FC Rotory questions... Got Gas?

[DBSS_Gohan]

Ok, Hi, Im new to the RX7s, Iv wanted an FC for a long time... Iv known several people with pretty powerfull RX7s, So I know there nice cars, Iv admired them for a while. Im about to sell my car and start looking for another one... but one big thing Iv been looking at is fuel consumption, I was a biker only for about 2 years, and Car Gas prices annoy me... a lot, lol. Anyway, Iv heard some rumors about the RX7, and Iv got several questions I was hoping that you guys could answer them for me...

Ok, first off... Gas mileage. Right now... Id probably be looking at getting an N/A FC, because I have no idea how the motor is put together, and Id want to learn that before I threw a turbo on it. Now, Is there any way to get good fuel econemy with this car? At all? Iv heard leaning out the fuel mapping is best when you first get it because there all set to run rich from the factory? Does that Bump up MPG any?

Iv also heard, the engines need to be rebuilt every 90,000 miles. Iv heard you get a turbo timer, and set it to the max, before you let the car shut off, and before you drive it, you let it warm up, all the way. And then when it is, that the engines love to be railed on, Floor it practicly from the moment its warmed up to the moment you let it sit for cool down, But that would take away fuel econemy, now wouldent it? But is it true about the engines? Iv heard from actual owners that the engines can last to 175-200k, but Iv heard the Apex seals start to go bad around 90,000? Can someone give me a little more info on all this?

Anyway, reliability... fuel econemy... Iv also heard the chasis itself is riddled with problems, is this true? Im not so good at working with electrical systems... Im trying to learn... But its been quite the process, lol. So is the chasis that bad? Or is everything easily maintainable?

Next being the engine... Iv heard the engine is kinda simple... mostly the only parts to replace being the Apex seals... But Iv also heard, friends have taken the engines apart, and dont want to put them back together. So are they easy to do work on, or not?

Those are my basic questions... ty for your help in advance...

[MBTN]

The "90,000 mile limit" you've heard about is usually true for 3rd gens (FD), but you are looking at a second. They are definately capable of double that easily if you take care of it (but you never know about a previous owner). Like you said always let it warm up before you drive it. You can drive it hard, but ANY car driven hard all the time will break. It's a good idea to redline at least once every drive though. Like ANY 13-18 year old car, there will be problems. Electrical problems are common in high mileage FC's (or any older car for that matter).

As for fuel economy, you will guzzle gas. NO MATTER WHAT. With fully tuned stand alone computers I've heard it may be possible to get 30MPG on the highway, but that's another $1000 easy. You gotta pay to play. As for not knowing anything about the cars or working on them you WILL learn by owning one. Be prepared to learn and work.

Good luck.

[DBSS_Gohan]

30 MPG with 1000 dollars worth of computers? On the highway???? ::Jumps out nearest window::

Ok, hmmm.... Pay to play.... Thats true I guess.... But have you heard about gas prices in Chicago? There like 4.75 a gallon!

Ok... Im thinking the best way to go about it is to get a Project FC. And wait for gas prices to drop. I really like the FC, and I think it would be a good car to race with. I know a guy whose had one sitting in his yard for.... ooohhhh... 2-3 years now? Its got a busted out window, and I have nooo idea what he has it sitting there for, I was planning on going up to his door and being all like, Hey, Is that your RX7? Would you like to sell that for as little as possible? lol... But hes not doing anything with it, and its been sitting at his house for years now, and I think its a shame. Is it a good idea to go ask him? And how much should I offer him?

[MBTN]

Did it even run? If it's been sitting that long it's going to have problems.

[D3rELiC]

the cheapest route i'D think off to achieve better mpg would be to get some wider gear, of course, acceleration will be killed, but you can manage to significantly lower your cruising speed rpm with some math and a pinion and ring. but there is drawback, n/a rotary lacks of torque. maybe a T2 engine would be better for this application, running stock, low boost with all emission stuff removed, you could get a still driveable car, but again, t2 engines have poor gaz milleage.. its just a thought

[DBSS_Gohan]

Heres a thought... How bout I change out just the 5th gear? Is that possible? So I can have an overdrive gear to save gas?

[DBSS_Gohan]

Oh, and yes... Im assuming any car Id be trying to get for like 100-150 dollars would have a lot of problems. It will deffinetly need work done to it, but If the price is right, Im willing to go for a restoration project.

[mcs]

good luck with that :P

[DBSS_Gohan]

Ummmm... By the responses about the idea of "restoring" An RX7.... Its not a good idea to buy a bad condition RX7 and try to make it good condition? I keep hearing its finiky, A lot of maintnence and what not... so... Im guessing the bad condition ones are almost un repairable? Is that the response Im getting?

[MBTN]

It's not worth it that's all. Unless of course the car has sentimental value to you.

[DBSS_Gohan]

Oh ok, there just not worth it, well hey, Iv heard that RX7s are expensive and hard to find parts for, is that true?

[MBTN]

Depends on where you live. Fortunately for me I'm withing 30 minutes of 2 rotary shops. If I ever have a problem I can get parts.

[drftk1d]

where do you live?