I am pretty young and am looking for a car to make as a regular driver. I have great interest in cars and I really like the uniqueness of the RX-7 and their design. I'm most likely going to try to find a 2nd generation to buy then build up and I have a few beginner questions.

1) Is there anything specific that I should really look out for or know before buying one?

2) Is there any good place to find RX-7s for sale around Chicago, websites dealers etc...

3) How much interchangeability is there between non-turbo and turbo engines. (For the possible later upgrades to a non-turbo car)

Thank you very much,
Ted

 

um, try to get a basic understanding of how a rotory engine works. About the turbo to n/a interchangability...I think the more you learn about 7's the more you will want and appreciate the turbo's. Try to find a nice T2. They usually range from 1-3.5k. Good Luck.

my $.02

 

welcome to the forum...

the rx-7 is a truly unique and fun performance car. if luck is on your side, you will find a good one that will treat you well...

to answer all your questions, click on the search button in the upper right hand corner. this will allow you to find a bunch of info on the topics you were curious about.

good luck!

 

Shoot for a TII. In the long run it will save you money and headaches.

 

You stated that you're young and looking for a regular driver. I would start with a non turbo, and move up as you become familiar with how the car handles and the little quirks that come with owning a rotary sportscar.

Non turbos aren't the fastest sports cars out there, but they're damned fun to drive hard all day and put up wet. With a turbo, that's not the case - moreso if you mod it. The keepup and expenses on a turbo will be more expensive than an NA car, so budget is also something to look at. Turbos can be a little more finicky at times, and they are twice as prone to failure as a non turbo. (Search for detonation - VERY bad on a turbo rotary)

I know everyone wants the fastest car they can get their hands on, but a non turbo is a GREAT sportscar to start out with, especially with mild suspension/tire/brake upgrades.

 

As a starter car, get yourself a GXL. They're a blast to drive because of the 8000 rpm redline, worldclass handling, and seat of your pants fun.

The TII has serious muscle, but takes experience & patience to not go over the edge. Because you can't "light up the tires" on the GXL like the Turbo II, your less likely to spin the car

Here's a welcome package for you


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Hey welcome to rx7club.com.

The best thing about rx-7s is they're 100% designed as TRUE uncompromising sports cars - not a "sports coupe" or "sports sedan."

The Turbo II model is a SUPERCAR and is the tuners DREAM CAR. Mazda designed the car's drivetrain with 450HP in mind but detuned to 200bhp. What that means is you can GO NUTS building an inexpensive Porsche killer. And unlike the American entry level "sports cars," the Turbo II is designed as a track car with MUCH better handling.

The rotary engine is PERFECT for a sports car and Mazda designed the rx-7 to take 130% advantage of it.

High RPMS, wide & tall powerbands, near unlimited revving, lightweight engine, perfect 50/50 balancing, and low drag, are just some of the advantages the rotary engine provides.

Handling is the BEST part of the rotary experience. The chassis has rear steer found on some Porsches, so you can kick some serious butt around the corners. The car handles & drives so well - it inspires you to push the car beyond what you think it's capable of

Best of all, the rx-7s have an international following from tuners, manufacturers, and enthusiast. That means you have a wide selection of performance upgrades, engine upgrades, accessories, bodykits, coffeytable books, toy models, gas powered rotary R/C cars, and knowledgeable people.

The RX-7 community is really that large

a few pictures: