NooB interested in buying an rx-7 very soon. I'm looking at two right now. One is a base '93 and the other is a '93 R1. The R1 is $14,900 and the base is $18,000. Both have around 60,000 miles. The base model seems to be in excellent overall condition and even though it is rather over priced, I'm leaning in that direction. I'm wondering if the 2nd oil cooler added to the R1 model significanty increases the life of the engine? Also, I wonder if I would be making a mistake choosing a base '93 over an R1. I will probably change the suspension on either car so the R1 suspension isn't much of a factor.

 

Get the damn R1 for christ's sake! Dual oil coolers, front lip, rear spoiler, better seats.....more unique! Why would you pick an overpriced base model over a decently priced R1?

 

You are probably right. The base model seems like it has been maintained properly (I don't have much info on the R1), but the money I save could cover a lot of contengencies.

 

The dual oil coolers help cool the car down a bit but I don't think it significantly increases the life of the engine. So many other variables to making an engine last.

 

The duel oil coolers help control oil temperatures. I went with a CWR set and I havn't seen oil temps above 190 with it installed.

 

The R1 seems to be the way to go, even if the 2nd oil cooler isn't a major factor (thanks for the info). I'm trying to do my homework so that I know what to look for and don't buy a basket case.

 

If you're looking for a reliable car....maybe the FD isn't what you're looking for.

 

Thanks for the warning, but reliability isn't a major factor. This won't be a daily driver and I like to work on cars. I just want to have a good starting point.

 

cool - then the R1 is the one for you....you'd be disappointed if you paid more for less car, don't you think?


Or you could look for a touring. If you are going to upgrade the stuff later anyways, it might just be nice to have a few of the things that the touring model offers, like a sunroof and leather seats.

 

I've thought about a touring model, but all that extra stuff adds weight. I'm going to try to get a good look at the R1 this week. All goes well and I should be doing more than just discussing RX-7's in a few days.

 

Go with the R1. Or get a touring if you aren't too tall That sun roof really gets in the way when racing with a helmet.

 

The R1 my friend, it is the race one it has an additional brake line for the rear wheels too. I like the 2° oil cooler it is a reliability stuff.

Mine is a touring.

RT.

 

IMO, the second oil cooler is not a necessity unless you drive in an extremely hot climate or track the car. Personally, after seeing my oil temps at my last road race event, I will be upgrading to a second cooler before I do any more racing in 90+ degree heat....

 

Oh and dont forget the R1 has the nitrous button when you pop out the hazard light button.

 

Yeah, maybe the F&F Edition

 

I'm going to disagree w/ everyone. Buy the car that is in better overall condition.

The 2nd oil cooler does help, but one can always be added (as can parts that are equal to or better than any of the R1 options) for alot less money than fixing up a junky car.

Paint jobs, bushing jobs, turbos, engines or other items that could be bad in a car that is of lesser condition (these are afterall 10-year old used cars) are alot more money than a set of shocks or an add-on cooler.

And, the reality is that even w/ the R1, you'll likely end up upgrading alot of its "special" parts like shocks and seats... i've even got several friends w/ R1s that have upgraded to the CWR dual kit anyway.

 

amen

 

Ok guys, please excuse me I was confused with the brake stuff.
Could you forgive me?


The "R" model's option package consists of:

- Rear spoiler and front air dam
- Dual engine oil coolers
- Dedicated front brake air ducts
- Special suspension tuning
- Front shock-tower support brace
- Z-rated high-performance steel-belted radial tires


Not available in Silver Stone Metallic or Montego Blue Metallic.

Another interesting point is about the "R" gearbox has double synchronizers for 2° and 3° gear.:

Gearbox type All synchromesh, with double-cone synchronizers on 2nd and 3rd gears (R type)


this info was taken from:

http://www.k-rad.com/3genfaq

http://www.mrccfl.com/3rd.html


RT.

 

"The dual oil coolers help cool the car down a bit but I don't think it significantly increases the life of the engine. So many other variables to making an engine last."

Oil temp. is very important.

"Another interesting point is about the "R" gearbox has double synchronizers for 2° and 3° gear.:

Gearbox type All synchromesh, with double-cone synchronizers on 2nd and 3rd gears (R type) "

R-type means something else in this context - all the 5-spd trans. are the same. Go with the cheaper car here. 3100$ pays for new pillowballs, rear toe control, rear trailing arms, radiator, etc. with a nice chunk left over for a Power FC.

I guarantee you the above is going to have to be changed on the base model anyways.

 

I thought one was just for the engine oil, and the other was for the transmission oil??

 

First time seeing my car I was like a hooked fish. My eyes glazed over, I lost all good sense and kept having to wipe the drewl from the steering wheel. Fortunately I got a good car at a fair price and the leather on the steering wheel finally dried out. But I was lucky.
You my friend sound like your doing things right. Since you indicated you like to work on cars, you probably have some mechanical experience. Also sounds like you've done some homework on FDs. So take a good OBJECTIVE look at both cars. IMO, IF all things are equal (big IF), go for the R1. It's priced MUCH better, is alittle more popular (should you ever want to sell) and has the performance options you'll probably want. Good luck and let us know what you get.

 

Only for automatics.

 

just curious... what colour is the car? If the R1 is competition yellow mica, buy that thing, now!

 

get the R1

 

That's for *automatic* transmission oil. The manuals don't have that cooler. The R1's and R2's were manual-only, so that space is occupied with an additional oil cooler.

What's this about an additional brake line??