Does this sound like a crazy idea?

I'm considering selling my FD and buying an FC convertible. I've always wanted a convertible, but can't afford both cars (well, lets just say I don't 'want' to afford both cars).

I have the money and skills to maintain the FD, but modding is too expensive for me at this point, and not to mention the added maintenance that goes along with modding. I love the car, but I think a convertible would be awesome, and I want to buy a house in the next year and the extra money would come in handy for a downpayment.

Am I crazy?

What are your experiences with convertible FC's? Has anyone driven and FD and an FC to give a comparison? I know the FD is a LOT faster, and handles better, but I think the fun factor of a convert. would be great.

 

Id say if you want a 'vert, get a S2000 or a miata and boost it. Yes the convertable 7 would be fun, but only for maybe a few hours, till you realize you got rid of your FD for it

 

The FC 'vert is fun... until you get passed by a kid on a moped.

That's why you should buy one with a blown motor, and do a J-spec TII conversion on it with a few mods.

Brad

 

just get both, you can get one for so cheap.

 

I'm not too familiar with the FC, and please forgive me if this gets asked all the time, but what is the difference between a Jspec TII and a US TII engine? TII's make 200 hp stock, right? But I've also heard the TII's almost as bad, as far as reliability, as an FD.

 

jspec tii is really not all that different from us tii engine, except that you can get one for much cheaper at places like nippon-motors.com, with like a warranty and low mileage, i think its worth it, nothing like the wind in your hair from a vert, and never underestimate the power of an fc. Go for it!

 

I think I'll go test drive a Miata sometime soon to get the feel of a nice Mazda vert. I've never even been in a vert yet.

 

Who cares if I get passed by a kid on a moped!



I took this on the way to work today, in my daily driver 91 vert.

 

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet, i think the ultimate cruisin' assassin rex would be an s5 vert with nice looking kit, roll bar, and a massive 20b in the bay with a huge single turbo set up, boosting like 30psi. ::drules:: ahh........

 

WOW! That is a great pic! Oh, wait, you're in Hawaii.... that explains it

 

The NA 'verts are just as fast as a 2001 Miata.

 

I have a pretty good idea how fast they are/aren't. Mine runs a 16.1 @ 85. It isn't stock.

Brad

 

I know, you and I both have a 88 and I agree the T2 conversion makes it a great car, but I didn't want the guy to think that a stock 'vert was as slow as everyone makes them seem.

You just don't race with a 'vert... instead you drive it for the pleasure of a top down extreamly well balanced sports car.

 

why not convert ur FD to convertible?

 

Ummm... ok, let me just break out the chainsaw

I test drove a new Miata SE this afternoon. I was surprised at how slow it was, but then I'm used to my FD and my motorcycle. I also didn't like how cramped the car was. I thought my FD was small inside! I'm only 5'6" 160 lbs and the top of the windshield was practically blocking my view!

Hopefully the FC is bigger inside? I think they have similar power to weight ratios. The Miata was 142 hp with 2450lbs. FC vert is 160 hp with 3000 lbs. And my FD is 2750 lbs with about 300 hp... and my bike is about 75 hp with 450 lbs. I REALLY have to test drive an FC and see whats it's like!

 

You could put a LT1/6 speed in it. Not that you would.....
but you could.

 

I say if you want a vert that bad, go for it. For the price of an FD you can find a nice Vert and TII swap it very nicely.

 

It's a bad idea to go from a third gen to a 2nd gen vert.
The performance downgrade would be unbearable.

Here are all the negatives:
1) A normally aspirated 2nd engine. How much horsepower does it make? 140?
2)Heavier than a 2nd gen coupe.
3)Chassis flex

Three big negatives which you will not be able to live with having had the pleasure of ownership of a third gen.

You will be much better off buying a Miata instead.

Ed

 

You dont know how to appreciate the chassis, and motor you have now.

 

arent there people that could convert cars to convertibles? I saw it done to a FB.

 

chassis does not flex badly
car makes 162 hp stock
**** a miata
do a T-II swap and be real happy
you can easily afford it after you sell the FD

 

Are you talking to me?

 

The chassis flexes enough, I am sure.

How much does a TII swap cost?

 

you are sure huh
I own one
thanks please drive through
cost for a T-II swap depends on how much you want to do yourself

 

Can you guys be a little more objective and less proud about what type of RX7 you drive?

The second gen vert is a great convertible but it has all the drawbacks of most convertibles. It is no match for the third gen RX7 when it comes to performance.

The vert has its own appeal obviously.

The question is whether it is enough to overcome its drawbacks.

I don't think so.