Im thinking about buying an rx7 and was wondering if someone could tell me the major differences between the 86-88 rx7s and the 89-92 rx7s. Just wondering which one i should look for or if its not that big of a difference?

 

If going for a non-turbo, I would suggest the 89-92. The reason being the sport mirrors, rear spoiler, front valence, and rear valence are all different from the previous second gen. It also has higher compression, therefore producing more horsepower. I don't remember the exact figures, but I'm sure it is about 10-15 more horsepower. Plus it has a higher redline. I love the n/a 89-92. They are a little more expensive though.

If you want the **** for performance, find a GTUs. It has a different tranny and final drive gear ratio of 4.3, as opposed to 4.1.

If you can't find one, that's understandable. The 89-92 GTU just reflects the base model and is different than the GTU in previous.
If you want all the luxuries then get a GXL, what I have. Power everything.

Good luck, Rishie

No matter what you will love the car, both restoring and driving it. Don't expect to not spend money on the car though. It is a rotary and typically people do not know the simple things that need to be done to ensure their reliability.

Get a compression check done by a Wankel mechanic = rotary specialist. A rotary with low compression will still run.

 

You know, any of them are good.

The 87 SE is such a sweet classic car.

The 88TII 10th Aniversery is a cool collector

The GTU and GTUs make a great car to deck out with bodykits (and there's tons of them) - go hog wild.

The convertible is a sweet ride and fun to drive

The 89-92 Turbo TII is a very cool supercar with lots of performance headroom.

Figure out what you want - ton's of performance potential, a cool classic car, a sweet convertible, etc...

 

Get 89-91. I have a GXL and love it. Thier more modern than the earlier ones. I have sweet stereo and restorations to make it look mint. Glowing amp exc exc. I feel like im driving a 20,000 doller car. Hey i am driving a 20.xxx doller car. I looked up its value when it first came out in 89.

 

ive had an 87 and i now have a 91 i must say the 91 is definitly more sporty...lots of girls like it. the 87 though has a place in my heart..it asked for so little and gave so much. i wish i kept it. i moded my 91 and it hauls *** now..i cant wait till i finish with bolt ones and get a new clutch..then i will be doing major damage

 

Minor differences to freshen the car up:

Aero mirrors
Body color rub strip
Different front nose (slightly)
Re-shaped rear spoiler
Different taillights

Quick overview of engine changes:
N/A hp bumped from 146 to 160. Higher compression, lighter rotors, improved breathing. Better fuel mileage. The toque curve was also broadened.

Turbo hp bumped from 180 to 200. Higher compression (still not as high as N/A comp), new turbocharger, torque was also improved.

Interior things also changed. Most noticeably the automatic seat belts.

 

It depends a lot on what you intend to do with the car. Most people think that the 89-92 looks better, and at this point in time they will obviously tend to be in better shape than the older models. However, the older cars can be found for less money if you want something inexpensive to fix up. I personally prefer the mechanical MOP on the older models, but the newer front ends have better brake and radiator ducting if you are going to build a hotrod.

I agree with the other posts in that if you are looking for a non-turbo, the earlier GTU, or later GTUs is the way to go for performance. Most of the nice power stuff in the GXL models is probably trashed by now, but at least it has the larger brakes and 5-lug wheels. Note that some TII cars have a steel hood, while others have an aluminum hood, and there is apparently no rhyme or reason for this. Whatever you do, DO NOT get a non-turbo and expect to convert it into a TII - make your choice and stick with it.

BTW, all automatic seat belts must die!

 

Get a 86-88 and dont worry about the automatic seatbelt crap
Odds are its gonna need a new engine and you can upgrade to the newer parts then. SO.......Find a Turbo. If my NA hadn't been given to me I wouldn't have gotten this car, but I couldnt beat the price.