Reliability differences between NA-FC, T2-FC, and FD?
 

I've been researching FD's for a while now, as they're one of my favorite cars of all time. But as you're all well aware, their reliability is nothing to brag about. In the end I just realized it wasn't a wise choice for right now, seeing as whatever I get will be heavily driven (daily driver with frequent track driving), and I have no rotary experience as far as mechanics. So for the last few weeks I've considered and looked at everything from Corollas, to 240SX's, to SW20's. But then I realized "Hey...why not just buy an FC to practice with? It's cheap, supposedly more reliable than an FD, and I can gain rotary repair knowledge in preparation for the FD I'll have in the future." So here I am.

So my question is, is the reliability better for FCs than FDs? Is the NA more reliable than the T2? Sorry if this is beaten to death. I looked in the FAQ's, but didn't really see much as far as comparisons. Both engines would stay reasonably stock, especially if I were to buy a T2 (I'm more concerned with learning rear-wheel handling than having a street beast). Is the 13B in the T2 as much of a heat builder as the REW in the FD?

Thanks

Non turbos will generally be about twice the longevity and reliabilty, than Turbos

BUT

The previous owners ability to take care of the car will weigh even more heavily. If regular oil changes were not performed, if all the standard maintence was not done, or if the car has a lot of miles, or very few miles (as in seldom driven) the reliabilty will plummet.

also remember even the youngest FC's are nearing 15 years old and some of the earlier versions, 20 years old the car. This means that since the average car is designed to last 10-15 years, you will need to budget money for repairs. Things will be worn out after 15 years and need replacing, if not this week, then next.

the higher the performance from the same engine generally reliability suffers, that said you should be able to figure out how each of them rates on the reliability scale. that all assumes they were all maintained properly and regularly.

definatley the n/a fc ive had one n/a and two t2's the n/a is the only one i ended up selling over time and it still ran fine...my turbos are another story we wont get into,but needless to say 1 got parted ut one got a rebuild...