im lookin at either this or spec miata..
im a tad bit worried about the longevity of spec seven as ive heard that its a dyin series...
any truth to this.. im worried id have to build another car if this wasnt long term..

 

i have the feeling they are going to roll the pro7 cars into IT or PT, depending on if you're nasa or scca. in the nasa PT group, its actually a little better, theres more cars to compete against. a 2 car race series is no fun

 

amp - what generations does this include? link?

 

it depends on the region and race organization

IT7 and Spec 7 cars seem to fit pretty well into NASA's PT classes which also allow room for some more mods. I've heard the Socal turnout is pretty good still for the 1st gen RX7.

 

When looking at Spec-7 vrs Spec Miata start by looking at the tracks you'll be racing. Being your from NJ the decdision shouldn't be a tought decision. There are most likely not many Spec-7 cars in your area therefore no one in class to race with. Get involved with a Spec Miata & there are plenty of cars to race wityh in class no matter where you race.

Raced a Spec-7 for 6 years.............. Strut front, solid axle rear.

Building a Spec Miata....................... upper, lower control arms front & rear, with half shaft rear.

 

The Mid-Atlantic series still has a strong Spec-7 presence. You should definitely check out their mailing list at:

http://www.marrsrx7.com/

Most of the series seems to be at Summit Point this year.

Here in the Southeast it seems that most of the 1st gens run in IT7 instead (a subgroup of ITA) because the cars just aren't competitive against the newer cars in ITA.
I'm not sure how they would fare in the NASA PT class structure, but that could be an interesting path to take.

Spec Miata is definitely an option, and will certainly be around for quite a while. They have big fields, but this leads to several problems. Relegate yourself to being a back-marker for quite a while. Also realize that to be at the pointy end of the pack will cost a whole lot of money (Sunbelt "spec" motors, etc.) The class is also well known for being a little rough and tumble (they don't call them "Spec-Piniata" for nothing ), which may be a little frustrating for a new driver. Plan on replacing a lot of body panels over time.

Good luck,

-bill

 

As stated above, being in New Jersey the MARRS series should be a consideration for you. In our region (one of the larger ones in the country), Spec7 is the third most subscribed class (albeit after the two spec miata classes).

Again, as stated above, if you're interested you should subscribe to the mailing list. PM me if you want to chat about it.

 

Exactly. if you're knew to racing, the economics of the thing are intimidating. A competitive Spec7 is typically less than half the cost of a competitive Spec Miata. And the racing is similarly competitive...and the cars don't lead to people questioning your sexuality.

 

^ Yep that does sum up the beauty of Spec7, IT7 and similar classes. You can buy a reasonably prepped car for $4k or less.

 

***and the cars don't lead to people questioning your sexuality.***

Anyone who questions sexuality because of the chick car just needs to get in & walk the walk. Talking the talk is the easy part.

 

If you can take the emotion from this equation I think you can make a case for either car depending on what is important to you.

I have raced the same RX7 since 2003 (IT7 and ITA) and I love the car and it has been extremely reliable. But it is not perfect, here is the good and the bad that I have seen in both of the cars you are considering:

For the RX7

The Bad:

1. Hard on tires
2. IT7 racing is dying or was never offered in some places
3. RX7's are not competitive in ITA
4. It is an old car - the SCCA won't class it anywhere else competitively
5. Engine parts will eventually become hard to get
6. Nationally, Spec 7 is a dying class
7. Resale value

The Good:

1. A good ITA/7 RX7 is faster than a SM down the straights
2. Cheap car - good engines last forever
3. I can still get basic parts at the autoparts store
4. Very, very fun to drive
5. Lots of setup data available - no mystries
6. FB's make very good and affordable E Production race cars
7. Excellent Manufacturer support - for now.

For the Miata:

The Bad:

1. Piston engine - lots of moving parts = more engine maintenance
2. Everybody has one
3. Not as cheap to get into as an FB RX7 - they have a stronger resale value
4. They make very expensive production cars
5. Your RX7 buds will give you ****!

The Good:

1. Easy on tires
2. Competitive everywhere they are classed
3. Excellent manufacturer support - probably for a long time
4. SCCA National racing is cheap and easy - Spec Miata
5. Everybody has one
6. Resale value

For me the biggest considerations are resale value and eligibility to run SCCA National racing.

Good luck with your decision

 

^Why hard on tires?

Seems like NASA classes it in PTE leaving room to add go fast mods (compared to SCCA rules) to be more competitive.

 

Seems to be caused by the soild rear axle and the small diameter tires. Smaller tires get hotter and seem to wear faster. A compromise might be to run 15x7 wheels but tire width, weight and gearing can be an issue.

Miata's have a better suspension - they seem to get more time on their rubber.