apzak

Right now I drive my parents 240sx and want to by my own sports car. I modified the 240sx and did some work to it as if it were my car so i'm not clueless about cars. I'm interested in the first generation rx7 and the second generation.



Which generation is more reliable?



I have a budget of $2500, and love the looks of the first and second generation rx7. From what I know about rx7's, is the engines don't last very long. With $2500 I'm sure I'll need to rebuild the engine or replace it within a year. What is the cost of this say I replace/rebuild the first generation engine with a 13b, and the second generation engine was a turbo. how bout a n/a 2nd gen?



What kind of power adding modifications could be done to the 13B engine? chip, flywheel, pulley, cold air intake, full exhaust, anything else? What to 13b engines typically see with bold ons?



how about the second generation non turbo motors?



Are the 2nd generation turbo engines more reliable than the 3rd generation twin turbo motors?



I love the lean look of the 1st generation, and the fact it's lean period (2200lbs!! )

Second generation is decently light, but definitely faster straight line vs the 1st gen (1st gen probly quicker in turns?)



how are rx7s autocrossing? rotary engines don't have low end torque, but I never autocrossed so I don't know what's important. Their weight (1st gen) is comparable to the miata though which I heard is incredible autocrossing. How about road courses, how's the rx7? I was a sports car that's well known on the track, and does well in it's classes. what cars race against the 1st and 2nd gen rx7s?



what rx7s come with lsd? how much do they cost if not included? the 240sx has many options with lsds and they can start at as little as $250 for a VLSD from a J30 or 240sx with LSD at a junk yard



anyways let me know some basics, i'm definetly going to search around tomorrow.



EDIT: though my budget is 2500, I have a job and will have money for upkeep, insurance, and aftermarket parts. 2500 is just to buy a car to start with. I'm 18, in new jersey and no points on lisence. what can i expect insurance on a 1st gen vs 2nd gen rx7?

BrandonDrecksage

i'm 19 in new jersey, no points or tickets and i pay 600 a year...under my own name...its a 91 n/a...black 5-speed, i may be interested in selling mine, if u would want to check out/drive in one, to see what it is like

rfreeman27

As far as engines not lasting long...



N/A's last forever...and are somewhat reliable. You can beat the **** out of first gens and not worry about it...

jspecracer7

for real...my '87 n/a has 250,xxx miles on her! Still redline her to 8000 rpms

Dakmis

for real...my '87 n/a has 250,xxx miles on her! Still redline her to 8000 rpms [/quote]

amen 158xxx on mine and still strong the only problem is my clutch right now but engine is fine

Rotarydragon

200,000 on mine, just starting to act up a bit.



More reliable.....hrmmm... 1st gen is probably more reliable just due to the lack of electronics grimlens that the 2nd gen is prone to. 12A motors go on forever and then some.



I want to think the 1st gen N/A is faster then the 2nd Gen just in general.



Doubtfull you'll get a 1st gen with a 13B at that price, GSL-SE's are fairly pricey. The fuel injection on them is also a pain in the **** in several different ways. Nothing to major just annoying at times.



GSL-SE's and TII's have LSD's from the factory.



Chip? Probably not much. Flywheel? Never heard of anyone trying it, screwing with the balance on a rotary isn't the best of ideas and as they don't have much torque to start with I'd be inclined to leave it alone. Besides they rev more then fast enough as they sit. Exhaust is a must, pulley replacment only gets you a nicer looking pully really. Cold Air intake is OK but not the first thing I'd bother with.



Exhaust first, everything else follows.



Never autocrossed myself but the people that I've seen run 7's seem to do just fine. 1st gen suspension is a bit on the crude side but workable.



RX-7's kick *** on road courses. Perfectly balanced, works well if you use a toss and catch style of driving.



That about answers it, I'm sure the other people running around this looney bin will note if I said anything wrong or questionable.

apzak

what kind of power could I expect from these cars with bolt ons, things I can do myself?

Srce

Just remember one thing and you're set.

j9fd3s

the gsl-se is the best rx7 mazda made, they run for 20years or 250,000miles whichever occurs first. they are faster than an fc, as they are lighter and geared slightly better. they also have fewer electrical problems. the 12a cars are decent, and the na fc's are good too

Rotarydragon

Good question. With a good exhaust figure what 20 25 hp extra? I honestly don't remember...