I need some objective opinions

Hello everyone and thank you in advance for your comments. I am considering exploring the RX7 product line and would like very much to hear comments on the best overall model and year to purchase. I come from the Saab world so major repairs and specialty handling are well known to me. If I buy what should I buy, what years have been better, and what features should I insist on? I look forward to hearing from you all.

-sp :grinyes:

try looking for a 89-91 turbo, good model.

i'm partially new to the rotary scene, but i'll add my commentary.

rotary engines are dirty, expensive, and labor intensive, and they get terrible gas mileage for their size, but that doesn't matter.

the rx7 is an incredible car. the 2nd gen's (fc) are the only ones i am familiar with, so i'll comment about that...

the rear suspension setup progressively adjusts the toe in/ toe out of the rear end to improve handling, and on certain models there was an electronic suspension kit that tightened up the bushings and such to further improve handling. i have also come to learn that the 7 is also perfectly balanced, having a 50/50 weight distribution... you will definately love the handling characteristics of this car... they're incredible.

now, me, i'm more partial to powerful naturally aspirated engine setups.
they are generally more reliable and require less maintenance... if you have a forced induction setup, you are always doing some kind of tuning.... that's just my opinion, and it really doesn't matter.... i don't want to start any controversy with the veterans on here.


i don't know what kind of performance you are looking for here, but a base fc with an n/a 13b... 5 speed, and a limited slip differental (make sure its a 5 lug, the 4's didn't have LSD to my knowledge) will give you lots of fun, handling and power.... for the average person it is easily comparable to modern stock camaro's and mustangs (as far as power goes) but nothing american can hold a candle to the handling of the 7... again... my opinion. i have an 86 glu with an LSD and a stock 13b... it will run with any car i've ever tried to take on, and for a price that won't make you cry like an fd (third generation rx7) will if you are on a limited budget....


just my $.02

will if you want decent reliability with just decent speed then a 86-91 NA would be nice but if you want something fast you'll want a turbo model 88-91 but it won't be as reliable...

be specific on what you are looking for and we can all help you out a lot more

Thank you for the information. In my past I have owned vehicles such as the Taurus SHO, older Camero and a contour SVT. I am looking for good performance balanced with reasonable reliability.

well from what you have owned and what you want I'd say that buying a TII that needs a rebuild is your best option... get it rebuilt and it will be pretty reliable for a while with the great performance

Considered the first rx7 models ?
these a cute, and are lighter than 86-91 models

they can be upgraded cheaply and can be easely worked on. some solid rear axle came with lsds, and rear disk brakes, the balance of the car is not as perfect as it is on a FC but the cars handle like go karts, plus, with the same engine setup, the Fbs (79-85 rx7) will be faster than any other Fcs, plus, since they have been raced time over time, and since they are still raced, the aftermarket supplies are interresting, with way less junk than any other rx7, since they havnt attracted the attention much lately

so you get a very light chassis with affordables upgrade, worst mpg on hearth and plenty of power to gain with stock engines, suspension setup very easely upgradables, on a car that already feels like a go kart and that can be as fast as any other rx7 with decent upgrades :)

Ive only owned 1 rx-7 and it was 2nd gen. I loved it but lately the 1st gen has really been growing on me. I checked the faq but theres not a lot there on the fbs, so if anyone knows any sites or has some info on them id really appriciate it. oh by the was im looking for an 1985 gsl-se