Reliving my youth - am I nuts? Flying to Chicago and driving her home..
07-21-09, 12:01 PM
#51
Seems like the you (OP=original poster) are willing to spend some money fixing up what you buy to get it in excellent shape. My advice - spend a little bit more initially instead, and get a really pristine car that's had a good past and has an excellent body. It'll be worth waiting for.
07-21-09, 12:22 PM
#52
the best part about the NA is that driving it is stress-free compared to a turbo car. if the motor has decent compression and all the hoses etc are good you never worry about blowing it up or overheating it
I enjoyed my old modded 172rwhp nonturbo as much as I enjoy my 400ish rwhp turbo car, just for different reasons.
I enjoyed my old modded 172rwhp nonturbo as much as I enjoy my 400ish rwhp turbo car, just for different reasons.
07-21-09, 12:58 PM
#53
there is this red vert for sale by me, its a more desireable later model with the black interior.
Maybe the guy can meet me half way and I can do a quickie for you to see if its worth your time or not
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/1241361176.html
Maybe the guy can meet me half way and I can do a quickie for you to see if its worth your time or not
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/1241361176.html
07-21-09, 01:10 PM
#54
Originally Posted by daviddeep
I never said an NA could equal the performance of a TII, just that stock vs. stock, the difference is not earth-shattering. For some, cheap, reliable, simplicity is more of a priority than all-out performance, so the sacrifice is worth it.
I feel like a stock T2 (COMPLETELY STOCK down to the BOV) is pretty worry free. You may have to rebuild the turbo every 80k miles, but other than that... Gas in tank - Right foot on floor.
07-21-09, 01:14 PM
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it's always tricky buying an old car from photos and a dealer report.
while the trip may seem like a waste, it does have the o.p. thinking and looking more, and holding on to the cash.
thinking again about the title for the thread...
now with 2 kids and a wife, it may be hard to relive the past. also living in ohio will this be a 2 season car or driven year round?
even a good example will melt from the road salts used in that area.
will you enjoy tinkering with it and having it take up SPACE in the off season?
since the coupe is really not any better for hauling kids, keep looking for a topless version, think of it as a slow 4 wheel motorbike.
4k$ may not buy a TOP car, without traveling again for the inspection and purchase.
don't worry a whole lot about actual performance numbers, it's all about fun in the curves, besides the topless versions all feel faster than they are...
very very true, and the oem replacement bits look better and better to me.
the best performance feature of these cars was and is handling. as i recall the g force was >0.9 in the twists.
henry
while the trip may seem like a waste, it does have the o.p. thinking and looking more, and holding on to the cash.
thinking again about the title for the thread...
now with 2 kids and a wife, it may be hard to relive the past. also living in ohio will this be a 2 season car or driven year round?
even a good example will melt from the road salts used in that area.
will you enjoy tinkering with it and having it take up SPACE in the off season?
since the coupe is really not any better for hauling kids, keep looking for a topless version, think of it as a slow 4 wheel motorbike.
4k$ may not buy a TOP car, without traveling again for the inspection and purchase.
don't worry a whole lot about actual performance numbers, it's all about fun in the curves, besides the topless versions all feel faster than they are...
the best performance feature of these cars was and is handling. as i recall the g force was >0.9 in the twists.
henry
Last edited by openrx; 07-21-09 at 01:16 PM.
07-21-09, 10:04 PM
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Well, thanks to all, I'm back. Having read all the comments up to this point, here's my thoughts:
My main car is slightly under 6 seconds 0-60, and possibly even 5.7 or 5.8 seconds (transmission re-program in 2005), so I feel pretty comfortable at lights vs. about 95% of the car population. The thing I like about it is no one expects this big 3990 pound car to whip theirs off the light; they expect it to just be a big heavy highway cruiser. A guy at work had a Subaru Impreza Turbo (non-WRX) and he was bragging about how fast it was. I told him I think I could hang with him 0-60 in the Lexus, and would crush him on the highway. I manually shifted my 6 speed auto and beat him by 2 car lengths 0-60, and on the highway he was like a tiny spec in my rear-view. Those LS430's are surprisingly fast.
However, here's why I don't race very often if ever - that same day he and I were headed out for lunch and after I smoked his car we raced some more - but it had starting raining. So stupid me kept going real fast and slowing down real fast - and the rotors became warped. So the racing fun that day cost me $400, just like yesterday's fun bus ride to Chicago.
Anyway, I say all this for a reason. Sure, I like to go fast like the next guy, but I'm not going to go all out for performance mods and aftermarket wheels. At least not yet. I'm more of a gadget guy - my Lex came with factory bluetooth, rear-view camera, parking assist, headlights that turn the direction you're turning, Xenon lights, auto-sensing wipers, Navigation, heated AND air-conditioned front seats, heated rear seats, etc. I bought a car today (will get to that in a minute) but my first priority is to upgrade the stereo in this car to something that interfaces with an i-Pod or reads flash memory. Nav and bluetooth would be nice too. Something maybe by Kenwood, and probably something Double-Din. I used to install quite a few high-end stereos so it'll be a snap - my other two Rx's had systems in them that I installed.
On to my next post, and the car I bought today....
My main car is slightly under 6 seconds 0-60, and possibly even 5.7 or 5.8 seconds (transmission re-program in 2005), so I feel pretty comfortable at lights vs. about 95% of the car population. The thing I like about it is no one expects this big 3990 pound car to whip theirs off the light; they expect it to just be a big heavy highway cruiser. A guy at work had a Subaru Impreza Turbo (non-WRX) and he was bragging about how fast it was. I told him I think I could hang with him 0-60 in the Lexus, and would crush him on the highway. I manually shifted my 6 speed auto and beat him by 2 car lengths 0-60, and on the highway he was like a tiny spec in my rear-view. Those LS430's are surprisingly fast.
However, here's why I don't race very often if ever - that same day he and I were headed out for lunch and after I smoked his car we raced some more - but it had starting raining. So stupid me kept going real fast and slowing down real fast - and the rotors became warped. So the racing fun that day cost me $400, just like yesterday's fun bus ride to Chicago.
Anyway, I say all this for a reason. Sure, I like to go fast like the next guy, but I'm not going to go all out for performance mods and aftermarket wheels. At least not yet. I'm more of a gadget guy - my Lex came with factory bluetooth, rear-view camera, parking assist, headlights that turn the direction you're turning, Xenon lights, auto-sensing wipers, Navigation, heated AND air-conditioned front seats, heated rear seats, etc. I bought a car today (will get to that in a minute) but my first priority is to upgrade the stereo in this car to something that interfaces with an i-Pod or reads flash memory. Nav and bluetooth would be nice too. Something maybe by Kenwood, and probably something Double-Din. I used to install quite a few high-end stereos so it'll be a snap - my other two Rx's had systems in them that I installed.
On to my next post, and the car I bought today....
07-21-09, 10:23 PM
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I had 3 cars to look at today. One was a red 87 coupe in Toledo, Ohio. Real nice guy (private seller) selling the car.
Paint was "tired" for sure. Get in - no sunroof. What? No power windows? What is this? No cruise control. Yuck! No tilt wheel. A/C did NOT work. 102,000 miles. Ok, while I'm here, let's go for a ride. Woah! That's a HUGE performance increase over the convertible. Car ran great, price was $2400 and had I been interested I'd have offered him $1800 and not gone over $2k.
But, I figure for my money and a car with over 100k on the odo, why not stretch out my money a little bit?
So I called the 2nd guy, who had an ad in Craigslist. Only thing he really said in the ad was "I just got in trouble and need to sell this car quick. Will take trades but need at least $1500 of it to be in cash". After calling this 21 year old kid unfortunately he got a DUI last weekend and needed money. After questioning the car needed some work, like the A/C didn't work and the body had some dings and the interior was somewhat not the greatest. Anyway, it was clear on the other side of Detroit and I didn't feel great about having $4k on me and being by myself, but I was going to stop and see the car anyway.
That is, until I stopped at the 2nd location, near Ann Arbor Michigan. Now being a lifelong OSU fan it might be taboo to purchase a car from enemy territory, but I didn't care. The car started up and died on the first try after a minute; apparently it hadn't been run for a while. After that it was smooth sailing. Interior was 100% original and pristine mint. The car had cruise, power everything, and the "normal/sport suspension" switch. The gearbox didn't grind. The clutch worked smoothly. The car has 63,700 original miles on it. This guy was the second owner and his wife used to drive it until she became ill (she's better now). The car's air blew semi-cool but not cold - I could feel/hear the compressor kick it when I turned up the fan - will recharge it tomorrow once I get it home.
Mechanically, everything seemed great. Only thing besides the a/c that needs fixed is probably the brakes need bled - they almost went to the floor after a decent hard stop. Also, the windshield wipers didn't work on the "II" setting; a common problem I've noticed with these cars. This car still had the original wheels and exhaust, and has been garaged its entire life. So the paint was NOT tired; the fit and finish were excellent.
So, he was asking $2950 - I offered $2500- we agreed on $2600 cash. Got the title and 2 sets of keys tonight (why did Mazda have 1 key for the doors, one for the ignition, and one for the trunk? I have like 6 keys for this thing!)
Oh yeah it needs new shocks. BAD. It was like riding on the ground with no suspension whatsoever. Mostly from the back.
So, before I present the pictures of my new baby, can you guys tell me the following:
Is there anyone in the Columbus, Ohio area I can pay to help me replace the shocks? I have a garage we can work in. I've never replaced shocks before and I think I could do it, but the manual/sport control makes me think there might be something only a smarter person than myself could do. Send me a PM if you think you can help.
Also, how common is the wiper problem? Is it a motor I'm assuming that goes bad?
Anway, here she is!
Paint was "tired" for sure. Get in - no sunroof. What? No power windows? What is this? No cruise control. Yuck! No tilt wheel. A/C did NOT work. 102,000 miles. Ok, while I'm here, let's go for a ride. Woah! That's a HUGE performance increase over the convertible. Car ran great, price was $2400 and had I been interested I'd have offered him $1800 and not gone over $2k.
But, I figure for my money and a car with over 100k on the odo, why not stretch out my money a little bit?
So I called the 2nd guy, who had an ad in Craigslist. Only thing he really said in the ad was "I just got in trouble and need to sell this car quick. Will take trades but need at least $1500 of it to be in cash". After calling this 21 year old kid unfortunately he got a DUI last weekend and needed money. After questioning the car needed some work, like the A/C didn't work and the body had some dings and the interior was somewhat not the greatest. Anyway, it was clear on the other side of Detroit and I didn't feel great about having $4k on me and being by myself, but I was going to stop and see the car anyway.
That is, until I stopped at the 2nd location, near Ann Arbor Michigan. Now being a lifelong OSU fan it might be taboo to purchase a car from enemy territory, but I didn't care. The car started up and died on the first try after a minute; apparently it hadn't been run for a while. After that it was smooth sailing. Interior was 100% original and pristine mint. The car had cruise, power everything, and the "normal/sport suspension" switch. The gearbox didn't grind. The clutch worked smoothly. The car has 63,700 original miles on it. This guy was the second owner and his wife used to drive it until she became ill (she's better now). The car's air blew semi-cool but not cold - I could feel/hear the compressor kick it when I turned up the fan - will recharge it tomorrow once I get it home.
Mechanically, everything seemed great. Only thing besides the a/c that needs fixed is probably the brakes need bled - they almost went to the floor after a decent hard stop. Also, the windshield wipers didn't work on the "II" setting; a common problem I've noticed with these cars. This car still had the original wheels and exhaust, and has been garaged its entire life. So the paint was NOT tired; the fit and finish were excellent.
So, he was asking $2950 - I offered $2500- we agreed on $2600 cash. Got the title and 2 sets of keys tonight (why did Mazda have 1 key for the doors, one for the ignition, and one for the trunk? I have like 6 keys for this thing!)
Oh yeah it needs new shocks. BAD. It was like riding on the ground with no suspension whatsoever. Mostly from the back.
So, before I present the pictures of my new baby, can you guys tell me the following:
Is there anyone in the Columbus, Ohio area I can pay to help me replace the shocks? I have a garage we can work in. I've never replaced shocks before and I think I could do it, but the manual/sport control makes me think there might be something only a smarter person than myself could do. Send me a PM if you think you can help.
Also, how common is the wiper problem? Is it a motor I'm assuming that goes bad?
Anway, here she is!
07-21-09, 10:28 PM
#60
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Seems like the you (OP=original poster) are willing to spend some money fixing up what you buy to get it in excellent shape. My advice - spend a little bit more initially instead, and get a really pristine car that's had a good past and has an excellent body. It'll be worth waiting for.
Excellent advice, which is hopefully what I've done today...I'm glad I just didn't settle and then have to worry about fixing up body work - the one I bought today seems pretty nice fit and finish-wise..
07-21-09, 10:30 PM
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07-21-09, 10:41 PM
#62
well, even I will say, it's a well kept example of a coupe. There are some nice features, like the suspension modes.
You seem to be completely opposite of me when it comes to 7s. Don't get me wrong, I like gadgets, but not on my 7. I took out most of the stuff you seem to desire... haha!! Cruise Control, Alarm, Rear Wiper, Power Steering, even the Radio. All in the trash.
It's not that you have to build an all out *****-to-the-wall ricer-racer, it's just... to me, buying a na is like buying a 4 cylinder mustang.
Car looks great tho. I hope you will keep us posted as you upgrade her!
You seem to be completely opposite of me when it comes to 7s. Don't get me wrong, I like gadgets, but not on my 7. I took out most of the stuff you seem to desire... haha!! Cruise Control, Alarm, Rear Wiper, Power Steering, even the Radio. All in the trash.
It's not that you have to build an all out *****-to-the-wall ricer-racer, it's just... to me, buying a na is like buying a 4 cylinder mustang.
Car looks great tho. I hope you will keep us posted as you upgrade her!
07-21-09, 10:50 PM
#63
Great deal on a nice looking, low mileage GXL.
The wiper switch problem happens to all 86-91 RX-7s. If you can solder well, it's a DIY fix plus the cost of new relay(s) at $6 each (1 if only the front wiper isn't working, 2 if the rear is bad too). Here's one of several good guides for this repair:
http://www.fc3spro.com/TECH/HOWTO/WIPER/wiper.html
See also my thread from springtime discussing my difficulties with this repair, and how it eventually worked out:
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/wiper-switch-rebuild-disaster-833548/
For years, moderator Icemark used to rebuild these for a reasonable price. Now there are a few other guys who have started doing it too. Do some searches for their names.
Regarding the shocks, if you want the Auto-Adjusting Suspension (AAS) to be functional, parts are still available from Mazda but they are very expensive. There is some debate about how worthwhile AAS was even when new; many think it was useless. Most people disable this feature and switch to a conventional set of shocks, but that's your call. There have been many threads on this subject. Search on "AAS" and you'll see what I mean.
Finally, from the factory, the Second Gen RX-7 had one key that operated all the locks: ignition, doors and hatch should all be the same pattern. If they aren't, then the previous owner had one or more lock cylinders or ignition replaced somewhere along the line. They definitely are not all like that.
The wiper switch problem happens to all 86-91 RX-7s. If you can solder well, it's a DIY fix plus the cost of new relay(s) at $6 each (1 if only the front wiper isn't working, 2 if the rear is bad too). Here's one of several good guides for this repair:
http://www.fc3spro.com/TECH/HOWTO/WIPER/wiper.html
See also my thread from springtime discussing my difficulties with this repair, and how it eventually worked out:
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/wiper-switch-rebuild-disaster-833548/
For years, moderator Icemark used to rebuild these for a reasonable price. Now there are a few other guys who have started doing it too. Do some searches for their names.
Regarding the shocks, if you want the Auto-Adjusting Suspension (AAS) to be functional, parts are still available from Mazda but they are very expensive. There is some debate about how worthwhile AAS was even when new; many think it was useless. Most people disable this feature and switch to a conventional set of shocks, but that's your call. There have been many threads on this subject. Search on "AAS" and you'll see what I mean.
Finally, from the factory, the Second Gen RX-7 had one key that operated all the locks: ignition, doors and hatch should all be the same pattern. If they aren't, then the previous owner had one or more lock cylinders or ignition replaced somewhere along the line. They definitely are not all like that.
07-21-09, 11:22 PM
#64
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Great deal on a nice looking, low mileage GXL.
The wiper switch problem happens to all 86-91 RX-7s. If you can solder well, it's a DIY fix plus the cost of new relay(s) at $6 each (1 if only the front wiper isn't working, 2 if the rear is bad too). Here's one of several good guides for this repair:
http://www.fc3spro.com/TECH/HOWTO/WIPER/wiper.html
See also my thread from springtime discussing my difficulties with this repair, and how it eventually worked out:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=833548
For years, moderator Icemark used to rebuild these for a reasonable price. Now there are a few other guys who have started doing it too. Do some searches for their names.
Regarding the shocks, if you want the Auto-Adjusting Suspension (AAS) to be functional, parts are still available from Mazda but they are very expensive. There is some debate about how worthwhile AAS was even when new; many think it was useless. Most people disable this feature and switch to a conventional set of shocks, but that's your call. There have been many threads on this subject. Search on "AAS" and you'll see what I mean.
Finally, from the factory, the Second Gen RX-7 had one key that operated all the locks: ignition, doors and hatch should all be the same pattern. If they aren't, then the previous owner had one or more lock cylinders or ignition replaced somewhere along the line. They definitely are not all like that.
The wiper switch problem happens to all 86-91 RX-7s. If you can solder well, it's a DIY fix plus the cost of new relay(s) at $6 each (1 if only the front wiper isn't working, 2 if the rear is bad too). Here's one of several good guides for this repair:
http://www.fc3spro.com/TECH/HOWTO/WIPER/wiper.html
See also my thread from springtime discussing my difficulties with this repair, and how it eventually worked out:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=833548
For years, moderator Icemark used to rebuild these for a reasonable price. Now there are a few other guys who have started doing it too. Do some searches for their names.
Regarding the shocks, if you want the Auto-Adjusting Suspension (AAS) to be functional, parts are still available from Mazda but they are very expensive. There is some debate about how worthwhile AAS was even when new; many think it was useless. Most people disable this feature and switch to a conventional set of shocks, but that's your call. There have been many threads on this subject. Search on "AAS" and you'll see what I mean.
Finally, from the factory, the Second Gen RX-7 had one key that operated all the locks: ignition, doors and hatch should all be the same pattern. If they aren't, then the previous owner had one or more lock cylinders or ignition replaced somewhere along the line. They definitely are not all like that.
It's not worth the $1000 to keep the AAS alive. I would like to replace all four shocks/struts though - any brand you recommend for a non-racing person? I shouldn't have to replace the springs if I don't want to lower the car, right?
Shawn
07-21-09, 11:34 PM
#66
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I'm actually a moron when it comes to suspension. Did my car come with struts or shocks? I just don't want to buy the wrong thing. I'm just look for cheap and a decent, comfortable ride. I don't care how well it corners over the factory feel, really.
07-22-09, 01:56 AM
#68
you still have plenty of chances for your wife to divorce you over this thing. I can see that indeed it's been a while since you've owned an Rx-7. If your Lex feels fast to you, that's a good thing. It means you don't have the mod bug. You're not tempted to do a turbo swap or anything like that. Once the Lex feels slow to you you are going to want to dump thousands into the 7 to make it fast, especially when you realize that after a couple grand for a turbo motor and some bolt-on modifications you'll be beating C5 Corvettes
07-22-09, 07:22 AM
#73
I'd get the RB springs along with some Tokico Blues and be done with it.
The springs don't drop the car drastically and have a relatively mild ride characteristic, so you'll not suffer and be done with the suspension.
07-22-09, 07:30 AM
#74
Congrats. on the new car. It's very nice indeed. Just catch up on all the maintenance like spark plugs, wires, and fluids (don't forget the diff).
Excellent posts in this thread (tokico blues, lock cylinders, wiper repair). All I can think of has been mentioned and more. The only thing I noticed is you don't have the factory alarm, which I thought all GXL's came with (you don't have the security light to the back of the suspension switch. The other blank cover I've seen the factory fog lamp switch for those with them. No big deal, but you probably want a good security system for peace of mind.
Take a few more pics.
Excellent posts in this thread (tokico blues, lock cylinders, wiper repair). All I can think of has been mentioned and more. The only thing I noticed is you don't have the factory alarm, which I thought all GXL's came with (you don't have the security light to the back of the suspension switch. The other blank cover I've seen the factory fog lamp switch for those with them. No big deal, but you probably want a good security system for peace of mind.
Take a few more pics.