What makes you love your FD?
07-30-04, 08:57 AM
#26
Rotary Freak
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just found this the other day, from a link on the Supra Forums. It explains perfectly why we own FDs, and 7 owners in general.
http://members.ij.net/mrmazda/rx7reliability.html
RX-7 Reliability
By David Lane, dlane@peabody.jhu.edu
Every now and again we get a message from someone who is probably just trying to yank our chains with this "blown engine" stuff. I will use the most recent one in a very loose way as a model, but there is nothing personal here.
First its:
"Should I buy an RX-7? I hear the engines break all the time."
Then we hear a bunch of justification to somehow "prove" this is the case by comparing the number of times the term "rebuild" is mentioned in various news groups. Finally, we get a whole list of high mileage cars that have been owned for a period of time by the writer--and the implied challenge: "Will an RX-7 be as reliable as this BMW/Volvo/Toyota/etc?"
I think we are asking the wrong question here. But to answer directly, PLEASE do not buy an RX-7. Buy anything else but an RX-7. You will hate it, and you will bombard this list of generally caring people with question after question about why your car does this or that. Eventually you will probably blame all of us for "convincing" you to do something you were in doubt about in the first place.
Don't do it.
You see, people who own RX-7s are not conflicted about them. We don't have to justify our choice of car by bragging that it went a zillion miles without an oil change. Normally we brag that we change the oil religiously. We also brag about the aesthetics of owning, driving, and competing in our cars--even though some of them barely produce a hundred horsepower. While some of us may eventually decide to buy a Supra, or a Volvo, or a BMW, we almost always end up regretting the loss of our rotaries. We consider it to be a sacrifice to the gods of practicality, maybe, but never "trading up to something better."
Next time you are out on the street, check out the number of older RX-7s there are out there. See who is driving them. You might be surprised to notice that many of these high mileage cars on the road are still in use as daily drivers by secretaries and college students--not just enthusiasts. Also, most of these cars were not originally bought by BMW types--rather they were purchased by "value oriented" people who are not always the sort who baby their cars. Many have had a rough life, and have soldered on amazingly well. You can see it in the faded paint and door dings.
The 3rd gens were not designed for that crowd. They were priced out of that range. Besides, most of their capabilities are wasted doing yeoman duty as stop and go machines in rush hour traffic.
Can you overheat them and have them keep going? Nope.
Can you let them knock like a New York Taxicab and have them survive forever? Nope.
Can you hop them up to double their horsepower and expect them to live as long as a stock engine? Hardly.
Then why might you want one?
Maybe because every RX-7 is a well balanced, responsive, rear wheel drive sports/GT car that is a delight to flick around.
Maybe because with average care, a stock machine is quite durable and does, in fact, last a long time.
Maybe because, as I have said before, the great cars are not the perfect ones. The great cars are the ones worth repairing.
So, if you are going to put a Toyota Camry in the same sentence with an RX-7, buy the Camry. If you think a Volvo is a better car than an RX-7 because the engine is more likely to survive a broken coolant hose, buy the Volvo.
If you think a Supra is a better car because you prefer its balance of attributes--fine. Buy the Supra.
There is only one reason to buy an RX-7. It is simple, really. You drive it. You grin. You want it. You buy it. If you are unlucky and you lose an engine due to age, abuse, or simple bad luck, you start pouring over the catalogs and drool about the extra power you can have built into the new one. Most owners fret for only a few days before getting to that stage.
Earlier I said I thought questions about reliability were the wrong questions when considering an RX-7. The right questions are: How do you want your car to respond to you? What excites you? In addition to transportation, what would you like to do with your car?
If the answer to these questions does not differentiate between an RX-7 and a Camry or Volvo or BMW, there is no reason to buy the RX-7--or to waste our time.
If, on the other hand, the answers to those questions point you to an RX-7, we will stick by you as you bring your older car up to snuff. Once there it will last a long time. You will be proud of it. You and your car will work together to make driving much more than just "getting there."
And you will get frustrated when people try to boil the entire experience of sports/GT car ownership into something as monolithic as "is the engine more likely to need replacement in an RX-7 than in another type of car.
If you have to ask, you are trying to judge something with your head which was designed to be treasured by your emotions.
It's not going to work.
http://members.ij.net/mrmazda/rx7reliability.html
RX-7 Reliability
By David Lane, dlane@peabody.jhu.edu
Every now and again we get a message from someone who is probably just trying to yank our chains with this "blown engine" stuff. I will use the most recent one in a very loose way as a model, but there is nothing personal here.
First its:
"Should I buy an RX-7? I hear the engines break all the time."
Then we hear a bunch of justification to somehow "prove" this is the case by comparing the number of times the term "rebuild" is mentioned in various news groups. Finally, we get a whole list of high mileage cars that have been owned for a period of time by the writer--and the implied challenge: "Will an RX-7 be as reliable as this BMW/Volvo/Toyota/etc?"
I think we are asking the wrong question here. But to answer directly, PLEASE do not buy an RX-7. Buy anything else but an RX-7. You will hate it, and you will bombard this list of generally caring people with question after question about why your car does this or that. Eventually you will probably blame all of us for "convincing" you to do something you were in doubt about in the first place.
Don't do it.
You see, people who own RX-7s are not conflicted about them. We don't have to justify our choice of car by bragging that it went a zillion miles without an oil change. Normally we brag that we change the oil religiously. We also brag about the aesthetics of owning, driving, and competing in our cars--even though some of them barely produce a hundred horsepower. While some of us may eventually decide to buy a Supra, or a Volvo, or a BMW, we almost always end up regretting the loss of our rotaries. We consider it to be a sacrifice to the gods of practicality, maybe, but never "trading up to something better."
Next time you are out on the street, check out the number of older RX-7s there are out there. See who is driving them. You might be surprised to notice that many of these high mileage cars on the road are still in use as daily drivers by secretaries and college students--not just enthusiasts. Also, most of these cars were not originally bought by BMW types--rather they were purchased by "value oriented" people who are not always the sort who baby their cars. Many have had a rough life, and have soldered on amazingly well. You can see it in the faded paint and door dings.
The 3rd gens were not designed for that crowd. They were priced out of that range. Besides, most of their capabilities are wasted doing yeoman duty as stop and go machines in rush hour traffic.
Can you overheat them and have them keep going? Nope.
Can you let them knock like a New York Taxicab and have them survive forever? Nope.
Can you hop them up to double their horsepower and expect them to live as long as a stock engine? Hardly.
Then why might you want one?
Maybe because every RX-7 is a well balanced, responsive, rear wheel drive sports/GT car that is a delight to flick around.
Maybe because with average care, a stock machine is quite durable and does, in fact, last a long time.
Maybe because, as I have said before, the great cars are not the perfect ones. The great cars are the ones worth repairing.
So, if you are going to put a Toyota Camry in the same sentence with an RX-7, buy the Camry. If you think a Volvo is a better car than an RX-7 because the engine is more likely to survive a broken coolant hose, buy the Volvo.
If you think a Supra is a better car because you prefer its balance of attributes--fine. Buy the Supra.
There is only one reason to buy an RX-7. It is simple, really. You drive it. You grin. You want it. You buy it. If you are unlucky and you lose an engine due to age, abuse, or simple bad luck, you start pouring over the catalogs and drool about the extra power you can have built into the new one. Most owners fret for only a few days before getting to that stage.
Earlier I said I thought questions about reliability were the wrong questions when considering an RX-7. The right questions are: How do you want your car to respond to you? What excites you? In addition to transportation, what would you like to do with your car?
If the answer to these questions does not differentiate between an RX-7 and a Camry or Volvo or BMW, there is no reason to buy the RX-7--or to waste our time.
If, on the other hand, the answers to those questions point you to an RX-7, we will stick by you as you bring your older car up to snuff. Once there it will last a long time. You will be proud of it. You and your car will work together to make driving much more than just "getting there."
And you will get frustrated when people try to boil the entire experience of sports/GT car ownership into something as monolithic as "is the engine more likely to need replacement in an RX-7 than in another type of car.
If you have to ask, you are trying to judge something with your head which was designed to be treasured by your emotions.
It's not going to work.
Last edited by PVerdieck; 07-30-04 at 09:09 AM.
07-30-04, 09:02 AM
#27
Rotary Freak
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've loved the FD since 1993 when my Dad and I went to test drive one. I was 15 and couldn't drive yet, but ever since that day I made it my goal to get one when I could. It took me 11 god damn years, but I finally got one.
One more point though. While the FD can be made reliable and many people use then as daily drivers, I would not suggest this at all. One reason I waited so long to get mine was because I didn't want to get rid of my Tacoma. If you can wait long enough to buy the FD until you can get a reliable daily driver the you should definately consider that. Besides, using a DD will save wear and tear on the FD, and you'll have something to drive in the rain/snow etc.
Good luck.
One more point though. While the FD can be made reliable and many people use then as daily drivers, I would not suggest this at all. One reason I waited so long to get mine was because I didn't want to get rid of my Tacoma. If you can wait long enough to buy the FD until you can get a reliable daily driver the you should definately consider that. Besides, using a DD will save wear and tear on the FD, and you'll have something to drive in the rain/snow etc.
Good luck.
07-30-04, 09:07 AM
#28
il Cosa Nostra e vivo!!
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Dove le cose sono fatte il vecchio moda il senso
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1)- Unique body design
2)- Unique engine
3)- Unique aluminum suspension
4)- Unique door access/handle
5)- True sports car feel/handling
6)- RX7Club forum members full of problem solving information.
2)- Unique engine
3)- Unique aluminum suspension
4)- Unique door access/handle
5)- True sports car feel/handling
6)- RX7Club forum members full of problem solving information.
07-30-04, 09:56 AM
#29
unique... that's all there is to it...
unique engine
unique look
unique performance
unique capabilities
everytime i see a ricer in a civic, he/she/it checks out my "stock" looking car and almost begins to drool. that is not a feeling you get in most cars. i've wanted one since they came out just because its different than everything else out there. i try not to be defensive when people put down my car and say "its not reliable, its not fast, its not [insert b.s. comment here]," because i know they are wrong. it gets me to work everyday. it whipps the crap out of passangers necks everytime they get in (and i'm still relatively stock
). i have no reason to feel like i need to explain my decision to anyone else.
my father told me from the day i turned 15 and we started looking for a car for me to buy, "don't get a turbo, don't get a rotary." january of my 22nd year (2004), i bought a turbo rotary (selling my 2002 RSX type-S with only 16k miles on it to do so) and he thought i was nuts... right up until he came to visit. one look at the car and he new why i did it. one ride in the car and he knew it was the right thing to do. he's been jealous ever since.
to me, cars have been a passion not just a tool and my RX-7 is the epitome of what i've always wanted in a car.
unique engine
unique look
unique performance
unique capabilities
everytime i see a ricer in a civic, he/she/it checks out my "stock" looking car and almost begins to drool. that is not a feeling you get in most cars. i've wanted one since they came out just because its different than everything else out there. i try not to be defensive when people put down my car and say "its not reliable, its not fast, its not [insert b.s. comment here]," because i know they are wrong. it gets me to work everyday. it whipps the crap out of passangers necks everytime they get in (and i'm still relatively stock
). i have no reason to feel like i need to explain my decision to anyone else.my father told me from the day i turned 15 and we started looking for a car for me to buy, "don't get a turbo, don't get a rotary." january of my 22nd year (2004), i bought a turbo rotary (selling my 2002 RSX type-S with only 16k miles on it to do so) and he thought i was nuts... right up until he came to visit. one look at the car and he new why i did it. one ride in the car and he knew it was the right thing to do. he's been jealous ever since.
to me, cars have been a passion not just a tool and my RX-7 is the epitome of what i've always wanted in a car.
07-30-04, 10:56 AM
#31
Turbo Lover
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I personally love my FD! Driving it is a experience that never gets old and always puts a smile on my face. What personally got me to get a rx-7 was the rotary that I have always loved since I was 15. That and its just such a unique car that you dont see everyday. To me it sounds like your ready for a FD theres just one thing I tell everyone new to the 7.
Mod #1 Beater.
Mod #1 Beater.
07-30-04, 11:03 AM
#32
sexy no jutsu
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: planet arium
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by z-nigma
driving down the street in 5th @ 2500 rpms
i love my fd because i have spent too much money on it and its too late to turn back.
07-30-04, 11:09 AM
#33
Lives on the Forum
I love my RX-7 because I race it; it's a joy to drive hard. The car enjoys being driven hard and regardless of how fast you drive or corner on the street you have no idea what this car can do stock unless you race it.
If I didn't race my FD I never would have kept it. If I was going to stick with a fast street machine I would have bought the new Z-28 SS I was considering at the time instead...
If I didn't race my FD I never would have kept it. If I was going to stick with a fast street machine I would have bought the new Z-28 SS I was considering at the time instead...
Last edited by DamonB; 07-30-04 at 11:11 AM.
07-30-04, 11:17 AM
#34
TIMEATK
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Silicon Valley, Ca.
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The very first thing that made me fall in love with this car, back in 94, was the way the car sounded when it started up. Sounds like a jet turbine that cranks over.
But the thing that keeps me in love with my ride is the simple fact that the aesthetic exterior design was created way back in 1989 and it still looks better than all the other sports cars of its class nearly a decade and a half later.
But the thing that keeps me in love with my ride is the simple fact that the aesthetic exterior design was created way back in 1989 and it still looks better than all the other sports cars of its class nearly a decade and a half later.
07-30-04, 11:50 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: East Coast
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Let's put it this way. When I was looking into getting an FD, I had never been in one, had never really seen one up close, but had heard a lot about the car and had done my homework and had liked what I saw on paper. When I went to the shop to take a look at the car, when I first saw it while I was driving up, all I could think was how good it looked. About 3 minutes later I was in it, and all I could think about was "this car is mine", not "I want this car" or "I have to have this car", but "this car is mine, all I have to do it put up a good fight to buy it". You either love the car or hate it. But for me, the car just feels right.
PS, a coupld of stories you might get a kick out of:
I was driving down a long stretch of road, and two kids on bikes are riding in the opposite direction, both staring at my FD, as they pass by, I hear one kid say "holy $hit, that's an rx-7....." as he passes by. They are both lookin at the back of the car after they pass by, and one kid falls off his bike payin too much attention to my car.
Another night, me and two of my buddies are drivin our cars (me in the FD, my buddy in his black s2000, and my other buddy in his sl55) by a night club. there are bunch of about 5 girls standin outside of the club talkin, we had no idea who they were. As we pass by, one girl notices, then they all turn and start flaggin us down yellin "nice cars" as we drove by.
Another time I'm at the mall, just gettin out of the FD. And a husband, his wife and little girl are walkin by, and they're all staring at the car. The husband says "nice", to which the little girl says "I'll say".
Remember, it's a very high maintenance car, but it's a hell of a trip.
PS, a coupld of stories you might get a kick out of:
I was driving down a long stretch of road, and two kids on bikes are riding in the opposite direction, both staring at my FD, as they pass by, I hear one kid say "holy $hit, that's an rx-7....." as he passes by. They are both lookin at the back of the car after they pass by, and one kid falls off his bike payin too much attention to my car.
Another night, me and two of my buddies are drivin our cars (me in the FD, my buddy in his black s2000, and my other buddy in his sl55) by a night club. there are bunch of about 5 girls standin outside of the club talkin, we had no idea who they were. As we pass by, one girl notices, then they all turn and start flaggin us down yellin "nice cars" as we drove by.
Another time I'm at the mall, just gettin out of the FD. And a husband, his wife and little girl are walkin by, and they're all staring at the car. The husband says "nice", to which the little girl says "I'll say".
Remember, it's a very high maintenance car, but it's a hell of a trip.
07-30-04, 11:58 AM
#36
No it's not Turbo'd
An FD is like a Car Pileup about to happen... you know it's not going to be pretty, but you can't stop looking....
I've owned two, and the first was a dream to own, and the second is a nightmare.... so there are gems out there to be had, and there are turds, like in any car sale you have to pass on the turds and be able to spot the gems....
-DC
I've owned two, and the first was a dream to own, and the second is a nightmare.... so there are gems out there to be had, and there are turds, like in any car sale you have to pass on the turds and be able to spot the gems....
-DC
07-30-04, 12:00 PM
#37
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: EVERYWHERE
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i have UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR MY 7
TO THE POINT, I TAUGHT MYSELF HOW TO KEEP IT RUNNING FAST AND LOOKING GOOD ALL THE TIME, AT ANY EXPEN$E.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UN-RELIABLE CAR, JUST AN OWNER WHO CAN'T MAINTAIN THEIR VEHICLE.
see ya,
car 53
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UN-RELIABLE CAR, JUST AN OWNER WHO CAN'T MAINTAIN THEIR VEHICLE.
see ya,
car 53
Originally Posted by KaiFD3S
I love my FD because of the way it looks, I believe it is the most sexiest car out there, I fell in love with it the very first time I saw it at the mazda dealership.
I love the way it looks
I love the way it handles
I love how fast it goes
I just straight love it
About reliabilty, it really depends on the owner, if you take care of your car and don't abuse it it will last you a long time..
I love the way it looks
I love the way it handles
I love how fast it goes
I just straight love it
About reliabilty, it really depends on the owner, if you take care of your car and don't abuse it it will last you a long time..
07-30-04, 12:05 PM
#38
What I love about my FD3
I really enjoy working on the car. I have done all the reliability mods and some mild performance modifications. I have fixed all the little things the previous owner didn't.
I enjoy that it is not a common car and has a unique engine.
I enjoy the stares and questions that I get driving the car.
I love the timeless looks.
The performance and handling is outstanding!
I will probably keep it, since it isn't my daily driver. It is stored winters and driven only in the summer.
I enjoy that it is not a common car and has a unique engine.
I enjoy the stares and questions that I get driving the car.
I love the timeless looks.
The performance and handling is outstanding!
I will probably keep it, since it isn't my daily driver. It is stored winters and driven only in the summer.
07-30-04, 12:35 PM
#39
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Recentlyconverted
Let's put it this way. When I was looking into getting an FD, I had never been in one, had never really seen one up close, but had heard a lot about the car and had done my homework and had liked what I saw on paper. When I went to the shop to take a look at the car, when I first saw it while I was driving up, all I could think was how good it looked. About 3 minutes later I was in it, and all I could think about was "this car is mine", not "I want this car" or "I have to have this car", but "this car is mine, all I have to do it put up a good fight to buy it". You either love the car or hate it. But for me, the car just feels right.
) And before riding in two 400 HP 300ZXs, I thought it'd be the same... I thought it'd have the same thrill as an FD, but it just didn't. It's a different type of thrill.. the Z's had sheer torque and really kicked you back, but those guys only went fast in a straight line. Mahjik, on the other hand, really demonstrated to me how amazing the FD felt in a corner. And my God, was it beautiful. Even though everyone I know is going to hate (but love) the decision I'm going to make... I think it's time to get into the driver's seat of my first FD.
07-30-04, 12:35 PM
#40
1993 VR FD Touring
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
very nicely put you guys... how can this guy NOT buy an FD now???
Nice stories by the way... an outsider who reads those thinks we're joking, but it's all true. Wait till they own one... I also own an 01 Integra and had it for 3 1/2 years and is now my daily beater. If you compiled all the looks I had for that car (I still keep it in showroom shape), I got all those looks in ONE DAY in the 7...
Nice stories by the way... an outsider who reads those thinks we're joking, but it's all true. Wait till they own one... I also own an 01 Integra and had it for 3 1/2 years and is now my daily beater. If you compiled all the looks I had for that car (I still keep it in showroom shape), I got all those looks in ONE DAY in the 7...
07-30-04, 12:59 PM
#41
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm used to the looks.. I got em all the time in my Z, but I'm sure I never got them nearly as much as you FD owners. I've seen more Ferraris in the past 2 years than I have FDs. I know I drooled over them... and I'm pretty sure everyone else did too.
I know I drooled over them... and I'm pretty sure everyone else did too.
07-30-04, 01:14 PM
#42
1993 VR FD Touring
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yay!!! Another FD owner!!! Welcome to the club! Post some pics for sure... when are you getting it? Take good care of her! Mine never sees rain and is stored for winters... Keep us posted!
07-30-04, 01:23 PM
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: El Paso
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Owning and FD
I owned an eclipse before my FD, a NA with a turbo kit on it. I liked the car, but I've always wanted RWD. I looked and looked for the right FD and I found it. I might add tht I bought it on autotrader.com an they only had one picture, a very bad pic. I don't know why I took it, but I flew to Oraneg County and I was amazed to see that the picture didn't do justice to the car. I was amazed!! The interior was pristine, we are talking about a 11 year old car here. Oh and not to mention that it hauled *** on just a DP and 3" exhaust. I love it.
So far I have put and Al AST and a Fluidyne raditor to keep the temps down on the El Paso desert heat. I hardly boost it when the heat gets to high. I do not turn the AC on because the car stalls and the stock temp gauge rises just a bit, I dont like to see how it rises, I get paranoid. I have only raced it once at the 1/4 and I just loved it!!
I vote for you to get it, it is a fun car if you matain it in proper condition. Frequent oil changes, tranny and differential fluid change too, AST, radiator, just a few of the reliability mods. I am no expert, but I can say that I love my car.
Where I live, there are not that many FD's, I get see the Hunduh guys staring, hehehe, and the rest of the crowd too. When I travel to Mexico, it behaves even with their 92 octane gas. BUY IT!!
So far I have put and Al AST and a Fluidyne raditor to keep the temps down on the El Paso desert heat. I hardly boost it when the heat gets to high. I do not turn the AC on because the car stalls and the stock temp gauge rises just a bit, I dont like to see how it rises, I get paranoid. I have only raced it once at the 1/4 and I just loved it!!
I vote for you to get it, it is a fun car if you matain it in proper condition. Frequent oil changes, tranny and differential fluid change too, AST, radiator, just a few of the reliability mods. I am no expert, but I can say that I love my car.
Where I live, there are not that many FD's, I get see the Hunduh guys staring, hehehe, and the rest of the crowd too. When I travel to Mexico, it behaves even with their 92 octane gas. BUY IT!!
07-30-04, 01:57 PM
#44
RX-7 Bad Ass
iTrader: (55)
On reliability -
The Achilles heel of the FD is heat, plain and simple. Stuff a VERY hot turbo powerplant in a cramped engine bay, give it a marginal radiator and ducting, then give it an idiot light temp gauge, and you're gonna have problems. Who knows exactly why Mazda made these bad decisions - probably bean counters trying to squeeze a little bit more on the bottom line.
Many engines are likely run hotter than optimal for some time without the driver having any idea of what's going on. This is very possibly responsible for a lot of the engines with water seal problems - slow deterioration of the cooling system over time through neglect.
The other point is modification. It's VERY easy to just crank up the boost and let 'er rip - many engines went due to novice owners modifying it without notion of what's going on. Another fault of Mazda is the ECU and fuel system is completely geared towards the stock car - start modifying, and the ECU can't keep up. Likely the bean counters again.
Is it possible to have a very reliable FD that you can drive every day and not have any significant problems with? Definitely. Keeping the boost sane and sticking with reliability mods, the life of the engine should be a long one. Very modified cars can and will have engine problems much sooner - if you try and double the output of an engine, something's gonna break. This holds true for ANY car. But, that's a price you have to pay if you want more horsepower from a turbocharged car.
BTW, I do plan on buying an FD in the not too distant future, and I plan on using it as a daily driver. I've been a SERIOUS RX-7 nut since about '96, when people on the RX-7 list were spotting the last few leftover '95s on dealer lots. RX-7's are in my blood - I've owned a number of 2nd gens and have absolutely loved them. Problem is, I don't want a pickup or something as a daily driver - I have way too much fun driving the '7 back and forth from work. Driving a pickup every day would drive me NUTS! Actually, while I was building up my '88 turbo, I had an '86 base as a daily driver - that's the only way I'd have it.
'7s are fun to drive, fun to work on, and fun to look at. It's an involving lifestyle, not just a mode of transportation.
Not to mention I've worked on 300zxTT's - good luck pulling the turbos off one of those suckers. Sheesh!
Dale
The Achilles heel of the FD is heat, plain and simple. Stuff a VERY hot turbo powerplant in a cramped engine bay, give it a marginal radiator and ducting, then give it an idiot light temp gauge, and you're gonna have problems. Who knows exactly why Mazda made these bad decisions - probably bean counters trying to squeeze a little bit more on the bottom line.
Many engines are likely run hotter than optimal for some time without the driver having any idea of what's going on. This is very possibly responsible for a lot of the engines with water seal problems - slow deterioration of the cooling system over time through neglect.
The other point is modification. It's VERY easy to just crank up the boost and let 'er rip - many engines went due to novice owners modifying it without notion of what's going on. Another fault of Mazda is the ECU and fuel system is completely geared towards the stock car - start modifying, and the ECU can't keep up. Likely the bean counters again
.Is it possible to have a very reliable FD that you can drive every day and not have any significant problems with? Definitely. Keeping the boost sane and sticking with reliability mods, the life of the engine should be a long one. Very modified cars can and will have engine problems much sooner - if you try and double the output of an engine, something's gonna break. This holds true for ANY car. But, that's a price you have to pay if you want more horsepower from a turbocharged car.
BTW, I do plan on buying an FD in the not too distant future, and I plan on using it as a daily driver. I've been a SERIOUS RX-7 nut since about '96, when people on the RX-7 list were spotting the last few leftover '95s on dealer lots. RX-7's are in my blood - I've owned a number of 2nd gens and have absolutely loved them. Problem is, I don't want a pickup or something as a daily driver - I have way too much fun driving the '7 back and forth from work. Driving a pickup every day would drive me NUTS! Actually, while I was building up my '88 turbo, I had an '86 base as a daily driver - that's the only way I'd have it
.'7s are fun to drive, fun to work on, and fun to look at. It's an involving lifestyle, not just a mode of transportation.
Not to mention I've worked on 300zxTT's - good luck pulling the turbos off one of those suckers. Sheesh!
Dale
07-30-04, 02:29 PM
#45
Originally Posted by z-nigma
Well, the most exciting car I've ever taken a ride in IS an RX-7. (Majjik. ) And before riding in two 400 HP 300ZXs, I thought it'd be the same... I thought it'd have the same thrill as an FD, but it just didn't. It's a different type of thrill.. the Z's had sheer torque and really kicked you back, but those guys only went fast in a straight line. Mahjik, on the other hand, really demonstrated to me how amazing the FD felt in a corner. And my God, was it beautiful.
Even though everyone I know is going to hate (but love) the decision I'm going to make... I think it's time to get into the driver's seat of my first FD.
) And before riding in two 400 HP 300ZXs, I thought it'd be the same... I thought it'd have the same thrill as an FD, but it just didn't. It's a different type of thrill.. the Z's had sheer torque and really kicked you back, but those guys only went fast in a straight line. Mahjik, on the other hand, really demonstrated to me how amazing the FD felt in a corner. And my God, was it beautiful. Even though everyone I know is going to hate (but love) the decision I'm going to make... I think it's time to get into the driver's seat of my first FD.
If you do get the car, you know you have local help for problems.
My garage is always there.
07-30-04, 02:40 PM
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: CANADA
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Only two rides from the '90s get me going: FD & NSX. Not sure if I would take the NSX even if the two were priced comparably. Some rides have a nice front or rear design but the FD has the total package. Out of the box, it rides fairly low and the body design is second to none. You combine that with the rush you get when the turbos kick in, in second gear. What more can you ask for? If reliability is a concern, then buy something else that's sporty and known for durability. I don't lose sleep over my motor blowing. I lose sleep over what would there be to look forward to without my FD. I'm speaking car-wise of course.
07-30-04, 02:45 PM
#48
live fast. die fun.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in the same situation. I know how you feel. Initially, I had many choices of cars but I narrowed it down to the FD. I was constantly thinking about it everyday and couldn't get it out of my mind. The thought of an FD kept my brain itching. After several months of searching and researching, and out of all the cars I had considered, I took a chance and settled on an FD. For the couple of years I've owned it, the car has treated me nothing but good. Get all of your reliability mods and keep up on regular maintenance, and you should be set. As for why I love my FD, it's rare, unique and features a beautiful, timeless design unmatched by the cars of it's time and the years that followed. Not to mention, the performance and smooth handling. The driving experience is unlike any other car. In the case that the worse should happen, get a beater.
Check the car out carefully. Good luck and be prepared to break necks.
Check the car out carefully. Good luck and be prepared to break necks.
07-30-04, 02:48 PM
#49
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by PVerdieck
I just found this the other day, from a link on the Supra Forums. It explains perfectly why we own FDs, and 7 owners in general.
http://members.ij.net/mrmazda/rx7reliability.html
RX-7 Reliability
By David Lane, dlane@peabody.jhu.edu
Every now and again we get a message from someone who is probably just trying to yank our chains with this "blown engine" stuff. I will use the most recent one in a very loose way as a model, but there is nothing personal here.
First its:
"Should I buy an RX-7? I hear the engines break all the time."
Then we hear a bunch of justification to somehow "prove" this is the case by comparing the number of times the term "rebuild" is mentioned in various news groups. Finally, we get a whole list of high mileage cars that have been owned for a period of time by the writer--and the implied challenge: "Will an RX-7 be as reliable as this BMW/Volvo/Toyota/etc?"
I think we are asking the wrong question here. But to answer directly, PLEASE do not buy an RX-7. Buy anything else but an RX-7. You will hate it, and you will bombard this list of generally caring people with question after question about why your car does this or that. Eventually you will probably blame all of us for "convincing" you to do something you were in doubt about in the first place.
Don't do it.
You see, people who own RX-7s are not conflicted about them. We don't have to justify our choice of car by bragging that it went a zillion miles without an oil change. Normally we brag that we change the oil religiously. We also brag about the aesthetics of owning, driving, and competing in our cars--even though some of them barely produce a hundred horsepower. While some of us may eventually decide to buy a Supra, or a Volvo, or a BMW, we almost always end up regretting the loss of our rotaries. We consider it to be a sacrifice to the gods of practicality, maybe, but never "trading up to something better."
Next time you are out on the street, check out the number of older RX-7s there are out there. See who is driving them. You might be surprised to notice that many of these high mileage cars on the road are still in use as daily drivers by secretaries and college students--not just enthusiasts. Also, most of these cars were not originally bought by BMW types--rather they were purchased by "value oriented" people who are not always the sort who baby their cars. Many have had a rough life, and have soldered on amazingly well. You can see it in the faded paint and door dings.
The 3rd gens were not designed for that crowd. They were priced out of that range. Besides, most of their capabilities are wasted doing yeoman duty as stop and go machines in rush hour traffic.
Can you overheat them and have them keep going? Nope.
Can you let them knock like a New York Taxicab and have them survive forever? Nope.
Can you hop them up to double their horsepower and expect them to live as long as a stock engine? Hardly.
Then why might you want one?
Maybe because every RX-7 is a well balanced, responsive, rear wheel drive sports/GT car that is a delight to flick around.
Maybe because with average care, a stock machine is quite durable and does, in fact, last a long time.
Maybe because, as I have said before, the great cars are not the perfect ones. The great cars are the ones worth repairing.
So, if you are going to put a Toyota Camry in the same sentence with an RX-7, buy the Camry. If you think a Volvo is a better car than an RX-7 because the engine is more likely to survive a broken coolant hose, buy the Volvo.
If you think a Supra is a better car because you prefer its balance of attributes--fine. Buy the Supra.
There is only one reason to buy an RX-7. It is simple, really. You drive it. You grin. You want it. You buy it. If you are unlucky and you lose an engine due to age, abuse, or simple bad luck, you start pouring over the catalogs and drool about the extra power you can have built into the new one. Most owners fret for only a few days before getting to that stage.
Earlier I said I thought questions about reliability were the wrong questions when considering an RX-7. The right questions are: How do you want your car to respond to you? What excites you? In addition to transportation, what would you like to do with your car?
If the answer to these questions does not differentiate between an RX-7 and a Camry or Volvo or BMW, there is no reason to buy the RX-7--or to waste our time.
If, on the other hand, the answers to those questions point you to an RX-7, we will stick by you as you bring your older car up to snuff. Once there it will last a long time. You will be proud of it. You and your car will work together to make driving much more than just "getting there."
And you will get frustrated when people try to boil the entire experience of sports/GT car ownership into something as monolithic as "is the engine more likely to need replacement in an RX-7 than in another type of car.
If you have to ask, you are trying to judge something with your head which was designed to be treasured by your emotions.
It's not going to work.
http://members.ij.net/mrmazda/rx7reliability.html
RX-7 Reliability
By David Lane, dlane@peabody.jhu.edu
Every now and again we get a message from someone who is probably just trying to yank our chains with this "blown engine" stuff. I will use the most recent one in a very loose way as a model, but there is nothing personal here.
First its:
"Should I buy an RX-7? I hear the engines break all the time."
Then we hear a bunch of justification to somehow "prove" this is the case by comparing the number of times the term "rebuild" is mentioned in various news groups. Finally, we get a whole list of high mileage cars that have been owned for a period of time by the writer--and the implied challenge: "Will an RX-7 be as reliable as this BMW/Volvo/Toyota/etc?"
I think we are asking the wrong question here. But to answer directly, PLEASE do not buy an RX-7. Buy anything else but an RX-7. You will hate it, and you will bombard this list of generally caring people with question after question about why your car does this or that. Eventually you will probably blame all of us for "convincing" you to do something you were in doubt about in the first place.
Don't do it.
You see, people who own RX-7s are not conflicted about them. We don't have to justify our choice of car by bragging that it went a zillion miles without an oil change. Normally we brag that we change the oil religiously. We also brag about the aesthetics of owning, driving, and competing in our cars--even though some of them barely produce a hundred horsepower. While some of us may eventually decide to buy a Supra, or a Volvo, or a BMW, we almost always end up regretting the loss of our rotaries. We consider it to be a sacrifice to the gods of practicality, maybe, but never "trading up to something better."
Next time you are out on the street, check out the number of older RX-7s there are out there. See who is driving them. You might be surprised to notice that many of these high mileage cars on the road are still in use as daily drivers by secretaries and college students--not just enthusiasts. Also, most of these cars were not originally bought by BMW types--rather they were purchased by "value oriented" people who are not always the sort who baby their cars. Many have had a rough life, and have soldered on amazingly well. You can see it in the faded paint and door dings.
The 3rd gens were not designed for that crowd. They were priced out of that range. Besides, most of their capabilities are wasted doing yeoman duty as stop and go machines in rush hour traffic.
Can you overheat them and have them keep going? Nope.
Can you let them knock like a New York Taxicab and have them survive forever? Nope.
Can you hop them up to double their horsepower and expect them to live as long as a stock engine? Hardly.
Then why might you want one?
Maybe because every RX-7 is a well balanced, responsive, rear wheel drive sports/GT car that is a delight to flick around.
Maybe because with average care, a stock machine is quite durable and does, in fact, last a long time.
Maybe because, as I have said before, the great cars are not the perfect ones. The great cars are the ones worth repairing.
So, if you are going to put a Toyota Camry in the same sentence with an RX-7, buy the Camry. If you think a Volvo is a better car than an RX-7 because the engine is more likely to survive a broken coolant hose, buy the Volvo.
If you think a Supra is a better car because you prefer its balance of attributes--fine. Buy the Supra.
There is only one reason to buy an RX-7. It is simple, really. You drive it. You grin. You want it. You buy it. If you are unlucky and you lose an engine due to age, abuse, or simple bad luck, you start pouring over the catalogs and drool about the extra power you can have built into the new one. Most owners fret for only a few days before getting to that stage.
Earlier I said I thought questions about reliability were the wrong questions when considering an RX-7. The right questions are: How do you want your car to respond to you? What excites you? In addition to transportation, what would you like to do with your car?
If the answer to these questions does not differentiate between an RX-7 and a Camry or Volvo or BMW, there is no reason to buy the RX-7--or to waste our time.
If, on the other hand, the answers to those questions point you to an RX-7, we will stick by you as you bring your older car up to snuff. Once there it will last a long time. You will be proud of it. You and your car will work together to make driving much more than just "getting there."
And you will get frustrated when people try to boil the entire experience of sports/GT car ownership into something as monolithic as "is the engine more likely to need replacement in an RX-7 than in another type of car.
If you have to ask, you are trying to judge something with your head which was designed to be treasured by your emotions.
It's not going to work.
07-30-04, 11:47 PM
#50
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mahjik
I've got to take you for a ride when I get by brakes rebuilt. It's a different car than when I took you around before.
If you do get the car, you know you have local help for problems. My garage is always there.
If you do get the car, you know you have local help for problems.
My garage is always there. (I KNOW that'll make me want one =D) And Mahjik, thanks man. I really appreciate the offer for the help... I'm sure I'll need it before too long!