I'm a first time user with not much technical knowledge, (although I'm learning a lot on this site) and I'm looking for an '84/'85 rx7 because of f. inj., lsd, etc. and I would like to know what engine is going to be more reliable for a weekend driver and occasional use on a track here in Portland. Even though I'm a guy with limited knowledge when it comes to wrenching on cars and because I'd rather drive than wrench, I'd like to have the toughest and most reliable 7 available. Thanks for your thoughts.
-Martin

 

12a's are slower but I think they are more reliable then the 13B.

However, a car of this age stuff will go wrong regardless of the powerplant.

 

If you are looking to keep the motor stock, the 12a is going to be easier to find parts for. If this car is going to me modified heavily, switching to a series 4 or series 5 13b from the 86-91 cars would be worth looking in to, since parts are more abundant. Granted, it's not a direct swap or a beginner project. The biggest problem I hear with 12a's and series 3 13b motors is the difficulty in finding used engine parts in good condition. Many pieces of the engine were "beefed up" over the years, and the newer motors are more resistant to wear.

 

Thanks for the word. I like the idea of being able to find parts for a 12a more readily as I will be DRIVING this car. Sacrificing the power may be acceptable if I can keep it running in an economical way. Also, any recommendations on reputable rotary mechanics in the area? Thanks. Marty

 

I have a 84 gsl (12a) and when u hear 13b's you almost wanna hang urself lol it sounds amazingggggggg 12a sounds so sloppy compared but it does sound mean. but as everyone else said a car that old ur going to have tons of problems with 12a is easier to fix/parts for so if ur new i'd 12a and get the gsl-se suspension then ur mint.

 

O.K. It seems as though there are so many options/varying components to rx7s (like most cars - I realize). I'd like to find a completely stock 84/85, again because of the fuel inj., lsd, 114mm x 4 lug pattern(?), etc. but I cant seem to keep track of what's available as stock in what year. GSL, LS, 12a, etc.???!!! Are all 84/85 fuel injected and LSD? Or only in GSL? Sorry for my ignorance but I have been trying to educate myself without bothering you guys for the info., but I'd like to see a list of what is exactly stock available in these cars as it would help me look for just the right vehicle. Is one available somewhere? Also, I'm looking for a vehicle that I don't have to "rebuild" at 120k. It seems as though I see a lot of posts about rebuilds at 80k, 110k, etc. Am I looking at the wrong car or can I expect a well-cared for rx7 to go for 200k+ like my wife's '96 Accord wagon and my '88 Toyota v6 4x4 pickup?

Thanks.
-Marty

 

n/a motors go well beyond 80k if taken care of.

1st generation cars have a solid rear end, which means no LSD. The GSL-SE model had a 13B EFI Engine, every other model had a carbed 12A.

Though I am not a 1st gen expert so that may slightly inaccurate.

 

I have the 12a in my rex and it always start and is very reliable i love it

 

I would go for a 13B, as far as I now know neither has reliability issues.
Same basic principle.
13B more displacement, I wouldn't mess with a 12A unless it was boosted
12A is more than likely easier to work on being its carburated.
Never worked on one though.

it is also only as reliable as you make it. fix minor stuff and the more reliable it will get.
older cars, something is bound to break

 

I have an '81 GLS IT7 race car that I got from Florida. I race it here in Ontario, Canada and it has LSD, 12a bridgeported engine with about 200hp and I drive the crap out of it on the track. I have 20 or so race weekends on it with no engine problems (that's about 200 laps of Mosport International Raceway) at an average speed of 100 kph (sorry....that's 80 mph).

I would say the 12a is holding up very nicely !

 

NA 12a's have gone well past 200k from what I have seen.

Also, any GSL or GSL-SE cars have a LSD.

12a, carburetor cars - 79-85 S, GS, GSL cars, 4x110

13b FI - 84-85 GSL-SE, 4x114 bolt pattern, LSD

 

Hey man, thanks for answering my ?'s. I appreciated all the other posts, but yours really got to my specific ?'s and answered them. I'm looking right now at an '84 GSL SE w/ 125k miles. Seems to be a good car but I haven't seen it yet. I live in portland and the car is in Seattle. Might take the train up to see it and I guess if I buy a one way ticket I'll have to buy the car and bring it home. Its going to take a little talking my wife into it and the fact that it's white in color is not exciting to me but it's what's under the hood that matters. Yours is an '81? how do you like it? What's been your good and bad experiences?
Thanks.
Marty

 

you guys helped my decided to keep my 12a, thx!