It seems with a lot of classic great cars that eventually when the supply is exhausted an all original model ends up being the most valuable. Nice I guess, But then the dilemma is whether to have fun and enjoy the car by adding cool mods, or leave it alone so some day it is considered original.
What to do?
What do you guys ( or Gals ) think?

I see most of the 3rd gen cars have seem been made to be super cool with great mods. I guess there will always be a few stock machines around. It's hard to keep these cars unmolested when there are so many great things you can do. But of course changing even one thing makes it not original.

It's always exciting when your at a car show and you run across a car in all original shape. Seems to lots of cool stuff to look at. Somehow interesting to see how things were done.

I'm sort of facing that dilemma in trying to keep my original Bose snake system running in my car. Better sound could achieved by dumping it and going aftermarket. But then the car becomes modified.

What do you think are these 3rd gen cars classic yet. I would consider the earliest 70's units classic imo anyway.

Here's a dumb Q.....why are there so many RHD units around??

 

There cheaper

 

You can buy 2 RHD's for every LHD in similar condition.

thewird

 

I'm not a fan of stock FD's but everyone has their own opinion. As you modify the car it has the potential of losing some of its road manners. An obvious example is stiffer suspension, louder exhaust, maybe some backfiring.

I think the decision to modify a car comes down to preference.

 

Why not go for bolt on options and keep the stock parts in storage in case you decide to go back?

 

I did this approach. In the end I decided to get rid of the stock parts lying around in my cellar. They were talking up a lot of room and I realized I will never go back to stock.

I think getting the car to behave more reliably is a good goal. Stock cars are good, but everyone knows their weaknesses. In removing the weaknesses, you no longer have a "stock" car.

It really depends on what you're going to do with the vehicle. You keeping it or just using it for a year or so before your next interest?

 

Well not sure if your asking me that question? But I've had mine since 97. Only added the Mazda accessories they had offered as options. If I got the right cash I might sell it. Or keep it as well as the insurance is dirt cheap.

 

You've had yours as long as I have.
And you managed to keep it completely stock all this time?!?! That's hardcore.

You have any pics of her?

 

There's "modding" and then there's "going wild".

A stock FD is only as valuable as it would be as lawn art, as it would be in the garage 90% of the time and on the road the remaining 10%.

Speaking of the FD, in the future it's likely that the most valuable cars will be well done reasonable (GT35 sized) single turbo conversions, standalone, upgraded cooling system, etc. with stock bodies. Or those with upgraded twins (such as BNR) that have had all the kinks worked out.

Then again that's just a guess. One can't predict the future however it's likely sad to say that it will be a LONG time (until generation "X" and "Y" are old) before we see the prices of any Japanese cars approach the frankly stupid price of some of the muscle cars. And then people will pay silly amounts of money for stock examples, find out how terrible they really are compared to the cars being produced at the time, and end up restomodding them anyway. Just like the muscle cars.

 

Here some pics of the girl.

 

Another one

 

Jeez. Talk about mint.
Haven't seen the stock 16's in awhile.

It really depends on how often you drive her. By the looks of things it almost sees as much daylight as my car.

The only thing that really bothers me about mine is the totally faded side mirrors. The red on plastic doesn't fair well against the sun. They were a little faded when I first got her. And I do keep her under cover whenever I don't use her. But the mirrors have seriously faded. Maybe next year when I have a bit more resources and time I'll get it done.

 

Ya I'll bet they can be painted. I think plastic will take the paint pretty well. Any decent body shop will do that for you.

Yes embarrassingly enough I don't use it all that often. Sits in the garage and never saw a winter. But that's also the fun, drive it when i please. The insurance is dirt cheap at $280 a year.

I always felt no need to add anything as the car is very sweet from the factory. so I have always been pretty content with stock. I had a highy modified Datsun 260z most of the time I owe this. That car gave me all the mods I could ever itch for. It was as fast as this RX7 is but it could run rings around the Rx on a ramp or crazy corner. The Z was a rock that just seemed to only go deeper when asked. Never even came close to spinning her out. She just didn't want to let go. It only had 180 HP so didn't go like the RX does

 

Stock ...boring to some I guess

 

over head

 

Seats are pretty good still. Actually the interior is really pretty nice alround.

 

I gotta ask. What's the story with the carpet on the dash?

The interior is very well kept. The car is completely mint.

You got rid of the z?

 

Oh that's a dashmat. Great product for protecting a dash from heat and sun. Reduces any glare at night and last forever. It comes off as it's only held in place by Velcro. It had slide down a bit on the passenger side. That's why it covers the vent there slightly. Just needs pushed up a bit.
I love them and get one for all my cars. Never a dusty dash either LOL They are custom cut and made for each car. I had one in my Z for thirty years and it never faded or even looked dirty. An amazing products IMO

DashMat | America's #1 Dashboard Covers

They call it carpet but it's more like a very short fuzzy material. I wouldn't put actual carpet on the dash. It's very light weight and durable. It's cut perfectly to fit with all sensor and vent openings.

 

Ya I sold the Datsun about 5 years ago. I had 30 years with it and had all the fun I could have with it, It was time to turn it over to a new owner. The guy that got it was thrilled with it and took the car even further in detail and maintenance as well. It was good to see.

 

Wow.....now that's stock! I like it.

 

Yes even stock they are great cars and Mazda hit it just right. I've enjoyed mine the whole time.

 

Here's mine.
She's stock looking...

She won't be changing externally. I was thinking of putting on a 99 spec wing in place of the standard 93 wing. But I noticed it would leave 2 holes exposed due to the different base on the 99 spec wing. So I decided against it. At least for now...

 

Beautiful car Man. Looks good. The mirrors seem fine ? Plus the backdrop make it look magazine quality. These cars seemed to look good in all colors. My Z was that color for 26 years...so I like red as well.
Do you have a link or pic of the 99 wing.

 

Thanks. The pic has been touched up by hevnsnt. We decided to get some photos of the car last year.
Can't tell by the pics, but yes, the mirrors are a little faded. They're not quite pink yet. But they're getting there.
I have a spare set of mirrors I'll send out to get painted. Hopefully get that done next year.

Here's a pic of the 99spec wing. As you can see, it's fairly aggressive. The other reason I never did the change over is because it gets in the way of your visibility towards the rear. But it's completely functional with 3 settings for the angle of attack.
It would be the only other external mod I would do to the car.

 

Okay yes have seen that wing. I guess the higher profile could block rearward vision. Plus as you said two holes isn't a good trade off either.