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[DevoutWankelist]

Hello all, I'm from the RX7 board and I was inspired by a thread someone from (I'm assuming over here) posted asking what rotary fans thought on the 350 swaps that are so common in RX7's. I was kind of curious what muscle car fans thought of or knew of rotaries. I've also always wondered where most people placed RX7's in this somewhat polarized community of Rice and Muscle. I think they they are far far removed from what someone could call ricey because there purpose is performance and not economy or something along the lines... Even though the rotary motor has been said to sound like a weed wacker on crack . Just wondered what your opinions of the 7's were?

PS: I love muscle cars, but not as much as my RX7

[Hypsi87]

I think that a rotary engine is a marvel of engineering. Most efficient internal combustion engine made. But the ony one that really performed like you are talking about are the third gen RX-7's. My big beef I have with them is they are god awful expensive and the reliabilaty issues with the twin turbo engine. I know that you can put 3mm apex seals in them and it helps alot. From what I noticed if the check washer fluid light comes on, it pretty much means to rebuild engine.

The rotary accually does not sound all that different from my car.

I like them, they are deffinatly a world class performer. Just not my cup of tea.

[DevoutWankelist]

The second gens are my favorite. you can get one for practically nothing and they are insanely more reliable than the money pit know as the 3rd gen. The second gens are meant for performance as well, pretty much a 50/50 weight ratio makes them handle better than most anything. They respond very well to modifications too.
3mm seals arent all they are talked up to be btw.

[Hypsi87]

yea but they are still expensive to get going fast, like in the low 12's/high 11's

[PowerCrazy]

i agree that the 3rd gens are very nice and are on a different level than the civics and all the other "rice". they are nice and fast cars. they really have made a place for themselves in the way of performance and speed. i personally woldn't mind owning one but..... they are expensive, they aren't highly reliable, and most of all though-another personal preferance- when you give an option of a rotary or a 350 v8; im goin with the 350. the twin turbo rotary however nice, i'd pick a muscle car engine over a mazda engine any day- especially with the aftermarket for the 350.... or whatever you wish to bore/stroke it into.

[89IROC&RS]

well, i dont really know the generations of the RX-7, but the curvy, muscular looking one, the one that vin diesel drives in fast and the furious, i like those years. always have, they are sexy looking cars.

as an engineer, i have to love the rotary engine, power to weight ratio is crazy, and now the new redisign of the ports makes them more environmentaly friendly and get better efficiency, im very impressed. although i disagree with you hypsi, the most efficient internal combustion engine, as far as a stationary speed, would be the gas turbine.

as far as a comparison to a muscle car, or my beloved V8. to me its the old school draw, the look, the sound (i can hear the difference) and the way that my car will shake at idle with a lumpy cam. i suppose it realy ahs nothing to do with performance, but more with a personal call in viceral taste. the image of the engine, and the way it effects you. thats why i love my small blocks.

[Chevyracincamaro]

i totally dig the third gens. my friend drives an 88 turbo 2 and its damn fast, one of the fastest cars in my hometown. we both ogle everytime a 3rd gen roles by... on the subject of the 350 swap, i think its pretty dumb. granted, i give any and all respect to anyone who does it, cause it makes a rediculously fast car, but i love the rotary so much. its just different and it works like most people dont even know. plus you dont get the cool little things with the 350 like a 70lbs engine block, or the entire engine below the fenders and behind the front axle plane. those little things that make the rotary, "one of those damn triangle engines"...

[DevoutWankelist]

Wow, If only your responses were the norm. . .
Seems like most of the people here understand that the way the rotary community feels about their rotors is really similar to how you guys feel about your 350's. Most of the rotary community has similar degree of respect for American muscle.

[89IROC&RS]

well, those who have posted thus far tend to be the open minded of the camaro forum, not to leave anyone out, all were really missing are vlad, 92RS, texhotrod, gen, and maybe a few others.

[Genopsyde]

i gawk at the 3rd gen rx-7 too, I like the 2nd gen as well, i'd love to own one myself.

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by 89IROC&RS

as an engineer, i have to love the rotary engine, power to weight ratio is crazy, and now the new redisign of the ports makes them more environmentaly friendly and get better efficiency, im very impressed. although i disagree with you hypsi, the most efficient internal combustion engine, as far as a stationary speed, would be the gas turbine.

I was referring to an engine that is used in a produced car.........Ass

[89IROC&RS]

there was a gas turbine used in a production car. i dont remember year or model, i think it was a buick or a plymouth, but they advertized it as being able to run on everything from salad dressing to jet fuel.