Page 166 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

the engine far behind the front axle, and a Torsen limited slip differential.
The body was devoid of bright work and composed of a series of curves, from hidden headlights to taillights that flowed across the rear as if melted onto the bumper. Inside the lightweight seats faced a complete instrument panel dominated by a central tachometer, beside a 180 mph speedometer. As a pure driver’s car, it lacked any modern distractions like touch screens and interfaces – even cupholders.
The center console is angled towards the driver and carries the simplest heater and air conditioner controls – which can be adjusted by touch. The temperature wheel is on the left, air direction mode on the right and fan speed between the two. Twin stalks on the column control lights on the left and wipers/washers on the right. Twin horn buttons on the steering wheel are a familiar nuisance if you need to honk while turning.
The smaller of the two turbos took the car from an idle with 10 psi boost, handling off to the bigger one at 4,000 rpm with a rush that terminated at the 8,500 rpm redline. Most cars have a five-speed manual gearbox, which is light and a little notchy, though a four- speed automatic transmission was offered.
FD series was the most technically complex; only 14,000 were sold in the US.
new model’s agility and excellent brakes, noting an almost neutral cornering attitude.
“Understeer is virtually non-existent and turn-in is wonderfully sharp, also helped by the well weighted and very direct power steering, which feels much more natural than the previous model’s Speed-sensitive assist. Neither can straightline stability be faulted and car control is effectively assisted by the excellent driving position and well contoured seat.”
Lesser mortals than Paul Frère will just have to dream about the Nürburgring, but the virtues of the FD RX-7 are readily apparent on any twisty road. The R1 and R2 packages were deemed rough- riding by less enthusiastic drivers but who would buy a car like this for comfort anyway? Somebody who might order an automatic model with the Bose stereo which takes up much of the trunk, perhaps. But why would you want to drown out that marvelous
World-class racer and journalist Paul Frère got to wring out
the RD RX-7 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 1991. Its 172
bends, hills and valleys and the “wall of death” Karrusell can push
any car and driver to the max, but the Belgian scribe remained
as unruffled as the new coupe. He was most impressed by the high-pitched whistle that accompanies full-bore acceleration?
The Knowledge
dWhether you search for a reasonably low mileage first generation RX-7 (1979-85), the Porsche 944 lookalike FC model (1986-91) or the exquisite FD (1993-95) most of the buying rules are the same.
dBearing in mind there’s almost nothing beyond ordinary maintenance that you can do, it’s important
to obtain accurate and complete records. You’d also be wise to identify a recommended rotary mechanic within a reasonable distance. Regular oil changes are vital to any of these engines – 2,000 to 3,000 miles is preferred – and fuel lubricants can prolong engine life. If a rotary engine has been seriously overheated, it’s done.
dHave a compression check performed by a rotary specialist, inspect the engine for leaks and examine the cooling system, as rotary engines run hot. The coolant level should be full and green with no traces of oil visible. While the car may smoke a little when it’s started, it should disperse quickly, and beware of a coolant smell in the exhaust.
dWhen the FC was introduced in 1986, the Porsche 944 was four years old and had been extensively studied by Mazda’s designers. The FC was a better car in almost every way – bigger, more comfortable and faster with
a turbo option. It was more sophisticated and found a
different category of buyer, who was less likely to use it on a daily basis. All the caveats apply, along with a close examination of the complicated rear suspension. A low mileage (around 100,000 miles) FC is probably the best buy among RX-7 models at present, but be prepared to drive it as any investment potential is some way off.
dThe third generation FD is more complicated and more desirable with limited US sales from 1993-95. It was considerably more expensive than its predecessors then and remains so now. With 160 mph on tap, it’s a supercar, and low mileage examples are likely to remain that way. While the FD is a thrilling performer, it is significantly more fragile than the earlier cars, and expert mechanics are required. Beware clumsy modifications, and avoid non-runners unless you want a parts car. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque expert is vital for any RX-7, but there’s much more at stake with the FD. There are no cheap fixes.
dThe FD’s twin turbos generate extreme heat under the hood and vacuum lines, hoses, filters and electrical parts must be replaced regularly. A boost gauge is recommended along with a timer to keep the engine running for a few minutes so the turbos can cool down. A larger aluminum radiator also helps with cooling.
164Wayne CariniAffordable Classics