Im at an ultimatum...
#1
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Im at an ultimatum...
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
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
#2
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
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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
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
#5
Do a barrel roll!
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Originally posted by dr0x
Why? They arent really any better, plus they are heavier.
Why? They arent really any better, plus they are heavier.
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 $2k+ less, go for it.
#7
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I would get the base model. It is lighter, much cheaper ($ 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
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#8
Do a barrel roll!
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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
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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
Get the cheaper one and customize, dude. You'll be glad you have the extra cash-- plus it's already broken in.
PJ
#11
Fixed the wheelhop
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I like the 2+2 option I want to put back seats in my car
#12
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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.
#13
Do a barrel roll!
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Originally posted by PJ-4.2L
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.
PJ
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.
PJ
#14
and I can lock-up all four whenever I want.
#17
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Originally posted by Rxmfn7
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.
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.
BTW, I have a big-brake upgrade on my two ton Thunderbird-- so I have experience both ways...
PJ
#18
My cars louder than yours
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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.
Base Model Racing. Lets hear a Amen Detruich.
#20
Rotary Freak
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
I would never get a S4
#21
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Originally posted by von
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
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
#22
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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
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