about $1200-2000

 

I just blow up my engine not to long ago. But It was because I use snythetic oil in it and it eat away my seals. I put a rebuilt engine in it and it cost me around $3000, but that was at a local shop-my dad wouldn't let me do it myself.

 

welcome...the FC is a great car when treated right very fun, nimble, and rewarding...

to answer your questions:
1) many people have had bad experiences...but others (like myself) have had a problem free time with them. I've owned my 91 n/a for almost 4 years and its been totally solid. My T2 for over a year now and it has been excellent as well...read/gather/learn AS MUCH as you can about the FC and rotary engine before making the purchase. the archives are a great section to learn from...

2) Gas mileage is about the same, and all the other stuff is relative as to what kind of conditioned car you buy. a n/a motor "could" blow at 30K miles...or a turbo engine could last 200K...

3) There are quite a few good shops that do rebuilds...depending on the porting options it might run from $1500-$3000 (or more perhaps)

4) I love my FC's. They are a great bang for the buck. I got my first one at the beginning of college...got me thru those times and MANY long road trips...and now I still use it as my daily driver for work. The ride to and from work is still the best part of the day

good luck...remember to learn all you can and hope you hold out for the right car

 

 

...I fail to see what's funny. For a car made in 1997, 129,000 miles is pretty damn obscene

 

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=137301

 

My FC has almost that many miles, and still runs like a champ. My daily beater '91 Dodge shadow has 154K miles, and still runs fine. I wouldnt call 129k "obscene" Wasnt anything personal, just raggin ya a bit

 

Yea, but keep in mind that your FC is at least 6 years older than my car and the same amount of miles. There isn't a whole lot wrong with my car (except I need to replace the front brake pads and rotors and my suspension on the right squeeks, but that's beside the point), but still, when someone hears "It's a 1997" followed by "With 129k miles" they get scared and are like "Oh, nevermind." Anyways, thanks for the extra help and links and such.