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When is not a better time to buy than when completely intact examples start showing up at the wreckers? Imagine if this was an FD!
Is it a good sign or a bad sign?
This local wrecking yard has three RX8 in similar condition (other two are gunmetal greyish).
Last insurance on this car was storage insurance from 2016.
The guy's work boots and groceries are still in the car.
Looks like he drove it on the ferry and walked off at the other side.
Yardowner said it was "a tow in" ; Likely an abandoned car.
He was not inclined to tell me more.
I got the the first part off it.
The 6 speed shift ****: $25. (Not shown)
Otherwise mint appearing RX8 Nearly mint.
Meanwhile, I discovered, at the yard next store, my very first car (1972), loaded up and ready to go somewhere. I keep asking for the owner, and he is never there. Completely intact, but now rusting badly at the seams. I'd seen it there quite often, seems he was daily driving it until recently. 49 years since I owned it and still within 15 miles of my parents' house (the car and me).
Unfortunately he has never called me back. I will have to be just satisfied with my RX8 shift **** from that visit. Note the hole for hand cranking (if need be).
The yard beside this, several years ago, had a completely intact 1958 Edsel in the exact colour scheme (blue/blue/blue) of the Edsel my dad had in the early 1960's. The yardowner said he still had it "in the back" ,but I could not find it. It was badly rusted the last time I saw it.
My original mission that day was to get the door switches off a 1995 Miata. They match the FD ones. The ecu does not like when it can't sense the $2.50 door switch!
unfortunately I have no room at my place for a 38 Dodge or a yellow RX8!
Last edited by Redbul; 06-06-21 at 11:51 AM.
Reason: spelling correction
Is the Exige street legal in the US? I don't think it's street legal here in Canada.
I'd also look at the Lexus LC 500, not because it's like an FD, but because it's an extremely well-built car. Lexus is marching in a different direction than other manufacturers in that regard.
It would be nice if they could find a way to trim some weight and offer a manual shifting option.
Like the Jaguar F-Type, they came reasonably close to the LF-LC concept car in production:
While we're on the topic of heavy metal, I just had an idea. You know how Singer, Magnus Walker, Theon Design, etc. specialize in comprehensive Porsche 911 restomods?
I wonder if there would be a market for full-body restomods of the Eunos JC Cosmo. I'm talking legal imports, manual conversions, engine swaps, magnetic suspension, full computer upgrades, carbon/lightweight parts, etc. but tasteful and street legal in North America.
The Mazda cult is smaller and possessed of less money (right now), but I can see this kind of specialist shop working on RX-7, RX-8, and MX-5 cars as well.
I wonder if there would be a market for full-body restomods of the Eunos JC Cosmo. I'm talking legal imports, manual conversions, engine swaps, magnetic suspension, full computer upgrades, carbon/lightweight parts, etc. but tasteful and street legal in North America.
the Cosmo is really neat. its smaller than you think, its somewhere between an FD and the Rx8, all the pics you see are the leather interiors, which usually look pretty bad, my friends car has gray cloth, its a herringbone and it covers everything is looks great. obviously the 20B has plenty of power, but its not a sports car, so floor it, and you're looking at the sky. it is also really hard to work on, its not like the FD at all
so yes, lets do it, but you should look at the lower spec cars, you might find that Mazda did it for you (except the suspension. 20B with the automatic was fine, imo)
This local wrecking yard has three RX8 in similar condition (other two are gunmetal greyish).
i was going to let Dale chime in on how undervalued the Rx8's are..... they are way undervalued.
Mazda was really close to having a great car with the Rx8. its like a 1st gen Rx7, but everything is better, its faster, it handles better, it rides better, the stereo is better, its easier to work on, the interior is meant to come apart so no broken plastics
its just missing something and its a little heavy. the Rx-01 225hp, 2200lbs would be life changing, we wouldn't remember the FD anymore. the Rx8 230hp 3000lbs, is fine, but one looks at the NC miata and thinks its a good way to loose 400lbs
Is the Exige street legal in the US? I don't think it's street legal here in Canada.
I'd also look at the Lexus LC 500, not because it's like an FD, but because it's an extremely well-built car. Lexus is marching in a different direction than other manufacturers in that regard.
It would be nice if they could find a way to trim some weight and offer a manual shifting option.
Like the Jaguar F-Type, they came reasonably close to the LF-LC concept car in production:
While we're on the topic of heavy metal, I just had an idea. You know how Singer, Magnus Walker, Theon Design, etc. specialize in comprehensive Porsche 911 restomods?
I wonder if there would be a market for full-body restomods of the Eunos JC Cosmo. I'm talking legal imports, manual conversions, engine swaps, magnetic suspension, full computer upgrades, carbon/lightweight parts, etc. but tasteful and street legal in North America.
The Mazda cult is smaller and possessed of less money (right now), but I can see this kind of specialist shop working on RX-7, RX-8, and MX-5 cars as well.
As another person mentioned, yes the Exige is legal here in Canada. I've seen a few around town.
I agree with you on the LC. It's a very striking Toyota. Dare I saw, I think it's a worthy successor to the defunk Supra. I find this more of a successor than the current BMW Supra.
Its unfortunate it doesn't come with a manual box. However, with everything it brings to the table, I can forgive it. My biggest gripe with it is its massive weight. It's supremely porky.
I've always enjoyed the Cosmo. However, between it and the LC.. I don't know.. I love me a 20B engine.. but that LC is very striking!
That yellow RX-8 is totally loaded - grand touring, heated leather seats, and the navigation as well. Nav screen is motorized and pops up.
in 5 years the RX-8 will be a distant memory. I can seriously count on one hand the RX-8's I've seen around town since I got mine. For comparison I saw 2 C8 Corvettes in one drive home from work the other day.
Another RX-7 guy here (Jon) got a yellow '04 RX-8 for cheap that turned out to have a good (but on the weak side) engine. We just did a ton of work on it yesterday - all new brakes, bunch of small stuff. He is having a ton of fun with it as a daily.
That yellow RX-8 is totally loaded - grand touring, heated leather seats, and the navigation as well. Nav screen is motorized and pops up.
in 5 years the RX-8 will be a distant memory. I can seriously count on one hand the RX-8's I've seen around town since I got mine. For comparison I saw 2 C8 Corvettes in one drive home from work the other day.
Another RX-7 guy here (Jon) got a yellow '04 RX-8 for cheap that turned out to have a good (but on the weak side) engine. We just did a ton of work on it yesterday - all new brakes, bunch of small stuff. He is having a ton of fun with it as a daily.
Dale
That would help it make it rare right? Rarely seen on the street?
That poor yellow Rx8. Might be worth saving if you need a quick runabout. Looks pretty loaded for a series 1.
I had 2-3 people at lights ask me if they just came out with this model?? They get very surprised when I tell them it's 11yrs old now... lol
Alot of people still only think it's got a 3rd rear door... lol
the Cosmo is really neat. its smaller than you think, its somewhere between an FD and the Rx8, all the pics you see are the leather interiors, which usually look pretty bad, my friends car has gray cloth, its a herringbone and it covers everything is looks great. obviously the 20B has plenty of power, but its not a sports car, so floor it, and you're looking at the sky. it is also really hard to work on, its not like the FD at all
so yes, lets do it, but you should look at the lower spec cars, you might find that Mazda did it for you (except the suspension. 20B with the automatic was fine, imo)
There are a few JC Cosmo owners in our area.
Racing Beat does an excellent job supporting the track-focused rotaries, but I think there's room for street / luxury spec Mazdas too.
I'm just guessing, but I think the Cosmo has mostly outlived its usefulness in Japan (i.e., emissions regulations, safety regs, and high gas prices will make it obsolete) at this point and more and more of them will be exported to other countries where they can be fully enjoyed.
Many of them are probably in good condition (low mileage), and obviously it has a cult unobtainium appeal. According to Wikipedia, almost 9,000 were manufactured from 1990 - 1996.
For tuners, there's a lot of room to maneuver. Obviously, manual swaps would be one of the first considerations, as well as rear seat refurbishment/removal and upgrading the CRT display with an LCD and the computer/GPS system (all of these mods have been done on a one-off basis already).
RX-8s have almost "junk car" pricing for the older models... clearly the rotary has earned a bad reputation on the used car market, which makes them bargains for us! Many of them could probably use a good rebuild and street port at this point.
When I drive around town, I usually see at least a few FR-S/86/BRZ, Mustangs, and Porsches. More and more, though, it's SUVs everywhere.
That yellow RX-8 is totally loaded - grand touring, heated leather seats, and the navigation as well. Nav screen is motorized and pops up.
in 5 years the RX-8 will be a distant memory. I can seriously count on one hand the RX-8's I've seen around town since I got mine. For comparison I saw 2 C8 Corvettes in one drive home from work the other day.
Another RX-7 guy here (Jon) got a yellow '04 RX-8 for cheap that turned out to have a good (but on the weak side) engine. We just did a ton of work on it yesterday - all new brakes, bunch of small stuff. He is having a ton of fun with it as a daily.
Dale
Its doomed. I have the shift ****.
The yardowner even joked, "that **** is worth more than the car". *
For tuners, there's a lot of room to maneuver. Obviously, manual swaps would be one of the first considerations, as well as rear seat refurbishment/removal and upgrading the CRT display with an LCD and the computer/GPS system (all of these mods have been done on a one-off basis already)..
Cosmo is the first car with a GPS, and its also got steering wheel controls for the radio like an Rx8, but also the climate control. i'm sure the control system is ancient, but its got all that stuff already
Is the Exige street legal in the US? I don't think it's street legal here in Canada.
I'd also look at the Lexus LC 500, not because it's like an FD, but because it's an extremely well-built car. Lexus is marching in a different direction than other manufacturers in that regard.
It would be nice if they could find a way to trim some weight and offer a manual shifting option.
Like the Jaguar F-Type, they came reasonably close to the LF-LC concept car in production:
While we're on the topic of heavy metal, I just had an idea. You know how Singer, Magnus Walker, Theon Design, etc. specialize in comprehensive Porsche 911 restomods?
I wonder if there would be a market for full-body restomods of the Eunos JC Cosmo. I'm talking legal imports, manual conversions, engine swaps, magnetic suspension, full computer upgrades, carbon/lightweight parts, etc. but tasteful and street legal in North America.
The Mazda cult is smaller and possessed of less money (right now), but I can see this kind of specialist shop working on RX-7, RX-8, and MX-5 cars as well.
I'm shipping in my exige from panama to drive in canada for the summers. In north america only the 4 banger exiges are legal.
Cosmo is the first car with a GPS, and its also got steering wheel controls for the radio like an Rx8, but also the climate control. i'm sure the control system is ancient, but its got all that stuff already
Another project for this hypothetical shop could be the factory "special edition" upgrades – upgrading FCs to Infini+ spec, FDs to Bathurst/Spirit R/RZ+ spec, etc.
I know zero about thew new Supra except the outside is really trying too hard - too many wings and scoops. I think they overcooked the design some.
Love how the new C8 Vette looks and on paper it sounds really dope but haven't driven one. Also I don't know if I want to join the Corvette Club and get my Jorts and New Balance shoes going just yet .
Dale
Agree that the Supra is just too busy looking. Also have heard nothing but good things about the c8 Corvette, but not a flappy paddle guy. I'm not sure there is a car I like these days. I remember when the FD came out and I immediately lusted after it. Still do. I don't really lust after any new cars. Like someone said, I do like the Z06 LS7-powered Vettes. So do many others and so they sell for $50-65,000.
Agree that the Supra is just too busy looking. Also have heard nothing but good things about the c8 Corvette, but not a flappy paddle guy. I'm not sure there is a car I like these days. I remember when the FD came out and I immediately lusted after it. Still do. I don't really lust after any new cars. Like someone said, I do like the Z06 LS7-powered Vettes. So do many others and so they sell for $50-65,000.
Apart from the FD, the only other cars I lusted over were way beyond my means. Nowadays they’re ridiculously beyond my means now. I can just admire from a distance.
If I was in the market to obtain a somewhat “affordable” sports car, I would wait for the debut of the C8 Z06. I’m telling you that thing is going to be a killer!
In a world without any concern about money, I wouldn’t mind an F8 Tributo. The last of the ICE engines from a legendary marquee.
Common theme seems to be that almost all proposed replacements are porkers. C8= 3650 lbs. F Type R= 4000. M2C= 36xx. Those are not worthy replacements, IMO. More like Grand Tourers vs hard core sports car.
The small handful of lightweights (Miata, 4C) are too underpowered.
These two cars are my pride and joy. I think the GT3 is a great modern car that captures the joy of driving. The main downside is that it is pretty expensive.
Common theme seems to be that almost all proposed replacements are porkers. C8= 3650 lbs. F Type R= 4000. M2C= 36xx. Those are not worthy replacements, IMO. More like Grand Tourers vs hard core sports car.
The small handful of lightweights (Miata, 4C) are too underpowered.
I completely agree with you. Unfortunately the signs of the times have forced any sort of "affordable lightweight sports car" to be non-existent. As you mentioned, the 4C has proper power but has a ridiculous gearbox. Not to mention its price tag is well above "affordable".
The Miata remains a worthy contender, but only if they shoehorn in their workhorse 2.5lt turbo. Until they do that, it will remain severely underpowered. Also, nowadays, to get a proper sports packaged Miata is bringing you above $50G'scdn on the road. $50G's for a Miata?!?!
If you do want to get lightweight with alot of power, you have to spend silly money on a vehicle. The C8 Z06 will weigh a bit less than the regular Z51 but not by much. Maybe 50-70lbs at the most. You're still looking at a 3600-3700lb vehicle. If you want to get closer to 3000lbs, you have to start looking at the Italian exotics. F8 Tributo is just a smudge above 3100lbs. Don't get me wrong, that's still relatively heavier than what a true hardcore sports car will weigh. As I mentioned though, the modern safety and "conveniences" rule the day nowadays.
I'll never get rid of my FD so I'll always have that feeling of light weight with tons of power. My RX8 fulfills the daily duties rather nicely. At just a smidge above 3000lbs, I can still feel the difference between cars in terms of weight, but more than anything its the difference in power.
the Mx5 might only be 184hp, but it runs about the same 0-60 and quarter mile times as a stock FD, the ND2 is 14.4 at about 95mph. the drivetrain has really low losses, the ND1 was rated at 150hp at the crank and they dyno 147hp...
i mean its not fast like the other junk we're talking about, but its not as slow as you would think.
PS the MX5 cup cars run about 1:39's at Laguna, which is faster than the 60's Trans Am cars, the 60's Lemans cars (gt40's, 917's etc), and how funny would that look in real life?
No modern cars are a direct replacement for the RX-7, which is why I'd get something like a stock 2002 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R if I had to replace it with a different model.
06-06-21, 11:20 AM
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