Comments: 1-15, 16-19
I have had nothing serious wrong with the FC, however as this is a review and people may want to buy one I will put down a list of common problems:
- The gearbox is not weak, but the rotary engine (13B) is very powerful making the gearbox feel weak.
- It is very easy to break the Limited Slip Differential because, of once again, the power of the 13B power.
If you are a looking for a comfortable four seater car that you can use to tow around the family, this car is not for you. The RX7 is a purebred sports car, that is, it was made for sports (unlike a lancer or commodore).
This car is known for its maneuverability, and in its time is was the best cornering car out there (and still is one of the best)
There are certain risk when buying a rotary engine powered car (especially a turbo) as although they are more reliable then your conventional engine (less moving parts) if damaged they are hard to repair and you must go to a specialist, however a whole new engine is only around $1500 (AUS)
The RX7s looks are timeless and it still turns heads due to its looks as well as its purrrfect like sound (most people agree, even non-rotor fans, that the rotary engine sounds the best) - the chicks love them too.
Nice review man. I am also in Australia (Perth) and I am deciding if I should get an '87 RX7 (13B) or an '87 - '89 Honda Integra (1.6L). I would prefer 4 seats, but then again, the power of an RX7...So I am unsure really. Integras are pretty quick, but we both know whats quicker. Can you weigh up any differences between both?
An integra is nice, but man, i'd definitely go with the rx-7, rotaries are extremely NON-complex engines, as well are they very light. both are very big advantages, plus less tuning since you don't have valves to worry about, that also means super high RPMs. believe me I can go on forever, stick with the rotary!!
I'll assume U are speaking of the Japanese spec Xsi Integra with the b16a donk. Both will be fast cars (RX-7 faster) & both really fun to drive fast. I have an '88 fc3s, and a close friend has a Vti-R. Though different to the '89, they are fundamentally the same and equal in speed. The RX-7 has many drawbacks. Interior space, fuel comsumption, noise etc. But it does excel in acceleration and handling. The Integra will seat four, is very fuel efficient, quiet with pleasant idle quality, & being FF, is (IMO) easier & safer to control on the limit. The Integra is practical. Both cars have ample aftermarket support. If you have another car for 'practicality' or just plain don't care, then the RX-7 with it's thoroughbred design and true sporting qualities should be what U want. If you couldn't care for rear-wheel-drive & think boost is for wussies, then the Integra's 8300rpm redline & lighter kerb weight should put the smile on your face.
I went for the FC.
The integra is much more slower and it sucks.
I am now looking at a 2nd generation 1987 to buy, but I'm a family man and feel guilty buying this car because really and truly it will be for me.
However all the comments I have read sounds like this should be my one indulgence
Any comments.
Definitely indulge!!! You WON'T be disappointed, just make sure you look it over real good. A few things to look for when buying are, proper idle after warm-up (750-850 rpm's), stays relatively cool (no higher than 1/2 on temp gauge), no smoke (give it a few good rev's after she has warmed up to see) and make sure it starts easy when cold and warm (if battery is low on charge don't even attempt to start it). I've owned a whole bunch of RX's and if I don't have at least one at all times to drive I start going thru withdrawals. NOT a daily driver unless you are mechanically inclined and you research all the quarks of these cars. There are a lot of tricks and techniques to a smooth daily drive along with a good amount of preventative maintenance. DON'T let me scare you, without a doubt the BEST bang for your buck and TOTALLY worth it as you will see if you drive one. Oh and by the way "family man" there are also 2+2's (4 seats), this may help you feel better about buying a tried and TRUE sports car! If I can help let me know (angelruss@optonline.net). Happy hunting!
My brother is looking at a 1987 Mazda RX7 (manual transmission) with about 60K original miles. He says it runs good and is very clean. The only thing he noticed is that it makes a "clicking sound" when shifting gears. Is this normal?? Other than that the car shows no problems. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for the help.
Mike.
Hey, I have 1987 rx7 that your talking about when your shifting the gear is some thing clicking. That is nothing. Don't worry, yours is OK. are you sure its not tranny if that's not a tranny, its OK. your car is good. you can change that shifter to the short shifter. the shifter I'm talking about is good at making your car shift fast. the kind of car I'm telling you is fast, & good handling, that's why I'm keeping my car. pick any car to race you, there nothing.
submitted by - fair10lady
Ya I'm thinking of buying an RX-7 and I came across this website. I just sold my black 82 trans-am so I'm going through mad withdrawls.. and I need a car that gets decent gas mileage that still rips, but I'm worried about engine trouble. is there any things I should look out for when I go looking.???
About the comment on the Integra above: why would you think of a FF configuration as an advantage? IMO, if you feel that you need a bunch of understeer to control the car at its limits, you don't have any business trying to drive it that hard.
The Integra is a good car, but not as sporty as the RX-7. The RX-7's handling balance is literally perfect. Perfect.
I have two 1989 NA RX7s and an 87 which is my daily driver. I enjoy the attention that I get because of the looks and sound. Yes there are A few minor drawbacks to owning a rotory engine, but if you fall in love with it,like everyone who owns one does, they can be overlooked. Besides everyone has A Honda. And with a few mods they will trump a Integra in EVERY aspect, except conformity.
I was just wondering how many MPG the RX7 '87 gets?
Based on all the praises you people have been singing for the RX7. I think I need to add a few pointers. The RX7 is a nice car, and I've always loved it, but with it comes it's own set of problems as every car has.
The number 1 problem is the apex seal. If I'm not wrong, it's the number 1 reason for engine failure. It makes things worse if you have a turbo, as it may take out the exhaust turbines with it. When that happens, good luck, you're in for an engine rebuild and a turbo rebuild which is costly. I've heard people who had their apex seals replaced every year or 2. The good thing about rotaries is they are simple engines. So it won't be as expensive to rebuild as say, a 4 cylinder or 6.
Rotaries are very picky about the kinda oils they get. From what I know, you can't just go out and buy any synthetic oil, and mazda themselves recommend minerals. They also have a high oil consumption rate.
Rotaries are known to perform almost their capacity. EG: 1.3 performing like a 2.0, but unfortunately consumes more petrol due to the inefficient way of combustion.
I'm just writing the down side, there are a lot of plus points to the rotaries, which pple have already stated.
Cheers.
Keef.
Thanks Keef, its good to hear the draw backs and things to look for - I'm interested in a 1987 RX7 GTU and id like to know what to look for.. any suggestions or comments to help email me (dothej@yahoo.com) - I appreciate it..
- Shane.
I'm selling my 1988 RX-7 SE. Second Owner 95,000 miles.
Email me at amallett@sagaouterwear.com for more details
-andy.