86 GXL feels slow
 

I'm not quite sure how to describe this but I've had my 86 rx7 for a few months. I enjoy driving it but it feels so slow. I think it's a combination of it being underpowered and super heavy. I've done plugs, intake gaskets + vacuum lines and the basics. I bought it from someone who took good care of it so it's up to par.

I'm selling the car soon since a guy here locally is interested and seems persistant.

I've done some research and I have to admit i LOVE the body's curves of the FC. I LOVE the interior styling of the FC. It's super comfortable. It fits me perfectly and it handles so good. I love making u-turns around gas pumps and u-turns in the middle of the road. All in all it's just what I want in a car. I cant imagine owning a non-rotary engine. My itch is far from scratched. My biggest turn off atm is the lack of power. My daily is a sentra and it'll run circles around this car. I can take off and before I know it im doing 60 and been through 3 gears. In the same amount of time i'm trying to get some RPMs and shift into 2nd on my RX. It's like i've gota wait for the car to catch up to me. Hell even my co-worker's NB miata feels much faster with it's short gears and nimble lightweight chassis.

Is this just the nature of the N/A or maybe a difference between S4 and S5 models? I've thought about buying a TII car in it's place or if it falls through, swapping a TII into my car.

Re: 86 GXL feels slow
 

S4 NA is 146hp and between 2625lb - 3071lb, GXL is heavier compared to the other trims and turbo is the heaviest. Also rotary are known for being torque-challenged compared to piston engines.

Assuming the Sentra is the 5th gen, it is 145hp and 2513lb.
The NB Miata is 133hp and 2350lb.

On a power to weight ratio, I don't find this a fair comparison between the three cars.

The things you've mentioned here: spark plugs, intake gaskets, vacuum lines and basics just brings the car back closer to the 146hp it should have originally... it does not increase the power or reduce the weight, thus it would feel slower than the other two vehicles that are newer.

Then again it can be other reasons.:dunno:

Re: 86 GXL feels slow
 

Non turbos are fast- turbos are faster.

Exhaust and stuck 5th6th valve is the most common cause of lack in power on these cars. Most Likely u need a new exhaust system.

How old is ur exhaust ? Do u have cats?