Greetings! Great site, lots of good info, and I'm hoping to tap some of that collective knowledge....

The Mrs and I are currently restructuring in the "hobby" department due to the pending arrival of "offspring #1". Thus, the 65 mph, 28' Powerquest offshore boat has left the premises (side note - did you know that "boat" is actually an acronym that stands for B.reak O.ut A.nother T.housand? Tis true...)

I'm now looking for a new hobby, but one that is more affordable and that can be done closer to home. So, I'm thinking of going back to my pre-boat days and picking up an older car to play with; specifically, I'm thinking long and hard about running something in the SCCA Solo II autocross events around here.

Right now, I'm trying to think about what vehicle to run. Knocking around the idea of a late-mid 90's Mustang GT, but I've always liked the RX-7, and I remember reading road tests that praised its handling prowess. And the prices certainly look right - lots of cars in the $1-2K range...

So, any advice? Any particular year that is better or worse (I like the idea of a 13B engine - after all, more hp is always better, right?), any common problems/issues/features to look for - or look out for? What are rebuild prices for things like an engine or tranny? I've never owned a rotary, but I'm not afraid to swing the wrenches (or curse at the bloody thing ) but I do like to have a professional do the 'big ticket' items.

This will not be a daily driver (at least not yet, though my projects seem to have a way of escalating...) and I'm not looking to win any trophies (see previous comment ).

Any and all thoughts are welcome... thanks in advance...

 

Ah autocross... My newest adventure. Let me lend you my observations on what I've seen down here in the DFW area.

First off I drive an 85 GSL-SE which has been in C-stock (the SE has the advatage of the 13b engine, 4wheel disks and 14" wheels) The 1st gen Rx7s are very compeditive in CS, as well as CSP (both 12a and 13b, the 13b obviously a little more so). Although, the Normally aspirated Toyota MR2s are getting increasingly dificult to beat.

I have seen very few second generation Rx7s (86-91)out at the track and the ones I have seen don't do teribly well. The 3rd gens compete in the Super Stock category, and do pretty well. Supposedly the handle wonderfully. Unfortunately, unless you happen to be driving a Z06 in that class, don't expect to win the trophy.

The advantage of the 1st gen Rx7 is the fact that the availibilty of aftermarket parts is tremendous, and quite affordable in comparison to most other cars. A full suspension can be built (near top of the line) for roughly $1500. Engine rebuilds are about the same, maybe a little more.

As for the mustang; I don't see many out on the course, especially not the pre-94 body style. The newer cobras run alright in SM, but that's expensive. I think most people have decided those cars were more inclinded to go straight than turn.

If you have other questions, I'd be glad to help out, as I'm sure others would be. The main question you have to ask is, how much $$$ do you want to spend? That will narrow your choices considerably.

 

rx7gslse,

Interesting thoughts - I posted the same msg (more or less) on the 2nd gen board as well. Not to start a flame war, but the response I got there was that the 2nd gen 7's rule the roost in their class Ah well, probably depends on where you compete

In any case, I'm partial to the first gen - like the styling better, for one - and was a little confused on what options became available when. Specifically, the larger wheels, a limited slip axle (why in the world would you build a sports car w/o a limited slip? Am I missing something here?) and especially the 13b.

Also like the fact that I can pick up a 1st gen for ~1K, and even if I have to rebuild the engine for $1500, its still less than most of the 2nd gen cars I've seen around on traderonline.com.

Since it's not a daily driver, I like the fact that the 1st gens seem to have less geegaws on them - that's just more stuff to break...

Thanks for the info - might be looking in another couple months (hey, I'm in Michigan and everything is frozen up here )

 

No flame war started.. All I said about 2nd gens was that the couple I've seen haven't done well. I'm sure they can be capable.

In our region we usually get about 7 1st gens and 2-3 3rd, usually no 2nds. Anyway...

As far as models go, it sounds like you are looking for a GSL-SE. This was the top of the line one produced in 84 and 85. The two years are identical for all practical purposes. These were the only models that came with the 13b, rated at 135HP, 133ft-lbs, the 14" wheels, and a 4.077 LSD. You could get an LSD (3.9?)and 4 wheel disk brakes on the GSL(also on the-SE ), but it had a less powerful 12a. One other major difference is the -SE has a very common bolt pattern for switching wheels, the others have a quite obscure pattern that makes it difficult to find wheels for.

The disadvantage of the -SE is that it also came with a veritable plethora of other options (weight) i.e PS,PW,A/C, Sunroof,Leather,Fucky Stereo with separate amps etc etc etc... This can be removed if you wish to create a race car of course, but some prefer the 12a cars because they are somewhat more"tossable"

It comes down to preference in the end between the 1st and 2nd gens. Obviously on this side of the board you are going to get a 1st gen preference, but to each his own.... Hope that helps!

Anything else?

 

One other thing... anyone know where a n00b like me can find a table or matrix that shows how the various models/engines/years fit together?

Seems to me that Mazda had a propensity for alphabet-soup model designations back then (not uncommon, actually!) and I be a po' unedumacated dummy - help, please!

 

1st Gen's RULE!


LOL, okay now that I have that out of my system. I just wanted to share my expeirence. If you want to cruise on the road and relax I would recommend a 2nd Gen, but if you want to some excitement and screeming "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee woo hoo!!!" all the way around a sharp corner you want to go with a 1st gen (the two i recommend are GSL and GSLSE both and limited slip & 4 brake disks). I personally think the 1st gens are alot more fun to drive. You can get a 1st gen at good prices because alot of people don't know what they can do. Upgrades are fairly cheap and effective. I love the 12a engine but for what you want is the 13b (NA or Turbo), more zoom zoom.

I know that this is a great place for information and I would like to welcome you to the board.

 

You could do what I did buy a non sunroof(30 lb's uphigh =bad) 84gswith a blown motor and put a rx-4 13B 4 port carb motor in ,94 to01 miata torsen center section,poly bushes adj. struts and shocks bigger front and rear sway bars. This car ripps 2'nd gen's,and most cars two classes up. ALL for $3000 including buying the car! It's great to kill a Z06 and look him in the eye and say oh I'm in to this car for less than your down payment p.s. that's $3000 CND. that's what ?1500 US?

 

And the best part is, at this level of spending it is much easier to gain CFO approval! (note to you single folks - you'll understand once you're married!)

Looks like I'm going to start shopping for a first gen, preferably a 84-85 GSLSE, although I'd look at something else. Anyone know of a good one up in the Great Lakes area?

 

Try looking in www.grassrootsmotorsports.com there's an 84/85 csp car for sale with all the work done GAS AND GO !! might be a bit of a drive to pick up but worth it.

 

If you are looking for an already built one, check out

www.improvedtouring.com also. You can get a decent setup for about 4, real nice for about 6. But half of the fun is building it yourself, like me!

Now if I just had more cash...........

 

From GRM webpage...

For Sale: 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE. White with burgundy interior. Sunroof, PW, PDL - A/C removed. Upgraded suspension - adjustable camber plates, adjustable shocks and struts, Eibach springs, sway bars, panhard rod, etc. Upgraded brakes with new slotted rotors, carbon-kevlar pads, and ss brake lines. Aftermarket front air-dam with functional brake ducts, aftermarket rear spoiler. Factory GSL-SE rims on car with generic tires - 15X6 Panasport rims also included. Awesome handling and stopping - excellent autocross car or street "toy". High mileage on engine (13B - fuel injected), but runs strong and always starts immediately. Somewhat cosmetically challenged - faded paint, worn interior - but basically straight and very solid. Car located in Greenville, SC. $1600.00 OBRO. Call (864) 855-9372 and ask for Bruce - leave message if no answer.


I repeat, HOLY CRAP, that's a good deal....

 

I can definately see how some might think the second gen doesn't perform. I ran my 90 GXL a couple of times and it was pretty ackward to navigate the track. Heavy, dull, and the DTSS makes cornering difficult, even with good tires.
I think if you are considering a car for auto-x, the 1st gen is probably going to be the best bang for the buck. I love spinning my GSL out at 90 mph and kicking it sideways on wet roads. I'm going to go against the general consensus here and recommend against the -SE; the one I drove seemed like it was geared too high, and lacking low to midrange torque. I also like the solid rear end in my GSL because its extremely predictable.
I'll be running a few events this spring and I'll have probably post some 1st hand comparisons between last year in the FC and this year in the FB.

 

BY -SE your talking 2nd' gen right? first gen kicks stock 12-A just by a little bit (35 more horse and more torque) but a little heavier.But has deeper rear gearing,posi and better brakes.If your talking 2nd' gen I do agree with that,their too under powered in nonturbo form, turbo with some susp. changes they work o.k.

 

Actually, I mean the GSL-SE. I thought it was weak for around town driving. It seemed more like it was geared for the hiway. I wasn't aware that it actually had a shorter rear-end.
My GSL has posi and 4-wheel disk. It seemed easier to lug a higher gear than the GSL-SE; I only drove one once so my initial impression could have been wrong.

 

You might have driven a sick one .But the 12-a and 13-b first gen's perform almost the same with the 13-b JUST haveing the upper hand.

 

D_D,

I see two options here. First, get an SE which comes with everything stock. Second, get a stripper model and replace everything since the car is old anyway. When you buy most performance replacement parts, they fit both models. So, you might not pay as much for a stripper model (lighter too) and open up your options.

I remember looking at this RX-7 for sale a while back. I don't know if he is still selling it or not, though. Worth asking.

Aaron