Whats up everyone. Im new to the rx scene. I dont own one yet, currently selling my car to buy one but I have a few questions before i actuallly do.
Whats the best model? I'd like to get one thats turbo'd but how is the reliability of them as far as everyday driving goes?
How are they in rain and snow? I've never had a rear wheel drive before which i'm assuming they are, correct me if im wrong. I live in pa and we have some pretty sh*tty winters sometimes.
Thats all right now, thanks for any response

 

I think most on the board would agree the Turbo II model is the one to get, people will disagree with me but I love boost so as far as I'm concerned turbo is the only option.

As far as rain and snow, well yes they are rear wheel drive so you have to be cautious in the rain especialy if your running higher power than stock. I drove mine in the winter last year with no problems and I know other owners who drive theirs in the winter as well. Get a good set of winter tires and your set.

 

I have been driving rear-wheel drives for a while now and they are loads of fun. I used to live in Kansas, the winters were pretty nasty there. I have never used winter tires, just all-season radials. My advice: Get a rx-7, when it rains real good go to an empty parking lot and learn how to control the car in the wet conditions. Doing this has helped me avoid messing up cars in snow and ice.
REAR-WHEEL DRIVE is AWESOME!!!

Hope this Helps.

 

turbo is the best way to go for performance, what else is a rx7 meant for, anyways there are some that want a sports car but don't want the hassle of a turbo.

either way a lighter foot in the winter should help, i've driven powerful cars in the winters in montana (turbo charged 3.8 litre V-6 in a buick regal was one) and it isn't bad if you are easy on the gas pedal. remember, save car for spring when you can open her up.

welcome to the forum, have fun and you'll learn alot from the guys and gals.

 

shadyteke,

Hey welcome to the forum.

For the 2nd generation years (86-92), your models are:

SE/sport - base models (cheapest)
GTU/GTU-S - sporty models (best HP/cost)
GXL - luxury model (best luxury/cost)
Convertible - sweet model
Turbo II - supercar

The GTU-S and GTU probably has the most reliability to performance of all the models. The 89-92 years have a bit more HP and the 86-88 years have a bit more engine life.

You are definity in for a treat for any model you choose. The rx-7s have one of the largest followings of any car, have more aftermarket bodykits, performance accessories, general accessories, new OEM parts, used OEM parts, aftermarket parts, userbase, knowlegable experts, support groups, car clubs in every region, quarterly events, etc.. This all means you'll have LOTS of options for personalizing your car both under the hood, on the inside, and extrenally changing or enhancing the appearance.

What makes the rotary engine rx-7 unique is the engine's light weight and small size compared to the output (ie fast 0-60 and 1/4 mile times), ability to handle high revs with no problems (fun to drive - high rev starts), and the smaller engine gives the rx-7 chasses it's many advantages including additional stiffening, beter suspension, 50/50/50/50 balance for taking curves, low profile nose for very little drag, lighter weight, etc...

The non-turbo models obviously have the most reliability. The TII (Turbo) can be very reliable as well, but do keep in mind they will run a slight premium overall.

Where most people get into trouble with the TII is improperly modifying the car or not taking care of the engine (ie changing the oil every 2500-3000 miles, 30 & 60K services, etc..).

As far as driving, the TII is a supercar - PERIOD. Having 200-450HP (or more) under the hood, lots of grip, extreemly good handling, etc.. takes some getting use to and is not for the timid driver.

As far as buying any rx-7, you may want to pay a slight premium for one with a "new engine," "recently rebuilt," or "low engine miles" OR find one for dirt cheap and install a new engine. Either way should give you EVEN MORE reliability.

Just remember get a compression test done on the engine of any rx-7 you buy to verify the sellers claims.

Any more questions??

A few pics for ya:

 

Supercharger:


I can fly:


Gold Baby:


A very RARE Turbo II - 1987 Savanna TII convertible - imported

 

My personal car:

1992 FC3S Turbo II rx-7



Now everyone's favorite - Bodykits.
The 2nd gens have a timeless look, but it's not hard to give them a modern look either


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Thats everyone for all the responses. ITs really helped me narrow everything down in my head. I've actually found a turbo II, an 89 today locally without an engine. Are there any places on line to buy rebuilts or slightly modified ones? ALso, i've swapped many engines in my time, hondas, v8s, etc but whats the diffuculty level of the rx7 swap as opposed to them? Thanks

 

You won't find any "crate" engines, but there are TONS of high quality "near crate" re-manufactured engines out there.

Help me here people, I can't remember all the best places.

What's the place that sells the higher quality engines that you can pay slightly more for? I think they have the longest warentee.

I've heard the install is not difficult, just time consuming. You can probably find someone in your region or state that's done it before to help and give you pointers.

I will say one thing from experience. When you get the engine out check the metal air intakes and exhaust pieces that bolt to the engine plus the plastic/rubber air ducts for cracks and uneven gaps.

Previous owner installed a new engine in mine and didn't have those fixed. That causes the o/2 sensors to freak out my ECU and the car tended to run rough and stutter. Also wouln't hurt to have the fuel injectors professionally cleaned/blueprinted while your at it

 

Thats for the replies guys. Anyone else on engines? Performance parts venders? Anything that I can learn from. Thanks

 

bump

 

Shadyteke- Where in PA are you? KD Rotary in Nazareth, 610-614-1214 is near Allentown. They can fix you up with a rebuilt engine and install it. I used to live in NE PA, drove three 2nd gen in the winter in the Pocono Mountain area. Get yourself four Bridgestone Blizzaks or comparable tires and you should be OK until the snow gets deep enough to pile up under the under carriage and lift the car up. Handling is predictable and fun. Your limited slip rear on your turbo will help, unless you get one of PA's infamous ice storms, in which case don't even try to go out. Limited slip is OK on snow but impossible on glare ice: BOTH rear tires try to swap ends. Also- Tire Rack and some of the other mail order tire places used to have a winter change-over tire and wheel package which had stamped steel wheels with wheel covers and winter tires. Don't know if they still do. Also, see if you can get *narrower* tires than the stock 205/55/R16. Like maybe a 60 or 70 aspect ratio that is the same overall diameter. An interesting note- After I bought my first new 86, I put snow tires on just the back wheels, like most people usually did with rear wheel drive cars. The handling on dry roads was awful. I got a Mazda update sticker in the mail several months later to put in the owners manual to put snow tires on all four wheels. That fixed the problem. Good luck with your new car. Oh yeah- winters in NC are much better.

 

ronarndt,
Thanks alot. That was exactly the kind of info i was hoping to hear. The whole snow, rear wheel drive thing was bothing me but im sure its something that will be easy to get used to. Besides it will be fun. Once again, everyones info was appreciated.

 

You can get engines from corksport.com & many other places. You can get Mazda reman'd engines as well. Performance products?

www.racingbeat.com
www.corksport.com
www.mazdatrix.com
www.rx7.com
www.rx7store.net
www.atkinsrotory.com
www.mariahmotorsports.com