Just curious,

how many of you really legally race your 2nd generation RX-7's? SCCA, Autocross, etc??

That is my goal. That is the only reason I bought my 86 RX-7. 50/50 front/rear weight ratio.

Please give me your suspension, engine, interior, weight loss, set ups.

Thanks,

Rob

 

Where in Tx are you?

 

McAllen, Texas. Deep deep deep south Texas

 

I ran my 90 'vert in autocrosses for 5 years. It started out bone stock and wound up street prepared with intake, exhaust, ECU, springs, shocks, wheels & R-compound tires.

If you bought your car for autocrossing, I certainly hope you chose it becuase it's fun to drive. The NA 2nd gens are no longer competative autocross cars on stock or street prepared. They're still a blast to drive, but the Miatas & MR2s own the class.

Have you done any autocrossing yet? If not, you don't need to bother with mods for 6-12 events. You'll need at least that much time (and preferably a driver school) before you'll have a real feel for the car and where you want to take it.

 

I've auto-x'd for the last 2 years. My setup is in my sig. My rear springs are too stiff. 375/250 would be a lot better than 375/325 like I have now. I have a set of 250lbs. springs that I just haven't had the time to put on. My car oversteers a lot, but I've learned how to drive the car to compensate for it.

 

I somewhat disagree with this. Running in stock class, the 2nd Gen has a slight disadvantage to the lighter Miata, and the torquier Mr2. But still a 2nd Gen can race competively with either of those cars. The Miata may be lighter, but if you drop in aftermarket struts you can remain in stock class, and make your car handle better. Also you are allowed either rear, or front(aftermarket) anti-roll bars, I don't remember which though, and these would definently help to minimize body roll. The Mr2 handles amazing on an auto-x track,but only with an extremely competent driver. However they weigh more than the 2nd Gen, and have only 136(I think)HP.
Running in Street prepared I think a 2nd Gen could be made fairly competitive as well. Just takes some money, a good suspension setup, some weight reduction, DOT Legal R-compound tires and a really good drivers. Last years Solo 2 National Champion ran an RX-3 that was crazy fast from what I hear. I don't see how an RX-3 could be made to go any faster than a 2nd Gen.

 

Speedfreak - Its not that the RX-3 was faster, it just has an extreme weight advantage. Something like 600# if I'm not mistaken. I think what go-speed-go was refering to as not being competitive was on the national level. The 2nd gen can still be competitive locally in CSP but then again that could be dependant on who shows up for events atleast in Alabama thats usually what happens. Not to nitpick but those cross-drilled rotors would put in FP as they aren't legal(I don't think) in CSP.

Later guys.

 

Yes, the RX-3 in CSP was real fast, but that's not a 2nd gen RX-7.

Look at the standings for national events. In stock and street prepared at divisional and national events, you won't see any NA 2nd gens. Why? Because with similar experienced drivers in the class with cars prepared to the limits of the rules, having a competative car is an absolute must. 2nd gen '7s aren't there because they're not. Also, if a street prepared car can be driven to the event on regular roads, it's not a truly competative car. A fully built SP car isn't street legal and would bend your spine driving over bumps on real roads. A competative SP 2nd gen could be built, but it's obviously way easier to do it with other cars which weigh at least 300 lbs less.

At a local level, anything is possible because skill will play a much larger role. My CSP convertible beat a lot of faster cars because I had more experience and had been to Evolution. But, when some of the big boys role into town for our end of the year event, I'd get my *** handed to me by 3-4 seconds on a 45 second course. One guy who spanked me went to nationals that year and finished 7th.

Keep in mind, also, that I take part in a tiny but fierce region. Several of our regulars trophy at National events and win Regionals. So, when I say competative, I mean leaving the pond and trying one's luck with the big boys. Also, I'm not dissin on the '7 here. It was a blast to drive autocross and I even drove a '88 coupe in Solo Trials which was the most fun I'd ever had in a motorsports event. It's just that after owning and driving mine for 7 years, I'd come to accept the limitations that they had and appreciated the car for what it was and not what it could beat.

 

go-speed-go - We are pretty much on the same page. I some times have trouble typing exactly what I'm trying to say. You summed it up better than I. I think my brain outruns my fingers and it gets worse from there. After that everyone gets confused.

 

I've got tokico HP's and Eibach pro kit springs. They're good for the Autocross and drag strip, but a bit harsh on the street. The biggest factor in handling, though are the tires. Sometimes a night and Day difference. Yoko A520 and the A509 are good street/auto-X/drag tires. but if you can get a set of auto-X tires. you won't regret it.