Hi everyone.
I'm looking at possibly purchasing an FC. I like the FB body style, but I wanted to get an idea of how much better the FC might handle. The FC seems to have a much more intricate suspension system.
Is it really worth it, or is it trouble?
-Or does it matter?

 

I think that the FB is much lighter, Thus handling better stock for stock!

 

FC handles better than the FB, especially when the rear end lets go...Proof of this (as far as I'm concerned) was my '84 finding a couple of trees and meeting an early death due to a little high water, and the '88 seems to shrug the same scenarios off with ease....

 

suspension just got better as these cars were revised generationally...although i don't think the FD is as far of a leap over the FC as the FC was over the FB...although the FDs chassis is overall a much better package...
just take a look under these cars. the FB is pretty nice (considering the age now), but the FCs suspension still holds up and is absolutely beautiful (especially all those aluminum bits)...

 

ive driven both..... and the fc was like it was on rails compared to the fb...... not saying the fb was a bad handler.... just took more skill to menouver than the fc! the fc was way ahead of its time with its rear end!! and you cant beat 50/50 weight distribution and a drag coeffecient of .28 (w/ the aero package) .31 w/out

 

I have both and enjoy driving my FB's much more then the FC... I just feel like the FC is more of a boulivard cruiser and the FB is an all out tail swinging sportscar....

 

FBs must be nice tho since they are pretty light

 

That is a common misconception^^^ (SP)

1986 rx-7 wieghs basically 2,625 lbs w/ 5 speed
1981 rx-7 weighs basically 2,345 lbs w/ 5 speed
1985 rx7 gsl-se weighs basically 2,590 lbs w/5 speed

SO! Not a huge difference, I know every pound counts. With extensive weight reduction you can lower a FB to about 1800lbs, I did it... that was still retaining everything needed to remain street legal including factory dash and stereo...

BTW, almost everyone in the 2nd gen forum (except me) will push for you to buy a 2nd gen, vise versa for the first gen forum..FYI.

Trevor

 

well my 86 GXL is a pig

 

i really don`t have confidence in first gen steering, otherwise its not that bad

 

following that logic though based upon being lighter thus it will hander better stock for stock

the FD is generally the heaviest out of the bunch right? and FB the lightest


which do you think handles better stock for stock though :p

 

First, how do you determine a better handling car? Is it the amount of G's it will pull around the same corner? Is it slalom speed? What is it?

With that being said, the 1st Gen Rx7 rear suspension design was very simple, but a little flawed. It provided that fun, tossable go-kart like feel, but due to it's ancient design, lacks the ability to hold onto turns as well as newer cars with IRS (independent rear suspension). The 2nd Gen Rx7 rear suspension design is slightly more complicated, but much more forgiving. You lose a lot of the "raw" feel of a sportscar in the FC mainly because of this semi-trailing arm design. As mentioned above, it feels more like a boulevard cruiser in comparison to a 1st Gen.

BTW, I've owned both... Sold my 1st Gen for my current TII

 

you just have to look at the physical geometries of the designs. you can clearly tell that the FC can do things the FB can't...same with the FD, but geometry wise the FD isn't too far ahead of the FC...but seeing how it handles so sexily, there must be some major improvement. like i said, i think that has something to do with the chassis...

 

Drivers preference. I personally have driven the FD, FC and FB. I think the FC and FD are comparable...while the FB is slightly noticeably not as secure.

 

Well the FD is lighter than a TII And Im sure that with an aftermarket suspension the FB handles quite good!

 

yeah, FD has some pretty good weight reduction...

 

FD uses a double wishbone rear suspension. If you understand how this works and how it moves in the suspension's travel, you will understand that an FD should hold corners much better than an FC. FC's rear suspension is half assed by Mazda IMO. They knew they could have built it better, but they just threw a half-assed design to get the car out to the world. It will not hold onto turns as well as an FD nor other car's of it's era with double wishbone-type suspension geometry. However, the FC's rear suspension makes for an awesome launch that I doubt an FD could match.

 

But what other cars of the same era have a similar wieght to compare to. The only late 80s dual wishbone cars I know of are the supra and crx, neither of which are in the same category, so its hard to know just how much the trailing arm style suspension hurts the fc.

I know the theoretical benefits of dual wishbone, but in the real world, it doesnt come out massively ahead of everything else. Just look at handling BMW has pulled out of the 3 series.

 

According to my Brian Long RX7 book, the reason why the lead suspension engineer chose semi-trailing rear arms is for more interior/cargo room. Compare it to FD cargo room for example. He said he could design one that is almost as good as a double wishbone setup.

In my opinion, unless you push the RX7 limits at the track, the differences aren't too bad on the street. The Porsche 944 used the same rear suspension setup as did many other cars of that time. I still consider the semi-trailing arm setup to be inferior to a well designed double wishbone setup though.

 

First car was a FB. Loved it! Was a blast to whip around corners and drift. Awesome turning radius and felt nimble and comfy. My '81 GSL wieghed in at a truck stop at 2,280lbs. Down side was I never liked the interior and its a very narrow car. Really can't be taken seriously. Then I got my '89 GXL. Beautiful black leather interior and was a damn good looking car. Wasn't as nimble but I was hesitant because you learn a FB's limits pretty quick. Not an FC. My FC however first wieghed in at a hefty 2910lbs. After a manual swap and new exhaust and some other mods I got it down to 2,740lbs. For cruising I'd take a FC. As for ****** around and racing I'd definitly take a FB. I would be too scared to wreck a FD.

 

that's a pretty good comment on limits^, although i think it actually PROOVES the FCs superior handling...
take a rear engine Porsche for example. the limits are very hard to reach and learn, and once you do it is downright scary for most people...but they do own on the track

 

huh?

the launch on the FC isn't that great
the semi trailing arm allows for nice camber change under squat, the rear steer allows for toe in durring acceleration
bleck not fond of it

 

FC's handle better yes. But the fun factor is still hands down the FB. Especially for drifting. I used to take my '81 sideways ALL the way accross the parking lot. My FC straightens out after about 35ft.

 

in the words of my friend carrie " I drive a dodge stratus and i love it" haha sry made me laugh. well on a serious note. the fc is a good daily drive car and good for messin arround too. the fb is not so good for daily driving BECAUSE it lacks suspention, wheelbase, and othe things required for daily driving in things such as rain, snow,ice ect. an fc will fair much better in these condishions that an fb.