nima_taba

I just purchased my '88 Rx7 (N/A) a couple of months ago. So far I love this car. It's incredible. I do, however, live in the "land of the ice and snow" (also known as Canada) and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for keeping my car going in the winter. I've heard the engine is very hard to start in the winter. What about when you use a block heater?

Also, I'm looking to buy some mufflers. I want a definite sound gain, a power gain would be nice as well. I've found some Aerospeed's. Any good?

Thanks,

Nima

MazdaMark1990gtu

put some good snow tires on it, keep the gas tank over 1/2 for weight , don't stop in deep snow, keep your foot in it and counter steer. don't worry about starting they start fine just let it worm up befor you drive it.

nima_taba

Thanks for all the info. I was worried about starting them. I've heard they are bad for starting in the winter, but I guess not. I'm putting studded tires on mine, as well as a couple of sandbags in the back. I should be fine, just taking a few corners slower than usual I suppose.

Also, I'm pulling in about 14mpg with this thing in the city. Is that normal? That seems really high for even a rotary.

Thanks guys,

Nima

snoopster76

everyone is asking about this, ive had a couple of powerful cars and learned how to drive in the snow, but this is a light car. I guess i'll have ti drive like an old man.

CYAL8R

AT LEAST YOU DONT LIVE IN WINNIPEG!
this will by my first winter with my car too and it'll probably be interesting. my dad had an 85gsl and he used to have 4 sandbags in the back with brand new all season radials on. winter tires would be nice but im gonna have to go with the all seasons because i'm broke
we used to have problems starting the gsl when it was colder than about 20 (celcius) but not if we used the block heater
well, good luck on your winter driving and may we all drive like old ladies in lincoln town cars!

snoopster76

the only thing is i'm in the air force and there is a large amount of people that have never seen snow let alone drive in the stuff. that is what makes this difficult. good luck this winter and look forward to the spring when you can open her back up like she was meant.

fuzzi

Sweet you live in Winnipeg dude !?!?! I am in Brandon.. my Rx is in Vancouver, but my buddy is probably gonna drive it out here for me in oct now that the engine is broken in... Sandbags all the way..... I was looking at engine block heaters and their is one for like 110 bucks canadian, that actually recirculates your angine fluids that way when you go to start up your car you core is still warm, so you get heat in the car as well... (no cold air blowin at ya) thinking of getting it.....anyhow.. maybe ill c your car around if i drive into old Peg.

later

-fuzzi

dre_2ooo

I live in MN. I drove my 7 and ONLY my 7 all winter last year.

MAKE SURE not to go into DEEEEEEPP snow. you WILL get stuck.

As for the RWD. It's alittle differnet with our cars. See if you've ever driven a piston based engined car in the snow (RWD) then you know you spin around.

However, the 7's 50/50 weight distribution comes into play here. The natural tendancy for a car to do is have the rear wheels spin around a fixed point, the center of wieght. I heavy engine causes the car to spin itself around the engine in the front. Thats why people usually add weights to equalize the weihgt balance, whiich is usually aroun 70/30.

So the 7 is already set. its center of gravity is deade center (where you sit). So whereas a "normal" car would spin out, the 7 tends to go sideways and then just slide sideways. Its happened to me numerous times. If you add wweight to the rear, then you slide diagonally. to prove it, go into a circe and start doing doghnuts, you CANT do it can you? nope. you just end up sideways and/or diagonal.

Your best defense is a good set of TIRES. and some good counter-steering skill.....

AHHHHH YEAAAHH..... 50/50 balance... chalk another one up for MAZDA!

Bigmike

Well im having to drive my rx in the winter too don't want to be but really is my only option. My block heater crapped out on me, so im ordering a new one. And just recently I get absolutly no air coming from the ac/heater... NONE ... so that really sux. Damn its gonna be cold.

dre_2ooo

WTF!!?

These cars HAVE block heaters!!??

Tahts news to me!!

I wonder if mine works/exists...

nima_taba

Yeah, I understand that the RX7 has a 50/50 weight ratio, but still I think sandbags will be a good idea. This is a light car overall, and that means the rear wheels have very little wieght pressing them down onto the road surface. I think adding sandbags will plant those wheels alot better, reducing the chances of spinouts. With 4 sandbags and studded tires, I think I'll be able to survive without wrapping my car around a light post!

Pray for me

Peace guys,
thanks for all the replies

Nima

Amur_

I was just browsing the Forum, looking for 411 on a/f mix probs for a local shop that races an '88 TII, when I saw this . I couldn't pass it by, so congrats on a post that just snagged a new Forum member...

I had my last RX-7 '86 GXL on the road for the first half of last winter ('til she shared an Eskimo kiss with a Grand Am mid January) here in Kitchener, Ontario, and she performed magnificently. I've driven a number of different cars and trucks during our winters and I've yet to be in anything that was so solid. She *stuck* to the road. I wasn't pushing her too hard, but I did indulge a quick tap of the gas around corners now and again to keep things interesting.
We had one major, all-day snowstorm last year that I was driving around town in all day. 9am 'til about 8pm. Didn't get stuck once.
Also had a day of freezing rain that left the roads coated. Came down one street in time to see a Dodge Charger rolling backwards down the upcoming cross-street. He couldn't make it up the slope on the ice. Well, it was my turn and she made it up the hill. I didn't get out of 1st gear but I got up w/o stopping or otherwise losing control.
Bottom line: You are going to LOVE driving this car in the snow.

Also: make sure that your alternator is 100%. Driving after dark with the fan and rear defrost and whatever else running really puts a load on it. I've got to get my alt beefed up as it's having enough trouble making it above 13V. Also, check any RX-7 FAQ for info on adding extra ground wires to make the alt's job easier - try to use 6 gauge automotive wire.

Amur_

Oh, almost forgot...

My RX-7 has ALWAYS started on the first try in the winter, no matter how cold. I use Quaker State 5W-30 to make it as easy for her as possible. Also had a remote starter installed this past summer (the clutch is bypassed) - Prostart from Canadian Tire (yeah, Crappy Tire, I know, but I couldn't find one elsewhere that wasn't already integrated with a $1k alarm system - screw that) for $100. Would strongly urge anyone to get one. It gives the car time to warm up (talking about the engine) while you're finishing getting ready to go wherever you're going. I *hate* getting in and going before the temp gauge is up to 1/3.

Suparslinc

quick advice that has always helped me...
never stop. always maintain your momentum. if you stop, your stuck
instead of sand, try lead.

vosko

iTrader: (4)

i drive my gtu all year long with just all season tires. its great. never had one problem

the_glass_man

iTrader: (2)

Yeah wheres your snow driving Video? I might have to drive my FC this winter and I'm upgrading to some blizzaks cause I need new tires and rims anyway. My car wouldn't start only once laster Christmas night at the movies is like 10 out side. Pissed me off

defylogik

****, drift that bitch man!