She's a keeper – how many of you are in it for the long run?
Thread Starter
Rotary Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 257
From: Toronto
Haha, so true. My limits are cash flow, time, and probably technical challenges in the future... but there isn't a hard number on the total spent over the years.
Regarding an STI BRZ: it almost seems inevitable. There are so many tuning shops offering boost packages that Subaru/Toyota are almost obligated to develop an engine upgrade just to keep new car sales going. At some point, the market for the stock BRZ/FR-S will dry up as owners move up to faster cars or move sideways to sedans, trucks, etc.
Regarding an STI BRZ: it almost seems inevitable. There are so many tuning shops offering boost packages that Subaru/Toyota are almost obligated to develop an engine upgrade just to keep new car sales going. At some point, the market for the stock BRZ/FR-S will dry up as owners move up to faster cars or move sideways to sedans, trucks, etc.
Full Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Azores - Portugal
I'm in it until i die XD .
It's all paid up and the only expense i have planned
is the tuner next month that comes from the UK to do a conservative tune
to the apexi power fc. so that way the engine is all tuned up and smooth.
at least it's what i hope. that it lasts a long time
It's all paid up and the only expense i have planned
is the tuner next month that comes from the UK to do a conservative tune
to the apexi power fc. so that way the engine is all tuned up and smooth.
at least it's what i hope. that it lasts a long time
It may not be a question of me leaving the car. If the aftermarket doesn't come up with a way to replace the dwindling numbers of replacement housings, irons etc. , the car...or at least it's engine, may leave me.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,857
Likes: 3,243
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
*i have had, an NSU spider, R100, every year of Rx7 from 79-93, and three Rx8's. you can also add a few MGB's (just bought #3), a 68 mustang (the base FC literally ran circles around it), a few Mercedes W108/109's, an E30 BMW, and a Triumph Tr-3, the Tr3 is the best of the LBC's, IMO
my current FC is tenacious, its been through a lot, ending in a complete part out. however its still with us, and we're close to not only full recovery, but pretty crazy street car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
I think I joined in 2000 and the site crashed right at the end or early 2001 and I rejoined later in 2001 when I probably needed a part or some advice which is why most of us original members have the 2001 date
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Took me a very long time to find a stock S8 FD that I'm completely happy with so I'm certainly committed for the long haul like most (provided that I'm not faced with some extreme circumstances).
For me, there's always a yearly plan/budget as I cannot spend every penny of earnings on my FD (although I would love to). Unlike past cars, I've decided to take the patient approach by starting at the very beginning (stock) and simply enjoying the journey of transformation over the years since I strongly believe in doing it right (ie no cheap, short term, shortcut mods).
Where do you track? I'll certainly be out there this year. I'd love to see your ride.
For me, there's always a yearly plan/budget as I cannot spend every penny of earnings on my FD (although I would love to). Unlike past cars, I've decided to take the patient approach by starting at the very beginning (stock) and simply enjoying the journey of transformation over the years since I strongly believe in doing it right (ie no cheap, short term, shortcut mods).
I got lucky in that the previous owner (we are still in contact) had a similar mindset to me – he was fairly meticulous in maintaining the car, even though he raced it in Time Attack.
The mods were all done with intelligence and speed in mind (street ported, boosted, and tuned to about 320 hp with bolt-ons and even including a bolt-in roll bar)... I'm happy with her performance at this point, but I'll be doing little cosmetic things like I mentioned above as well as more major things like an engine rebuild when the time comes.
Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference, too. I'm currently running Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires on RX-8 wheels, and I'm looking forward to "downgrading" to smaller 17" wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sports when my current set wears out. The tired Tokico Illumina struts on all four corners were replaced with new Koni Sports and I haven't had a chance to push them on a track since they were installed.
I'll probably get the ABS working this spring as well. She braked fine when I took her out on a few tracks, but I think I'd prefer having ABS working on the street and in the rain.
The mods were all done with intelligence and speed in mind (street ported, boosted, and tuned to about 320 hp with bolt-ons and even including a bolt-in roll bar)... I'm happy with her performance at this point, but I'll be doing little cosmetic things like I mentioned above as well as more major things like an engine rebuild when the time comes.
Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference, too. I'm currently running Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires on RX-8 wheels, and I'm looking forward to "downgrading" to smaller 17" wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sports when my current set wears out. The tired Tokico Illumina struts on all four corners were replaced with new Koni Sports and I haven't had a chance to push them on a track since they were installed.
I'll probably get the ABS working this spring as well. She braked fine when I took her out on a few tracks, but I think I'd prefer having ABS working on the street and in the rain.
Thread Starter
Rotary Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 257
From: Toronto
Toronto Motorsports Park and Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park), mostly. I'd like to drive Shannonville, Grand Bend, and the Canadian Motor Speedway near Fort Erie when it's completed.
Always Bad Advice
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 327
Likes: 88
From: San Diego
Bought my seven back in '94. Gas was $1.09, Movie Tickets were $4.50, and Netscape just released Mosaic 0.9 (one of the first widely available web browsers).
I Subscribed to the old email list a month before I bought the car. Those were heady times, where every 3rd gen idea was new, the arguments on the list were passionate, and tuners were coming out of the wood work. Twenty years later, I'd say my car is in better shape than when it literally rolled off the dealer's showroom floor. Looking forward to the next twenty years...
I Subscribed to the old email list a month before I bought the car. Those were heady times, where every 3rd gen idea was new, the arguments on the list were passionate, and tuners were coming out of the wood work. Twenty years later, I'd say my car is in better shape than when it literally rolled off the dealer's showroom floor. Looking forward to the next twenty years...
Ive been around for a long time. Lusted after an FD back when I was 11-12 years old. I finally have one and its nearly exactly everything I could possibly want. Its also got so much money in it it would be a huge lose to sell since Id have to build another car to replace it.
When I think of other cars Id want, short of 6 figure exotics, there really isnt anything that interests me enough, causes that passion, and invokes lust like the FD does. Its really as if Mazda designed the car to my tastes.
When I think of other cars Id want, short of 6 figure exotics, there really isnt anything that interests me enough, causes that passion, and invokes lust like the FD does. Its really as if Mazda designed the car to my tastes.
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 538
From: Another state obliterated by leftists
The badge may show only 10 years, but the car's been with me for 22 1/2 (to the day -- either today or tomorrow).
If the new 7 is as focused as the 3rd gen consider it sitting side by side with its older sister in the garage; hopefully it's a turbocharged 3 rotor, as having an 8 since new has me a bit tired of the 13b "stuff".
If the new 7 is as focused as the 3rd gen consider it sitting side by side with its older sister in the garage; hopefully it's a turbocharged 3 rotor, as having an 8 since new has me a bit tired of the 13b "stuff".
These threads often get back to the basics. I still love just staring at my FD. I like driving my M3 as much as the FD, but I don't look at the M3 the same way I do the FD. I should say looking at the M3 doesn't elicit the same emotions that I get looking at the FD. Regulations and computerization of mechanicals mean no one is likely to ever make an FD-like car again.
G
G
Sometimes when I come home, instead of using the main entrance, I go through the garage just so I could see the FD, for no apparent reason other than to just look at her. Its weird, but it gives me some peace of mind.
Keep in mind there was the big reload of the site due to hackers. Some of us say 10 where we're actually closer to 20. 
Yep, owned her since I was 19. She's 21yrs in May. The only car I ever wanted.
She's very much a street car, but she's been massaged a bit. Recently got in the group buy for the sakebomb HID kit. Now I'm looking into the recaro seat group buy.
She's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Yep, owned her since I was 19. She's 21yrs in May. The only car I ever wanted.
She's very much a street car, but she's been massaged a bit. Recently got in the group buy for the sakebomb HID kit. Now I'm looking into the recaro seat group buy.
She's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Exactly! And I understand that "life" comes up, but I feel like a lot of members over the past 15+ years who I thought I would never see sell, did so. And for those of them that did so purely because they were just "moving on", I often feel like they never had the passion and mindset for the car that I did/do. But then again, talk is cheap, so ask me again in another 10 years
-J
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
These threads often get back to the basics. I still love just staring at my FD. I like driving my M3 as much as the FD, but I don't look at the M3 the same way I do the FD. I should say looking at the M3 doesn't elicit the same emotions that I get looking at the FD. Regulations and computerization of mechanicals mean no one is likely to ever make an FD-like car again.
G
G
As complicated as the twins are it's actually a really simple car compared to the latest cars available today and I despise complicated, gadgetry electronic nonsense on anything but especially a sports car.
I had my first FD for 3 years and sold it for a 350Z which was eventually twin turbo with about 500whp. Everytime someone would come up to talk to me about the Z I would inevitably say something like "yea, but you should have seen my RX-7" or "yeah, its a fun car but it's no RX-7". Sold that car in 2007 and picked up my current FD a month later. I've now had my current FD over 7 years, but haven't driven it since 2012 when I decided ditch the bolt-on mod thing and go full custom 90% track/10% street car.
Life does get in the way sometimes, but I would rather it stay parked safely in my garage while I slowly work on it that letting it go...I made that mistake once already.
Life does get in the way sometimes, but I would rather it stay parked safely in my garage while I slowly work on it that letting it go...I made that mistake once already.
Recovering Milkaholic
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,206
Likes: 0
From: Budds Creek, Maryland
I really enjoy these threads. I was introduced to rx7's by 'ole Don't_Be_A_Rikki in 1999.
I had to have one after getting a ride in Rikkis car. It was the fastest car I'd ever been in. So I bought a Montego touring late in '99. Then in 2001 I wrapped that car around a telephone phone. Took the insurance check and bought my second Montego touring and took that one full single turbo etc over the next nine years. Sold that in 2010 and thought I was out for good.
That is of coarse until I found a good deal on another fd. I'm single now so I see no reason in my immediate future to sell again.
When I signed up here they had just fixed the forum from crash. I was hooked on Robinettes site at the time. Finding this place was like striking Gold.
I had to have one after getting a ride in Rikkis car. It was the fastest car I'd ever been in. So I bought a Montego touring late in '99. Then in 2001 I wrapped that car around a telephone phone. Took the insurance check and bought my second Montego touring and took that one full single turbo etc over the next nine years. Sold that in 2010 and thought I was out for good.
That is of coarse until I found a good deal on another fd. I'm single now so I see no reason in my immediate future to sell again.
When I signed up here they had just fixed the forum from crash. I was hooked on Robinettes site at the time. Finding this place was like striking Gold.
Thread Starter
Rotary Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 257
From: Toronto
That would be really tough for me. My strategy is to drive more and tinker less... even if it means less performance or a few small issues, I'd rather be behind the wheel than looking at her in the garage. These long winters are brutal, but I'll probably use one to get big projects done in the future.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,857
Likes: 3,243
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
These threads often get back to the basics. I still love just staring at my FD. I like driving my M3 as much as the FD, but I don't look at the M3 the same way I do the FD. I should say looking at the M3 doesn't elicit the same emotions that I get looking at the FD. Regulations and computerization of mechanicals mean no one is likely to ever make an FD-like car again.
G
G
Thread Starter
Rotary Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 257
From: Toronto
The Triumph TR3 is a looker for sure.
It's funny that it was almost an impulse buy. The price was just right, but I had been looking for a '95 R2... I didn't think I liked the looks of the car as much without the spoilers.
I have had 4 FDs and a dozen other high end cars including several Vipers/Vettes.
The FD is by far my favorite and most exciting to drive with Viper GTS 2nd. I had one with a Corvette engine and sold it immediately, did not like the feel. I think the high reving turbo motor, 50/50 balance, and light weight factory setup is heaven. I believe the size and weight is what mainly sets the car apart from others, tough to beat that go cart feeling no matter how much power your car has or how much it costs. And as for looks, with a 99 front, rear fenders and rims the car looks like a brand new design and interior is perfect stock. The current FD is not my keeper, but I do wish I'd kept one I previously sold. One day when I have a lot of cash I'd like to buy a mint car and all of the aftermarket parts I've ever wanted, maybe even a widebody and go at it. Not to end on a bad note, but I would love to drive a 2jz conversion or even better yet a 1jz if anyone has done it to see how those drive. I most likely will end up trying with the 2 rotor again with a single and perhaps 3 rotor single.
The FD is by far my favorite and most exciting to drive with Viper GTS 2nd. I had one with a Corvette engine and sold it immediately, did not like the feel. I think the high reving turbo motor, 50/50 balance, and light weight factory setup is heaven. I believe the size and weight is what mainly sets the car apart from others, tough to beat that go cart feeling no matter how much power your car has or how much it costs. And as for looks, with a 99 front, rear fenders and rims the car looks like a brand new design and interior is perfect stock. The current FD is not my keeper, but I do wish I'd kept one I previously sold. One day when I have a lot of cash I'd like to buy a mint car and all of the aftermarket parts I've ever wanted, maybe even a widebody and go at it. Not to end on a bad note, but I would love to drive a 2jz conversion or even better yet a 1jz if anyone has done it to see how those drive. I most likely will end up trying with the 2 rotor again with a single and perhaps 3 rotor single.
Constant threat
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 39
From: near Wichita, Kansas
I've had mine since October of 2000, so this year will be 15 wonderful years.
Wow...where the hell did time go?
Mine pretty much sits in the garage 89.3% of the year, I put maybe 1500 miles a year on it now. Frankly can't remember the last time I drove it...probably posted about it as it is SO infrequent, lol.
I'm 54, and plan on keeping the car until I simply can no longer comfortably or skillfully drive it. So a good 20 years more of ownership for me.
Then I'll give it to my son.
Wow...where the hell did time go?
Mine pretty much sits in the garage 89.3% of the year, I put maybe 1500 miles a year on it now. Frankly can't remember the last time I drove it...probably posted about it as it is SO infrequent, lol.
I'm 54, and plan on keeping the car until I simply can no longer comfortably or skillfully drive it. So a good 20 years more of ownership for me.
Then I'll give it to my son.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 613
Likes: 44
From: Wolnzach Germany
I've owned mine since the middle of 2010. It is not for sale and never will be. I don't plan on having kids as I've heard that they tend to disrupt long term plans like owning a sports car, and honestly I think I can get a lot more enjoyment out of the car through my lifetime than I will with kids. So my wife and I aren't having any. My somewhat derpy brother-in-law asked me once "Soooo brooooo, what you gonna swap that Mazda for next?? I have a real cleeaan Camry here thats just out of registration... I'll do swapsies for your Mazda thing... its not normal to keep a car more than 3 months man... I'd love to do a V6 conversion in it and go drifting...." I kind of looked at him, decided that a 20 year old who lives in a basement on welfare and eats a microwaved 12-pack of sausages in one sitting really would not be the best person to discuss the refinement of an FD, and I just walked away. Short of the car being horrifically damaged and written off, I don't see it going anywhere. If it were damaged beyong repair, I would strip it myself and crush the shell myself, and get another FD. But I'm hoping nobody ever writes the car off. I've been driving it a lot less lately because the prospect of a bad driver in an SUV writing it off, scares me a lot.