tjl@tekchips.UUCP (Terry Ligocki) (03/26/85)
I am considering buying a Mazda Rx7 (for various reasons) and I am looking for the answers to some specific questions and peoples general impressions. I am most interested in the GSL-SE. This is because it is the only model with all the performance features. I would REALLY like to get one without the luxury features (sun/moonroof, air conditioning, stereo, etc.) for a lower price but I haven't had much luck. My first question is: Is there anyway to get an Rx7 GSL-SE WITHOUT all the luxury features? They claim to come standard with just about everything. Is there anyway around this (e.g. ordering through some kind of international concern)? I don't know much about this and I would like to be better informed. I not in a real time bind to purchase the car so I AM interested in all methods. A close second is: What is the current state of Mazda's (the world's) rotary engine technology? Mazda's rotary engine used to have seal problem (that could be fixed by countersinking some bolts, or so I was told). Are there still similar problems? Are there fixes (I am willing to have mods made on a new car)? Now on to a specific technical questions (these grew out of comparing the GS with the GSL-SE)... Of what importance is the 'performance-tuned rear suspension'? What are the advantages/disadvantages of a fuel injected rotary engine (vs. a 2-stage, 4-barrel carb)? Finally, what are peoples general impressions of the Rx7 (and Mazda). I really like the styling and the HP they get out of a 70-80 cu. in. rotary engine. Please reply by mail and I will summarize the comments if it seems appropriate. Thank-you one and all. Terry J. Ligocki tektronix!tekchips!tjl
cal@pyramid.UUCP (Craig Alan Levin) (03/29/85)
After owning 3 RX-7's ('79 GS, '82 GSL, & '85 GSL-SE) I feel I am
qualified to answer your questions. We still have #1 & #3.
>> Is there anyway to get an Rx7 GSL-SE WITHOUT all the luxury features?
>> They claim to come standard with just about everything. Is there
>> anyway around this (e.g. ordering through some kind of international
>> concern)?
Not in the US, and Mazda has made it difficult to "grey market"
any of their cars. ( I would really like to get one of the new
Cosmos - Turbo 13B engine in a sedan). You can special order an
S version and get an after market 13B engine. That is as long as
you don't want to register it in California.
>> What is the current state of Mazda's (the world's) rotary engine
>> technology? Mazda's rotary engine used to have seal problem (that
>> could be fixed by countersinking some bolts, or so I was told). Are
>> there still similar problems? Are there fixes (I am willing to have
>> mods made on a new car)?
I have 101,000 miles on the '79 and it still goes to Tahoe every
weekend to go skiing. The repairs have been water pump, clutch,
pilot bearing, U joints, and tires every 40K miles. Of the over
a dozen people I have convinced to buy RX-7's instead of anything
else, none have had any internal engine troubles. I have put
headers and removed the Smog pump from the '79. It is almost as
quick as the '85, but does not have the same smooth power curve.
>> Of what importance is the 'performance-tuned rear suspension'?
I have not noticed much difference in the rear suspension that a
good pair of Koni's would not fix. But the limited-slip, not
available on the S & GS, is a must.
>> What are the advantages/disadvantages of a fuel injected rotary
>> engine (vs. a 2-stage, 4-barrel carb)?
The EGI system adds the smoothness to the power curve. But much
more horsepower is available using weber configuration. In Japan
they have a turbo version, called savanah, that may be here in
'86-87, but that depends upon the voluntary import quotas.
>> Finally, what are peoples general impressions of the Rx7 (and Mazda).
Before buying my third RX-7, I looked at everything. The only
cars I found that even tempted me were the Ferrari 308 and Lotus
Turbo Elite. At 3-4 times the price of the GSL-SE, the choice
was more than obvious. It was not only the offered features but
the cost of ownership. When I traded in my '82 after 3 years and
35K miles I got back 80% of the original cost.et@bmcg.UUCP (Eric Thune) (03/30/85)
> > Is there anyway to get an Rx7 GSL-SE WITHOUT all the luxury features? > They claim to come standard with just about everything. Is there > anyway around this (e.g. ordering through some kind of international > concern)? I don't know much about this and I would like to be better > informed. I not in a real time bind to purchase the car so I AM > interested in all methods. > Not that I know of, but I think the options are well worth the price. > A close second is: > > What is the current state of Mazda's (the world's) rotary engine > technology? Mazda's rotary engine used to have seal problem (that > could be fixed by countersinking some bolts, or so I was told). Are > there still similar problems? Are there fixes (I am willing to have > mods made on a new car)? > The rotary engines in Rx7's are known for their reliablity. A recent (within the last year) Road and Track had a report on an rx7 they had for over 77k miles. They claimed to have no engine problems whatsoever and further stated that the only time one of them got stuck in the car was because of a broken steering wheel lock. The seal problem you are refering to had to do with the seals on the apexes of the rotors. This problem was solved long ago with the first rx7s. Also, the GSL-SE's seals are further improved for greater durablity for the increased horsepower. > Now on to a specific technical questions (these grew out of comparing > the GS with the GSL-SE)... > > Of what importance is the 'performance-tuned rear suspension'? > All 84 and later rx7s have this rear suspension modification. It lowered the rear axel link arms (i think) about 20 mm to reduce rear wheel hop because of the live axel. > What are the advantages/disadvantages of a fuel injected rotary > engine (vs. a 2-stage, 4-barrel carb)? > The fuel injected 13B rotary provides ALOT more torque at lower RPMs than the standard 12A engine as well as 35% more horsepower at 6000 RPM. Another thing to consider is the actual differences between the GS and the GSL-SE. The GSL-SE (and the GSL) have front and rear vented disc brakes and a limited-slip rear end. Only the GSL-SE has the 13B fuel injected engine. It also has a beefed up clutch to withstand the increased horsepower. By the way, if you want an SE, I would hurry. Mazda is changing the body style next year and supercharging the rotary engine. No doubt a fun car, but since it is to compete with 300ZXs and 944s the price is likely to increase by a large number. > Finally, what are peoples general impressions of the Rx7 (and Mazda). > I own a GSL-SE and truly love the car. For the money, there are not that many other cars that i consider to be comparable. I can't believe with all this talk on the net about low priced sports cars, nobody has brought up the Rx7. The standard Rx7 starts at only 11k. I've driven daytonas and lasers and don't even think they compare. As for muscle cars, show me one that will rev to over 7000 RPM (stock). Eric Thune Burroughs Advanced Systems Group San Diego, Ca !bmcg!asg!et