RX7 FC convertible vs coupe chassis ?? please help
12-30-11, 02:12 AM
#1
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RX7 FC convertible vs coupe chassis ?? please help
i just picked my first RX7 FC and i bought the convertible, i'm planning on building it for track/street use , now is there any different between the coupe and convertible chassis in terms of handling ? is the convertible worth building ?
please help!
thank you.
please help!
thank you.
01-01-12, 04:08 PM
#2
Well, manufacturers will always make compromises when chopping off a top, but I wouldn't say the convertible is not worth building. Depending on what track use it will see, the convertible's problem will be power. They were only available N/A. A turbo swap can be done, check the 2nd gen section FAQ for details.
I'd just buy which body style you prefer. They both will handle well.
I'd just buy which body style you prefer. They both will handle well.
01-01-12, 04:32 PM
#3
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https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/wats-diff-between-hard-top-fc-vert-fc-932045/
Here's a relatively short thread to help you out
Here's a relatively short thread to help you out
01-02-12, 02:10 AM
#4
Vert chassis differences
The convertible chassis has some extra structural members to compensate for the stiffness provided by the pillars and roof in the coupe. So, the handling is about the same.
But, the (stock) convertibles do feel under-powered. As noted, not availalbe with turbo in the US. Yes, a swap is possible but not for the faint-hearted. And, if I'm not mistaken, the convertible actually weighs more than the coupe. Finally, the rear end ratio is lower.
All that said, I still have a blast in my convertible!
Good luck with your project.
Rob
But, the (stock) convertibles do feel under-powered. As noted, not availalbe with turbo in the US. Yes, a swap is possible but not for the faint-hearted. And, if I'm not mistaken, the convertible actually weighs more than the coupe. Finally, the rear end ratio is lower.
All that said, I still have a blast in my convertible!
Good luck with your project.
Rob
01-02-12, 07:56 AM
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01-02-12, 12:58 PM
#7
Turbo-vertibles
Hi, Marx-7 - Thanks for reminding us that the forum is much bigger than North America!
Marcelli - If you haven't checked it out already, the thread pointed to by djphonics has some good info. I learned that it's only the '88 convertibles with the lower rear axle ratio (at least in the US).
Cheers and happy new year.
Marcelli - If you haven't checked it out already, the thread pointed to by djphonics has some good info. I learned that it's only the '88 convertibles with the lower rear axle ratio (at least in the US).
Cheers and happy new year.
Trending Topics
01-02-12, 02:02 PM
#8
I've had 6 coupes and 2 verts. Personally.. I think the verts are heavy pigs and just not my style. Handling is ok, can be just about on par with a coupe, but you will probably always be better off in a coupe.
However, with the right knowledge and money, you can make any car into a competent race/fun car. There are some really nice vert owners here on the club that have had success in auto sports.
In the end it's up to you.
However, with the right knowledge and money, you can make any car into a competent race/fun car. There are some really nice vert owners here on the club that have had success in auto sports.
In the end it's up to you.
01-02-12, 04:58 PM
#9
Anyhow, yes, my statement only applied to North American convertibles.
01-03-12, 08:10 AM
#10
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Hi, Marx-7 - Thanks for reminding us that the forum is much bigger than North America!
Marcelli - If you haven't checked it out already, the thread pointed to by djphonics has some good info. I learned that it's only the '88 convertibles with the lower rear axle ratio (at least in the US).
Cheers and happy new year.
Marcelli - If you haven't checked it out already, the thread pointed to by djphonics has some good info. I learned that it's only the '88 convertibles with the lower rear axle ratio (at least in the US).
Cheers and happy new year.
Since this is the biggest rotary forum out there i get most of my info i need from here. The RX-7 community in europe is not so big and i hate reading German
01-03-12, 02:55 PM
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Hi, Marx-7 - Thanks for reminding us that the forum is much bigger than North America!
Marcelli - If you haven't checked it out already, the thread pointed to by djphonics has some good info. I learned that it's only the '88 convertibles with the lower rear axle ratio (at least in the US).
Cheers and happy new year.
Marcelli - If you haven't checked it out already, the thread pointed to by djphonics has some good info. I learned that it's only the '88 convertibles with the lower rear axle ratio (at least in the US).
Cheers and happy new year.
01-03-12, 03:26 PM
#12
The lower rear axle ratio is going to result in slower acceleration. The lower ratio was put in convertibles to help offset some of the added weight versus a normally aspirated coupe. I believe they were trying to avoid the gas guzzler tax.
01-04-12, 10:48 AM
#13
Only the 88 (S4) verts came with the 3.9 rear end. The 89-91 (S5) verts came with the 4.1 rear end.
Here is a quote from Icemark (rip)
So the jist of it? If you want to go fast, get either an 88 vert and swap in a 4.1 rear end, or get an 89 vert, but stay away from the 90-91.
Here is a quote from Icemark (rip)
The 90 and 91 US spec verts came with the SRS (air bag system) as well as considerable extra weight from the S5 dash subframes. While the 89 used the same dash subframe as a 88 vert.
The S5 engine while, yes does have more horsepower, has no real more torque than the S4 motor. So what does this mean... well since torque is what really moves the car from a stop to go fast, no more torque means no more speed when starting out.
So add it up. No real additional power (until 5500 RPM) and 200lbs heavier than a non P package 88 vert. As a note, the non P package 88 vert only weighed 2860 lbs. Almost 200 lbs lighter than a 89 and 250 lbs lighter than a 90-91 manual tranny vert (or 300lbs light than a 90-91 auto tranny vert).
And the 89-92 non turbo manual tranny verts all use the same M50 tranny that the 88 came with, so there is no better tranny gearing.
Do you really think now that the 90-91 vert is going to be faster???
Now the 89 vert is faster than the 88 vert. The additional weight is offset by the slight bit of extra power, but the 4.1 final gearing helps as well. But the 90-91... well they are just slow as dogs and very very heavy.
The S5 engine while, yes does have more horsepower, has no real more torque than the S4 motor. So what does this mean... well since torque is what really moves the car from a stop to go fast, no more torque means no more speed when starting out.
So add it up. No real additional power (until 5500 RPM) and 200lbs heavier than a non P package 88 vert. As a note, the non P package 88 vert only weighed 2860 lbs. Almost 200 lbs lighter than a 89 and 250 lbs lighter than a 90-91 manual tranny vert (or 300lbs light than a 90-91 auto tranny vert).
And the 89-92 non turbo manual tranny verts all use the same M50 tranny that the 88 came with, so there is no better tranny gearing.
Do you really think now that the 90-91 vert is going to be faster???
Now the 89 vert is faster than the 88 vert. The additional weight is offset by the slight bit of extra power, but the 4.1 final gearing helps as well. But the 90-91... well they are just slow as dogs and very very heavy.
01-07-12, 03:47 PM
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When considering a coupe / vert chassis for a track car, don't forget that you're going to be much safer with a coupe if you ever roll the car on its lid, even with a cage.
Just my 2 cents.
Marc
Just my 2 cents.
Marc
01-07-12, 04:20 PM
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Here you go i have a vert in aus that every thing engine, coilovers, diff, and microtech wiring harness was swaped over from a crashed coupe it all fits.
VERT FACTORY BODY MODIFICATIONS
The whole front subframe is radically stronger on the vert (in fact there are tuners in Japan that build lower subframe supports for the coupes that try and duplicate the set up).
Add in the lighter stock wheels,
Radically stronger rear side to side strut tower supports (no rear strut tower bars needed here- its built into the body).
Thicker windsheild A pillars and frame.
The built in roll bar (built into the rear top assembly- so that again the side to side rear is re-enforced weither the top is down or not).
Entire underbody frame rails are beefed up.
Floor panel vert specific
Heavy duty vert specific firewall parts
Heavy duty engine mounts
Kick panels re-enforced
Behind seats re-enforced to further prevent the body flex.
Heavy duty front stabilizer bar from the Sport/ Turbo models
Heavy duty rear stabilizer bar and bushings (vert specific)
Vert specific springs
Different than the coupe:
Front cross section (rad panel)
Front shock towers
Kick panels (including sub sections)
A pillers
Entire front suspension Sub-frame
Engine mounts.
Running boards
Lower seat back to lower B section
B pillar
B section cross bracing
Integrated roll bar (part of the top assembly, but acts a seconday build up to the B section cross bracing.
C section (as the coupe does not even have that)
Rear upper cross section
VERT FACTORY BODY MODIFICATIONS
The whole front subframe is radically stronger on the vert (in fact there are tuners in Japan that build lower subframe supports for the coupes that try and duplicate the set up).
Add in the lighter stock wheels,
Radically stronger rear side to side strut tower supports (no rear strut tower bars needed here- its built into the body).
Thicker windsheild A pillars and frame.
The built in roll bar (built into the rear top assembly- so that again the side to side rear is re-enforced weither the top is down or not).
Entire underbody frame rails are beefed up.
Floor panel vert specific
Heavy duty vert specific firewall parts
Heavy duty engine mounts
Kick panels re-enforced
Behind seats re-enforced to further prevent the body flex.
Heavy duty front stabilizer bar from the Sport/ Turbo models
Heavy duty rear stabilizer bar and bushings (vert specific)
Vert specific springs
Different than the coupe:
Front cross section (rad panel)
Front shock towers
Kick panels (including sub sections)
A pillers
Entire front suspension Sub-frame
Engine mounts.
Running boards
Lower seat back to lower B section
B pillar
B section cross bracing
Integrated roll bar (part of the top assembly, but acts a seconday build up to the B section cross bracing.
C section (as the coupe does not even have that)
Rear upper cross section
01-08-12, 02:02 PM
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thank you sir this is some very good info! yes i noticed the rear towers have a big reinforcement structure so putting a little strut bar there will be worthless. btw are those aftermarket swaybars offered thicker than the OEM once ?? i came across FRONT- 27.06mm and REAR - 18.06mm.
01-09-12, 07:28 PM
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thank you sir this is some very good info! yes i noticed the rear towers have a big reinforcement structure so putting a little strut bar there will be worthless. btw are those aftermarket swaybars offered thicker than the OEM once ?? i came across FRONT- 27.06mm and REAR - 18.06mm.
02-17-12, 09:02 PM
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update on my project
hi guys
so here is whats been done to the car and the results are astonishing
full kyb coilover system with rear camber
turbo welded diff
huge (Suspension Techniques) sway bars front and rear with aftermarket end links
front strut bar
turbo tranny with short shifter
car claimed to have fd brakes but i'm not sure, they look big
running 205/50/15 rear and 205/55/15 front . all street tires using mustang rims!
the handling is amazing and here is a list of some friends cars that got beaten on down hill touge race: (all done professionally and safe ) races time 4-8 minutes of curvy mountains
modified integra ( lost me)
mazda protege5 (lost me)
subrou sti bug eye ( about 6 cars length)
Honda s2000 ( bumper to bumper the whole run )
modified s13 ( about 8 cars length )
crazy unknown classic Porsche ( bumper to bumper)
i'm really shocked of this car handling and never expected it since every one telling me the coupe handles better , now i keep coming across all these coupes shells for cheap and i'm afraid if i do buy a coupe shell and swab everything to it, i lose this amazing handling character!!
tell me what you guys think
thank you
here is pics of the car
so here is whats been done to the car and the results are astonishing
full kyb coilover system with rear camber
turbo welded diff
huge (Suspension Techniques) sway bars front and rear with aftermarket end links
front strut bar
turbo tranny with short shifter
car claimed to have fd brakes but i'm not sure, they look big
running 205/50/15 rear and 205/55/15 front . all street tires using mustang rims!
the handling is amazing and here is a list of some friends cars that got beaten on down hill touge race: (all done professionally and safe ) races time 4-8 minutes of curvy mountains
modified integra ( lost me)
mazda protege5 (lost me)
subrou sti bug eye ( about 6 cars length)
Honda s2000 ( bumper to bumper the whole run )
modified s13 ( about 8 cars length )
crazy unknown classic Porsche ( bumper to bumper)
i'm really shocked of this car handling and never expected it since every one telling me the coupe handles better , now i keep coming across all these coupes shells for cheap and i'm afraid if i do buy a coupe shell and swab everything to it, i lose this amazing handling character!!
tell me what you guys think
thank you
here is pics of the car
Last edited by Marcelli_n90; 02-17-12 at 09:18 PM. Reason: forgot a picture
10-01-12, 11:49 PM
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I didnt know verts came with the TII suspension and brakes. Learn somethin every day I suppose. I love those wheels they look great on so many cars but they match so so well with the body lines on a vert imo.
03-06-13, 10:15 AM
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Only the 88 (S4) verts came with the 3.9 rear end. The 89-91 (S5) verts came with the 4.1 rear end.
Here is a quote from Icemark (rip)
So the jist of it? If you want to go fast, get either an 88 vert and swap in a 4.1 rear end, or get an 89 vert, but stay away from the 90-91.
Here is a quote from Icemark (rip)
So the jist of it? If you want to go fast, get either an 88 vert and swap in a 4.1 rear end, or get an 89 vert, but stay away from the 90-91.
