My rx-7 Story
01-20-06 | 01:13 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
My rx-7 Story
The year was 1999, and as most 17 year olds I wanted one thing, a sports car that would make the ladies, spread eagle, and bow before me. My Rustang had taken a proverbial **** on me. My mom had told me that when the old stand took a dump I would recieve another car. Finally the old rust bucket died, just short of thanksgiving, leaving me carless, and socially depraved. We went to washington, to a very dear family friends house, god rest his soul he was a good man. Either way mom asked me 1 week before christmas what I wanted for christmas, I said " MOM what I want for christmas we cant afford, its no big deal.........Just surprise me" I said. Coming from a poor family, I didnt expect much, I mean how much money can a single mother come up with, considering she has 7 children to take care of? Christmas morning came, and I guess I had nothing to look forward too, I mean the most I ever expected was a couple of CD's. Well I only had one box under the tree, and I opened it last of course. Letting my younger siblings enjoy themselves. When I opened the box, our family friend gary, told me, "Your gonna need all these things" Inside was a black leather jacket, a car CD visor, a car CD player, and Leather keychain. ADmitting to the disappointment that I hjad grown to accept as just the way things were. I smiled, and said thank you, I love you mom............Thats when Gary told me he needed my help, but I had to goto the hottub house, and fetch the envelope on the door. AS any good son would do, I got the envelope, and delivered it back to him, and he told me to open it Inside was a single key, and a title.................My heart started racing, and he told me to open the garage door. When the door opened..........Well to be blunt I **** myself, there she was a 1983 Black Mazda RX-7, with red and silver trim. Those are my favorite colors. This car shjould have come from mazda with my name etched across the windshield!!!!!!!!!!! 
Gary told me she was mine to love and to honor, to cherish and deserve. I promised I would take good care of her. On the way home to Wyoming an 18 hour drive. I had to listen to the same song, a tape that was stuck in the tape deck, it was a single, and I memorized that song by the time I hit the Idaho line. Look into my Eyes by bone thugs and harmony. From here on out, it was me and my black 7, and bone thugs. This car changed my life, and I wish gary could see her now. He passed away 3 years ago....................... She is still with me, and currently under her 3rd rebuild, this time with a twin turbo 13B. I know the old man, would smile, and sometimes when the sun is shining, I think I can see his face in the paint..............
I didnt intend for this post to be so long, but I wanted to share with you guys what the 7 meant to me, and how this car has changed my life. Maybe to better understand how I will always be in love with the 1st generation, and maybe that this car represents so much more to each of us. I encourage you all to do the same, and share you stories. this is how our communty grows, and we all learn what a rare gem this car is..............
Droz............
Gary told me she was mine to love and to honor, to cherish and deserve. I promised I would take good care of her. On the way home to Wyoming an 18 hour drive. I had to listen to the same song, a tape that was stuck in the tape deck, it was a single, and I memorized that song by the time I hit the Idaho line. Look into my Eyes by bone thugs and harmony. From here on out, it was me and my black 7, and bone thugs. This car changed my life, and I wish gary could see her now. He passed away 3 years ago....................... She is still with me, and currently under her 3rd rebuild, this time with a twin turbo 13B. I know the old man, would smile, and sometimes when the sun is shining, I think I can see his face in the paint..............I didnt intend for this post to be so long, but I wanted to share with you guys what the 7 meant to me, and how this car has changed my life. Maybe to better understand how I will always be in love with the 1st generation, and maybe that this car represents so much more to each of us. I encourage you all to do the same, and share you stories. this is how our communty grows, and we all learn what a rare gem this car is..............
Droz............
01-20-06 | 01:26 PM
#2
I Am Your Worst Nightmare
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Luray, VA - Shelby, NC - Inman, SC
Thanks for posting. I needed that. Don't really know why, but I'm touched.
R.I.P. Gary, R.I.P
My story coming soon . . .
. . . Ok, here it is.
Mine is not so sentimental, but here it goes anyway. I had been wanting an RX-7 for a good while. I'm still not entirely sure what the reason was, I just knew that I wanted one. One day I was driving around in my other car, and I spotted her in a used car lot. I mentioned stopping and looking at it to my brother who was riding with me. He told me not to bother because, "It's an old Nissan/Datsun 300ZX." I believed him because I didn't get a good look at it, and I went on my way. Next time I drove by there, I was sure to get a better look this time, but still wasn't certain. Eventually, curiosity got the best of me and I stopped in to look at it. It was (and still is) in sorry shape. It had been sitting for over 2years! The car lot owner hadn't kept the grass from growing around it. I think that's probably why it has a lot of rust around the corners of the fenders. I'm planning on taking care of that, but I'm low on money and time right now. Anyway, the owner was shocked that I wanted it. He claimed that not a single person had even inquired about it in the 2 years he had it. I guess he started it periodically, because it started right up. I test drove it and fell in love. I paid him $425 for it + $50 to take care of the taxes, title, tag, etc. Now she's mine, and I hope that I always have the sense to not get rid of her.
R.I.P. Gary, R.I.P
My story coming soon . . .
. . . Ok, here it is.
Mine is not so sentimental, but here it goes anyway. I had been wanting an RX-7 for a good while. I'm still not entirely sure what the reason was, I just knew that I wanted one. One day I was driving around in my other car, and I spotted her in a used car lot. I mentioned stopping and looking at it to my brother who was riding with me. He told me not to bother because, "It's an old Nissan/Datsun 300ZX." I believed him because I didn't get a good look at it, and I went on my way. Next time I drove by there, I was sure to get a better look this time, but still wasn't certain. Eventually, curiosity got the best of me and I stopped in to look at it. It was (and still is) in sorry shape. It had been sitting for over 2years! The car lot owner hadn't kept the grass from growing around it. I think that's probably why it has a lot of rust around the corners of the fenders. I'm planning on taking care of that, but I'm low on money and time right now. Anyway, the owner was shocked that I wanted it. He claimed that not a single person had even inquired about it in the 2 years he had it. I guess he started it periodically, because it started right up. I test drove it and fell in love. I paid him $425 for it + $50 to take care of the taxes, title, tag, etc. Now she's mine, and I hope that I always have the sense to not get rid of her.
Last edited by Skylance; 01-20-06 at 01:48 PM.
01-20-06 | 01:37 PM
#4
84SE-EGI helpy-helperton
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,366
Likes: 380
From: Phoenix, AZ
Okay - I'll throw my story in. It's a tale of 2 1st Gen's...
It would appear that a lot of us got into these cars when we were in Highschool and my story is no different. My 80LS was purchased in my Sophomore year for $3500 (a lot for an SA22) in very good condition from the 2nd owner. The car was in great shape, and while the money was big back then (1985), I had to pay all of it myself from my afternoon job a hobby shop. I learned to drive in that car, usually with my mom or dad in the passenger seat, and when the day came to take my driver's test, my dad drove his 84SE and I drove my 80LS with my mom there as my Licensed Driver.
When we got to the Motor Vehicle Division office, we cleared the paperwork except for one thing; my registration on the 80LS wasn't complete and subsequently, the car couldn't be used for the driving test. The only option was for me to drive my dad's 1984 GSL-SE, a car that I had only driven a few times, and which I wasn't at all familiar with as a new driver. I was assigned an inspector, my dad gave me some quick words of advice to relax, and I got into his car with the inspector in the passenger seat.
As we were pulling out of the parking lot of the Motor Vehicle Division Test station, with everyone in my family watching and the inspector with his clipboard in the seat next to me, I misjudged the clutch on the 84SE (which was EFI and 35HP more than my 80LS), and peeled rubber down the ramp and out into the street! The instructor looked at me and I just shrugged.
After the driving test and parallel parking was done, I passed - no problems.
From that day forward, I drove my 80LS through 3 seasons of SCCA Solo II competition, back and forth to university, and to the various jobs that I held along the way. I met my wife while driving that car, and it rarely failed me, and when it did, it was always cheap to fix and rewarding to accomplish.
When the engine died in 1998, it left me stranded, but opened up a new opportunity to buy my dad's 84SE which he purchased new from the dealership. While some doors close and others open, I held onto my 80LS hoping that one day I would get back to restoring it. That day never came; all of my time was spent on getting the 84SE to where I wanted it, and that's the car you see in my signature line. Second owner, and 193k miles later, I wouldn't have changed a thing.
As an aside, the 80LS was just given away this month to a 15 year old new owner who will be rebuilding it as his daily driver. With 207k miles on the clock, I'm certain that he'll get a lot of use out of it after an engine replacement.
It would appear that these cars never die!
It would appear that a lot of us got into these cars when we were in Highschool and my story is no different. My 80LS was purchased in my Sophomore year for $3500 (a lot for an SA22) in very good condition from the 2nd owner. The car was in great shape, and while the money was big back then (1985), I had to pay all of it myself from my afternoon job a hobby shop. I learned to drive in that car, usually with my mom or dad in the passenger seat, and when the day came to take my driver's test, my dad drove his 84SE and I drove my 80LS with my mom there as my Licensed Driver.
When we got to the Motor Vehicle Division office, we cleared the paperwork except for one thing; my registration on the 80LS wasn't complete and subsequently, the car couldn't be used for the driving test. The only option was for me to drive my dad's 1984 GSL-SE, a car that I had only driven a few times, and which I wasn't at all familiar with as a new driver. I was assigned an inspector, my dad gave me some quick words of advice to relax, and I got into his car with the inspector in the passenger seat.
As we were pulling out of the parking lot of the Motor Vehicle Division Test station, with everyone in my family watching and the inspector with his clipboard in the seat next to me, I misjudged the clutch on the 84SE (which was EFI and 35HP more than my 80LS), and peeled rubber down the ramp and out into the street! The instructor looked at me and I just shrugged.
After the driving test and parallel parking was done, I passed - no problems.
From that day forward, I drove my 80LS through 3 seasons of SCCA Solo II competition, back and forth to university, and to the various jobs that I held along the way. I met my wife while driving that car, and it rarely failed me, and when it did, it was always cheap to fix and rewarding to accomplish.
When the engine died in 1998, it left me stranded, but opened up a new opportunity to buy my dad's 84SE which he purchased new from the dealership. While some doors close and others open, I held onto my 80LS hoping that one day I would get back to restoring it. That day never came; all of my time was spent on getting the 84SE to where I wanted it, and that's the car you see in my signature line. Second owner, and 193k miles later, I wouldn't have changed a thing.
As an aside, the 80LS was just given away this month to a 15 year old new owner who will be rebuilding it as his daily driver. With 207k miles on the clock, I'm certain that he'll get a lot of use out of it after an engine replacement.
It would appear that these cars never die!
Last edited by LongDuck; 01-20-06 at 01:41 PM.
01-20-06 | 01:51 PM
#5
I guess I was a little odd, I got into my first rotary later in life, about 12 years ago in Australia I got introduced to amatuer racing and after consulting with my mentor, I wen the rotary route as it was much cheaper to build a rotary race car from scratch.
I found a decent 808 coupe and so it began, 13b BP, 48 IDA, Koni coil overs, 121 transmission, Alfa GTV rear axle (75% lsd and discs in alumium housing), built to Club Car Group 2E specs, it had Volvo front calipers over 1st gen rotors, roll cage, Falken race tires, painted red with fender flares. I loved that car, in the beginning I kept it road legal but it became crazy on the road, so eventually after about 30 times pulled over, it became a dedicated race car.
I raced that car for 4 years, won two state titles, and numerous heat wins, I loved it and only sold it to come to the US to live.....
I found a decent 808 coupe and so it began, 13b BP, 48 IDA, Koni coil overs, 121 transmission, Alfa GTV rear axle (75% lsd and discs in alumium housing), built to Club Car Group 2E specs, it had Volvo front calipers over 1st gen rotors, roll cage, Falken race tires, painted red with fender flares. I loved that car, in the beginning I kept it road legal but it became crazy on the road, so eventually after about 30 times pulled over, it became a dedicated race car.
I raced that car for 4 years, won two state titles, and numerous heat wins, I loved it and only sold it to come to the US to live.....
Last edited by aussiesmg; 01-20-06 at 01:53 PM.
01-20-06 | 02:16 PM
#6
My story starts way back to childhood.
My dad bought the car new in 83 the Limited Edition. He told me that when I was little I used to make to sounds of the rotary with my mouth, I grew up knowing that car. I thought it was the fastet thing on four wheels. The plan had always been for me to get the car when I was old enough. That day never came, the engine blew when I was 16 (didnt get DL until I was 18) I was devasated. He always asked me if I wanted to rebuild it. I kept saying I dont know. Then he told me he was going to give it away. Thats when I snagged it up, I couldnt see it go out like that. So I took it back to my shop, and got started right away I got it running one day before my birthday. I was so proud. I am proud to say that this is my car, I built it. People always tell me why dont i just get a new one, or a new car. I tell them never! I have known rotarys all my life. I dont like anything else. New cars dont look good to me, its burnt in my brian. Rotorhead for life.
I have made a few upgrades since the day it was bought new in 83, with most important, a new Streetport engine, and RB exhaust, I am in the process of upgrading the carb to a 48 DHLA Dellorto, and the 2GCDFIS w/ TT
There is not a day that goes by that I dont look at my car and wonder what my life would be with out her.
My dad bought the car new in 83 the Limited Edition. He told me that when I was little I used to make to sounds of the rotary with my mouth, I grew up knowing that car. I thought it was the fastet thing on four wheels. The plan had always been for me to get the car when I was old enough. That day never came, the engine blew when I was 16 (didnt get DL until I was 18) I was devasated. He always asked me if I wanted to rebuild it. I kept saying I dont know. Then he told me he was going to give it away. Thats when I snagged it up, I couldnt see it go out like that. So I took it back to my shop, and got started right away I got it running one day before my birthday. I was so proud. I am proud to say that this is my car, I built it. People always tell me why dont i just get a new one, or a new car. I tell them never! I have known rotarys all my life. I dont like anything else. New cars dont look good to me, its burnt in my brian. Rotorhead for life.
I have made a few upgrades since the day it was bought new in 83, with most important, a new Streetport engine, and RB exhaust, I am in the process of upgrading the carb to a 48 DHLA Dellorto, and the 2GCDFIS w/ TT
There is not a day that goes by that I dont look at my car and wonder what my life would be with out her.
01-20-06 | 04:42 PM
#7
it all started about 8 yrs ago when i was 16. i wanted an Rx7 i would see them drive by on the street while walking to the store or walking to school. i could never afford bc my mom and her exhusband didnt really have enough money to keep a car. and my moms exhusband use to "put my money away for me" ,well spend it on dope. i moved to my dads house in Ft. Lauderdale from good ol G-ville FL. and just did my thing still wishing and dreaming. well that was until my older sister sadi she was getting married to her boyfriend that treated me like a brother. what does she get for a wedding present an 84 Rx7 GS, i was happy for her but sad at the same time. she told me she didnt know how to drive stick and it didnt run, so as any loving brother would i offered to buy it off her and it was a deal. i really didnt have the $600 she wanted for, but i had been workin at Publix for about a yr now i went and applied for a loan and i got it. i sent her a chk in the mail. as she did with the title to me. i got the title and i was so happy but i still didnt have the car nor did i have a DL and dad wouldnt let me drive his car for the test (F*cken Pole Smoker). but i had to have my car that i have been longing for ,for so long so i moved back up to live with my mom. while i was in Lauderdale mom took the car to my uncles shop to fix it but the only thing they was replace the Radiator which was cool and the were shooting carb cleaner in the carb to keep it running. i got home and i had the towed to moms and i was grinin from ear to ear i was so happy. i didnt have a job so i didnt have money for repairs really. once i got a job i i bought a carb rebuild kit, fuel fiter and a fuel pump, i rebuilt the carb and replace the other things and she fired right up. before i ever got the car running i use to go and sit out in her just dreaming about driving around in her for hours 3 and 4 at a time. i took her every where to and from lauderdale to the keys everywhere. .one night i got in trouble and i was thrown in jail and i needed money to get me out and thats all i had so i had to sell her. till this day i would have reather sat and rotten in that cell then sell her. i have bought 2 more sense then but neither one brings the same joy that my GS did.
thats my story. if any of it doesnt make sense im not really that edutated
Charles
thats my story. if any of it doesnt make sense im not really that edutated
Charles
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01-20-06 | 06:53 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Columbiana, AL
Heres mine:
When I was about to turn 16, I was looking for a car. I had always loved 1st Gens and really wanted one. I searched and searched, but never could find one in decent shape. So I ended up finding a great deal on a 91 Eagle Talon TSi AWD. I got it for 900 and it was in perfect shape, but had a blown head gasket. Ended up selling that car and agian I searched and searched for a 1st gen, but still could not find one. Once agian I ended up with something diffirent. This time it was a 90 Acura Integra, which turned out to be a great car, but just didn't fill that empty car space in me. I ended up selling that car and I was driving my mother's Galant and the worst piece of mail came. I lost my license. So i figured it would be a great time to search for what I really wanted. I finally ended up finding an 84 red GS in great shape for $300, but it did not start. turns out it was just the starter. I replaced that and it started right up. I would say I finally found the car I wanted and I don't think I could ever sell it. One of my girlfriends told me I loved the car more then her, but I didn't hear her at the time because I was working on the car. (she told me later)
When I was about to turn 16, I was looking for a car. I had always loved 1st Gens and really wanted one. I searched and searched, but never could find one in decent shape. So I ended up finding a great deal on a 91 Eagle Talon TSi AWD. I got it for 900 and it was in perfect shape, but had a blown head gasket. Ended up selling that car and agian I searched and searched for a 1st gen, but still could not find one. Once agian I ended up with something diffirent. This time it was a 90 Acura Integra, which turned out to be a great car, but just didn't fill that empty car space in me. I ended up selling that car and I was driving my mother's Galant and the worst piece of mail came. I lost my license. So i figured it would be a great time to search for what I really wanted. I finally ended up finding an 84 red GS in great shape for $300, but it did not start. turns out it was just the starter. I replaced that and it started right up. I would say I finally found the car I wanted and I don't think I could ever sell it. One of my girlfriends told me I loved the car more then her, but I didn't hear her at the time because I was working on the car. (she told me later)
01-20-06 | 07:08 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn NYC
well my story isnt that much different I love the FB RX7 & have owned 3 which the one i have on the Avitar is my current one. I use to hang out with guys who had Toyota corollas so i brought one that was in pretty decent shape 5 spd sr5. One day i had to go buy a pitman arm & decided to borrow my boys 84 GSL SE i never drive anybodys car hard but this car seem to yell hey you drive like an old lady 7 i had to push that pedal. I was so impressed with this car that i began to lose the love for the lil toyota.A year later My bro brought a 83 RX7 with a GSL SE suspension but 12A. I decide to borrow his car one day as i was stopped at a light i saw an 80 Malibu wagon roaring down the block behind me I decided to pop tthe clutch and take off i never expected to take off so quick when the guy caught up at the next block he said hey what kinda motor is in that car i said 12A rotary he said thats some motor i was baring down at you at 60 mph how did you just take off so quick ? Then i was so impressed i brought a crashed one had the body shop fix it for me enjoyed it & whooped alot of mustangs here in NYC when i put the Bronze clutch and had the carb tricked out but i felt alot of pulling on the roadway so i sold it thinking that there was something wrong with it the second i lost to rust it was a 83 limited edition which i had looking exactly how i wanted it to look painted it a nice red. So now i brought another one to build up like my second one 13b streetported & My GSL SE suspension maybe paint it in blue midnight blue. Kinda a long story i shortened it a bit but i do love the FB thats why o refuse to drive a fc or fd I dont want to lose the love for my FB's Im afriad if i drive any other i might lose the FB love 
01-20-06 | 07:17 PM
#10
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Richmond, VA
Well, I first came in contact with my RX-7 about 20 months ago. I was only 14(!) almost 15 and DESPERATLY wanted a car. Not just any car. It had to have rear wheel drive, and it had to have a V-8. Everyday, I searched the papers and the internet for mustangs, firebirds, camaros, thunderbirds, whatever. (I was such an idiot back then!) Well, one day, (June 04), my grandfather called and said that his brother in-law up in NH had a 79 rx7 for sale for $500, and a Porsche 944 for sale for $1000. I decided to go up with him and look at them because I was getting desperate. At that time, I didn't even know what a 1st gen looked like, or anything.
So when I first layed eyes on it, I instantly fell in love with it. Even though it was it pretty crappy condition. All the problems were met with a "oh that will be a cinch to fix, no problem" Well they weren't, but that's a different story. Anyway, I thought it was awesome, and I didn't care about anything else but aquiring that car. The 944 was cool (mint cond. low miles, turbo, red, only 1k) but there was NO way my mom was going to let me drive a Porsche turbo around. Plus, my grandfather wouldn't let his brother in law sell it that cheap. It was worth way more than that. (He's losing some of his marbles)
Here's what it looked like that day:
im so happy
Anyway, that next year (july04- august 05) was spent on body work. There was a lot more rust than expected (as always) and more problems on the way. All the work was done at my grandfathers house (thank you very much!) and he did a lot of work when I wasn't there (THANK YOU!!!!) Seriously, he is probably one of the best bodywork people in CT, and can fix anything mechanical. I learned A LOT and know I can do just about anything to my car by myself. Well, to sum it up, awesome new paint, no rust, car runs great, and interior is great. Damn, it's so sweet now. AHHHH!! I wish it was spring. But today, it was 60 degrees(in January!!) and I washed it. Fun stuff. Anyway, this is what it looks like now:
(pic taken today)
Wow, i think thats the most I've ever typed outside of an essay.
Anyway, that's my story.
So when I first layed eyes on it, I instantly fell in love with it. Even though it was it pretty crappy condition. All the problems were met with a "oh that will be a cinch to fix, no problem" Well they weren't, but that's a different story. Anyway, I thought it was awesome, and I didn't care about anything else but aquiring that car. The 944 was cool (mint cond. low miles, turbo, red, only 1k) but there was NO way my mom was going to let me drive a Porsche turbo around. Plus, my grandfather wouldn't let his brother in law sell it that cheap. It was worth way more than that. (He's losing some of his marbles)
Here's what it looked like that day:
im so happy
Anyway, that next year (july04- august 05) was spent on body work. There was a lot more rust than expected (as always) and more problems on the way. All the work was done at my grandfathers house (thank you very much!) and he did a lot of work when I wasn't there (THANK YOU!!!!) Seriously, he is probably one of the best bodywork people in CT, and can fix anything mechanical. I learned A LOT and know I can do just about anything to my car by myself. Well, to sum it up, awesome new paint, no rust, car runs great, and interior is great. Damn, it's so sweet now. AHHHH!! I wish it was spring. But today, it was 60 degrees(in January!!) and I washed it. Fun stuff. Anyway, this is what it looks like now:
(pic taken today)
Wow, i think thats the most I've ever typed outside of an essay.
Anyway, that's my story.
01-20-06 | 08:49 PM
#13
you know you want this
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 570
Likes: 9
From: inside
not sentimental, but im a changed man...
i guess i'll post one of these too. im fairly new to the rotary scene. having grown up in Detroit, i've built my share of V-8 musclecars, but wanted something truely different. joined the air force, got sent to alaska, yada, yada, etc. and this is where fate comes in. i told a buddie i was looking for a car to run SCCA Solo2 events, and was checking out an (old) porche 924 and a 84 nissan Z car. on the test drive of the Z, i happened to take a wrong turn and see this BEAUTIFUL 84 RX-7... with a for sale sign in the window. growing up in the motor city, i barely knew what a rotary was, but i decided to call the owner, and took a test drive the next day. the rest is history...barrowed $1500 from my friend (couldnt pay the full price up front, good thing i have a good friend... who also gave up his heated garage so i had a place to keep her safe in the winter) and drove off in my new car that day. i've always been (and still am) a fan of american muscle, but now im a changed man...
01-20-06 | 10:52 PM
#14
sfc711
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, La
I had this posted in another thread but believe it belongs here: Well I love both of my 7's but being 41yo, 23yrs in the Army, injured, spinal cord stimulator implanted in me that has malfunctioned since it was put in, live in an Apt sice I got divorced and no place to work on my cars, and do not want to see them just sitting there not being driven, reason why i got the 84 that I am going to let southernrunner get. I gave my 35yo brother my 85 GLS-SE with a 13B with A 12" Camden Roots supercharger and the works. I had my first RX7 which was a GLS-SE in 1984, spent my whole enlistment bonus on it when I got to Germany in Feb 84, bought it from a Captain who was going back to the states with a Mercedes that he just bought. Had that car until 88 when I got married and had my first child. Sold it and bought my 88 Conquest which I still have and had enough to buy my wife her little Nissan Pulsar, Divorced her in 89 and remarried in 91 to second wife(ex 2), We bought a house with 19Acres so she could have horses so I put my Quest in Storage. In 91 had the chance to get the 85 with the supercharger from a friend who was in financial trouble, car was featured in Nov 90 Turbo Magazine, have copy of mag here with car featured in it. When I got injured and wife decided to leave me because of not being able to walk, I agreed to let her have house as long as I got to keep the RX7 and my 89 Starion that I had bought. So now here I am with a 88 Quest, 89 Starion, 75 Midget, 85 RX7 and the 84 RX7. MY Quest and Starion are auto so it is easier for me to drive. I just might buy the 79 Savanna with the RHD because it is auto. You are right once you get 7 in the blood it is hard to get it out,Gary
01-20-06 | 11:40 PM
#15
i dont have much of a story but anyway
when i was living in new zealand i had a friend that was a car mainiac(crazy) we did lots of crazy cool stuff as we had lots of gravel roads and wiendy tarcel roads and only 2 cops in that whole area well anyway he had a toyota starlet like a 80 model he was fixing up i went round to vist one day and he had this odd looking engine sitting in it i was wtf
he could see i was confused so he cranked it over i got the bigest fright only had extrators on it started yelling at him its dieing its dieing as i never head this daaat daaat daat noise before went for a cruze it huald *** and if loved the rotars ever seince.so when i arrived in usa i thought i better get a rotar **** was it hard to find one which is cool no knows what the hell they are evan tho i havent got no mehcanic skills im determind to learn :c)
when i was living in new zealand i had a friend that was a car mainiac(crazy) we did lots of crazy cool stuff as we had lots of gravel roads and wiendy tarcel roads and only 2 cops in that whole area well anyway he had a toyota starlet like a 80 model he was fixing up i went round to vist one day and he had this odd looking engine sitting in it i was wtf
he could see i was confused so he cranked it over i got the bigest fright only had extrators on it started yelling at him its dieing its dieing as i never head this daaat daaat daat noise before went for a cruze it huald *** and if loved the rotars ever seince.so when i arrived in usa i thought i better get a rotar **** was it hard to find one which is cool no knows what the hell they are evan tho i havent got no mehcanic skills im determind to learn :c)
01-21-06 | 08:58 AM
#16
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Wow I never expected this many replies, its good to hear the background on our cars. Maybe a mod should pinn this thread.........Nice work guys. It really makes a difference when you see a restored car, your like wow thats nice. When you hear the story behind it, you begin to connect with it, and see the car in a different light. Thats about the time you can see the sweat, blood, money, and tears that made a dream a reality................
rbf41182gt tell your grandpa, nice job on the body, and you wont be disappointed with your car!
Skylance, thanks for the honor to gary, its appreciated.........
Im actually gonna paint a "in memory of gary" on my car.............
rbf41182gt tell your grandpa, nice job on the body, and you wont be disappointed with your car!
Skylance, thanks for the honor to gary, its appreciated.........
Im actually gonna paint a "in memory of gary" on my car.............
01-21-06 | 10:39 AM
#17
TACOCAT
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 1
From: Milky Way
Very cool thread......Now its my turn!
It was april/may of 2004. I was in the market to purchase a car. In all honesty i was looking just for any car, I really did not have a preferance. Well one day my mom's friend Mary told me she had an early 80's Mazda in her garage that she never drove anymore (she would always go on trips out of the country so she was hardly ever in town). I asked her what kind of mazda it was but she did not Even know!!! So off the bat i was assuming it was some peice of ****. So i actually jumped on line and i was trying to find pics of all of mazda's 1982 vehicle line. Well what was the first picture i see on google, it was a BEAUTIFUL smoked gray 82 RX-7 GSL with panasport rims. INISTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THAT PICTURE!!! So after my research I went to Mary's house to see what kind of mazda she actually had sitting at her house. i had hoped that that car in her garage was an rx-7 but in all honesty i was not expecting it. Well i roll up to her home and when she opened the garage there she was. White 82 Rx-7 GS with 88,000 original miles on the 12A. I asked how much she wanted for it and she told me 1500 bucks! So i went to my bank and withdrewl 1500 bucks from my checking and immediately bought the car. All i have to say is that this car has opened up alot of doors for me (its wired but cool) and i have met A LOT of very cool people with the same rotary passion as me. I never knew these cars would have such an affect on me but i LOVE IT!!!
Here is my baby today!
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...s/DSCN2546.jpg
It was april/may of 2004. I was in the market to purchase a car. In all honesty i was looking just for any car, I really did not have a preferance. Well one day my mom's friend Mary told me she had an early 80's Mazda in her garage that she never drove anymore (she would always go on trips out of the country so she was hardly ever in town). I asked her what kind of mazda it was but she did not Even know!!! So off the bat i was assuming it was some peice of ****. So i actually jumped on line and i was trying to find pics of all of mazda's 1982 vehicle line. Well what was the first picture i see on google, it was a BEAUTIFUL smoked gray 82 RX-7 GSL with panasport rims. INISTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THAT PICTURE!!! So after my research I went to Mary's house to see what kind of mazda she actually had sitting at her house. i had hoped that that car in her garage was an rx-7 but in all honesty i was not expecting it. Well i roll up to her home and when she opened the garage there she was. White 82 Rx-7 GS with 88,000 original miles on the 12A. I asked how much she wanted for it and she told me 1500 bucks! So i went to my bank and withdrewl 1500 bucks from my checking and immediately bought the car. All i have to say is that this car has opened up alot of doors for me (its wired but cool) and i have met A LOT of very cool people with the same rotary passion as me. I never knew these cars would have such an affect on me but i LOVE IT!!!
Here is my baby today!
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...s/DSCN2546.jpg
01-21-06 | 01:25 PM
#21
Full Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
when I was 17, I got my first 7. it was a red 89 convertible with an auto...sweet looking and sweet driving car...but not too fast. I love it, and I still have it...but the engine isn't functioning properly anymore, so I just bought a 79 with a streetported 13b...I've wanted a 7 since I was like 15...I really wanted a 944 since I was like 13, however, the 7 looked similar, was a vert, and was affordable. Ever since then, I've just been in love with the 7, and I'm looking forward to breaking in my 3rd 7.
01-21-06 | 04:17 PM
#22
what the hell.... i guess ill tell mine
i first came in contact with a rx-7 when i was 14. my freind had a black 1985 gsl-se. it was in pretty bad shape and i didnt like it at first. this was after the fast and the furious came out so i was a stupid kid and thought that a car with neons was cool. boy did that change. he was always taking me for rides, riping it up. it was so fun... even in the passanger seat. he eventually let me drive it. it was the first car i ever drove. it was so much fun. he ended up getting a second gsl-se. this one was in mint condition. he was stupid to let me drive that one, lol. he let me drive it by myself a couple times. eventually i had to move though (my dad is in the navy) i moved to where i live now when i was 15, and i missed that car with all my heart. thats when i decided i was going to get one. i searched and searched for 6 months. finally my freind told me that there was one about a half hour away. the guy wanted 1200 for it. i went and looked at it. it was in great shape overall. it had 233,000 miles, that was the only bad thing. i talked they guy down to 700 and bought it that day. i have now been working on it for 7 months and am now 17. i get my licence in a month. i took out the 12a and am puting in a bridgeported 13b. holley 650, msd ignition, ect. i cant wait to get that thing on the road. if i thought that gsl-se was fun... i will love this. but of course now i have more respect for cars and im not going to be ripping it up all through neighborhoods and ****. I LOVE ROTARIES AND RX-7s FOR LIFE!!!
erick
i first came in contact with a rx-7 when i was 14. my freind had a black 1985 gsl-se. it was in pretty bad shape and i didnt like it at first. this was after the fast and the furious came out so i was a stupid kid and thought that a car with neons was cool. boy did that change. he was always taking me for rides, riping it up. it was so fun... even in the passanger seat. he eventually let me drive it. it was the first car i ever drove. it was so much fun. he ended up getting a second gsl-se. this one was in mint condition. he was stupid to let me drive that one, lol. he let me drive it by myself a couple times. eventually i had to move though (my dad is in the navy) i moved to where i live now when i was 15, and i missed that car with all my heart. thats when i decided i was going to get one. i searched and searched for 6 months. finally my freind told me that there was one about a half hour away. the guy wanted 1200 for it. i went and looked at it. it was in great shape overall. it had 233,000 miles, that was the only bad thing. i talked they guy down to 700 and bought it that day. i have now been working on it for 7 months and am now 17. i get my licence in a month. i took out the 12a and am puting in a bridgeported 13b. holley 650, msd ignition, ect. i cant wait to get that thing on the road. if i thought that gsl-se was fun... i will love this. but of course now i have more respect for cars and im not going to be ripping it up all through neighborhoods and ****. I LOVE ROTARIES AND RX-7s FOR LIFE!!!
erick
01-21-06 | 04:35 PM
#23
guess im next....
i first found my rx7 while helping a friend (my current roommate) find a car as he didn't have one. at the time i was driving a smashed up b13 sentra, lightly modded and loving the **** out of it. the b13 was my first legal ride (i was under 18 when i had the camaro and the firebird). Well, we knew an old veteran taht was getting ready to move to a VA home in napa and he wanted to get rid of his car. he said there were some problems with it and he could't get it to pass smog so he was just going to give it away. i went and looked at it expecting to see some crappy mazda something......and instead saw the 7. i popped the hood and had him start it for me so i could hear it and the engine sounded good to me (didn't know anything about rotary engines at that point...didn't even know what a rotary was) and assumed that the problems could be fixed relatively easily. so my roomy got the car and drove it for about 3 months before the clutch master and slave cyls went out. we replaced them and did a tune up to attempt to pass smog......and failed horribly. every line of the printout was registered as a gross polluter and i was at least 2x over the max. he decided he did not want to fix it and was going to sell it. i told him to sell it to me and he said maybe. 3 days later i kissed the *** end of an SUV with my sentra (oops) and it died about 2 weeks later due to a blown head gasket with 240k miles on it. coulda rebuilt it but the body was so thrashed i didn't want it anymore. taslked the roomy in to selling it to me for 300 and made payments for 6 months (yes i am that poor). since then i have done much work to it and am doing much more. i only got to drive it a few times but during those runs i tested top end speed, accelleration, handling in shallow turns, and even drifted it a few times (the first time i drifted in to the neighbors garbage cans lol...the car got away from me with that surprising boost of rear wheel power) since then, i have decided to restore it to stock condition (goes classic in 2 years) and give it to my niece when she is 18 if i still have it (she is 14 months right now)
i first found my rx7 while helping a friend (my current roommate) find a car as he didn't have one. at the time i was driving a smashed up b13 sentra, lightly modded and loving the **** out of it. the b13 was my first legal ride (i was under 18 when i had the camaro and the firebird). Well, we knew an old veteran taht was getting ready to move to a VA home in napa and he wanted to get rid of his car. he said there were some problems with it and he could't get it to pass smog so he was just going to give it away. i went and looked at it expecting to see some crappy mazda something......and instead saw the 7. i popped the hood and had him start it for me so i could hear it and the engine sounded good to me (didn't know anything about rotary engines at that point...didn't even know what a rotary was) and assumed that the problems could be fixed relatively easily. so my roomy got the car and drove it for about 3 months before the clutch master and slave cyls went out. we replaced them and did a tune up to attempt to pass smog......and failed horribly. every line of the printout was registered as a gross polluter and i was at least 2x over the max. he decided he did not want to fix it and was going to sell it. i told him to sell it to me and he said maybe. 3 days later i kissed the *** end of an SUV with my sentra (oops) and it died about 2 weeks later due to a blown head gasket with 240k miles on it. coulda rebuilt it but the body was so thrashed i didn't want it anymore. taslked the roomy in to selling it to me for 300 and made payments for 6 months (yes i am that poor). since then i have done much work to it and am doing much more. i only got to drive it a few times but during those runs i tested top end speed, accelleration, handling in shallow turns, and even drifted it a few times (the first time i drifted in to the neighbors garbage cans lol...the car got away from me with that surprising boost of rear wheel power) since then, i have decided to restore it to stock condition (goes classic in 2 years) and give it to my niece when she is 18 if i still have it (she is 14 months right now)
01-21-06 | 04:49 PM
#25
Thanks, Yes that is the Chateau Silver. There is only 5000 of these babys made. It was an limited edition model they released in 1983. As stated above it has been family owned ever since.
The interior has taken a beating (red) and living it Texas the sun takes its toll. I am in the process of restoring it now. I have the seats redone, The rear hatch and dash are next.
The interior has taken a beating (red) and living it Texas the sun takes its toll. I am in the process of restoring it now. I have the seats redone, The rear hatch and dash are next.
Last edited by MattG; 01-21-06 at 04:51 PM.