Am I crazy? What are the odds?
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 292
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From: Lexington, IL
Am I crazy? What are the odds?
I need some opinions. I bought a rather perfect 94 RX-7 last May. Ran it as a daily driver all summer and fall and it's sitting in the garage with snowflakes on the street. The car has operated flawlessly and now has about 47,000 miles on it - compression is roughly 100+ on all rotor faces. No cooling issues. All reliability mods have been done, except for the Miata switch.
Now, my wife and I are contemplating a long trip this spring, about 4,000 miles round trip, between Chicago and Phoenix and back. Last night she said, "Why don't we take the RX-7? We could do some Route 66 style sightseeing."
Interesting idea, I said. But then, it could get a little expensive if we blow up the engine. The route through Tulsa and New Mexico is relatively flat. No mountains to speak of. What do you think the odds of that 13B surviving the trip and getting us back home without a major breakdown?
Now, my wife and I are contemplating a long trip this spring, about 4,000 miles round trip, between Chicago and Phoenix and back. Last night she said, "Why don't we take the RX-7? We could do some Route 66 style sightseeing."
Interesting idea, I said. But then, it could get a little expensive if we blow up the engine. The route through Tulsa and New Mexico is relatively flat. No mountains to speak of. What do you think the odds of that 13B surviving the trip and getting us back home without a major breakdown?
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DOWNSTAIRS MIXUP
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,723
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From: Lampasas, TX
I myself not being an FD owner, I must first say that I don't know FD's first hand, but considering the pros that you've listed concerning said machine, I'd say there is a very very high probability of it making it without any issues with the exception of oil and fuel consumption. My N/A FC made a 1800mile trip from Florida to Texas in upper 90*-lower 100* weather with little more than 178,000 miles on what I believe is the original engine and she performed meraculously, with the exception of the rough ride which was set on "Sport" and left by accident and crappy(a.k.a. nonexistant) A/C. You should be fine.
sold--no longer in debt
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 11
From: Cleveland, Ohio
I drove 1000 miles this past saturday in my fd. 17 hours straight. Car did fine..I did not.. my back hurts and the car smells like hot sauce (my genious friend spilled some on my carpet)
It IS a car people, I think it was made to be driven.
It IS a car people, I think it was made to be driven.
I drove my car from texas to california and it gave me no problems. Your car is probably in better shape than mine. It was a nice drive and the car got good gas mileage on the freeway. I also vote for taking it on your trip.
Super Snuggles
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 10,091
Likes: 34
From: Redmond, WA
Originally Posted by DamonB
It's sad that people are so gun shy of this car. The car is in good shape and runs great. Why NOT drive it long distance? I do in mine all the time.
Freeway driving is easier on the car than city driving.
The FD motor's failure mode typically is coolant seals. Coolant seals going bad usually are a progressive failure not a "it quit on the road" failure. The engine runs the COOLEST on the freeway at speed. It runs the hottest in stop and go traffic.
Drive it and have fun!
The FD motor's failure mode typically is coolant seals. Coolant seals going bad usually are a progressive failure not a "it quit on the road" failure. The engine runs the COOLEST on the freeway at speed. It runs the hottest in stop and go traffic.
Drive it and have fun!
Originally Posted by StealthFox
imo its not a good roadtrip car, its a high performance sports car(or most of them are tuned for that purpose) and you would be better off with a more daily driver type car
