spectre225

What would you consider to be the most dependable and trouble free RX-7? Performance, such as power, speed, etc. is not of primary concern. Which year and model would you choose for 200K to 300K life with the least maintenance and headaches???

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

I'd choose an '81-'82 RX-7. Electronic ignition, real air oil cooler, LSD with disc brake rearend option etc. However, if you don't mind a little fuel injection, the GSL-SE is really great too. My bro's got over 200k before he traded it in (still running) and got a new econo box just because it needed its injectors cleaned etc (he only told me after the fact, the moron). I wish he still had his SE.

peejay

The best RX-7 was the '80. Electronic ignition, real oil cooler, orginal suspension tuning (the wussification trail started in '81), NO CATALYTIC CONVERTER to clog up and fail, best gauge panel (GREEN lights), best shifter placement, minimal vacuum hose/solenoid mess underhood, best looks, best seats, lightest wheels...

The fact that my first RX-7 was an '80 was no accident. I'd researched first-gens for about a year and deicded that the '80 was the best choice of them all. Then, I watched the papers for a good six to eight months before an '80 turned up, and the price was a steal ($750) and I bought it that very evening. It was rusty but all there and in good shape mechanically. (Rust happens here, live with it or move south!)

The '79 is identical except for points ignition (which can be easily updated) and a poor front caliper design (ditto).

Rear discs aren't really necessary on cars with short wheelbase and low weight, but if you insist, it's not difficult to swap in an '81-82 rear axle assembly. '83 is trickier and the '84-85 axle housing weighs a good 50lb more.

The other downside to the '80 is the easy crack dashboard which is found in '79-83 models. '84-85 have a much better dashboard material which is resistant to cracking but then you also have to use the '84-85 gauge panel. Red is a good color for gauges too but the tach would no longer be front and center where it belongs.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

peejay, you've convinced me to get an '80 as my first 1st gen when I'm done with my current projects. Check this out on my pics page: http://www.geocities.com/cd23c/cars.html#sa80 This car really did have the best seats (I dislike GSL-SE seats), handled very well on really old 70 series tires (decent tread, but old cracked rubber), rebuilt 12A that smoked at startup but had lots of power and a heavy flywheel which allowed for cool 2nd and 3rd gear chirps. He misses that SA (ended up trading it for an REPU).

Yep, an '80 is what I'll be getting.

peejay

I see a downside to touting the joys of the '80... everyone will want one and I'll never get another one

spectre225

I find it interesting that the preference is the 1st Generation with no mention of 2nd Gens. What is the primary objection or problem with 2nd gens. such as '87 & '88 ? I would have assumed that improvements would come with time. Appreciate your input.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

For pure mechanical enjoyment, I'd get a 1st gen (easy and cheap to work on). For hi-tech with the possibility of getting a 20B some day, I'd get a 2nd gen. I'm a little obsessed with the 20B, so don't mind me. For the ultimate but expensive 7, I'd get a 3rd gen.

peejay

2nd-gens are too big and heavy IMO. 3rd-gens are smaller but still to heavy.

I'm a minimalist. Simplification is the rotary's strong suit and it stands to reason that the car around it should be simple as well.

I also prefer the "original recipe" (not just in cars but in music as well) because that means you're getting the original, finely-honed example of what the car should be, before the car starts getting bastardized by focus groups and committees and whatnot.

Scalliwag

Throw a 13b 4 port in one with a Camdem Supercharger. Tweak the **** out of the body with a decent kit (careful not to make it look too ricey) Get a real sweet set of 16" or 17" rims wrapped with some low profile rubber.
It takes ALOT in my opinion to make a 1st gen look good. It can be done but anything close to a plain jane is pretty boring. A second gen vert or any 3rd gen is a shitload better looking to most people. Oh, and a lot of carbon graphite on the interior would be nice too.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

My friend is doing that to one of his 1st gens. He's getting a SC, already has the wide body kit, going to get some decent rims, etc.

I personally am neither for or against the styling of a 1st gen. It's never floated my boat, yet it's never sunk it to the bottom either. I do however like the look of the 2nd gen cars and totaly love the 3rd gens. Any RX-7 grabs my attention when I'm driving around. I have no idea what I'll think of the 4th gen with a Renesis. I'm used to the RX-8 and like its looks, so I guess we'll see.