Im going to buy an rx tomarrow but i need some advice.

One: My choices are a 1987 silver GXL all options brand-spanking new engine 2+2 seating 5 speed and the rare ABS! $3500

OR

Two: 1988 red base model New engine with 30k black BBS rims and the car is alot cheaper at $1200.

I would just like some TECHNICAL help on what the pro's and con's are of buying each. If I go with the cheaper one I could put more money to cusomize and such... And I dont know much about the ABS so any help would be cool thanks. -Evan

 

Mechanically they are both the same. I've never been a big fan of the 2+2 models, bu to each his own. I had an '88 TII w/o the ABS and my '89TII has ABS. Never missed it on the '88. On the '89 it has been activated a couple of times. Unit is very resposive. As you know, most cars manufactured now come equipped with ABS, even though some may be bottom of the line units. It does help in slick conditions.
Personally I would look very closely @ the mechanics of each. They become very expensive to fix/replace. If you don't like the 2+2 you could always convert back, or if it's your chioice, leave as is.
Without seeing the cars,naturally the choice is yours, but I would go the GXL with the options...Sunroof, all power, etc. See if you can get it for $3,000.
You didn't mention miles on vehicles, or "new" engines....Who's rebuilds are they? Documentation on rebuild..Cost,etc.
Good luck

 

just get a series 5.... 89+ for 3500 you could find a real real nice 89-91 NA

 

Why? They arent really any better, plus they are heavier.

 

Agreed, Id personally take a S4 over a S5 any day. Only thing I really like more on the S5 is the mirrors.

ABout your decision, The only real "advantage" with the GXL I see is you get the 5-lug wheels and bigger brakes. I see this as a must-have. If you decide on one of the base models, it its fairly straight forward to swap these things in though. The GXL will also have a LSD, which I also see as something I need. This can also be swaped though. Other than that, the cars are pretty mcuh identical, with the execption of some power options, and the AAS on the GXL (pretty much worthless) So just get whatever one is in the best shape (mechanically and body-wise). The GXL would be my 1st choice, but if you can get a same condition base model for like $2k+ less, go for it.

 

Definately. If you save that much money it wont cost near the 2 grand you saved to convert the brakes etc.

 

I would get the base model. It is lighter, much cheaper ($ left for mods after buying it), bbs wheels are awesome and big brakes are nothing but fashion unless you road race. But I am biased. I have a base 87

 

I have to disagree about the brakes. When slowing my car down from 100+ MPH, or on twisty back roads where the brakes are working hard, the 4piston calipers and vented rotors help out immensely. Plus with the 5-lug you have alot more choices of wheels. I like BBS wheels aslo, check sig

 

I think the 4 piston calipers are overrated on the S5s. The cars are still relatively light. I have Hawk pads on my S4 and they are awesome... They modulate well, never fade, and I can lock-up all four whenever I want. If the RX-7s were heavier, I'd understand wanting larger surface area, but the single pistons are adequate for the light FCs (specially the base models). Although vented rotors would be nice in the rear, mine haven't even warped. More than 80% of breaking force really occurs up front. The rears on the S4s are adequate as well.

Get the cheaper one and customize, dude. You'll be glad you have the extra cash-- plus it's already broken in.

PJ

 

I like the 2+2 option I want to put back seats in my car

 

Unless your passengers are 4'8" they are going to fight for the front seat. Or maybe you have little kids to carry around. They are unbelievably cramped.

 

If you have the cash, get the GXL. Better model, plus you don't have to deal with the hassle of converting the brakes, LSD, and the other BS. Doesn't the GXL have auto adjusting susp. Check on the mechanical aspect. Miles are VERY important on an RX-7 body. **** gets worn out.

 

Have you driven cars with bigger brakes(GXL,T2,etc..) and compared them to your base models? Im not saying the base braking system sucks by any means, it doesnt, but IMO the 5-lug braking system is way better. I can mash my brakes at 70MPH, and my car screams to a stop without locking up or even chirping a tire. Only thing is my chest gets sore from being mashed against my seatbelt I agree if he can get a base FC for thousands less, go for it. But..upgrading to the 5-lug and bigger brakes is very well worth it IMO

 

At low speeds. The base model brakes wont out brake the 4 pot brakes at high speeds. Any car with basically any pads can lock them at low Big brakes make you stop faster when the car is more resistant to stopping.

 

And since when was the brakes locking up a good thing?......WHen I need to stop fast the last thing I want is my brakes locking up.

 

Get the base. Put some of the cash you save back into it, and you'll have a wicked ride. Sure, you'll have to do some work, but you'll learn a lot and have fun.

 

Thus the "whenever I want." I also said they modulate well... In other words, there is enough clamping force in the base system. Have you ever been in a base model with Hawk pads? I always get compliments for my brakes from every passenger I've had (who's witnessed hard braking).

BTW, I have a big-brake upgrade on my two ton Thunderbird-- so I have experience both ways...

PJ

 

I would get the base for damned sure. Lighter, less **** to **** up. And an LSD and brakes are pie to swap compaired to the ache in your wallet that GXL will leave. Go team.

Base Model Racing. Lets hear a Amen Detruich.

 

if you want to mod it and make it fast, base is the way to go. That's why I like my GTUs, all it has is AC.

 

I would go for the S5 regardless of what poeple say. Ive worked on both for a long time and everything on the S5 is better desing , better quality on parts and also the feel of driving. Shorter throw , No EGR . My GXL S5 has the T11 brakes , 4piston ventalated. The ventalation is bigger than the S4. More power higher reving although the S4 is just as fast because its 200 lbs lighter the whole quality feel and driving expierience is better. .29 drag coeficiant compared to S4 .32 or something...No cold start problems with my S5 after 14 years I can park it down the street cold and not expierience any idling problems after restart. I dont know anything about the S4 thats better. Its 200 lbs lighter but thats it. If your racing and you strip everything then it doesent really matter what you get...

I would never get a S4

 

and the S5 looks better too

 

ok.... 3500 for an S5, or 1200 for S4.... Hmmm....

Why not 2 S4s and a set of rims? If the quality of the cars is comparible, there is no reason to avoid the S4 at that price. C'mon, guys... he'd be saving 2300 bones!

PJ

 

i gotta agree with PJ-4.2L. if they are about the same quality, i'd save the 2g's and mod the girl a bit.

 

The storage bins are more practical, based on the design of the FC. The rear seats I had were Immediately discarded.

 

Since when did he say hes looking at a S5?? It says a 87GXL or a 88 base....