XrEzoE

Didn't know quite where to ask this so hope the backlash isn't too bad. I tried searching what does fd and fc stand for. Also tried searching acronyms to see if there was a sticky somewhere. I'm new like new new. I like this generations body style but I'm clueless about the trims and different options these cars have. I even tried a Google search but it just said it means 3rd generation rx7. Saw a video saying it stands for financial disaster. Hope somebody can point me in the right direction.

Zepticon

iTrader: (1)

FD is the model designation.
RX7 come with 4 different model designations: SA, FB, FC, FD.
Its just the internal VIN number name for the car. My vin is JMZFD13B**************

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

its the chassis designation.

FD3S is the 1992-2003 Rx7, FC3S is the 1985-1991 Rx7, etc

the Japanese vin number format would be FD3S-xxxxxx

XrEzoE

Thanks guys that's now cleared up for me now. I guess now all I need to know is what the options are like leather single or twin turbo. Or are all I. This generation the same. Like cars now are like the Camaro rs as z28 ect ECT. Thanks guys for clearing that first step up for me.

Zepticon

iTrader: (1)

SA and FB = No turbo outside Japan
FC = single turbo on some models (Turbo II)
FD = Twin turbo on all models, turbo upgrade in 1999 (japan only)

XrEzoE

Ok so what I'm understanding is the 3rd gens are all twin turbo. And what I'm confused about is wasn't the body style stopped in 97? What year is the go to? I prefer manual over automatic.

Zepticon

iTrader: (1)

Thats right.
The 3rd gen. was made from 1993 to 2001. But for EU/US/AUS the car was only sold in the 93-95 period. 96 and out was JDM only.
It received a facelift in 1999 and we refer to those parts as 99-spec. This is mainly turbos, front bumper, rear lights and wing.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

From the FAQ sticky at the top of the 3rd Gen. Tech section -------> https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...l-links-68640/

Just keep scrolling and reading and I think you'll find your answers...including many acronyms.
Regarding the equipment packages, you have to be careful these days drawing conclusions about which model JUST from looking at the how a particular car is equipped. Many options are easily added or deleted. For example, 'R' models all came with a front shock tower brace and dual oil coolers. But some, like the brace could be added by the dealer or ordered with one. And it's not uncommon for the second cooler to be added to a Touring or PEP car sometime over the last 27 years.

gmonsen

You'll enjoy learning the arcane and subtle differences between the models and years. Like others said, by this time in the car's life the equipment and configuration of available cars may not even resemble what they started out as. The 1993 R1 model is probably the rarest and purest of the stock offerings primarily because it was so focused. Testers back in the day criticized how rough the ride was on the "harsh" shock absorbers, which many owners over the years would consider to be softer, more comfortable shocks given the aftermarket shocks they installed.

You probably want a manual 1993-95 car, since everything afterwards is righthand drive. As someone alluded to, many 1993-1995 US models have been facelifted with the later front bumpers and other equipment from the MY 1999+ JDM ("Japanese Domestic Market") models. All years have manuals.

You need to decide whether you want a car to drive hard or a stock car to enjoy and have some appreciation.

R-R-Rx7

iTrader: (24)

FD =financial disaster and FC= financial crisis... You got that right on point there !

FDRtry

iTrader: (1)

Apologies for creating a tangent off of the original post, but why do you consider the '93 R1 the rarest and purest of the stock offerings? There were fewer '94 R2s imported (395) than '93 R1s (2,165). Is there something about the R1 that made it purer than the R2 in your mind? I certainly like the interior materials better in the latter version :-).

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

only 60 R2's for 1995

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Read his entire post...I think it explains his reasoning.
As for interior materials, while not as durable, personally I think the 93 surfaces are better looking. And since I've re-surfaced nearly all those with better wearing material and one that feels better too. I'm happy I kept it.
I'm old. I drive my car. If I took the time to buy a rare model with a concern about it's collector value I'd never enjoy it. It's not a philosophy shared by everyone...but at my age I don't need THAT sort of garage trophy.

FDRtry

iTrader: (1)

You're right, but the original poster was talking about the '93 : :-).

FDRtry

iTrader: (1)

You're right. But he's talking about the '93.

FDRtry

iTrader: (1)

I did read his entire post, and I still don't see his reasoning. He's calling the '93 the rarest and the purest. It's certainly not the rarest. I'm trying to figure out why he thinks it's the purest. I'm not arguing, I'm just trying to understand. The suspension on the '94 R2 is also incredibly stiff. Is there something about the R1 that makes it more of a "pure" sports car?

Montego

iTrader: (1)

Other than the 93 CYM cars, I agree the 93 R trim cars are not the rarest, production numbers reflect that (I think the rarest trim is the 95 auto lol). However, 93 Rs (when compared to other R trims) are the "purest" to come out of the factory due to how stiff the struts were. But that's it, only that and nothing more...

The truth of the matter is that between any given third generation RX-7s of the same year, they are all very close in performance/weight/looks that it really only comes to personal preference: A sunroof or not. Because everything else is interchangeable and thus it makes no difference whether someone bought an R vs a Base, or a Touring vs a PEP/PEG trim package.

That is unless we are talking about CYM cars or that rare one of a kind pearly white 95...

Natey

iTrader: (19)

I dunno about rarest (ie white 94 with a glass sunroof or even a Spirit R), but as far a US spec FDs go, the 93 was the most track oriented. The R2 was actually sprung a bit softer that the R1. I'm pretty sire the 93 had a stiffer swaybar in the rear too, which made it a little more tail happy/flickable than the later model.