hey guys, i know this forum is international so there must be a handfull of guys here with series 7 and 8 FDs. My question is, did mazda address the reliability issues of the series 6 in later versions of the Rx-7? I'm debating if it would be wiser to purchase a cheaper 93-95 and deal with the relability mods as opposed to possibly importing a newer rx-7 that has the problems addressed.

 

I'm not entirely sure about the reliability issues. However, others will chime in letting you know that importing a JDM FD into the states is a challenge. The only way you could get one legally is if you brought one in to get crash tested first. The only legally insurable FD's in the states are the ones that are already there.

...This is what makes me happy to live in Canada

 

okay well...illegally speaking...if i were to somehow find a way to import one to canada and then into the usa...haha

does nobody here own a series 7/8 with the upgraded turbos? have you had little (or not nearly as much as series 6) maintenance issues?

 

you can only legally import '92 FDs to canada for now. '93 next summer. Illegally speaking, well, whatever.

 

The "reliability" issues with the RX7 where fixed with the RX8. i.e. no turbocharger. NA rotaries last for a long time; just look at the NA FB/FC's. Forced induction on these cars is what mainly hurts in the "reliability" area and even that is subjective (as each person has their own idea of what "reliability" is to them).

If you are concerned about "reliability", then this isn't the car for you.

 

I don't think the upgraded turbos reallly add much to long term reliability. The shift select spindle and supposely the 5th gear synchro was addressed in 94 as was a design tweak of the rear cross member. Sometime after they stopped being imported into North America the ECU went to 16 bit and the trouble prone coupling from 'Y' pipe to crossover was eliminated. Elimination of emissions and simplification of the rat's nest would be an advantage, but IMO not worth the hassle of trying to get a RHD car into the states.

 

So, yeah.

importing, bad idea, long process, way too much money involved and a huge hassle.

most of the issues with the S6 is something you can modify to be more "reliable"

 

+1

You'll save a lot of money and time picking up a usdm FD, and doing the appropriate reliability modifications. Not to mention you will learn a bit about your car at the same time, which is always a good thing.