Motors Opinions on Mazda RX7 Turbo (FC3S model)

I'm just wondering if anyone has owned or owns a Mazda RX7 Turbo (FC3S - the late '80s early '90s model). I know the performance figures on paper, the engines don't last long between rebuilds (60k miles seems quite normal) due to the apex seals, the fuel consumption is erm... "not great" and they are absolutely beautiful.

I'd like to know how they handle and generally what they're like to own/drive as I'm considering getting one at some point over the next 12 months or so.

 

My friend has an 88. It's fun to drive, handles awesome.. But the engine life really is what people say.. He's got 98k on his and its starting to show majorly now.... Fun car none the less!

 

ya the rotary engine isnt all that reliable (if u take care of it good itll last a good while) but its still alot more work than normal engines

id get one none the less, cuz there hot

 

NiHiLiST - Get one mate! My mate had one and I am desperate for one - they are awesome cars with fantastic handling, the lightweigt Wankel engine is set quite far back in the car and they are fantastic! Just get the engine well checked over before you buy!

 

How much do they weigh, and whats the stock power when new/freshly rebuilt?

 

For the last Turbo FC, the power was 200 bhp (Approx a 1.3 engine!), the weight was les than 2600 lb - From Wiki.

 

Ryszvaldo, I'd say a 2.6-litre (4-stroke) is more comparable to the 13B engine than a 1.3-litre. I think I'll certainly have to test drive one based on what you guys have said; just got to try and find one at a dealer now as I don't like wasting private sellers' time if I'm just seeing what the cars are like in general without the intention of buying theirs in particular.

 

I was talking about displacement mate. Just my favourite car, get one and let me ride in it!

 

2600lb = just under 1200kg. Sorry but that just isn't lightweight. Nice power though.

 

As much as I agree with Xen0, you know how much I love RX7s

 

Ryszvaldo - here is a good page showing why the 13B engine is much more like a 2.6-litre than a 1.3.

They're not lightweight, but they're not heavy either, especially by today's standards.

 

my parents had a 1st gen rx-7, first year actually, and it was fun as hell to drive. And as long as you take care of the car the engine will last a pretty long time. Just make sure you give it plenty of oil, the things guzzle it in between changes.

 

Anything around or over a ton without driver is worthy of taking to the canals .

Its your choice though.

 

behave


DO IT DO IT DO IT

 

So you have never driven one then?
Most fun for money you can have in a car.
Only down side is servicing costs due to engine rebuilds.
As for handling it is superb except when you are really really pushing the car the rear end likes to go out. But i'm talking way way over legal speeds here.

(i am referring to the later model (which is so much sexier looking))

 

dom_, when you say later model, do you mean the later (facelifted and slightly revised) 2nd gen model or the 3rd gen? I don't have a problem with the back-end having a bit of a play when it's feeling naughty, I've had it out plenty of times in my Cappuccino.

Speaking of the Cappuccino, I'm really quite loving it at the moment. There are a few problems with it (as usual) but the handling still impresses me. Maybe I'll stick with it for a bit longer than I intended...

 

And why not? If you still like it then theres no reason to get rid of it tbh.

 

I want more power

 

Contrary to what many people have been saying, rotary engines are actually just as reliable as any other if you know how to treat it properly; and no, that doesn't mean you have to drive tepidly or be ultra conservative as that is actually bad for these type of rotary engines.

 

Engine swap.