1987 Mazda RX7 FC3S Non - Turbo from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

In general the car has been very reliable, especially for a rotary.

Upon purchase new spark plugs were required and a full service was completed.

At 190 000km the car required an injection service and diagnostic testing. Included in this was a new idle control mechanism ($200 Australian dollars).

The Series 4 Mazda RX7 is the best handling car I have ever driven for under $20 000 (AUD).

With its perfect weight distribution and stiff suspension it can take corners faster and safer than most other cars on the road.

When combined with slightly wider tyres and some stiffer suspension, the RX7 handles even better and is more than sufficient for track work.

With a set of performance brake pads the Series 4 RX7 brakes are also up to harsh treatment on the race track. Consistently 'pulling up' with little fading of brake response. If continued track work or hard driving is on the cards an upgrade to slotted rotors such as those made by Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) are the way to go to increase stopping power and increase their heat dissipation capabilities.

The interior of the RX7 is both comfortable and attractive. With 'race' style seats and a tidy instrument set-up the 1980's RX7 is comparable with many 1990's cars.

The exterior of the second generation RX7 speaks for itself. It is one of the most attractive, yet 'tough' looking cars ever sold in Australia. When combined with a larger set of wheels, a lower ride height and a 'turbo bonnet' the rx7's aesthetics are improved even further.

While the non turbo engine lacks true power out of the factory (146hp) there are a few simple and relatively cheap modifications that can be made to increase both acceleration and top speed. On my RX7 I have fitted a stainless steel high flow exhaust system and a 'ram pod' air filter. Combined with some minor computer alterations the car is now comparable with many 13b turbo vehicles. It is also cheaper to run and more reliable than comparable turbo rotary vehicles.

However, if large power gains are to be achieved a turbo motor swap is the way to go.

Hey, I was wondering if you know anything about the rx7 exhaust systems, as mine keeps failing aire care, its the same model as yours. It has the tip effect going for it right now, as I know the exhaust and muffler have to be redone, but will that fix the fumes that are emitted, and help me pass? if you can help email me.

Kris_m_17@hotmail.com.

Hi,

I have a '88 GTU RX-7 in the USA and my exhaust from the cat back needs to be replaced, and I want a Hi-Flow system. Any recommendations?

So you have been lucky, no flooding, your clock still works, and the wipers work, that's excellent!

Thanks, Wrock1414@aol.com.

Consider a dynomax cat back exhaust because it has been tuned specifically for your RX7. The stainless steel mufflers will stand up to the high exhaust temperatures of the rotory while inferior mufflers can burn out prematurely. A high flow or generic cat will lower back pressure while custom preconverters may increase emissions. I have done all this to my RX7 and like the sound and power, but I will not bother with a header because it only increases horsepower by about 4 and it would increase under hood and exhaust temperatures.