Best Bang for the Buck?
 

My son is seriously thinking about buying a 3rd gen RX7.

In your opinions, what performance upgrade makes the biggest improvement for the buck?

Example, he currently drives an Audi A4 1.8t, and the best bang for the buck was a Chip upgrade ($500). Since his turbocharger is controlled by the ECU, it upped the boost to a full bar resulting in 198whp from 150hp stock (Sounds like a lot from a chip, but he has the dyno to prove it).

Also, a few more questions:

1. What does FD mean?
2. Whats the difference between R1-R3-and Touring?
3. When looking for used RX7's online/papers, is there a way I can determine wether or not the car is turbocharged?

Thanks guys!

1. fd is just the chasis model
2. in Australia we only have 1 type of rx7 so i cant help you there
3. all 3rd gen rx7's are turbocharged

Fc= 2nd gen, fd= 3rd gen, fe=rx-8
They are the chassis codes for the cars.

The only reason that chip gave you that much horsepower was because it upped the boost. If thats all you want make a homemade manual boost controller for the FD and turn up the boost.... but it can and most likely will blow itself up at that point.

All 93-95 rx-7s (3rd gen) are turbochargered.

Re: Best Bang for the Buck?
 

"FD" is the chassis code for the third generation RX-7. When you say "FD" then we know which specific model you are referring to.

Possible FD models are R-1, R-2, Touring and Base. All models have the same turbo charged motor. The R-1 and R-2 models have a front strut bar, an additional oil cooler, stiffer factory dampers, a rear spoiler, a deeper front chin spoiler and suede like seats. The Touring model typically has a sunroof and the Bose stereo system along with a rear windsheild wiper. The base model has no spoilers, no rear wiper and leather seats. Performance wise all models are esentially the same. The real worthwhile option is the additional oil cooler from the R1 or R2. This can be added to any other car (as I added one to my base model).

All FD's are twin turbos from the factory.

Ok, Thanks for all your input. Cleared up a bunch of confusion I was having while in the forum.
Thanks again!

How old is your son? An FD is not an A4....these cars make 215-220 rwhp stock in a much lighter RWD chassis. They are not forgiving cars.

Also, these cars take a true committment to own. I've been here long enough to know that most people that buy this car just because they want a fast car, end up selling it within a year or two. IMO, Supras are a much better car if you just want a fast, easily modified car. An FD requires a passion for the car to put up with all the crap that comes with owning it....

Yup if I were you I'd make him do the research since he will be driving it. Make him research the car for atleast a couple months before you consider it. If not you better get him a credit card when you give him the car he will need it when he breaks something or the car breaks itself.

My son is 26 and we are a car fanatic family. As a matter of fact, you can check out my site www.mjmturbos.com . We manufacture turbochargers.

The reason why I'm asking the questions for him is because his workplace is very strickt and does not allow access to non-work related websites. Also I have no experience with RX7's.

he is grown now.. its time to let go...

Yeah, I know.

MahJik, thanks for the link. It's exactly what we're looking for.

Hey Lotus...,

After your son gets an FD, maybe you guys can put together a low-cost, fast-spooling single turbo kit for the 3rd gen RX7:D
rx7...http://66.216.67.51/subcat.asp?0=220

Unfortunately we don't supply kits, only the turbocharger. We have many T-78's -88's.