hi guys, ive been following the forum for quite a while now due to having thoughts of purchasing a jdm series 8 99-02 rx7 possibly bathurst model or rs model and was reading through some reliability forums. the things ive learnt so far is that, i figured out that i need some money on the side after buying the car, so that just incase something goes wrong, i can fix it back up and the reliabity mods etc. i currently drive a 99 bmw and want to sell that add some money on top, buy the fd, buy a second p.o.s and use that for daily driving and leave the fd alone till the weekends arrive. However i realise mostly you guys drive series 6s. i barely see series 8s on the forum as they are jdm. i was going to ask if you guys know anything about the reliability improvement on the series 8s. what is the difference at the engine apart from the extra hp and torque. i know that the cooling has been improved a little, suspension and weight reduction. but what would you guys recommend as reliability modifications on the series 8 model? and have i skipped anything else apart from having money aside ? . your advice will be really appreciated.
regards,
Buri

 

Hey a fellow Aussie, and Victorian! I own a 2000 type rs and I gotta say it's an awesome car. In terms of improvements over the earlier series':
-suspension (awesome bilstien shocks on the top of the range rs)
-brakes (biggest on rs and have EBD)
-wheels (17 inch on the rs, 16 on the type r)
-Adjustable rear wing
-Larger front air duct for intercooler, radiator and oil cooler
-Hitachi sequential turbos running more boost
-Engine brace (on the rs)
-Slight interior change (dash)
-Mazdaspeed LSD on the upper models

I've owned mine for about a year now and it is completely stock. In terms of reliability it has never missed a beat. I don't drive it every day as i ride a pushie most places, and I wouldn't wanna put boring commuter miles on the clock anyway (plus it drinks like a sailor!). People swear by the standard reliability mods.
-Replace the air seperation tank as the standard stock one can crack (is plastic). I haven't done this yet as mine looks practically brand new and is showing no signs of wear etc.
-Upgrade the radiator. I haven't done this either. If I start doing track days I would, however it's fine for the street (unless you start modifying your engine)
-Intercooler upgrade (same story as the radiator).

The series 8's are pretty sorted being the last of the rx7s. If you get one thoroughly checked over you should have no problems at all. Obviously once you start modifying then you'll need to take measures to help the reliability. Try and get an rs. The spirit r and rz are just collectors items and are way overpriced for what they are. The rs has all the mechanical advantages of them, minus some flashy red seats and bbs rims. Don't get the type r. It has smaller brakes, not the same bilstien suspension, smaller skinnier rims, etc.. Think the bathurst gets all the good stuff like the rs, but is probably gonna be harder to find. Hope this info helps, and all the best with finding a gooden

 

Hey hey hey!!

I imported an RZ and it's my daily driver.

The Bilsteins are too choppy on Oz roads and need revalving, or replacing.

There is no security system on the JDM cars, so that need immediate attention.

Otherwise I agree, the RS is a good option.

 

i have a series8 fd...i drive it almost everyday...its awesome...i love the car...some advice would be to change the stock radiator as it cracked on me...replace the stock ast...it never cracked but i know that it is well known to burst and leak coolant in a few seconds...

but i totally love this car...

 

Another aussie!

I've owned my series 6 FD for over 2 years now. Mechanically, hasn't missed a beat, just passing 50k on the engine. Although, have spent thousands and thousands on replacing parts such as clutch, PPF etc etc plus the stuff you can't avoid when you get into the modding habbit hehe.

P.S For those that are in VIC, yes GOMEZ! you missed our FD cruise! We'll hopefully have another very soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ9nmyqUTMU - this was quickly put together! Most footage was taken in my FD

Dennis,

 

dam I didn't even know about this cruize I haven't yet met up with any rotary boys, can't wait for the next one! Have you got a link for a vic section? cheers

 

thanks guys, very warm welcome and great talk. im looking for a rs or bathurst r. i prefer rs because of the suspension and brakes. if i find a black or red rs or bathurst r, i will go for it. i know they drink like an elephant but i heard they get about 300km on a full tank. is that true? whats the true city driving mileage of a full tank on these cars? and that cruise looks tempting

 

I regularly get 430km on a full tank, city/freeway driving.

Stock standard 2001 car.

 

You better not miss the other one! Go on www.fdowners.com - it's the aussie FD owners site...

Dennis,