psychot|K

Hey guys,
Like the title says, I'm thinking about selling and buying a FD3S. I've always loved the way the FD looks, but most importantly because it's so darn light. The only problem is, I'd be going from a big single turbo'd Supra to a stock RX7, so it might take some getting used to :P

Could you guys tell me a few things?

1) How do you find the FD chassis? In terms of everything (handling, etc).
2) I'm 6'2, can I fit in this thing comfortably?
3) What should I look for in buying one? Any 'buyer beware' issues?
4) What should I be looking to spend for a good one?
5) Which is the lightest of the trim levels? The R1?

Thanks in advance, folks.

pinkrx7

iTrader: (2)

ill trade u straight up.

and if u want the answers to your questions check the FAQ.

psychot|K

Thanks for telling me about the FAQ, I dunno how I overlooked it.

However I would still like some opinions on the chassis since it relies on opinion more than cold hard facts.

Pinky: Watcha got?

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

Welcome!

I definitely recommend reading up, but here's some quick answers. The FD has an incredible chassis, and handles wonderfully, even bone stock. I'm 6'6" and fit fine, but I don't fit a sunroof car well, as you loose an inch or so of headroom.

There's a LOT of ratty FD's out there. If you have the money for it, buy a nice one to start with. A really nice low-mileage near-stock FD should run $13-15k.

I think a base manual is actually the lightest, as the R packages added a second oil cooler, spoiler, strut tower bar, etc. If you want light, stick with a non-sunroof car.

Anyhow, start doing some reading and researching.

Dale

BoostCrzy

going from a MKIV??...or III??....

Mazdabation

iTrader: (9)

Some may say different, but at 6'2" you should be ok. I am also 6'2 and fit fine, but with a noodle protector on you may have problems hitting the head liner.

Handling, you will be amazed!! Lightest will be the base model as it has less of everyhting in it, but because of the less options you will be missin things like twin oil coolers, strut bar and stiffer suspension.

My 7 and a friends Supra.........

purerx7

iTrader: (61)

im 6'1 and with my short hair spiked it hits the headliner

purerx7

iTrader: (61)

mazdabation, sick 7 definitely in my top 10 favorite fds

psychot|K

99 spec conversion! Gorgeous... nicest looking of the Japanese supercars, no question.

Now, I know the FD has some reliability, but I also know that's because many people don't do the simple things, proper fuel/ignition adjustments after each modification, etc. Just how troublesome is the FD's reliability given that you know the basic maintenance and upgrade rules?

Mazdabation

iTrader: (9)

HAHA that made me laugh, i have surfer messy hair too and when im all pimped out for a date it touches too, ahhhh dont mess the hair LOL.


And thanx for the compliment, the wing is comming off for a cleaner look and saving for rims next year.

shawn

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Even without a sunroof, you may have trouble with a helmet.
I believe BASE is lightest, but only by about 10 pounds. Personally I'd rather have the dual oil coolers.

Mazdabation

iTrader: (9)

All cars have reliabillity probs if not tuned properly. Yes the FD can be more finiky but.......I have owned my 7 for approx 5 years or so. In those years i have not had one problem. Why? because with every mod i do to the car i make sure its done right the first time. when completed to the standers you want tunning is the key!! its people that run all these bolt ons and expect to be able to hammer on the gas and just go with out any reprocussions.

just like your supra you need as you said....

exhaust
fuel inj
fuel pump
ignittion
intake
upgraded IC
cooling
and ECU for tunning
etc etc

of course this all depends on how much you want to build the car, not all mods are needed

shawn

chris7777777

Where in Canada are you ???
And what year is your Supra ???

You should sit in an FD and see how you fit.

My FD is all stock & runs perfect, but if your planning to do a lot of mods then you should spend some hours on this forum before diving in.

NeedFD

I guess most your questions were answered on the FAQS except
"1) How do you find the FD chassis? In terms of everything (handling, etc)."
since you probably want personal opinions

Here's my opinion:
Pros
-It handles great
-It's nimble
-lightweight chassis is definitely an advantage

Cons
-*** happy (this is common with a lot of rwd cars)
-the interior is a bit cheaply made, cosmetic things break easily (driver side pocket), glovebox on 93 models, etc etc

psychot|K

Many thanks for the input on the handling.

I agree that I should step in an FD and see how I like it first.

MakoRacing

iTrader: (12)

Its not really tuning after each mod, such as intake and catback, thatd be a waste..its when people get midpipes that things get messy. Search "boost creep" and youll discover how a lot of people blow engines, because theyre not watching what happens to the boost(cant tune for creep ) But yea, just read FAQ, its all there....

Slideways FD

iTrader: (13)

well my friend let me use his supra for a day and i must say...the supra is a lot more comfortable than the fd (more headroom, a little wider, and the steering wheel tilts) and like some others said...the fd interior tends to crack a lot...

well im only 6' but with my fd i had a problem with my knee hitting the steering column/wheel...but then after i put in my momo wheel and a quick release it wasnt a problem anymore since it spaced out the wheel more towards me

but like others said id just find someone in your area that would let you sit in it/test drive it? thats what i did 3 years ago and i ended up buying mine from a friend the next week ^_^

keef

I have just sold my Supra TT 6speed Manual after 3 years of ownership,and bought a Rex,my opinion is this....the supra is a fantastic car and very well built,i loved mine to bits and it was bomb proof!!the rex imo has far better handling and i mean far better!,i just squeeze in and im 6,1 smaller steering wheel helps,although not of the same build quality of the supe the rex is a lot more fun to drive,and the feedback you get from the car is great,you really feel like your driving something special and you are!!if i had the money i would have a standard or bpu supe as my everyday car and the rex as my weekend or sunny day car.

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

In my opinion it would be a huge mistake that you will regret. While I love the RX-7, the MKIV Supra is a better car. When you compare build quality, longivity, reliability, and practicality the Supra wins hands down. The interior in the rx-7 may look better, but it is made of extremely cheep plastic and always breaks. Mazda has also somehow managed to have higher prices on replacement parts then some exotics. Yes the RX-7 is lighter, handles better, and arguable looks better, but in my opinion its downsides do not make up for its advantages. Many people also choose the RX-7 because they are generally less expensive, but the high maintenance will quickly offset the initial price. If you still decide you want an rx-7, just be prepared to spend several thousand a year to keep it running. There are many of us that are willing to live with that.

dubulup

^agreed word for word.

with the money I've spent on my RX-7, I'd could have one hell of a MKIV. And not so many busted knuckets, ruined clothes, and parts on order.

would I trade that for a MKIV now...nope.

There are many of us that are willing to live with that.

scotty305

iTrader: (2)

The RX-7 has a much smaller, tighter-feeling cabin. It's noticeably smaller than the Supra inside. The chassis is very well-balanced, the car responds to your inputs very precisely. The steering on the RX-7 is heavier; there's less power assist than in most cars. This is never annoying, but it's one of the first things you notice. The seats are much tighter than most other cars, they might be uncomfortable if you're over 200 lbs.


I've also owned an '86 Corolla, and a '00 Impreza (non-turbo).
Compared to the AE86 Corolla, the RX-7 feels just as well-balanced, and slightly heavier but with a lower CG, stiffer suspension, and a LOT more traction and power.

Compared to the Subaru, the RX-7 feels lighter and much better balanced (Subaru is front-heavy), with a lower CG and more grip at corner entry. However the Subaru's AWD will regain traction much more quickly than a RWD car.

I also spent a couple days driving my friend's C5 Corvette. Compared to the stock Corvette, the stock RX-7 feels less powerful, but more agile. The C5 corvette has a stable feel, and plenty of power and grip. The Corvette's leather seats are slippery, IMHO.


Maintenance-wise, I think there are fewer people who understand RX-7's. The dealers aren't any help at all, and it's not always easy to find a mechanic who can work on them if you have engine issues. The factory service manuals are online, so it's not difficult if you want to do the work yourself.


Modifying one for big power is not nearly as easy as a Supra, the MAP-based system isn't nearly as mod-friendly as the Supra's control system (Supra's have an AFM, if I remember correctly). The stock boost level is 10psi, and most people have problems if they go above 12-13psi on the OEM ECU (remember, the stock ECU doesn't know the flow, it just guesses based on manifold pressure).


A standalone ECU is required if you're going to go single turbo. Personally, I wouldn't add 40hp to the OEM turbo setup without converting to a standalone ECU as well. Apex'i Power FC is the popular one for RX-7's (I've heard most of the Supra community uses something else).




If you're the kind of person who thinks the Lotus Elise is cooler than the C6 Corvette, the RX-7 is for you. If not, stick to the Supra; it's a great car, and the handling differences can be made up with good tires and skilled driving. Another question for you, have you modified the suspension of your Supra? I rode in a Supra with shocks, springs, and race tires, and I'll never call them 'heavy' cars again.

-s-

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Disagree. I think it's conditional. For a heavily modded car, you may be right. But not if you bought a solid FD and left it relatively stock and maintained it properly. I've had my car for four years. Even adding repair and maintanence costs over that period of time plus purchase price, , it wouldn't have equaled purchase price alone of a SUPRA in equivalent shape. And for others that did the same, I don't think my experience is all that unique.

1QWIK7

iTrader: (33)

Yes! Finally the man with the knowledge!!!!

bryant

you can make a 500rwhp rx-7 that will beat almost any 3500 pound supra.

supra stock 326 bhp, and would reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

rx-7 stock 255 bhp,and would reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds

bryant

just depends on hwy supra
drag rx-7 all day.