Thoughts on 1st Gen Mazda RX-7s

[Clubber_Lang]

Sounds of Rotary

 

[stumpypete]

I had a new 82 GS and bought an 85 GSL-SE in the early 2000s. They were both great cars and very reliable. While the rotary engine is smooth, it has very little low end torque and needs to be revved aggressively to get the most out of it- that can be fun but you want to drive one to be sure you like that. The motors gave no problems with seals but I didn't rack up too many miles on either the new or the used one before being sold on. We have a 2003 MR2 Spyder now with the SMT and would suggest you look at those instead. It is just as much fun to drive with quicker steering and mid-engine responsiveness and has been bullet proof in reliability that can be serviced anywhere Toyotas are serviced.

 

[artificialist]

I never saw a turbocharged RX-7 that lasted, but I do encounter NA ones that last 200,000 miles or more.

As for the Nissan 300ZX option, which version are you looking for? 1984-1989 or 1990-1996? Turbo or not?

For the Toyota MR2, what variant are you considering? The early one or the later one? The early one had the option of an NA or supercharged engine, the later one had an NA or turbocharged engine.

 

[Clubber_Lang]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never saw a turbocharged RX-7 that lasted, but I do encounter NA ones that last 200,000 miles or more.

As for the Nissan 300ZX option, which version are you looking for? 1984-1989 or 1990-1996? Turbo or not?

For the Toyota MR2, what variant are you considering? The early one or the later one? The early one had the option of an NA or supercharged engine, the later one had an NA or turbocharged engine.

I really like the 1990-1996 300zxs. Its my understanding that the naturally aspirated versions have identical gearboxes, engines and suspension compared to their turbo counterparts. The NA versions may not be powerhouses but I think that they represent a good value and a bulletproof engine.
I also like the 2nd gen Mr2s. I think that they are great cars, just overpriced due to rarity

 

[weasley]

Originally Posted By: Clubber_Lang
I do like those other cars you mentioned, but particularly like very lightweight sports cars......


Then you, sir, need a Honda S2000.

 

[Win]

First gen was mid - late 70's, probably '76 or '77. A buddy of mine in HS got a new one. Traded his Firebird Formula on it.

They were terrific cars in that day.

I would have to think that most of them are pure trash by now. As long as you are looking for great, nearly unobtainable 70's Japanese imports, you might as well look for an original 240Z.

Much better than the RX-7.

 

[Dwight_Frye]

I had an '84 RX7 GSL-SE that I bought new. It was a real rocket. That model had the 13B engine, bigger brakes, bigger wheels and tires, better clutch, beefed up anti-sway bars and limited slip rear end. I drove it for 8 years, put about 90K miles on it. No problems at all except near the end it developed a howl in the rear end that was going to cost about $1800 to fix so I traded it in on a '92 Toyota MR2 with the NA engine. The MR2 was fun to drive with good handling & brakes but way underpowered. That car was less than reliable. It had major problems with the A/C, developed an oil leak down around the spark plug hole, a loose engine mount and only got about 8000 miles on a set of rear tires while the fronts went about 25,000 miles before needing replacing. I drove it for 12 years about put about 120k miles on it. It was an expensive car to own and maintain. I sure liked the Wankel rotary engine, too bad they couldn't work out the bugs.

 

[mjoekingz28]

A silver 85 was my first car. It was just right...it would chirp third but not have too muchpower to get you in trouble. Has the Corvette like back opening hood and the hatch is perfect for an IDQ 12.

 

[punisher]

Did anyone notice an unusually large amount of electrical problems on the first gens? Of all the Japanese cars I worked on in the '80s,RX-7s reminded me that Lucas had competition.

 

[quint]

Yes, I did have a few electrical issues with my 1980. I recall that where the wiring harness passes through the firewall was a known issue.

One time on a long road trip I was driving through northern Ohio on the highway and every 20 miles or so it would lose power and start backfiring horribly for about 15-20 seconds. After the fifth or six time of this, I pulled over, popped the hood, and grabbed the harness right at the firewall and yanked it has hard as I could. Ran perfect the rest of the trip. Happened again a year or so later, did the same thing and never had that problem with it again.

All three of my Rx7's had electrical issues. Luckily with the age of the internet forums issues like that are fairly well identified and easily fixed. Back then, all I could do is grab a multimeter and spend hours and hours poking and prodding.

My 240sx has had a fair number of electrical issues over the years. Mostly just a lot of slop in the electrical plugs and connectors.

 

[meep]

early RX-7s have a lot in common with gen 1 and gen 2 miatas. having owned a gen 2 miata and seeing an rx-7 lived with as a daily driver, the miata may be a better-known model to live with. There are fewer surprises with them (failed oil injection circuit which feeds a little crankcase oil into the fuel, yes), fuel pulse dampeners, and rotary-only issues like, avoid synthetic oil since it cakes up on the sides of the rotor housings...). the miatas can withstand LOTS of abuse and still hang in there.

OTOH, I personally liked the full body and cockpit of the RX-7 more... and thos factors count.

just food for thought.