Hey I'm new here and I joined because I am interested in picking up an NA 2nd gen rx-7. With the other cars I've rashly bought (Scooby SVX), I thought I should get some advice from long-time owners, like you guys. So what year would be best to look for in a 2nd gen? What should I look for when test driving one? Are there any problems specific to this generation? All feedback is helpful, thanks.



Also, I heard that the TII was a problematic car, which is why I'm leaning towards NA. Is this true?

 

No FC's are the BEST

 

The best 2 gen rx7, is the series 5. The last one of them.

If you abselutly want an 2 gen, try to find a 91 mod.

Problems..... ? Well, the car is old, there is a lot of problems.

The non turbo types are the easyest to work on. They dont have a lot of hp, and the car is not that fun,but far the easyest to work on, and they last longer. ( I think they have to litle hp, but I am a bit picky )

The turbo types, well. more fun, breaks more.

I have the 2 gen with an "new" JDM engine, If I know what I know now, I would probobly get me an 3 gen car, if i realy realy wanted an wankel engine car, or some type of rx7.



If you like doing work on cars, and know how to weld, get an 2 gen. You will be happy.

 

The 7 is a medium high performance, medium high maintenance car.



It's a great value for the DIY mechanic.

If you send a car to the shop for things like belts & hoses or idle problems, it will get expensive.



EG: Clutch job at the shop ~$450.

DIY pull the tranny & replace the clutch ~$150.

 

For some good info about what to look for when purchasing...go here



http://www.fc3spro.com/TECH/h2b.html

 

dont get a vert lol

 

since you are in the bay area it will be alittle harder to find 2nd gen guys than so cal but the best thing you can do is go to a couple of events and meets and find someone you can hang out with and is willing to help you out. Also if you go to some meets some of the members their may give you a ride in their cars and you can discuss their mods and experience of what to buy. The best bang for you buck in my opnion is a S4 TII. The cheapst is a S4 NA. Just go for a few rides decide how much you are willing to spend on a car and make a eductated decision for your self becouse it is your money and you wil be driving the car. Also a cheaper car has the potential to cost more in the long run due to lack of proper maintenance.

 

I appreciate the response guys.



No, I don't know how to weld but yes, hopefully I will have access to a shop so I can do any maintenance/mods free of labor charges. However, this will be in Florida, and I'm not quite sure how many of the hillbillies will know how to fabricate parts on a car with no pistons (i.e. headers). Maybe I should just get a box chevy and be done with it....



But thanks for the response, no verts for me, I'm lookin for a RWD car that HANDLES, so I'm thinking of going the Wankel route. Power isn't too much of an issue for now, handling > power. And I actually will consider going to an RX-7 meet, thanks for the tip.



Any other suggestions? I don't want to buy another money pit...

 

Maybe I should mention this part of Murphy's Law:



ALL cars are money pits.