Newbies, this thread is for you.
 

Ok you lazy asses, I did all the searching you dont know how to do. Ive come up with answers to the prospective 2nd gen buyer, and the new 2nd gen owner. People, feel free to add information, as im sure I will miss ALOT of it.

The 2nd generation Mazda Rx7 was made from 1986-1991. Some people will say 1992. Its a matter of opinion. You will hear the word "FC" a lot. This is the VIN code which designates a 2nd generation Mazda Rx7. You will also see a few more specific designations. The 1986-1988 models are often called S4, which means the 4th series of Mazda Rx7s, and they are also called Zenki models. Dont ask me what it means. The 89-91 models are often called S5, for fifth series, and also called Kouki models. Again I dont know why. There were naturally aspirated models, usually referred to as "N/A", and turbo models, referred to as Turbo. Some came with backseats, however im not sure if theyre model/year specific.

First ill state the known (by myself, may not be complete) differences between the 4th and 5th series.

1986-1988.
Came in both naturally aspirated, and turbo (not until 87) models.
The N/A models had 146hp/138ftlbs, the turbo models had 182hp/183ftlbs. N/A models had 14 or 15 inch wheels, all Turbos came with 16inch wheels. There were several models, which are broken down to very specific stats at http://home.earthlink.net/~icemark/FCseries4.htm Thanks to Icemark.

The better models had 10.9" Front/10.7" Rear brakes. The lower end models had 9.8" Front/10.3" Rear brakes. They also had smaller, less desirable calipers.

The GXL models (luxury) saw an autoadjust suspension, thought by many to be worthless.

There was also a 10th anniversary model, that came only turbo, with special white trimmings. Side mouldings, tail lamps, and wheels were all white. Car was also only available in white.

1988 saw the introduction of the convertable, which was only availible in a N/A model. There are a few people who have japanese turbo convertable imports, and a few who have built their own. Consider them very lucky people. :D

1989-1991 (needs filling)
All versions kept rolling along, however the naturally aspirated models were grouped into one, called the "coupe". The turbo is still the turbo, and the convertable still the vert. Mazda changed the mouldings on the car, as well as the front bumper, rear bumper, and some of the interior trimmings. The S5 cars were now equipped with automatic seatblets. Except the vert, duh. The N/A model was now bumped up to 160hp, and the turbo now had 200hp/200ftlbs. These models also gained a little weight.

1/4 miles times.
N/A = high 15(late models) / low 16(early models)
Turbo = high 14 (late models) / low 15(early models)

You can expect gas milage of about 22mpg with N/A, and 17mpg with Turbo. These are estimates, with conservative driving.

Common problems: (usually not series specific)
3800rpm hesitation. There are gagillions of threads on this problem, and the same amount of possible fixes. The problem is associated with bad ground, usually connected to the ECU or secondary injectors.

Shudder. Not too many can explain it, but it has to do with shifting into 1st or reverse. More of a pet peeve. A brace can be had from Racing Beat to combat the problem. Link below.

There are many other problems besides these, usually smaller in comparison. Searching yeilds great results.

Maitnence:
Oil. It must be checked frequently, as the rotary engine uses the engines oil as a supply for special injectors that lubricate the inside of the engine. I suggest checking it every time you stop to get gas.

All other maitnence is the same as any car.

Popular Modifications:
Exhaust
Intake
Upgraded fuel system
Upgraded Turbo
Engine/Manifold Porting

Qwirks:
Much of the 89-91 parts can be fitted to the 86-88. The side mouldings and bumpers will bolt right on giving you that S5 look.
There is no manufactured turbo kit for the N/A models, only upgrades for the turbo models. If you want to go turbo you either need to get creative, or sell your car and get a turbo model. Here is a great thread showing how one of the members turbocharged his car. https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...threadid=88540 Thanks Aaron.

There are many retailers for Rx7 Parts. Here are a few.
www.rx7store.net
www.mazdatrix.com
www.racingbeat.com
www.rx-7.com

There are also many more.


This is totally incomplete. I would like other people to fill in where I left out, and when I feel it is complete, I will add in the additional info and give credit to all.

:D!!!THANK YOU!!!:D
:bigthumb:

Good Job! Yes you missed a lot of stuff, but it is for newbies and I think it is a very good "intro to the FC".

There are other things but since you mentioned the 10AE I think you should also mention that there where only 1,500 built. Also that they where 1988 models.


Mike

Excellent idea & good job. Thanks from a newbie.

If new to the FC's & not familiar with them, most likely your new to 7's. Not FC specific, but important to RX-7 newbies -

- avoidable causes and solution for flooding
- cold solder joints very common
- redline a day keeps engine trouble at bay
- no synthetic oil
- Mazda dealer's are either the devil incarnate or not knowledeable
- 3 most important things when buying: compression, compression, compression
- engine fire hazard
- the evils of overheating
- RX-7 Club forum is priceless!

TonyTurbo II, you are a great humanitarion!

This should be stickied or archived ... one of the two :)

Awesome job man I wish this was around about four years ago when I bought my GXL

Also check out http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/buy1.htm

What's a Zenki? Kouki? What's that mean? :)

Zenki - Japanese for "Early Model" ie 86-88
Kouki - Japanese for "After Model" ie 89-91

I was just kidding.

I was hoping so.;)

No you werent :p:

Are you serious?? I always wondered what the word itself meant.


Edit: Thanks for the input so far. Ive got a wordpad file that im constantly updating.

what's a RX-7??? :confused:

Dont forget the ATF treatment!!

http://www.mazspeed.com/atf.htm

It can restore power by dissolving carbon on the rotors and allowing the apex, corner, and side seal springs to expand as they originally did. Engine compression is generally increased.

NO, NO NO! The "ATF treatment" is evil, and should only be used in the case of severe flooding or carbon lock. It is not a maintenance item or general fix all. In fact, it usually causes more trouble than it's worth in the form of clogged exhaust, contaminated O2 sensors, fouled plugs and even dissolved side seals. ATF is Automatic Transmission Fluid, not Magical Fix Rotary fluid!

Ok guys, all suggestions have been filled into the "work in progress" and credit was given. I still need more S5 info, so if anyone knows a site with all the specs put it up.

Rico's right....HOWEVER...

Zenkei is the term used for cars with SQUARE tail lights...which happen to be the early models

Kouki is the term for car with CIRCULAR tail lights...which is the later model.

My old '87 TII was a...

Zenkei FC with kouki tail lights...

The synthetic oil debate seems to be raging on I guess. Mazda has put out that synthetic oil is allowed in the Rotary engine...

Originally posted by Aaron Cake

EVIL?! I have heard so many good things about ATF. How can a fluid clog an exhaust? The Catalitic Convertor, right? Mines gone, along with most other RX7s.

Of course, change your O2 sensor and plugs. And how the hell does ATF dissolve the side seals? You mean water seals?

I have been waiting for a good weekend to do this, I think this is it.

There were only 1500 10AEs made?
Fuck, I'd have bought the POS one that was for sale around here in a heartbeat if I'd known that!

Even if it didn't have a turbo engine, the radio was gone, power window switches were gone, the dash wasn't right, the lights wouldn't work unless you pushed on the console...

Well, maybe not.

Ive got a nice not in there about the synthetic oil debate.

That's a pretty major assumption, to presume that most RX-7s are running without cats. ATF will clog your catalytic converter, or at least, start to clog it.

Both the oil seals, and the water seals are in danger. Especially if they are marginal to begin with. Also, you will want to change your engine oil.

If you want to pour things into your engine, be my guest. It's your engine, and if you want to damage it, go right ahead.

There were still GTU, GXL, and GTUs S5's in 89 & 90. In 91 they got grouped into the "coupe" catagory.

The Turbo is also known as a TII ( Not because there are 2 turbos, but because there was a turbo before the TII made in Japan )

Otherwise, good job!

Yeah, like we're going to believe you, do you even know anything about engines??. hey, that's a cool pic of a turbo, where did you get it??? :)