My God, I haven't posted on this thread yet?
I just love reminscing about the past!
:]
My first rotary:
'88 Turbo II RX-7
It was clean as hell. Ran GREAT. Great starter mod-list when I got it, and it was surprisingly fast for 10psi on the T4 turbo I had in it. Super nice interior for a late 80's car too. I loved driving that car. Only problems I ever had for the year+ I had it, were old-car related...pinion diff seal, diff mounts...that kinda stuff.
Next up:
'93 RX-7 Twin-Turbo Touring/R1
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Looks great...torquier than the FC...amazing interior and stock BOSE system (part of the Touring package). Overall, it's a VERY fun drive. The OS Giken twin-plate clutch + short-shifter in mine, are a little much for daily-driving though.
In general, I do feel the FC was much more reliable. And with the added help of removed emissions, it was surprisingly easy for a not-so-mechanically inclined person such as myself, to work on
In general, FD's are EXTREMELY expensive to not only maintain, but also difficult to work on. The sequential system for the stock twin-turbo's is rediculous, thus I went non-sequential. Even beyond that, they have so many more flaws, STOCK, regarding cheap/poorly-effective parts, that in themself, damn near REQUIRE upgrading. The stock computer is unforgiving when working with aftermarket upgrades, and pre-detonation as well as fuel-cut are a strong possibility, even at stock boost level on a cold night if you're not careful. The stock radiator has plastic end-tanks, and is prone to basically taking a dump after some time. Also, the stock "Air-Separation Tank", which is like a baby coolant resevoir that basically burps air bubbles out of the system for you, is PLASTIC....and with all the generated heat produced by that motor, along with the 99% plastic vacuum lines...are EXTREMELY prone to becoming brittle and simply breaking. That in itself can cause MANY 'sudden-death' moments for the motor.
In general, again, I found the FC was much more SIMPLE, and easier to work on. Thanks mostly in part to the stock SINGLE-turbo...which is why about 60% of FD owners go single-turbo. Simple, space-reducing, and predictable.
In general, an FD is a HORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIBLE choice for any first-timer rotary, and/or RWD-er, or first time turbo-driver. Without ANY form of experience in any of those categories, the 'joys' OF owning an FD, can be easily abused, because shit...it IS fun to drive.
Look...if you want an RX-7 that badly, pick up a clean 89-91 RX-7...N/A or Turbo II is allright. The 89-91 body-styling and interior changed for the better over the 86-88 for sure. They look GREAT, and still have massive potential.
Take a look:
If you've at least done some considerable research regarding general rotary maitenence and "Do's and Don't's" then either a N/A or T2 is a great first-time rotary vehicle, In my opinion, an FC makes for a better teacher of how a rotary engine works..and is great preparation for owning any other rotary vehicle. But again...even going from a Turbo II to a 3rd gen...you're talking a WHOLE different monster..FD's require ALOT more maintence, and the motors are alot more 'fragile', initialy...without proper care. Modifications like an upgraded intercooler, radiator, air-separation tank, and aftermarket ECU (chipped, piggy-back, or standalone) are great, not only for increasing horse-power and tunability, but for even increasing the longevity of the motor by increasing the actual effectiveness of the 2 most important things that keep a rotary engine running strong: One, running cool. Two, running at appropriate air/fuel ratios as to prevent pre-detonation, fuel-cut, and general fuel-related problems. Those are the two biggest killers of rotary engines. And no, not all fkin' rotary engine blow at 40k, 50k, 60k miles. It's ALL about how they are maintained throughout those miles. Period.
Look...I've already typed like half a page.
If you want ANY RX-7, just go to www.rx7club.com and www.nopistons.com and just READ READ READ.
I'm spent.
Thanks for your time, guys.
I hope I was informative.
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