94_RX7_FD

Alright so I'm looking at an '88 burgundy convertible, non turbo with 130k miles on it for $3,500. I'm pretty sure it hasn't had an engine swap or a rebuild, (which kind of concerns me because I hear people need their first rebuild at around 150k miles) no added mods but from some pictures I can see that it has a premium sound system and is short shifted. I love this body style. I love how it's not too curvy, it's also convertible which my wife likes but she'd be more happy that I'm happy. I feel like it's nice and clean without too many mods so I could trust it for a weekend, or even daily driver. I'm also looking at a '94 twin turbo in chaste white that needs some body work (which I don't know how to do but have a couple buddies that would be willing to help me out.) it's added mods are;
New downpipe
New midpipe with high-flow catalytic converter
New JDM turbo exhaust (HSR ordered it, will find out the brand soon, I think it's a fujitsubo (black) exhaust.)
New koyo radiator R1443
New (blue) samco radiator hoses
New vacuum lines - all replaced
New black limited HKS SSQV blow-off valve
New HKS shortshifter
New motor gaskets except for oil pan (all from Mazda)
New oil spitters (lubricates the rotors)
New spark plugs/wires
New thermostat
New oils (transmission, rear differential, motor oil)
New coolant
New drifteshaft connector plate (needed for transmission conversio )
Used HKS turbo-timer
Used aluminim air seperation tank (stock one always breaks)
Fan mod to have fans always running when car is in the On position
DIY 99 spec taillights (3 circles from 99+ japanese year models)

But I'm not in love with it because the owner says that it doesn't have a battery and that he can't afford one so I can't come out and test drive it (I don't want to buy it without test driving it) I told him I could pick up a battery and then come and start up and take it for a spin but he hasn't replied in a few days.

I love the '88 FC because of the body style and the fact that it's a convertible, but I love the FD because it has 252 hp with the twin turbo (I've been doing some research) If I go with the FC would it feel like enough power? Does the '88 engine preform happily with an after market turbo? How much work would I have to do to make it run happy? I'm a 20 year old in the military so by no means am I loaded or can I afford to be throwing money into a car every weekend, but I also am very into restoring the past and owning a piece of it, especially a piece that looks as good as an RX7. I would love any input. Feel free to post on this thread or email me directly at j_carradini@hotmail.com. I'm leaving for some training on sunday of this week (5/16/2010) so if I don't get your email by then I'll at least get it by the 28th. I'm definitely in love with both models of the RX7, one for it's looks and one for it's power. I appreciate anyones help! Thanks so much.

-Joe

funkjaw

iTrader: (3)

Dude you will notice a humongous difference between the FD and the Vert FC. The vert will accelerate and handle like a snail compared to the FD. Also you can't just slap on an aftermarket turbo no an NA, it is more difficult than that.

If you want performance get the FD. If you want a slow heavy convertible, get the vert lol. Sure you can make the vert perform well but it will never be like an FD.

hankd

iTrader: (4)

agree with funkjaw

94_RX7_FD

Yeah I guess it'd be pretty obvious if I want the power. Thanks for the help. Anyone else?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

An FC can be just as fast and handle just as well as an FD if you want to spend the time and the money. Seriously, you can't expect to buy an unmodded FC for $3000 and expect it to be as fast or handle as well as a $12-14k car?

That being said, an FD owned by someone who cannot afford a battery is probably in bad shape. The FD is quite expensive to own in the long run. Buying a cheap FD will be the most expensive FD you'll ever purchase. If you are really serious about owning one, expect to pay about $14k for one is good shape.

With that, it sounds like an FC is probably better suited for your situation. A stock FC is by no means slow, but yes today there are many cars which are not nearly as sporty and quicker. That's just a function of buying an older car. If you do some shopping, you can find decently modded FC's in good condition for around $5500.

94_RX7_FD

Thanks Mahjik. I guess I'll keep doing my shopping. The FD owner says that "all the hard stuff has been done" and it just needs some body work and a new front bumper as well as a paint job. I don't mind putting money into a car but it would have to be over time since military gets paid **** for salary. I'll definitely be on here day and night asking for advice about continuing the mods. Given the mods on the FD and the fact that it has 20 miles on a rebuilt engine (and the FC has not been rebuilt) how much life do you think I could get out of the FD before my engine goes south?

Chris_V

iTrader: (6)

Too much variables in that. It all depends. Was it a quality rebuild. Does the owner maintain the car? Does the owner have mods with supporting mods? The list goes on.

To get an idea get a compression check on the engine.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Again, if the FD owner can't afford a battery to start the car, I'd bet he's lying and the motor is dead. He just doesn't want to try and start it for a potential buyer.

94_RX7_FD

Yeah Mahjik, that's why I'm refusing to buy a car that I can't start. He's stalling and hasn't contacted me since I suggested that I pick up a battery.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

If you are looking at an FD for under $12k, be prepared to put in money and/or elbow grease.

94_RX7_FD

I definitely don't mind the work, like I said, I'm looking for a project car.

w33n

Hey, if you are new to RX7s, then this site is really helpful. There is really good info to glean about both of the models you are looking at, I will do my best to give you my opinion on it.

The FC is sort of in-between the first and third gens as far as body style goes. All the RX7s had an even 50-50 weight distribution, so handling is going to be very good. I have ridden in my friend's immaculate, bone stock Turbo II; it's a great ride, it's delightfully quick, it handles like a dream. The 2nd gen RX7s in either turbo or non-turbo form are going to be a good deal more reliable than any 3rd Gen, I'll get to that in a second. Even the Turbo II will still fall short in power, though. Further, the FD has a double-wishbone suspension, an upgrade that very much increases the handling capabilities. One thing many fail to mention or note is that THERE WERE FCS WITH FOUR SEATS. Granted, the back seats were a joke, more useful for luggage or little bitty kids, honestly. But that matters to some people.

The FD, as Mazda put it, was designed to be a straight-up sports car. It's fast, it's sleek, it has a very awesome suspension...and it's unreliable. Now, many people make it out to be worse than it actually is. Many are like "OH MAN THE ENGINE'S ALREADY BLOWN, YADDA YADDA." The truth of the matter is, the stock twin turbo components make a lot of heat. I mean A LOT. Someone did a great write-up on this, I don't know where the thread is right off the top of my head, but if you buy an FD, there are a few things that can make the experience a lot better; namely, do reliability mods first, and make sure the car isn't already in need of some huge repairs. The FD transmission also apparently has a fairly common fifth gear syncro issue. I haven't read tons about that, I don't know if that happens mostly on upgraded cars or what.

As you have probably already seen, the FD's actual sale price will probably be many times that of even the nicest FCs. For the price of an FD, you could do quite a bit to an FC, including putting a Chevy V8 in it, although if you do that I can't be friends with you, sorry. You probably couldn't put a three rotor in an FC for the price of an FD, but I have heard of people doing three rotor swaps for really cheap because they "knew a guy." With the FD, your car will have more appeal, to an extent, although my friend's gorgeous FC has turned more heads than many crappy FDs. Some people, however, don't really view this as an advantage; drawing more attention to your vehicle can be a bad thing (cops, thieves, jealous people, etc). If you do buy an FD, you really really should start out with reliability things. If you can afford to go single turbo, it's pretty much universally accepted as the best reliability and performance mod you can make to an FD. Definitely upgrade the intercooler and radiator when you get it. I would suggest doing a vacuum hose job too. If you buy an FC, you'll spend less money for the purchase price, but to get an FC to the same performance of an FD will cost you. It will be more reliable stock. How MUCH boosting the performance costs you really depends on how you do it. It probably wouldn't cost much to get a Turbo II to perform as well as an FD, horsepower-wise at least.

My lengthy 2 cents

94_RX7_FD

Hey w33n thanks a ton, already knew some of the general knowledge about weight distribution and suspension (thank you wikipedia) but thanks. I just tried to contact the owner of the FC I was looking at and he said it's already been sold... so fml on that but I guess I'll keep shopping. Still undecided and keeping my options open about which model. I do want it to be a pretty reliable car but as you said that can be achieved by a better intecooler, radiator, single turbo, and other means. Thanks a ton for your input!