Need Some Help and Opinions

[Twizted_3KGT]

I'm trying to decided what to buy after winter is over. My main choices at the moment are between a 3rd gen (newest?) RX-7 and a VR4 3000GT. I was thinking MKIV Supra, but that's just out of my range I believe. Couple questions:

Is it possible to get a 5-speed RX-7 TT with under 100k for around $12,000?

How much would it cost in mods to get an RX-7 into the low 13's and possibly high 12's?

After much research and thought i've decided that it comes down to looks and scarcity when buying a sports car. And I say this because I have a 1988 Formula 350 that I picked up for $2000 that is completely reliable and can run 14.2 stock, but it's so common that it doesn't really matter to anyone. Whereas an RX-7 which is about equal in speed has a much greater value to people, which from a performance standpoint it shouldn't. And sports cars are mostly about the performance, but it's the look that seems to matter most. Now I know the VR4 has a few things over the RX-7 (AWD, AWS, almost 80 HP), but I kind of want the RX-7 more simply because i've only seen one in my lifetime on the road, and have seen quite a few 3000GT's. Looking back, if you guys could choose between the two, which would you choose and why? Thanks for any responses!

[Aerowitz]

The RX-7 would be a more rewarding choice. It's a much harder to find than the 3KGT, and it's way more agile than the 3KGT. You'll have a lot more fun driving an RX-7 than pretty much any other sports car of the time!

About pricing... you could probably find a good '93 model for about $10-$12K depending on where you live. Any year past that will be harder to find and more expensive.

And all FD3S RX-7s came stock with 255HP Twin Turbo REW-13BTT engines, so don't worry about the trim levels.

[Aerowitz]

Whoa, I just noticed this. Isn't it weird how our posts were exactly 35 hours apart? Spooky.

[Twizted_3KGT]

lol I guess so...aren't rotary engines almost silent when they're running and have much smoother power than piston engines?

[fcdriver]

Silent? I've heard a turbo rotary isn't as loud as a N/A but they still are far from silent. Yes they do have a smooth power curve but power isn't made until the higher rpms.

[Aerowitz]

Well, they are quieter than most piston engines. My old FC (now my brother's) made this hilarious grunting sound from the tailpipes, but the engine itself was very quiet. My brother would do the sound of a pig grunting and compare it to the exhaust note and it sounded dead on.

But they really only hit the power at higher RPMs if you're in an N/A. I'm testing out a 1988 Turbo II and it doesn't have that problem (or the 3500 RPM hesitation).