Im 17 years old. Currently I drive a stock 89 s13 240sx. I had the car since I was 15, it was a blast to drive, probably because of the torque, but now it seems a bit lacking. Now Ive done a bit more reading and Im pretty interested in working with rotaries now. Im pretty sure the S13 and GXL are almost up to par in straightline performance, but since the early s13 had SOHC, the GXL will probably spank it. Now Im planning to trade in my S13 for a daily-driver, weekend warrior rotary powered machine.

Anyway, right now since I dont have much cash to burn, Im looking towards the GXL and somewhere along the line, do a 13BT swap. Im working towards becoming an auto tech and the shop I work for say theyll help me out. This would seem like the easier way around the financial since I want to fix the car up as soon as possible, while still retaining reliability, and maybe doing a T2 swap later on if I need more power. Then again people seem to always suggest just getting a T2 in the first place, while at the same time warning against T2 reliability. If I can hit 13s, still maintain reliability, and not dish out so much money that would have cost more than just getting a T2 in the first place, than GXL is fine for me. NOS is not really an option since Im not up for temporary speed bursts.

I was also look towards getting a T2, main reason was probably for the power. The reason I wanted to ditch the s13 in the first place was because it was a bit lacking in that department. I can afford to shell out 4k right now, and another extra 1k if anything goes wrong, but it seems everytime I read these boards, people are always cautioning against turbo reliability especially for young drivers. Im pretty sure I can maintain this car so long as the engine doesnt blow on me.

Im asking for suggestion for the most decent ride with the most power gain possible, without dishing out too much cash, while atleast retaining some reliability. Gas cost is not really an issue, and if something does break down, I may be able to fix it. Should I get a 86-88 T2 or GXL? (no GTU, Im tired of rolling up/down windows)

 

I'd go for the TII, simply because it's a lot of work to hit 13's with an NA. The best thing to do (since you're at an autoshop) might be to buy a TII with a blown motor and then buy a *new* motor for it (or complete rebuild). This could be accomplished for 4-5 grand, and then the car would be 'bulletproof' for awhile.

Have fun!,
Manolis

 

by the time you hit 13's in a N/A, you would have come out much cheaper buying a TII. not only that but boost is like crack...its addictive. buy a turbo car and youll wonder why you ever drove anything else! and with 4k you can find one thats pretty damn nice. TII all the way!

 

Obviously, I'm a fan of the TII, so....

 

Go for a TII like PE said you could get a TII and have the engine rebuilt for that kind of money. And if you are worried about reliablity just think about what your other option is. You are thinking about getting a GXL and swapping in a USED TII drive train, so wouldn't that be just as unreliable (eventhough I don't think a TII is unreliable if tuned properly). Anyways good luck with your new project

 

Defenitely go withthe TII in the first place, you will save money in the long run for sure.

 

Go with the TII. I know, I have both cars you are talking about. It is hard to get in the 13s with an NA without N2O, S/C, or something else I don't know of. I am selling my GXL to my friend to add to my power fund

 

Good call. I like the idea of the blown engine. You could pick up a TII for a song with a messed engine.

 

Agreed. Find a TII with a blown engine. Use you S13 for a little while longer while you take your time rebuiding and learning about rotaries on your TII.

TII's can be made reliable. It's all in how far you wanna push the limits of the motor and how meticulous you are with maintenance.

If you're patient, the results WILL be worth it.

- JB

 

ahhh im glad i bought a T2 its getting on the road today "legaly"

 

Ya mine will hopefully be up and going next week I will be so ******* happy people, lol.

 

Well is there anything that can be done to the TII to make a bit atleast a bit more predictable in reliability? Even if I could fix it, I wouldnt want to wait weeks for it to be fixed. I wont be holding on to the s13 for too long since I was planning on using that money to modify it.

 

rxzero,

Keeping the TII stock is very reliable. Modding incorrectly is what affects reliability.

Start with the OEM TII setup, get a boost gague, and get an air/fuel gague.

After that save up for an engine management system and boost controller computer. That will let you have better control over how your car makes power and help you monitor & tune.

As far as purchasing, do one of two things:
- find one that was "recently rebuilt," "low engine miles," or "new engine."
- buy one with a "near blown" or blown engine for dirt cheap.

Either way the Turbo II's drivetrain is DESIGNED to handle 450+HP. The OEM fuel system maxes ~35% above stock HP - so obtaining a large amount of power without spending allot of money on on turbo and fuel upgrades is obtainable "right out of the box."

Plus the rx-7s have a HUGE following internationally. That means you have a wide choice of parts, performance upgrades, bodykits, accessories, 80mph wankel R/C cars, toy models, etc..

The Turbo II is a BAD @$$ supercar in it's OEM setup and with a few mods you'll be blowing away every car on the street

 

Yea I am pretty much convinced now about the potential of the TII. Its just when I first got on these boards to ask for advice, I was told for someone my age to get something more reliable like an N/A. However I already do drive an N/A similar to the N/A FC and reached its limits. Kind of frustrating. The guys at the 240 boards recommend dropping in an SR or something, which is not too far off an idea. However I just grown quite fond of the FC, and it just seems to have more flavor to it with the rotary and its handling capabilities. I dont know if I could have ran a more reliable car with a SR powered 240 with just about the same potential, but right now, the FC is where its at.

 

You betch ya

My favorite quote is "we run our rx-7 race or drag cars ALL SEASON LONG on the same engine - where the "pistons" rebuild ever race.

Build it right, tune it right, use a management system, add the proper monitoring & guages, and change the seals every 75K miles if your running MASSIVE HP.

She'll do' you right

 

HERE IS TEH BEST ADVISE YOU WILL EVER GET, KEEP THE S13 FOR THE DAILY DRIVER. TRUST ME

 

Ya i would keep a second car also. I have a friend that has a T2 and it never runs right. He did basically what you guys said, new motor, Blitz boost controller, 2 clutches, 2 turbos. this is all stuff he has bougth over the past year. lets see here, wiring harness, Apex SAFC, Down Pipe, 750cc secondary Injectors. Light fly wheel. Plus 3400 for the car originally. Now he has almost 15k into it and it doesn't run right needs another turbo since he ruined the last one from running to rich and it doesnt even pull harder than when we got it used with 125k on the original motor. This is why i am not a turbo fan! Also i have a second friend with similar problem but that would take even longer. I think turbo rx-7s that have been modded are pretty unreliable as daily drivers. I would definetly recomend a GTU for a daily quick driver and then do header etc. and it woulf be quick but not 13's. Or keep the car you have now and get a T2. These are just my thoughts and i experience, i know there are many of you out there that have modded without problems but hey this is my opinion.

CJG

 

get a TII like white on rice