New RX-7 for Autocross
 

I’m a rank newbie to the RX-7 scene, so – forgive me if I ask some elementary questions. I want to purchase my first RX-7 to use as a second car, “daily driver” type. I also want to enroll in some performance driving classes, and eventually try my hand at autocross. I bought my wife an Acura Integra (00’ LS Auto *sigh*), and zipping around in that car has whetted my appetite for some real performance. N/A is where I think I should start – I haven’t really driven a true sports car before, and I like where there placed in SCCA’s classes. What generation car would best suit me? I like the looks of the first gen cars, but in my area (San Diego) there are a ton of second generation cars around. My budget is $3000. I’ve read over the “best model year” threads, but I’m having problems deciding between earlier and later body styles for my application. I haven’t been able to find many decent cars on Autotrader, Yahoo, eBay or MSN – are there better online resources for finding used cars in my area?

Well it depends on who you ask. Me being a 1st gen guy, Ill have to say a GSL or GSL-SE is the way to go. :) Shit dude, lotsa good 7's in cali. :) Oh. maybe duplicate this post in the 1st gen and 2nd gen specific sections to get some ideas.

I've had a hell of a time finding a good RX-7 down in San Diego. Most of the one's for sale are automatics. The few five speeds that hit the market seem to get picked up pretty fast.

Keep an eye on e-bay, craigs list, autotrader and cars.com.. You can ususally find a few up here if you're willing to drive too..

I'm biased, I think the 2nd gen is better looking :)

PaulC

Too bad your not up north a little. I am almost ready to sell my GSLSE. It is practically setup for CSP.

-Jack

I found an 82' in good condition for a good price. I know that I'll be stuck with the 12A engine, but - I can live with that. It'll be somthing to get me started and learn with - if I want to get more competitive later I can just get a diffrent car.

Thanks for the help!

FWIW, if you hold out for a GSLSE you will be happy you did. The FI in the cars is much more trouble free than the carbed cars, and if you have to meet CA emissions it will save some headaches. I have an '85 GSL and an '85 GSLSE.

The SE has better brakes, better geraing, gets better gas mileage. Its one drawback as an autocross car is that it is a little heavier. In CSP that can be taken care of to some extent. It would be a decision for you as to how much compromise you are willing to make on a car you also drive on the street.

Steering feel is the 2nd gens advantage over the first gens.

DEFINITELY go with the GSL-SE, bigger motor, better brakes, and limited slp diff too!

You have to make a couple of decisions about your eventual goals. If you want to stay in stock class, don't start with the '82. It will be a great deal of work to get to where you can start with a GSLSE (infact you will still be behind the SE).

If you are thining about ending up in Street Prepared, you are going to spend more money either way, but either car can be developed as you want to spend your money. In SP the 82 that has been upgraded to some of the SE specs might be a little better. You will basically want a limited slip diff will be the main thing missing from the '82. The SE of course has about 30 more HP available in any similiar level of mods than the 12A. Otherwise you will do the same modifications to either of the cars.

There is are slightly different suspension mounting points on the GSLSE, but there are different opinions as to if they are better or not. My thinking is that they are, but it is not an open and shut case.

Either way, don't get the '82 and get discouraged that the car is so bad (in stock) and give up completely on first-gem's as autocross cars. They are not the current hot setup, but can be in the game. There are few cars IMHO that are as much fun to drive, even if you are not winning.