2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Noob to this board, I need help buyin a rx-7

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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 02:34 AM
  #1  
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Cool Noob to this board, I need help buyin a rx-7

Ok I love the 2nd gen and 3rd, right now Ime only 17 and am not rich atm but I want performance, looking on autotrader this is what I found, can you guys tell me if these are good buys. btw. can you guys tell me how much these ppl put into their car cash wise that are selling.


(6500)
1986 body style with 1987 completely rebuilt turbo JAP spec rotary motor and transmition with less then 1000 miles on it. With Countless performance modifications includeing 18 inch Rims with new Falcon tires, lowered 2 inches, Cusco/Greddy GT style wing, OBX strut bar, erebuni Bodykit frount bumper and sideskirts back bumper avaiable, Alpine CD player, Razo shift ***, 1987 completely rebuilt turbo JAP spec rotary motor and transmission with less then 1000 miles, 3 millimeter Apex seals that are capable of 45 pounds of boost, Port and polished motor, Racing beat 3 inch downpipe and sciencler, custom exhaust to an arospeed muffler, ACT Xtreme racing clutch, Very fast and fun to drive 6500 OBO have receipts

(7000)
1987 MAZDA RX7 Turbo, great cond., 425+hp, 245 mi. on new motor, too much to list, car flies, you'll love it, $7,000 obo
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 03:03 AM
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This is just my opinion...So take it as such....


DONT buy a rotary from someone that claims it makes outrageous HP numbers ( i.e. "425+hp" ) OR ones that have "countless performance modifications"


From my experience, cars like these have led very hard lives and I, for one, would not want to buy a car that had been put through such paces.

Now if you know the guy ( or girl :p ) thats selling the car, thats a different story.




IMHO, try to find a stock one first.
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 03:08 AM
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very true, anyone else have a opinion, btw. Ime not a kid whos good with performance upgrades and stuff like that, thats why Ime looking for 1 thats decently hooked up already.
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 03:14 AM
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Well then it sounds like you have the perfect chance to learn about them.

Its all up to you in the end man. If you feel comofortable buying a modified RX, more power to you.
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 03:14 AM
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The first one sounds pretty ricey

The second one sounds nice, but it must have a ton of mods to back that claim. It is doubtful he has that much

Anyways, a nice 87-88 or 89-91 stock Turbo II can be found for $3000 - 5000 generally. All Turbo IIs are the same, so go by mileage history, maintence. Have someone check the car out too

Good luck buying your first RX-7, youll love it
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 03:18 AM
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Not used to these cars, how does a rotery engine compare to a dohn and sohn.
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 04:03 AM
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Haha, No comparison! Once the rotors start spinning in a 2nd Gen above 3Krpm, you are in trouble. In an N/A the secondary ports open and you feel a 'boost' in power. In a turbo model, your breath will be taken away if you have never felt the sensation before. Honestly, Once I got my first RX-7, I would never go back. I have smoked Mustangs 3.8's 5.0s, 4.8s, integra gsrs, civic turbos, 3000gts, brand new cars, old muscle cars, and have not yet been owned by any other car out there in my town. I cross my fingers. Get yourself an RX-7 and see what all the 18,000 members on this forum are bragging about!!!

Good luck
TRU
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 05:16 PM
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The TII is a TORQUE MONSTER, with top notch handling.

It's 100% designed as a sports car, not a "sports coupe" or "sports sedan."

Here's a good welcome package for you that covers allot on these cars:



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey welcome to the forum.

The best thing about the rx-7s is the car is 100% designed as a TRUE sports car - not a

"sports coupe" or "sports sendan."

The Turbo II is a SUPERCAR and is the tuners DREAM CAR. Mazda designed the car with 450HP in mind but detuned to 200/180 ft-lbs torque. What that means is you can GO NUTS designing a porsche killer for little $$$.

The rotary engine is PERFECT for a sports car. Mazda designed the rx-7 to take 130% advantage of it. That means you get lightweight HIGH OUTPUT performance, UNLIMITED REVING (there's nothing to break), small engine means sweet aerodynamics = low drag. Handlign is the BEST part of the rotary experience. The chassis has rear steer like 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 enthusiest. That means you have a wide selection of performance upgrades, accessories, bodykits, coffeytable books, toy models, and knowlegable people.

a few pictures:








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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 05:17 PM
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 05:34 PM
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Originally posted by adamlewis
From my experience, cars like these have led very hard lives and I, for one, would not want to buy a car that had been put through such paces.

Now if you know the guy ( or girl :p ) thats selling the car, thats a different story.

IMHO, try to find a stock one first.
I agree. You can get a somewhat stock 87-88 TII in running condition for $2-3K. Then you can fix it up a little at a time, or even all at once. At least that way you know everything is done correctly or at least to your liking.

Links for buying an RX-7:
http://www.kbb.com/
http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/

Originally posted by vaughnc
The TII is a TORQUE MONSTER, with top notch handling.

It's 100% designed as a sports car, not a "sports coupe" or "sports sedan."
Yes, the handling and braking are excellent. Although designed as a 2+2, the 2Gen RX-7 IS a true sports car. The non-turbo RX-7 is really more of a purist sports car, although turbocharged cars seem to be more popular among the teenagers nowadays. I totally disagree with the torque statement. The rotary engine has always been short on torque when compared to a piston engine of the same horsepower. However, the rotary engine tends to have a much flatter power curve than its piston counterparts.
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 05:37 PM
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I would agree to buying a stock RX-7. Upgrading it yourself is most of the fun. Dont get all caught up in all performance parts, you need some reliablity. Most of your mods should keep your perfomance parts in tune with each other so u dont mess something up. Always use the forum, its your best tool.
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 01:29 PM
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I'm gonna offer you an OBJECTIVE opinion on the matter, one that is not tainted by bias. I don't own an RX-7 but look forward to owning one. Having said that, I believe my opinion is neutral on the matter.

First off, the RX-7 is NOT a Torque MONSTER, it has some average torque numbers, but its easily outclassed by newer vehicles, which are the ones you'll most likely be racing. I have a T/A, now THAT is a torque MONSTER, 325 ft-lbs.

Secondly, the RX-7 does handle like a dream and you will enjoy the style, handling, and uniqueness of it as a sports car.

"Once I got my first RX-7, I would never go back. I have smoked Mustangs 3.8's 5.0s, 4.8s, integra gsrs, civic turbos, 3000gts, brand new cars, old muscle cars, and have not yet been owned by any other car out there in my town."

Don't believe everything you hear, that's all I've got to say about that.


And now for an OBJECTIVE opinion on the rotary as it compares to a piston engine, I can tell you this:

Contrary to popular opinion, the rotary is not as reliable as a piston engine. Anyone who tells you otherwise has never owned a piston engine. I don't know how much you know about the rotary engine itself, but instead of having pistons, it has rotors, which perform the same function, except each cycle in the otto cycle (conventional engine cycle) is performed by each rotor INDIVIDUALLY in the RX-7. The eccentric or e-shaft replaces the crankshaft in the
piston engine. The rotary is more technologically advanced than a piston engine for many reasons, but its also more technologically simplistic.
The rotary engine uses only 3 parts to run the ENTIRE ENGINE, whereas piston engines use AT LEAST 40. (4 cyl) Getting back to reliability, though. Despite the fact that the rotary has less components, it still is seems to last less than piston engines. Common problems include electrical failures (2nd gen), burning oil, and overheating, or at least running hot.

Don't just buy into all the hooplah that was said earlier, this board is a great resource for people who own the car, but don't expect a non-biased opinion of its performance on this site. Its like me going to a 3000GT forum and saying, should I buy a 3000GT or an RX-7?

Which do you think they are going to say? Research the car for yourself, find out what type of problems are common to it, engine reliability, things that you like or don't like, aesthestically (visually) and mechanically.
Then, make your choice. After much consideration I've decided to go with a beat up *** 89-91 TII RX-7 with a blown motor, cruddy transmission, doesn't matter. I want one as a project car. I'll drop a 13B turbo into whatever piece of junk I can find.
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 11:29 PM
  #13  
Evil Aviator's Avatar
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Originally posted by PJ RX-7
Contrary to popular opinion, the rotary is not as reliable as a piston engine. Anyone who tells you otherwise has never owned a piston engine.
LOL, lots of credibility there for someone who has never owned an RX-7. I guess the part about not believing everything you read on the internet would be correct, especially in this case.

BTW, rotary-powered Mazdas are the most consistent finisher in the 24hrs of LeMans endurance race, which would indicate much better reliability than those who have never owned an RX-7 may think.
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