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Old 09-25-18, 11:54 AM
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First Car Tips?

i am 15 and i have an '88 FC3S Vert. im super excited about it, but im also kinda nervous. any tips?
Old 09-25-18, 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 88VertKid.
i am 15 and i have an '88 FC3S Vert. im super excited about it, but im also kinda nervous. any tips?
Do you have any more info. is it stock? how many miles? what are your intentions with it etc.
As far as tips there is a plethora of information on the forum about what to look at first, what type of maintenance is needed/recommended. Just take a couple of hours and start reading the 2nd fc sticky faq thread..
Old 09-25-18, 09:22 PM
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Also what are you nervous about? Simply reliability? Finding a trustworthy shop?
Old 09-26-18, 06:08 AM
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Originally Posted by 88VertKid.
i am 15 and i have an '88 FC3S Vert. im super excited about it, but im also kinda nervous. any tips?
At your age and on the typical teenage budget I hope the car is stock or very close to it. If so, leave it that way. The farther away from stock it is, the more difficult and expensive any issues tend to become. Do nothing to the car except maintenance. Change out all fluids and check consumables like brake pads. Download a copy of the factory service manual from the 2nd Gen. sticky’s. Every time you open the hood and see something you can’t identify, look it up in the manual. Hopefully you have someone older to help you along the way. Probably aging myself, but if your school offers auto shop classes, take ‘em.

Last edited by Sgtblue; 09-26-18 at 06:10 AM.
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Old 09-26-18, 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by 88VertKid.
i am 15 and i have an '88 FC3S Vert. im super excited about it, but im also kinda nervous. any tips?
Always have an alternate mode of transportation if you have anywhere important to be.
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Old 09-26-18, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by DC5Daniel
Always have an alternate mode of transportation if you have anywhere important to be.
I agree with this, I have a 87 na that I would not hesitate to drive across the county but I do have an alternate vehicle that is my primary. I know that may be difficult for a 15 year old but this is great advice.
always have an alternate mode of transportation.
Old 10-06-18, 11:42 PM
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Thanks for the tips
Old 10-07-18, 11:05 AM
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Try to find others in your area with RX-7's, FC's in particular. Most mechanics know what rotaries are, but not many are experienced with them. Get to know guys that drive them.

Her's a real tip- Don't start it up and shut it back down without allowing it to really warm up. I mean like staring it cold, reversing out of the garage, and shutting it off right away. The fuel system will stay in rich mode (for cold starts), and when you hop in it later that day it may not start due to flooding. I read that this is a common issue on FC's. Look up how to de-flood your FC. It involves pulling a fuse and cranking it a few times to clear the flooding, but I've never done it.

Maybe someone can point him to that?
Old 10-08-18, 11:03 AM
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Being worried and taking the time to post up a thread about the whereabouts on your ownership of your FC is indeed a good sign of a good owner already.

Definitely download the factory service manual if you plan on maintaining the car and have it accessible to your phone at all times if possible as well as seeking help and meeting other Rotary enthusiasts. Routine maintenance, replacing wear-and-tear parts during your time of ownership are what will help you keep your FC and always having the mindset that something will bound to go wrong (good and bad haha). Cannot emphasize this enough as someone at your age who got way too excited and ignored all those, learning things the hard way...
Old 10-08-18, 08:55 PM
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For what it’s worth be very careful. These cars have a tendency to spin out even in stock form without warning. Be extremely careful in the wet and be mindful of hydroplaning. Respect the car and it will treat you right. But please take this caution very seriously-especially around corners. I’ve had my fair share of spin outs in FBs, FCs, And FDs. But I am much older now. (Notice I didn’t say wiser)
Enjoy your car.

Last edited by Aarkaah; 10-08-18 at 09:01 PM.
Old 10-09-18, 12:39 PM
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Might be obvious, but since it's a convertible, put the top up every now and then and lightly spray it with a hose. Not so much that you'll flood the car, but look to see if there are any tiny tears in the top, specifically around the window. Hope you enjoy the car!
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