What are the different variants of the RX7 FC Model?
 

Hi, new user here.

I'm looking to get more into my cars and I'm quite hooked on the rotary engine so I figured the FC or maybe FB is a nice car to start with. I'm not well versed on the different engine options for each of these models so I was wondering if anyone could give me a breakdown of the different types of FC/FBs available to the UK market. And maybe a pro/con for each one.

I'm just looking for a good starter model thats not too expensive, fun to drive and reliable to use. And I'm very interested in doing all my own maintenance.

Thanks!!

Welcome! I think it's a great idea to get learning.

I'll offer a general piece of advice, I would recommend looking for an FC in your case.
1. Because the FBs are so old at this point the "cheap" ones are basket cases, and the good ones are getting fairly expensive.
2. The FC is a more modern platform, and may be a little more manageable in some regards. Also parts are much more abundant.

If reliability is your angle, your best bet would be a non-turbo model. Try to get something someone hasn't molested yet, it will save a lot of headache. There are S4 (86-88) and S5 (89-91) variants, which in a broad sense for now just look at it as a facelift. There are difference, but I don't want to confuse you with things that really shouldn't affect your decision. The S4 is going to be cheaper and easier to find anyway.

Thanks for the quick reply! So in short an FC S4 non turbo to get me started, thanks! Just one other thing I'd like to know is that is it more than possible to do my own maintenance or will I have to seek a specialist mechanic? i just hope if I need to fix anything the parts won't be through the roof and if I need to get inside the engine it's not a massive head ache. But if that's what it takes to own one?

I'll get more technical when I get closer to actually buying one, I'm just testing the waters right now.

Thanks!

since you're in england, it's probably going to matter more of what you can actually find.

Well I cant help where I live, but there is quite a selection of Japanese cars. I know there are quite a few MR2s (Mk1/2) around.

But where the RX7 is concerned getting an FC may be a bit tricky, the ones I have seen available are convertible (yuck) and the odd FB, but there are plenty of FDs around but that's quite above my power/price range at the moment.

Importing is an option but rather expensive. I'll have to consider it further when I get closer to buying one, i'm just interested how reliable these machines are and how available parts are.

They're only as reliable as the previous owners will allow. Unlike a piston engine car, these do not respond well to neglect. If you're hung up on reliability, an RX7 may not be the best choice...at least not until you have time, money, and a spare car as contingency.

^ This. The only FC differences that you really need to consider are turbo, non-turbo, or convertible. Nothing else really matters, especially since the original paint is now faded, the original interior is now trashed, and almost all of the parts are interchangeable.

Two basic things to watch out for:
FB: Almost impossible to get tires for the 13" wheels
FC: Automatic transmission sucks