I'm currently in the market for an FD. I don't know as much about these cars as I would like to, so I'm looking to purchase some books that would give me some more background information. If you guys know of any good FD books that would help a soon to be FD owner, please let me know. Thanks.

 

Oh, & I already realize the best way to learn about the FD is through 'hands-on' experience... so you can skip that comment.

 

The books by Yamaguchi and Matras are very good for providing background info on the development and history of the FD. However, your best source for technical knowledge of the FD is the factory service manual, www.fd3s.net, and this forum.

AFAIK, there are NO books that go into DETAILED technical info on the FD...except the FSM.

 

No tech books at all? I'm kind of suprised by that... within the right circle, these cars are very popular (after all... they are 10+ years old & still popular)

 

i dont know of any books...but there is a shitload of inof on this forum and other sites.

Basic info about different models

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/books.html

http://members.ij.net/mrmazda/cfaqmenu.html

 

the shop manual is ok. it's not great, just ok. there's a book that mazda published called "technical highlights" or something that was given to the mazda techs when the FD's first came out. it's basically a brienf overview of all technical aspects of the FD, and that might keep you entertained for a bit. other than that, there's that rx-7 performance guide that i thought was pretty disappointing

other than that, just hang around the forum to learn everything you need to know. and the yamaguchi book and the brian long one are both really fun reads

 

I've got pretty much every RX-7 book I've been able to get my hands on - here's the quick scoop.

The Yamaguchi book - EXCELLENT. They can be tricky to find, as it's not in print - hit up Ebay. It's a hardcover book and just says "RX-7" really big on the cover. After reading it you will want to buy an FD all over again. GORGEOUS photography.

Brian Long's RX-7 book - again, EXCELLENT. It's the history of the rotary and Mazda, basically - it's VERY accurate, lots of great photos and info on the cars from overseas. A bit pricey, only available in hardcover, but it's in print. Must have.

The Matras RX-7 Sports Car Color History Book - decent, it was the history book before Long's. Has some errors in it and omissions, and it's a bit out of date now. But, it's cheap and worth having.

RX-7 Performance Handbook - it's a waste. LOTS of errors, very basic info, and you'd get far better info on modifying an RX-7 from browsing the forum. Skip it unless you've got money burning a hole in your pocket.

Mazda shop manual - it's a must have if you're gonna do any work on your car. It's about $80 from Malloy Mazda (888-533-3400, ask for Ray Crowe) and has EVERYTHING about the car. The Service Highlights book is also a good idea - get the '93 book, as that has all the info, the later books only have whatever Mazda updated for that model year. The SH book is about $30 or so.

That's the gist of the RX-7 specific books - there's some more that cover 1st and 2nd gens. Considering what a rare car the RX-7 is, there's QUITE a bit out there book-wise. There's also tons of general books on automotive topics, like Corky Bell's book on turbos, various race car books, books on suspension, etc.

Dale

 

I've got a 1993 RX7. Since the yamguchi book was written prior to the 3rd Gens coming out... would I be better to get the Long book first? (Don't have $100 to spend on 2 books)

 

Actually the Yamaguchi book has about 90% information on the 3rd gen. The book has alot of info for the car from the beginning drawing to all the final details of the 3rd gen. Lots of pictures. I have one like new for sale. $20+ $5 shipping= $25 Let me know if someone want it.

 

Sold To Me Sent Pm

 

Just PM you.

 

will shipped your book tomorrow. Thanks.

 

As others have said, the Yamaguchi book is the best one on the design of the car. Everything else is secondary.

This source isn't as well known as some other online sites, but it's very good at explaining some of the design and durability defects of the car. I often recommend it to newcomers. It's one of the chapters left out of the RX-7 Peformance Handbook. And best of all, it's free!

http://www.speednation.com/mystery2.htm

 

That's not true. I've got a softcover copy of this book, although when I ordered it, I expected a hardcover one.

 

I agree, if you're looking to modify your car this book doesn't tell you much. But the chapter I linked above, which was left out of the book, is a very good summary and I don't believe there are any inaccuracies in it.