Hey guys. Considering a track/street car that I can really learn to drive in. I've narrowed down a lot of good choices and now I'm down to a BMW 328is and a FC or maybe FB RX7.

I know that on paper the e36 328is is a better choice in almost every way no offense (cheap, cheap to break, cheap aftermarket, good power, etc.). BUT I have a soft spot for the RX7 and it would be kind of cool to be unique and be a rotary guy. It would almost be worth the slightly more expensive cars and more expensive build ups.

I found an '89 GTUs in my price range which I'm pretty sure is the most perfect N/A RX-7 you can buy. Can't really find a Turbo II in my initial price range, so I'm stuck with the N/A options.

I've been watching videos of N/A FC RX-7's autocrossing next to videos of the e36 328is autocrossing and the RX-7's don't look too exciting in comparison. I'm not sure if I'm watching the wrong videos or what. There's no power skids, no tire noise, nothing indicating anything super sporty is happening..

Will I be happy with an '89 GTUs at autocross events? Is it kind of underpowered? Can I easily unlock a bit more? Maybe I should do a JDM Turbo II swap into it?

TLDR; Talk me into a 1989 GTUs over a 328is for autocross and street fun!

 

welcome to the board.

when you build up enough posts and can access the whole board, you can pretty much see for yourself what the autocross guys are doing.

unless i'm so out of touch, i'm not sure how you figured the E36 is cheaper in almost every way. kinda scratching my head on that one. honestly, it sounds like you're pretty much sold on the E36 and if that's the case, then that's where you should focus your energy and resources. they are respectable cars. i think i may be a tad more partial to the E30s, myself, but i like the E36s - particularly the M3s. different discussion for a different time though.

seriously though, these are cars that you pretty much have to feel and commit to. anything less guarantees a bad experience with them and at this point in time, at their age, it's even moreso. the E36s are old, too, but i can't speak to how they've dealt with age and abuse.

as for the videos, maybe you should try to get a hold of some time stats (i don't know what classes the E36 and FCs run in with respect to each other, if they overlap, but they'd probably be better than judging skidmarks and tire squeals.

finally, if you do get an Rx-7, it's probably best if you wait and get a proper T2. doing a T2 swap will pretty much involve getting one (by pieces) at the end of the day.

 

And FWIW, I believe the FD pretty much dominated 'A' Street Prepared until the Z06 came along in 2001. And as for no one having fun....I'm living proof you don't need much talent to still have a lot of fun.

 

Really? Maybe I need to change cars. You can buy a driveable FB or FC RX-7 for $1,000. How much is a 328i?

I have autocrossed FB and FC RX-7s, and both are fun. However, the FC makes a better daily driver because it has more interior and trunk space, so I would recommend an FC if you plan to also drive it around town. Otherwise, the FB is nice because it is very light, vs. the FC which is nice because its rack & pinion steering is far superior, so whichever you like better is a personal preference.

No, that is debatable, and depends on which modifications are allowed in the race class. The 89 GTUs has good power and a good differential ratio, but all of the S5 cars have poor suspension bushings, more weight, and a VLSD. By contrast, the S4 Sport and GTU have less power, but less weight, better suspension bushings, and a superior clutch LSD. If you want a turbocharged car, then you would be better off buying an actual Turbo II as opposed to ghetto-rigging an NA car and ending up in a higher race class where you will not be competitive unless you drop $50K into your car.

^ That slows you down. The outstanding autocross drivers who beat the pants off of me do so without a sound. Seriously, it looks like their car is on rails. I am the one who squeals around corners, fishtails, and ends up with a time 10 full seconds worse than them, but that is because I suck at driving, lol.

I'm not sure if I am having more fun than you, but I would bet money that I am less talented. However, the wonderful thing about Mazda is that they will let anybody into their Mazda Team Support Program, regardless of how much they suck. All you need are 2 race results per year, even if you place dead last!
MAZDASPEED MOTORSPORTS DEVELOPMENT - Home Page

 

get the rx7 fc. more ppl in the comunity that can get you parts for. and stay NA. carb itnor ITB it and u will have all the power you need. remeber this isnt Need for speed u only need around 200hp to have a good time and be good in. plus you know u want to say, "my car doesnt have a head gasket problem lol.

 

Maybe I'm just easily entertained. My verts are practically bone stock except for suspension upgrades and decent tires. And the canyon road twisties I drive every day are just a blast!

 

You're on. $20 bucks says I can stink up an autocross course worse than anyone else in ASP but still be grinning afterward.
Hope to get back into it soon with some lessons, a trailer and 'R' compounds. Just got a daughter's wedding to pay for this summer.