firefighter81

Ok, I'm a complete RX-7 newbie, spent most of the last 2hrs going through the website posted in the newbie thread, and reading through some threads on here, tried searching, couldn't find the answer to my question.

Just a little background on me, in the USAF stationed in Italy, will be stationed in Japan starting in early 2007 (I know, a little ways off). Will be selling my car and both motorcycles before I leave, and will have enough saved up to get whatever I want. I've decided on 2 cars instead of 1. Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R as well as a 92+ RX-7, that way I can get my dream car (Skyline) and still have loads of fun driving these light weight RWD pieces of artwork. Oh, and don't worry about mentioning that I can't bring them back to the states without alot of money and headache, because it doesn't apply to me, I'm not coming back to the states, I'll be around Japan and Europe the rest of my 20+ year career.

Anyhooooo.....can someone explain the different JDM RX-7 models, I see so many, ranging from $25k US down to $4k US (all FD3 style)? Here's some of the one's I've seen so far:

2001 GF-FD3S TYPE-RS
2000 GF-FD3S TYPE-RS S package
1997 E-FD3S RB
1995 Type R

I've also seen countless twin-turbo RX-7's around 1992-94 for all for around $8k, are there any differences in the older JDM models? I ask because these are the one's I will specifically be looking at. I plan on doing simple mods to both cars, but making the RX-7 a little more for show, similar to one of the RE Amemiya tuned ones, and making the Skyline more for power.

So if anyone can explain some of the differences between models I'd appreciate it, and if you wanna throw in some other kind of info or advice feel free!

Thanks,
Jason

Maestro

Here is the full list of JDM models

In short you want to find a FD of these types Ranked Best to worse.

RZ - 2 Seater (lightweight model)
RS - 2 + 2
R
RB is Poverty Pack
Incl. The Bathurst version 2 seater version in 94'

If I was you I'd just buy the 00 RZ Limited I have for sale. One of only 175 ever made and the rarest FD of all.

Also hp outputs differ....

92-95 = 255hp
96-98 = 265hp
12/98-02 = 280hp (312hp really)

The series 8 will do 0-100 in 4.6 sec 1/4 mile 12.68.

Its faster than a GTR top end and is alot better car alround. Skylines are great but a FD is alot more refined car. GTR is just a point and shoot car. You might as well buy a corvette.

http://www.rx7.net.nz/fd-jp-models.html

firefighter81

Thank you for the quick response, I appreciate it, lots of detail and alot of good information! Pretty much I'm gonna get whatever I can get for around $10k US, which from the sites I've been looking seems to be the going price for a mid 90's model with under 50k km.

Who knows, I might end up just getting the RX-7, but I dunno yet, it's a little ways down the road and I've got a while to think about it. I'm just in love with AWD, but you can't beat the fun factor of a lightweight RWD car.

1234rotor

iTrader: (1)

You have picked the right cars for sure. The two fastest japanese production cars of their time.


I only know some of the basic diff. of FD.

1995 model would be good.

I am pretty sure that 1996 changed to 16-bit ecu's, and a few different odds and ends. Nothing Spectacular.

Other than that, I would rather have a 99'+ model.


I'm sure someone on here knows ALL the changes for every single year of FD. I know I will ONE DAY.



For the R32, just put on a big exhaust, high flow intake, bigger injectors and a big *** turbo. Spend the rest on tuning and you will be flying in no time. RB motors are good to 700+ on stock internals.

firefighter81

See I'm not gonna go crazy on mods with either. The Skyline probably won't even receive a turbo upgrade. Looking get about 400hp from the Skyline and about 340 from the FD3. I'd rater have have 2 nice reliable 12sec cars, than a 700hp monster, if ya know what I mean

The Skyline will remain looking basically stock, might throw some wheels/tires on it, but that's about it. However, I do want to spend a significant amount of money on the bodywork of the FD3. I'm not gonna make it a show car, but it is going to have true JDM style. Something like this RE Amemiya one maybe?

Thing is, I'll have about $40k to spend once I get there, I make good money being overseas, and have been saving $1k a month without problems (and I'm only an E-3). I've currently got a Ducati 996 moto that I should be able to sell for about $9k, then sell my Aprilia RS250 track back for $4k, and sell my Eclipse GSX for $4k, should be fairly easy to have enough cash to do whatever I want basically. Was thinking about putting about $10k into the FD3, and about $5k into the R32.

I was checking RE Amemiya's website, and their bodywork is expensive, but I think it will be worth it, I love THIS car!

1234rotor

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for the web link, I have been brilliantly self enlightened. =)

I feel much better now. Other than the fact that i want to sell everything I own and move to Japan and start saving for a 2000 RZ or 2002 type A blue.

firefighter81

Yeah, I consider myself VERY lucky that I will have the oppurtunity to live in Japan. I'm probably going to Korea or Guam for a year first that way I can be guaranteed Japan, but if one of the three Japan bases are open for me when I get my assignment I will make it there by May of 2006. Once I'm there, I'm gonna be staying as long as I possibly can.

1234rotor

iTrader: (1)

Man, i'm sure you'll find something more original once you get there and look around at the various body parts made. Can't hate an RE car though!

You should have a good time going to the track and watching RX-7 races.

Check out "Anniversary Racing Factory". They have some vids of some track races that have all FC's and FD's.....a full field of them! =)

firefighter81

Yeah I'm sure I will find something that I like even more, but that was just one example of something similar to what I want to do. I've been in love with Japanese girls since the R32 Skyline came out, back when I was like 9 years old, all my friends had posters of "American Muscle" and I had posters of Skylines, Silvias, and RX-7's. They all laughed at me, but it's cool

firefighter81

Wow, just noticed, I accidentally typed "Japanese girls" instead of "Japanese cars" LOL

Oh well, both are true

DaiOni

sorry to dampen your dreams somewhat, but...

By 07 you won't want to be looking at an older FD - they have enough issues as is (just look at this forum everyday!). R32 GTRs, for the most part, are going to be the same - after early FDs, they are a troublesome machine - and cost a lot more to repair. Plenty of horror stories in import markets around the world. Also - by 07 they will definitely be hard to source - they are well in demand and a steady stream is going overseas (especially as a couple of the import markets have relaxed regulations for older cars - and the early GTRs are now falling into this time bracket). Low km and well-kept R32 GTRs are now very collectible - in japan they consistently sell for more than R33 GTRs - sometimes significantly more - that is also a reflection of growing rarity.

Steer away from cheap R32s and FDs - it's a golden rule.

The FD link posted isn't a full list (of variants or differences), but it's relatively comprehensive. I've posted a pile of info, and I know many others have too - a search using appropriate key words will offer more rewards

FD vs R32 GTR has been done to death as well - try www.sau.com.au - which is a very good source of info on skylines (in english) - and that topic can be found there as well

Honestly, just test drive the GTR (or the FD) - there really isn't much point in owning both (you'll realise that after driving them back-to-back). The GTR is mostly rwd anyway - though attessa does come in handy off the line.

firefighter81

Yeah, I've considered just getting an FD, and I might just do it that way. If I do decide to just get the RX-7, I'll keep my Eclipse and take it with me, that way I can still have my AWD fun. We'll see though, not sure what I'm going to do yet. I wasn't planning on getting a cheap FD, spending $15k is realistically what I'll do most likely.

Also I have heard that maintaining a FD is cheaper than a Skyline....why is that? Parts costs? Availability? Labor?

I appreciate your response, as any info like that will help me to make a decision, especially info from someone who is in Japan.

Thanks,
Jason

DaiOni

Unless you can get a really good deal on shipping and registering the car (I have no idea how the military system works - though I do know you get different plates and some concessions), there's not much point bringing the eclipse - you can pick up plenty of cheap 4wd performance cars for next to nothing (relatively speaking) - a good example* would be a nissan GTiR (early 90s) - would absolutely destroy the eclipse in every way - and even a stock GTR, with very minimal mods - they are one of the best bang for buck cars ever made (4wd + light weight + sr20det + quad tb is a good thing!) - and they can currently be sourced in good condition for around US$3k. If you're just after a cheap 4wd beater - then earlier wrx, evo, and so on, are other possibilities. By 07, the cheap list will be far more impressive.

You also won't have access to as wide a range of aftermarket parts with the eclipse.

FD vs GTR maintenance - as long as we're talking about early r32 GTR (say, 89-91) vs version I-II FD (91-95), then they are both likely to have all sorts of things crapping out, rattling, fading, falling off, exploding, leaking........... The FD may be more expensive in terms of basic maintainance, but when it comes to rebuild time - the rb26dett will be double+ the cost for a performance rebuild. FD is definitely cheaper to modify - which isn't to say that the GTR can't be made very quick, with relatively low $$$ layout.

If you have a serious addiction to 4wd/rwd/twin turbos - then the GTR is definitely the pick of the two (best of both worlds, in terms of driveline) - I don't think it's as good to drive though. If it has to be an R32 - then you'd be wanting the latest one you can find (and v-spec/II), in the best possible condition.



* GTiR by 07, admitedly, will be rare as hens teeth. But, as I said, plenty of other options by then.

DMRH

Just remember that the FD RX-7 first hit the streets back in 1992, so they are starting to show their age now.

If you are serious about one then go for the "series-8" version from 99-02 as Mazda fixed all the little bugs & had the car totally sorted out by then.

Trust me. I own one & they are so much better than the "series-6" version of 92-95.

I know a guy that has a 10,000km old series-6. Even he acknowledges my 10,000km series-8 is so much better.

The last of the series is always the best.

firefighter81

Problem is, right now the 99-02's are still going for $25k, maybe in a couple years when I get there I will be able to find one for less. But hell, if I could get a 92 for $6k and drop a new motor in it, suspension, replace all hoses/filters/fittings/connectors, basically go through the entire car then I'd have basically the same car, just for substantially less, that's what I'm thinking about doing right now. But, like I said, it's a couple years down the road, so I'm doing some research right now.

firefighter81

Ok, new development. I've found out that we are not allowed to own more than one vehicle per licensed driver while stationed in Japan.....sooooooooo, looks like I'm gonna be going with an RX-7. I just like them more than the Skyline R32 and R33 and I don't want to spend $45k on an R34 either.

So I'll follow advice given, and go with a newer model, like the Series 8 that was suggested. Even if I have to spend $25-$30k to get it, I will, but I'm sure by 2007 they will be down to $20k or so, since they are only around $27k now on most of the sites I've seen.