The necessity to burn oil is inherently designed in all rotaries!! Thats how the engine is lubricated! the oil helps the apex seals, corner seals and side seals...keep sealing! Get it right, its Not a problem! Ppl just didnt know how to maintain them and then complained that they burnt oil. The earlier ones had mechanical oil pumps with actual injection tubes for each rotor!
@@sp00kyaction yeah omp... its been a while since ive had all my fc3s gtxs... lol. I miss blowing flames out the back and pulling away from mustangs. Hehe
Only have owned one. Still do. 1983. Bought with a blown apex. Knew nothing about rotary the day i bought it. Rebuilt and swapped in a 13b in 3 months about 4 years ago. Still dail her. Couldn't agree with you more. Something special.
LoL only because the mixture is tough to nail down with the secondaries wired, the choke deleted and the timing set for max power. If you haven't fucked with it, one of the previous owners has for sure at some point in the past 30-40 years. Just twist the dizzy counterclockwise to back the timing off and she'll fire up so long as she has compression, spark and gas. Flutter the throttle while starting and feel the point where it wants to catch flame... then flutter around that point. Repeat a few times until successful. If it hasn't run in a bit, just pour a little gas down the carb and as the overly rich mixture thins out, you'll get a point where it will catch. Make sure the starter is gounded properly too as thats a common problem due to age of the car. If battery charge is good but the starter motor has problems, it is likely the grounding on the starter. And of course, make sure the main fuse is good... duh... Oh, and your goddamn right I feel like a hero when I got my rx7 started! PS - on some models the trailing ignition module also controls the fuel pump and tach, So if your tach is wonky and its not getting gas, then swap the trailing ignition module with a GM HEI one (Mazda J109 is just a different form factor and no longer in production). Fabricate the connector to fit. PPS - always put a half pint of tcw3 2-stroke oil in with every tank of gas. The engine was designed to burn oil like a 2 stroke and your don't want to trust a 30 yr old oil metering pump with your whole engine.
Will - You should probably clarify that you are talking specifically about a first generation RX-7 like the one in the video. After all, the 3rd generation RX-7 probably starts much more reliably today than most other cars made in 1993 (mine has never failed to start). This is probably due in part to the fact that very few other cars were using distributorless ignition systems 25 years ago. As for the first generation, while I have not actually seen any statistical data showing that these older models have starting problems it would not really surprise me if they did. And I do know that if you ever somehow manage to flood a rotary engine you will completely loose compression and the only way you will get it started after that is to pull the plugs and inject some oil into the combustion chambers. Still, the first RX-7 was a really great sports car for the price and it handled pretty well despite the fact that it did not have an independent rear suspension. In fact this car came out the same year that I first started autocrossing as a teenager and the fastest guy in my class drove a brand new first generation RX-7.
@@SLOBeachboy There really aren't any hard to start cars out there, just people who don't understand why a car doesn't start. Old low compression engines were hard to start, because the low compression didn't produce sufficient heat. Rotary engines aren't any harder to start that piston engines but they have different fuel/air characteristics. They breathe differently. I used to start my 83 rx7 in minus 40 back in 1996. The block heater had to be plugged in and it took a while and you needed to have your right foot game on point to get the right mixture through the carb but I daily'd my 83 from 96-98 in Saskatchewan through the winter on all season tires. It had the exhaust re-circulation stuff still in place and the choke was still there, the secondary butterflies were stock vaccum controlled and the timing wasn't optimized for power but I drove it all winter down to minus 40 (Celsius and Farenheight are the same at minus 40). It made just as much power as when it was brand new and had about 80,000 miles on it. My 1982 that I had the previous year had 125,000 miles and was a bit harder to start and a bit rougher running but ultimately had the same performance. They are designed to be driven from 4000-7000 rpms and actually won 1982 24hr Spa by pushing the leading car's rpms to the point that its valves failed. People who claim poor reliability for rotary engines lack the mechanical skill required to own a classic car. Some are even mechanics, but they let the OBD scanner do all the work. Others just don't want to spend the time it takes to listen to an engine and figure out what it needs. Fuel, air, compression and spark - it's really not that complicated.
@@edmusick7794 I've never tested compression on any of the 3 12a fb's I've owned. I just redline it in 4th. If it struggles over 6000 rpms, I look further into it with the simple stuff like fuel filter, spark plugs, seafoam/vaccum leaks, sticky egr. I honestly don't know how the engine finally goes as I've never seen one blow up or known anyone who had one blow. I would imagine it just fades away, starts smoking from side seal failure, all the usual stuff. I know for a fact that a freshly rebuilt 12a runs like butter and you don't see many with over 150,000 miles but hey, what do you want from an high reving engine from the 70s.
This is my ACTUAL car. I owned it for more than 37 years and pampered it the entire time. I installed the rear seat (try to find that on any first-gen RX7) -- I installed the rear lens kit and the Shelby wheels. I had an alarm installed and the stickers are still on the window glass. Not sure where the new owner is but I do miss it!
Sometimes you go down through threads on you tube and eventually you stumble on the comment you were going to say...here it is... Nice one...i can only add one thing...i had an 86 light metallic blue RX7 for three years...i had to sell it to start my second business. About seven years later..i spotted a wrecked one at the side of the road. Then i read the number plate under muck... IT WAS MY OLD RX7....i even tried to buy it back. It felt like finding a former girlfriend who you really liked and only split up because she moved far away....and you found her years later, drunk and sitting in an alleyway. OMG....they refused to sell it to me..it even had a blown engine. HOW MANY CARS WOULD YOU DO THAT WITH. NOT MANY.
Technology has definitely advanced to the point where we can circumvent the issues old rotaries had. I feel like some company should bring back the rotary with new tech.
Someone has. Look up AIE Rotary Engine. They currently make some pretty trick rotary engines, but they're still developing some more consumer-grade engines that can be swapped into road cars.
I'm ... not sure if there's anything you can really do about the apex seals problem and the fact that you can't have a perfect seal against the spark plugs, especially with a Wankel.
Appletank8 - Apex Seals can be made better and longer lasting. The company I mentioned in my previous post are using a nifty graphite-ceramic material for their apex seals and their testing have found them to last quite a lot longer.
what about sealing the spark ports and the fact that the front edge of the triangle is often moving faster than the fuel can burn? It's kinda a problem with the geometry of the rotation itself unless you rotate differently. Kinda why I've been following LiquidPiston's X engines, since they basically have a stationary burning area with their rotary design.
You say you'd welcome it if it came back, but you and I both know damn well, as a journalist, you'd tear it apart for not having modern creature comforts.
Mazda just simply knows how to make a car an owner has to love - through maintenance and proper upkeep, their cars will just deliver a great driving experience every time.
My mom bought one new in 81. We still have it. 80k miles, abjectly stock with nothing other than loving maintenance its entire life. Its had an accident that would have totaled it (just a complicated bodywork repair on the door jam for a car with like a $3000 value in 2005) but we paid out of pocket at a master body repair shop just to keep the vehicle report clean It'll chirp the tires HARD in a 1-2 shift. It handles wonderfully, it can use every ounce of its horsepower and rev band everywhere. It sounds like a pissed off bandsaw but revs so clean and smooth. Theyre happiest at high revs and love staying there. 4k is a short shift. My sister and I fought pretty hard over who inherits the Rx7. I had to give up a lot more in inheritance than the car was worth to get it. We are both so completely attached to it. I have heavily modified all my cars but I wouldn't want the rx-7 with an ounce more power. The sensation of speed is just so incredible. And the engine just yowling into a tenor howl of ripping silk as it pulls to redline is like touching the soul of internal combustion. I would absolutely kill for a 200hp naturally aspirated, rwd, 10k rpm rotary powered small and light sedan with a manual transmission. I doubt it'd sell, honestly, but I'd buy one instantly.
I've owned six of these first gen Rx7s, all of the the 12A GSL package from '81 through 85. Sounds like you have a rare gem. 80,000 original miles? Want to keep it a gem? Change out the oil-metering pump (OMP) pronto. After 70-80K the lobes inside them start to wear down, delivering less and less oil to the float bowls of the Nikki 4-barrel carb and thereby to the intakes to lube those all-important apex seals. There is no warning light or warning buzzer to ever let you know when the OMP is failing. You may not even notice the gradual reduction in required oil added to the engine per miles driven before one day one of those oil-starved apex seals just pack it in and get unceremoniously spat out the exhaust port, taking a few thousand dollar's worth of rotor and housing with it on the way out. Don't ask me why, but it seems the rear rotor is usually the first to suffer this fate. If your goal is to keep the car all-original, buy two of these OMPs and keep one as a spare, replacing every 80,000 miles - kinda like what those with piston engines have to do with their life-limited timing belts. But if best efficiency and durability are your goals (at the expense of keeping it all-original) then consider pre-mixing, ie: removing the OMP altogether and replacing it with a block-off plate, and dumping about 1/3 to 1/2 quart of 2-cycle oil into the tank with each fill-up from
I feel the same. It's just bland with "Its only fun!" "It's only 100HP" "Its a cheep 2+2" No breif history of the RX-7, No basic specs, no how it runs and handles, No fun factor... So boring!
I've always liked the 1st gen RX-7. It's an honest sports car. It doesn't have air scoops, hood bulges, fender flares and spoilers to make it appear to be faster than it is. What you see is what you get.
That brought back memories. My 1st car was an 84gsl. I was the 2nd owner in 1991 w/60k on it. Mine was actually pretty nice. Leather, sunroof, power everything. Even cold ac and a nice stereo. It was a pretty usable car and could take a beating. Yes it burned a little oil and got terrible gas mileage but at a buck a gallon who cared. I put like 80k on that car with no major repairs and drove it cross country a few times. Never left me stranded. Only got rid of it cause the power steering went out and it became a nightmare to drive. A new rack was more than the car was worth. Loved that car😔 Now I did have a 79 that I bought from a friend like 20 yrs ago. No power anything. It was a 4sp and didn’t have the LSD. Total piece! Nobody is bringing these car back and soon they’ll all be gone. These cars were meant to be used. The seals in the rotaries dry up and lose compression if they’re not ran. I’d much rather have a loaded up Miata that at least can survive an accident (maybe). The rx served its purpose in its time. Goodbye old friend
I've owned 3 FB RX7s, absolutely loved them. As of 2023 the prices of FBs have skyrocketed, no longer affordable for me. When I experienced this sticker shock I bought a 2004 Miata and absolutely love it as well. I got into the Miata just as its price was starting to skyrocket as well. The dream is to own one of each. I can now look for an affordable FB while enjoying the NB. They are similar in many ways. At only 5'9" tall, the FB was a better fit, with room to spare. The Miatas are too cramped. However, I have found simple ways to modify the interior to get more than enough space in the Miata, that do not involve doing a "foamectomy" to the seat. Mazda makes sports cars that you can thrash all day long and do not complain. You will not win drag races, but in either car just head for the corners, twisties and traffic circles and the car behind you who is trying to push you will been seen in the rear view mirror hard-braking and nose-diving in sections where you can accelerate. You will be so far ahead of them by the time they hit the straight again, they give up.
Rotarys burns oil on purpose and the rx7 is relatively fuel efficient compared to other cars from 1979-1980, if you take in account power to weight ratio.
I was 22 in 1982 when I brought in my Mazda GLC to the Torrance CA Mazda repair dealership because it was smoking white steam in the back. I had driven it to Tahoe with the wrong oil. The sales guy offered me a beautiful blue used 1980 RX7 trade in for $6,300 at 23% interest rate! It had s sunroof. I didn’t know any better. I ended up sleeping in the car I couldn’t afford waiting for a student loan to arrive. Not meant for sleeping in. I loved the car a bit much
Bought my 4th RX7 a few years ago. You failed to mention that they were DESIGNED to use oil to lube the rotary engine, and were NEVER intended to be an "economy" car (cheap on gas). Compare it to the Porsches of the same era (I had 2 of them too) and the RX7 comes out ahead. Especially if it needs to go into the shop. My first one was delivered in 1978 (very low SN) and only needed a pilot bearing and new clutch before I sold it at 130,000 miles. It was still on spec after 8 years. Love these cars. My wife had 2 Miatas (still has one) and no problems there either.
The boxster engine is had is not great though. You don't know the number of them of seen come into my dealer for major failures. I would have preferred at least a flat six or the 2GR out of the Camry and IS350.
Or even a hopped-up, sportier version of the 2ZZ. That engine was a riot in the XRS Corolla. There's a reason it's been in nearly every Lotus since 2005
Its not THAT light and the engine is pretty fucking fat and shit. The only reason why flats are good is because of their boost they get to make. Rotaries are smooth, simple in design, REALLY FUCKING LIGHT and rev high... Which makes it sound so good
I'm still driving the GS that bought new in 1984. Original paint and interior (except carpet). Runs great and everything still works including A/C. 172k miles. It's called maintenance people.
The price of this Rx-7 generation has been increasing lately, which makes total sense to me. If you have considered getting one of these then it is time to do so before it's way too expensive
The rotary will be back. Lol the rotary has a theoretical potential to be like 70% efficient. When the piston engine generally gets almost 30% efficiency?? ( please dont quote me on the exact numbers im sure im a little off). Now, obviously its only 'theoretical' potential. But there is a company making waves with a rotary that is about there. AIE, i believe is the company.
the gas mileage alone or Absense of it would make rotaries in todays maket a Very tough sell unless they have come up with some revolutionary break throughs...I used to get 12mpg with my 86rx7 turbo.... theres also the history that goes with these, some of it not all good, oil burning, seals going bad ect that would affect sales...former owner of multiple rx7's here.
I've dailied a FC turbo II S5 for over a year now. Works better now than it did when I got it after replacing the air filter and rotten exhaust pipes. I'm getting into selling imported japanese cars from other ownrs and dealers in Europe to my country then selling registered and road legal here. I recently bought a supra mk3 with the 2.5 twin turbo 1JZ-GTE engine. Despite that thing being tuned to the same horsepower as the mk4 Fast & Furious generation turbo model supras I still have more fun with the RX-7. Feels better to drive in every way. In this instance the supra is the one to be sold. Mazda is working on the RX-9.
My model predated the 1980, got it for a couple grand. Age 23, I ended the decade of the 1970s, in my Mazda RX7, sports car experienced. One trip not less than a thousand miles LA, FRISCO, N BACK! To your future, like in my past a: Speeding-ticket free thousand miles! Heart playing loud...
Im sure the reason car brands don’t make cars like this anymore is because unfortunately the majority of people don’t want this anymore. The interest in cars and driving is diminishing nowadays. Cars only serve as a means of transportation for almost everyone now.
The next generation Mazda sport lineup should be: - MazdaSpeed3 (twincharged, 4WD Skyactiv-X) - ND MX-5 miata (making 200hp) - RX-8 SF3-P (on the miata platform, Skyactiv-R twin rotor making 330hp) - RX7 FE (on a similar platform of the Mazda6 but coupe, turbo twin rotor 430hp, option for twin turbo 470hp) - RX9 (supercar tri-rotor at 650hp)
Not only manual steering but not even rack and pinion. Recirculating ball which is very primitive but has great road feel through to the drivers hands. I’ve owned and still own 2 since I was 17. Brilliant cars, right on the border of classic and plastic.
Car journalists love to complain about the fact that there are no cheap lightweight dedicated sports cars with naturally aspirated engines anymore, but pretend the GT86/BRZ don’t exist and consistently complain about not enough power.
Because the BRZ/GT86 is just a bit below the mark of what they're looking for. If it was just the lack of power then they'd be panning the MX-5 just as much.
@@dntlkdwn1602 did you know the last Rx8 was pricier than the 86? And how the hell is 26k starting expensive for a RWD, Sub 3000 lb sports car with 205hp? How often do you see that? You guys need to admit it that horsepower is what drives you. Just be honest with yourself.
"100hp and no torque" you had me laughing guys! yeah theey are torqueless Unless you are talking abt the 85 gsl -se with the 13b and the 86 rx7 turbo..the turbo had a rush ,a wall of torque that would press u into the seat and propel u by cars like they were standing still
My 1st car ever was a 1982 RX7. Got it for free in 2002 so u can’t complain but the engine would randomly cut off tans the steering wheel would lock lock it was an absolute death trap lol
Having owned 3 fb rx7s and sold cars for years for both Toyota and Nissan.. The BRZ/86/FRSis very much a modern 1st gen rx7. If the BRZ needs a liitle more power, just put in a 444 rear gear and get the 13% bump in torque at the loss of top speed, which you will never use anyways. You can get a cheap used BRZ anywhere and they sell new for close to $20gs. Or, now hear me out on this, Since they sold almost 500,000 1st gen rx7s in the States. Why not just buy one and learn how to fix a car? The journalists don't have any idea, but these carbd rotaries are the easiest engines in the world so long as the have decent compression and seals ie 3 even exhaust pulses and no smoke... and take the time to learn them.... I just sold mine for $2200 because I moved across the country, the guy who bought it was so happy he tipped my mom $80 while cleaning car parts out of my old shed. Now, keep in mind these things are old and have old designs and old style brakes. They don't drive in the rain like a modern car. They don't stop like a modern car. They don't start everytime without fucking with the carb and throttle like a modern car. They aren't as fast as a modern car. Mine topped out around 110mph and 7.5s 0-60 with minor mods. A modern v6 minivan is objectively just as fast in a straight line and you wont die if you crash the minivan at 90mph. But that's what makes these cars fun. Ur call but you don't need to spend 10-20gs to have a fun proper sports car.
A couple years ago I bought a >60k miles GSLE for under five grand. Its my first sports car/project car and I’m having a great time. The engine may be intimidating to some but if I can do it anyone can. Keep those triangles spinning!
I have an '82 FB with tiny back seats, they are a rare option. most FB/SA are just 2 seaters as far as I have seen. Also it is a joy to drive, always puts a smile on my face :-)
Such a pleasure to see you guys in a video after reading so many articles!! Simple and highly enjoyable video, just like your writing! Good stuff :) Bring back simple cars!! I wish!!
I miss my 1985 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE it was so fun to drive. It’s the one car I still had. Yes it was a rice burner and you had to change the spark plugs more often, but who cares, it was a sweet car.
my FB didnt have a back seat, but lemme tell you, with the horsepower that thing has, it was pretty ambitious to think more than 2 people were going to do well in that car. it CHUGS if you try to put a 3rd person in it.
When I was a kid I had a 1983 Nissan Pulsar NX, it was in mint condition and was my baby. I thought at 17 it might as well have been a Ferrari, with pop up headlights and sunroof but most of all, it was a cheap car to own, was slower than molasses in January but was a hoot to drive!! That's the thing, other than a Miata/MX-5 there are no more cheap, fun sporty cars. Sure there are crossovers and SUV's that can blow the doors of the old NX but that's not the point, take a new car down a twisty road in winter and all the built in safety features kick in and there is no difference for the driver between that twisty road and an arrow straight highway, now same twisty bit in the NX and you learn very quickly how good a driver you really are! Between front end plow, the inner back tire lifting (Oh yeah, it did!!) and the underpinnings of the base Nissan Sentra two door and you could go from Zero to Hero on the right road depending on your ability. It's not how fast you can go in a straight line, anyone can do that ( to some degree ) but it's how well YOU can drive that makes these old sporty cars fun! I highly recommend buying an old RX-7, or a Miata, 240SX, MR2, Fiero, base Fox body Mustang, Fiat X-19, Isuzu Impulse and go have some fun, and recapture the pleasure of Driving again!!
Oh how I miss my 83 GSL. Surprising y'all found a rare 2+2 model though, most sold here in the states were just 2 seaters. I dailied it for about a year and a half, 25k miles, sold it with 163k on it. Kept up with maintenance and besides drinking gas like a fullsize truck that car was super reliable. I'll get another first gen some day, but currently working on an FC.
Enthusiasts don't want this type of car anymore. We already have the BRZ, which is constantly criticized for having 'low power.' This type of car would be even softer than the BRZ with less power. Hell, Mazda enthusiasts would NEVER accept a new RX car like this. They could barely tolerate the RX-8. We'll never see a cheap, lower-powered RX car again. The 3rd gen RX-7 ruined that idea forever.
@@samueljones3668 that hasn't been confirmed yet. All we know is that they are bringing back the rotary engine as a range extender for an electric vehicle. Even if they do bring back the RX name, my point still stands. Enthusiasts will only accept the RX badge on a hardcore sports car. If Mazda ends up making something soft and underpowered like the 1st gen RX-7 it will not sell. The 3rd ge. RX-7 set the bar too high and ruined the idea of a cheap inexpensive RX car. The RX-8 was a flop. The only possible option for Mazda for Mazda to use the RX name going forward is to reintroduce something like the RX-3, which can be soft and underpowered, and also bring back the RX-7 (or use RX-9) as a halo car. Otherwise we will never see one soft, underpowered, RX car by itself in Mazda's lineup.
The RX8 was an attempt to bridge the gap between casual sports car consumers and rotary fans. It met the demands of neither. Also, rotary fans aren’t rotary fans because of engine output (remember that rotaries have no torque), we’re fans because these are light, high revving engines that give an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. I think you misunderstand rotary culture, especially considering that the FB is arguably the second most popular RX7 generation in the core community.
Eh, the RX-8 had... other... issues (still one of my favorite cars, though). As for the BRZ, the main complaint regarding power isn't necessarily that it's "low power", but that it's just slightly underpowered. It's _almost_ powerful enough for its weight, but it just needs a little push to get it just right. You could probably get it up there with an ECU tune or a tuned exhaust. But I also hear a lot of people complaining about what I've decided to refer to as "Toyota Lag". Everything Toyota makes these days (and this has been a trend since the mid 2000s) has a bit of hesitance on EVERYTHING. Step on the gas? It takes a half a second or so to actually open the throttle. Hitting the brakes? You have a whole inch of deadzone before they even engage. Turning? Well, it doesn't lag, but you have to turn it quite far to get the right steering angle to make it around that corner. And all this contributes to the car feeling heavier than it actually is. The Lexus RC, which is basically a luxury BRZ/GT86 in function if not design, has all these same complaints - slightly underpowered and feels "laggy" - on a car that's much more powerful and _supposed_ to be much more refined. So, I think it's less "no one wants a 'slow car fast' car" and more "modern Toyota sucks at making sports cars". If there wasn't a market for "slow car fast" cars, the Miata (excuse me, MX-5) wouldn't be doing well. But it's still a successful platform. And Fiat recently brought back the Spyder, too (saw one on the road just yesterday, in fact). So it's not that no one wants these, but that you need to get the formula right to be successful in this particular market sector. The RX-7 SA has the right formula - light, feels good to drive, very connected to the road, and with just enough power to do the job (or at least just enough for the era it was developed in). Same goes for the Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno and Corolla Levin, and even the Nissan 280ZX to a lesser extent even if it was an outright porker compared to the previously mentioned cars.
As an FB owner I can't believe they didn't comment on how bad the steering is. Recirculating ball sucks (used in SAs like the one they're driving too). Look at them jockeying the wheel just trying to go straight... The thing i dislike most about my FB is definitely the steering, otherwise its a total blast. Oh and 2+2 config is highly uncommon for first gens in the states. Vast majority were 2 seaters.
Rotaries consume oil by design; they don’t burn oil through sloppy seals or loose tolerances. Comments on reliability are ignorant. Mazda sold almost 500k first gens, almost 200k Gen IIs, and tens of thousands of other rotaries going back to the ‘60’s with below average complaints on reliability and oil consumption. Even the beautiful Gen III problems were not related to the engine, but to the sequential twin turbo. Yes, owners needed to actually check oil levels and do all the easy maintenance checks found in every car manual - rotary, piston, or diesel - but those engines successful, popular, and had good reputations. Not until we get to the RX-8 13B MSP do we see issues (and bad reputation forming) due to insufficient lubrication, which Mazda addressed in 2009. There was also a significant drop in quality (adherence to tolerances) from 2003 to 2008, maybe longer. If somebody could make a modern SA/FB, it’d probably be a hit, even at $25k.
A Miata coupe with a direct injected normally aspirated Renesis rotary would be beautiful. Sure it would have airbags, power windows and Apple Connect, that’s today, but price it $32k. 2500 pounds, 250HP (or 238?) a little more expensive than the Miata but $thousands less than the new Z or Supra and you have a modern RX-7.
I have a very nice 1984 RX-7 with a Skyline engine and transmission, and with1990 RX-7 convertible brakes (same brakes as the Turbo models), and the BBS convertible 15 inch wheels. I would not trade it for a fancy new Porsche or late model Supra. With proper adjustment and good ball joints, the steering is just fine.
My fave. Removed the governor mine was a sling shot miniture suicide rocket. It would wind up and shoot. But due to the fact it's a low to the ground light weight sports car made it the least favorite car to be sharing the road with massive 18 wheelers and large vehicles. Other wise this car was a lot of fun to drive.
So much of this I can agree and disagree with. The 2+2 was such a rarely found option that it isn't even worth mentioning. They burned oil sure but only as long as the pump was working and most people didn't know how to check that and also when it was working you had to be diligent with your 3k oil change or you'd be out of oil. I have an 83, I've 13b swapped it since I botched my last set of side seals on my 12a. I feel the 12a moved so much better than the 13b that I have in there now. I blew my original engine because I rushed out the door for work and forgot my premix. The gas mileage was great, I got 30 to the gallon and still ate Vettes alive. I'm still working on her steering slop and probably always will be. She's been an amazing conversation starter wherever I go and after talking to so many people the general consensus with anyone who owned an FB is that their biggest regret was selling it to get an FC when they came out.
Australia was one of the few markets they made the rear seats standard but that's because what the likes of Datsun/Nissan(280zx/300zx),Alfa with their GTV AND GTV6,Mitsubishi Starion and even Porsche with the 924 and 944 were doing at the time.They did that not so much due to seatbelt laws in the land down under but without it would be buyers at the same showrooms would have been forced into a 626 HATCHBACK(from 83 onwards)or a Coupe which existed in both models of the 626 before that became a MX6 from 88 onwards.
I am not sure you could sell a car like this any more. Safety was terrible by today’s standards and the only way to fix that is make it bigger and heavier or use exotic and expensive materials. The lovely feeling of the throttle being connected to the pedal via a cable has disappeared for cleaner air. Sadly, the closest that seems to be possible now is the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX5. I miss this type of car too
is kinda sad we dont have 'analog cars' anymore.. manufacturer could do it , it will save a lot of manufacturing and developing cost for them ; and we consumer get the fun and direct car. but no one build it
Car manuf. is driven by high sales volumes. Have you seen Roxon 4x4 or Suzuki new Jimny? Outside company efforts to bring all you talking about. Can we change politics and laws?
That’s not a bad idea tho, especially considering that way back in the day, Mazda actually offered versions of their rotary vehicles that were powered by piston engines. So you could have a something like an RX3, with a rotary engine. Or a vehicle that had the same chassis and body, but had a piston engine instead
Gawd. This was like watching two anthropologist studying a 20 million year old fossil. Having not lived during that era they know almost nothing about the time the car came from and are making absurd assumptions about why the car is like it is. For example, saying it was so cheap to buy because that kind of money compared to modern Honda Civic-style cash. The RX-7 was, in fact, within a couple hundred dollars of a new Corvette back then. I vividly remember the commercials on TV. They were tremendously expensive back then! And the lack of power steering was NOT a performance feature! Holy hell this as hard to watch...
This video is kinda misleading. Yes the rx7 Fb WAS cheap back in the day. Basic serviceable items may be cheap, but try finding cheap spares on what is an old car thats been out of production for decades. Any of the engine parts are going to be expensive. And if you buy a garage queen thats been sat around or start/stopped frequently and you're likely looking at water seal failure and henceforth a rebuild.... and then the 'cheap' classic becomes a moneypit. The only relatively cheap rotary engined car is the rx8, RELATIVELY and thats only because they've sold tons and parts are still available in plenty. Hope the rx8 continues to have a bad reputation,that way those who know how to deal with it can make the most of it
thank you but im pretty sure I can fully restore my 79 RX-7 for around 5 grand mechanically ( bought my "garage queen" for 2500$) , im convinced there's no car right now under 17 grand that can out do it in terms of fun. the next best thing is a modern miata / s2k
The SACC RX7 came out in 1978, not 1980. I had one among the seven rotary engine cars I have owned. By the 1980 model they were no longer under $7000 by a wide amount. Please be accurate, thanks.
The RX-7 was not a 2+2. It was a 2 seat roadster. There was no rear seat, only rear storage compartments. And you completely ignore the manual choke?? Lol. And yes they burned oil by design... for the same. That's why I had to ditch mine once they changed the emissions inspection in NJ to the dyno test. It would not pass.
The necessity to burn oil is inherently designed in all rotaries!! Thats how the engine is lubricated! the oil helps the apex seals, corner seals and side seals...keep sealing! Get it right, its Not a problem! Ppl just didnt know how to maintain them and then complained that they burnt oil. The earlier ones had mechanical oil pumps with actual injection tubes for each rotor!
Yeah alot of people pre mix, my dad has an fb gslse and took out the oil squirter?? And just pre mixes whenever he fills up
@@caseylopez7152 premixing is a lot of work... well as long as he remembers... lol.
Premixing is common with enthusiasts. It's the OMP btw- oil metering pump.
@@sp00kyaction yeah omp... its been a while since ive had all my fc3s gtxs... lol. I miss blowing flames out the back and pulling away from mustangs. Hehe
Lolo Uro I know I have a rx8 I think they should build a 3 rotor rx10
I've owned 4 of these. Not because they broke down, but because I'm fickle. They really are something special. I'll pick up another someday.
Only have owned one. Still do. 1983. Bought with a blown apex. Knew nothing about rotary the day i bought it. Rebuilt and swapped in a 13b in 3 months about 4 years ago. Still dail her. Couldn't agree with you more. Something special.
great place for a chevy ls :)
@@DANTHETUBEMAN nah
i own one and know where one sets.. think its time for #2
I have a 1985. Just got painted and rebuild engine. I need help putting it back together or sell
You feel like a hero if you can even get an rx7 to start
LoL only because the mixture is tough to nail down with the secondaries wired, the choke deleted and the timing set for max power. If you haven't fucked with it, one of the previous owners has for sure at some point in the past 30-40 years. Just twist the dizzy counterclockwise to back the timing off and she'll fire up so long as she has compression, spark and gas. Flutter the throttle while starting and feel the point where it wants to catch flame... then flutter around that point. Repeat a few times until successful. If it hasn't run in a bit, just pour a little gas down the carb and as the overly rich mixture thins out, you'll get a point where it will catch. Make sure the starter is gounded properly too as thats a common problem due to age of the car. If battery charge is good but the starter motor has problems, it is likely the grounding on the starter. And of course, make sure the main fuse is good... duh...
Oh, and your goddamn right I feel like a hero when I got my rx7 started!
PS - on some models the trailing ignition module also controls the fuel pump and tach, So if your tach is wonky and its not getting gas, then swap the trailing ignition module with a GM HEI one (Mazda J109 is just a different form factor and no longer in production). Fabricate the connector to fit.
PPS - always put a half pint of tcw3 2-stroke oil in with every tank of gas. The engine was designed to burn oil like a 2 stroke and your don't want to trust a 30 yr old oil metering pump with your whole engine.
Will - You should probably clarify that you are talking specifically about a first generation RX-7 like the one in the video. After all, the 3rd generation RX-7 probably starts much more reliably today than most other cars made in 1993 (mine has never failed to start). This is probably due in part to the fact that very few other cars were using distributorless ignition systems 25 years ago.
As for the first generation, while I have not actually seen any statistical data showing that these older models have starting problems it would not really surprise me if they did. And I do know that if you ever somehow manage to flood a rotary engine you will completely loose compression and the only way you will get it started after that is to pull the plugs and inject some oil into the combustion chambers.
Still, the first RX-7 was a really great sports car for the price and it handled pretty well despite the fact that it did not have an independent rear suspension. In fact this car came out the same year that I first started autocrossing as a teenager and the fastest guy in my class drove a brand new first generation RX-7.
@@SLOBeachboy There really aren't any hard to start cars out there, just people who don't understand why a car doesn't start. Old low compression engines were hard to start, because the low compression didn't produce sufficient heat. Rotary engines aren't any harder to start that piston engines but they have different fuel/air characteristics. They breathe differently. I used to start my 83 rx7 in minus 40 back in 1996. The block heater had to be plugged in and it took a while and you needed to have your right foot game on point to get the right mixture through the carb but I daily'd my 83 from 96-98 in Saskatchewan through the winter on all season tires. It had the exhaust re-circulation stuff still in place and the choke was still there, the secondary butterflies were stock vaccum controlled and the timing wasn't optimized for power but I drove it all winter down to minus 40 (Celsius and Farenheight are the same at minus 40). It made just as much power as when it was brand new and had about 80,000 miles on it. My 1982 that I had the previous year had 125,000 miles and was a bit harder to start and a bit rougher running but ultimately had the same performance. They are designed to be driven from 4000-7000 rpms and actually won 1982 24hr Spa by pushing the leading car's rpms to the point that its valves failed. People who claim poor reliability for rotary engines lack the mechanical skill required to own a classic car. Some are even mechanics, but they let the OBD scanner do all the work. Others just don't want to spend the time it takes to listen to an engine and figure out what it needs. Fuel, air, compression and spark - it's really not that complicated.
Compression loss due to worn Apex seals is always a nonstart or hard start symptom. And yes a no frills, low cost sports car is long overdue.
@@edmusick7794 I've never tested compression on any of the 3 12a fb's I've owned. I just redline it in 4th. If it struggles over 6000 rpms, I look further into it with the simple stuff like fuel filter, spark plugs, seafoam/vaccum leaks, sticky egr. I honestly don't know how the engine finally goes as I've never seen one blow up or known anyone who had one blow. I would imagine it just fades away, starts smoking from side seal failure, all the usual stuff. I know for a fact that a freshly rebuilt 12a runs like butter and you don't see many with over 150,000 miles but hey, what do you want from an high reving engine from the 70s.
This is my ACTUAL car. I owned it for more than 37 years and pampered it the entire time. I installed the rear seat (try to find that on any first-gen RX7) -- I installed the rear lens kit and the Shelby wheels. I had an alarm installed and the stickers are still on the window glass. Not sure where the new owner is but I do miss it!
My first new car while in the Navy in 1980, and the only car I wish I still had.
Sometimes you go down through threads on you tube and eventually you stumble on the comment you were going to say...here it is...
Nice one...i can only add one thing...i had an 86 light metallic blue RX7 for three years...i had to sell it to start my second business. About seven years later..i spotted a wrecked one at the side of the road. Then i read the number plate under muck...
IT WAS MY OLD RX7....i even tried to buy it back. It felt like finding a former girlfriend who you really liked and only split up because she moved far away....and you found her years later, drunk and sitting in an alleyway.
OMG....they refused to sell it to me..it even had a blown engine.
HOW MANY CARS WOULD YOU DO THAT WITH.
NOT MANY.
@@BLITZY261 mine still has a sticker from a military base like for entry
Technology has definitely advanced to the point where we can circumvent the issues old rotaries had. I feel like some company should bring back the rotary with new tech.
Someone has. Look up AIE Rotary Engine. They currently make some pretty trick rotary engines, but they're still developing some more consumer-grade engines that can be swapped into road cars.
I'm ... not sure if there's anything you can really do about the apex seals problem and the fact that you can't have a perfect seal against the spark plugs, especially with a Wankel.
@@Appletank8 yeah, they just need to be replaced every once in a while.
Appletank8 - Apex Seals can be made better and longer lasting. The company I mentioned in my previous post are using a nifty graphite-ceramic material for their apex seals and their testing have found them to last quite a lot longer.
what about sealing the spark ports and the fact that the front edge of the triangle is often moving faster than the fuel can burn? It's kinda a problem with the geometry of the rotation itself unless you rotate differently. Kinda why I've been following LiquidPiston's X engines, since they basically have a stationary burning area with their rotary design.
You say you'd welcome it if it came back, but you and I both know damn well, as a journalist, you'd tear it apart for not having modern creature comforts.
Or rather,say it's taking too long to be released
I daily an '09 RX8. Loooove revving it out. Nothing brings me more joy than going over 9000!
I just sold my RX-8. Kind of miss driving it but I also know I'll end up with an old RX-7 just for fun, eventually.
Mazda just simply knows how to make a car an owner has to love - through maintenance and proper upkeep, their cars will just deliver a great driving experience every time.
My mom bought one new in 81. We still have it. 80k miles, abjectly stock with nothing other than loving maintenance its entire life. Its had an accident that would have totaled it (just a complicated bodywork repair on the door jam for a car with like a $3000 value in 2005) but we paid out of pocket at a master body repair shop just to keep the vehicle report clean
It'll chirp the tires HARD in a 1-2 shift. It handles wonderfully, it can use every ounce of its horsepower and rev band everywhere. It sounds like a pissed off bandsaw but revs so clean and smooth. Theyre happiest at high revs and love staying there. 4k is a short shift.
My sister and I fought pretty hard over who inherits the Rx7. I had to give up a lot more in inheritance than the car was worth to get it. We are both so completely attached to it.
I have heavily modified all my cars but I wouldn't want the rx-7 with an ounce more power. The sensation of speed is just so incredible. And the engine just yowling into a tenor howl of ripping silk as it pulls to redline is like touching the soul of internal combustion. I would absolutely kill for a 200hp naturally aspirated, rwd, 10k rpm rotary powered small and light sedan with a manual transmission. I doubt it'd sell, honestly, but I'd buy one instantly.
I've owned six of these first gen Rx7s, all of the the 12A GSL package from '81 through 85. Sounds like you have a rare gem. 80,000 original miles? Want to keep it a gem? Change out the oil-metering pump (OMP) pronto. After 70-80K the lobes inside them start to wear down, delivering less and less oil to the float bowls of the Nikki 4-barrel carb and thereby to the intakes to lube those all-important apex seals. There is no warning light or warning buzzer to ever let you know when the OMP is failing.
You may not even notice the gradual reduction in required oil added to the engine per miles driven before one day one of those oil-starved apex seals just pack it in and get unceremoniously spat out the exhaust port, taking a few thousand dollar's worth of rotor and housing with it on the way out. Don't ask me why, but it seems the rear rotor is usually the first to suffer this fate.
If your goal is to keep the car all-original, buy two of these OMPs and keep one as a spare, replacing every 80,000 miles - kinda like what those with piston engines have to do with their life-limited timing belts.
But if best efficiency and durability are your goals (at the expense of keeping it all-original) then consider pre-mixing, ie: removing the OMP altogether and replacing it with a block-off plate, and dumping about 1/3 to 1/2 quart of 2-cycle oil into the tank with each fill-up from
I had one back in the day and drove it across America, had a blast. Wish I still had it.
Why dont you still have it
I feel like Jalopnik is run by a bunch of college interns, that know nothing about cars
but they know more than most people. They're there to drive and experience. Not to teach you how to bore cylinders and teach you about pre-ignition
I feel the same. It's just bland with "Its only fun!" "It's only 100HP" "Its a cheep 2+2"
No breif history of the RX-7, No basic specs, no how it runs and handles, No fun factor... So boring!
truth
It wasn't a review.... It was a video on the old style of sports cars
This, anybody who knows even the slightest bit about rotary knows why mazda hasn't made another RX.
I've always liked the 1st gen RX-7. It's an honest sports car. It doesn't have air scoops, hood bulges, fender flares and spoilers to make it appear to be faster than it is. What you see is what you get.
That brought back memories. My 1st car was an 84gsl. I was the 2nd owner in 1991 w/60k on it. Mine was actually pretty nice. Leather, sunroof, power everything. Even cold ac and a nice stereo. It was a pretty usable car and could take a beating. Yes it burned a little oil and got terrible gas mileage but at a buck a gallon who cared. I put like 80k on that car with no major repairs and drove it cross country a few times. Never left me stranded. Only got rid of it cause the power steering went out and it became a nightmare to drive. A new rack was more than the car was worth. Loved that car😔
Now I did have a 79 that I bought from a friend like 20 yrs ago. No power anything. It was a 4sp and didn’t have the LSD. Total piece!
Nobody is bringing these car back and soon they’ll all be gone. These cars were meant to be used. The seals in the rotaries dry up and lose compression if they’re not ran. I’d much rather have a loaded up Miata that at least can survive an accident (maybe). The rx served its purpose in its time. Goodbye old friend
Same, I went with an FRS. Nice reliable, driving dynamics car with an emergency back seat and a decent trunk.
This was painful to watch. I feel like the snarky tone of Jalopnik’s journalism does not translate over to this video media, and that makes me sad.
???
I've owned 3 FB RX7s, absolutely loved them. As of 2023 the prices of FBs have skyrocketed, no longer affordable for me. When I experienced this sticker shock I bought a 2004 Miata and absolutely love it as well. I got into the Miata just as its price was starting to skyrocket as well. The dream is to own one of each. I can now look for an affordable FB while enjoying the NB. They are similar in many ways. At only 5'9" tall, the FB was a better fit, with room to spare. The Miatas are too cramped. However, I have found simple ways to modify the interior to get more than enough space in the Miata, that do not involve doing a "foamectomy" to the seat. Mazda makes sports cars that you can thrash all day long and do not complain. You will not win drag races, but in either car just head for the corners, twisties and traffic circles and the car behind you who is trying to push you will been seen in the rear view mirror hard-braking and nose-diving in sections where you can accelerate. You will be so far ahead of them by the time they hit the straight again, they give up.
God damn, did this guy want to talk over her any more??? It was hard to watch
This, very cringey and hard to watch at times
If Mazda brought back the rx series, I would go out and buy one the day it comes out. Bring back the rotary!!!
true.a RX series with the mechanicals from a SP25 3 I would be in for sure.call it a RX9.
Why're all the dudes on these car channels massive hipsters that all talk the same way?
Clutch545 shhhhhh.... We don't want any daddy Doug comments here. Let people talk about rhe subject of the video... This glorious rx7
No actually I totally agree with this, these two were pretty cringey and I’m def not a Doug supporter he’s cringey as well
Thats not a hipster.. Hes gay
Kaszimir Herbert no I love Doug he's great but his commenters are ridiculous
@@paulcarmi8130 Doug loans car copies wikipedia page and talks 20 min about the car. Boring dude
Rotarys burns oil on purpose and the rx7 is relatively fuel efficient compared to other cars from 1979-1980, if you take in account power to weight ratio.
After watching this video, I purchased an Rx-7 FB just to relive that which I could only experience in a past life.
I was 22 in 1982 when I brought in my Mazda GLC to the Torrance CA Mazda repair dealership because it was smoking white steam in the back. I had driven it to Tahoe with the wrong oil.
The sales guy offered me a beautiful blue used 1980 RX7 trade in for $6,300 at 23% interest rate! It had s sunroof. I didn’t know any better. I ended up sleeping in the car I couldn’t afford waiting for a student loan to arrive. Not meant for sleeping in. I loved the car a bit much
Bought my 4th RX7 a few years ago. You failed to mention that they were DESIGNED to use oil to lube the rotary engine, and were NEVER intended to be an "economy" car (cheap on gas). Compare it to the Porsches of the same era (I had 2 of them too) and the RX7 comes out ahead. Especially if it needs to go into the shop. My first one was delivered in 1978 (very low SN) and only needed a pilot bearing and new clutch before I sold it at 130,000 miles. It was still on spec after 8 years.
Love these cars. My wife had 2 Miatas (still has one) and no problems there either.
They made the brz/86gt which is cheap lightweight and 2x2
The boxster engine is had is not great though. You don't know the number of them of seen come into my dealer for major failures. I would have preferred at least a flat six or the 2GR out of the Camry and IS350.
@@Comrade_Chloe ur not wrong i wish it had like a new 3jz or a caymans flat 6
Or even a hopped-up, sportier version of the 2ZZ. That engine was a riot in the XRS Corolla. There's a reason it's been in nearly every Lotus since 2005
Those suck ass
Its not THAT light and the engine is pretty fucking fat and shit. The only reason why flats are good is because of their boost they get to make. Rotaries are smooth, simple in design, REALLY FUCKING LIGHT and rev high... Which makes it sound so good
I'm still driving the GS that bought new in 1984. Original paint and interior (except carpet). Runs great and everything still works including A/C. 172k miles. It's called maintenance people.
The price of this Rx-7 generation has been increasing lately, which makes total sense to me. If you have considered getting one of these then it is time to do so before it's way too expensive
I have an 87 RX7 T2 all stock with only 88987 miles. Really fun car to drive
Emissions regulations will never allow another rotary engined mass produced powered car.
Too late they are bringing the rotary back in 2020
That has nothing to do with his point. Even as a range extender it's still a mass produced engine that is subject to emissions laws.
The rotary will be back. Lol the rotary has a theoretical potential to be like 70% efficient. When the piston engine generally gets almost 30% efficiency?? ( please dont quote me on the exact numbers im sure im a little off). Now, obviously its only 'theoretical' potential. But there is a company making waves with a rotary that is about there. AIE, i believe is the company.
And it's a shame because they were such great cars
the gas mileage alone or Absense of it would make rotaries in todays maket a Very tough sell unless they have come up with some revolutionary break throughs...I used to get 12mpg with my 86rx7 turbo.... theres also the history that goes with these, some of it not all good, oil burning, seals going bad ect that would affect sales...former owner of multiple rx7's here.
That car, in that condition is truly rare.
We could never have a car like this again for a number of reasons such as air bags, stability control, traction control etc, etc, etc.
I've dailied a FC turbo II S5 for over a year now. Works better now than it did when I got it after replacing the air filter and rotten exhaust pipes. I'm getting into selling imported japanese cars from other ownrs and dealers in Europe to my country then selling registered and road legal here. I recently bought a supra mk3 with the 2.5 twin turbo 1JZ-GTE engine. Despite that thing being tuned to the same horsepower as the mk4 Fast & Furious generation turbo model supras I still have more fun with the RX-7. Feels better to drive in every way. In this instance the supra is the one to be sold. Mazda is working on the RX-9.
My model predated the 1980, got it for a couple grand.
Age 23, I ended the decade of the 1970s, in my Mazda RX7, sports car experienced. One trip not less than a thousand miles LA, FRISCO, N BACK!
To your future, like in my past a: Speeding-ticket free thousand miles!
Heart playing loud...
My very first car was a 1982 RX-7. I truly loved it, until the engine ceased. I miss how fun of a ride it was! Great Video
Miss my 85 rx7, BUT I'm getting ready to buy this exact car! Found one with 75k miles on it in mint condition 9k
Im sure the reason car brands don’t make cars like this anymore is because unfortunately the majority of people don’t want this anymore. The interest in cars and driving is diminishing nowadays. Cars only serve as a means of transportation for almost everyone now.
The drive to add safety at all costs has saved lives, but diminished the joy and thrill of living.
The next generation Mazda sport lineup should be:
- MazdaSpeed3 (twincharged, 4WD Skyactiv-X)
- ND MX-5 miata (making 200hp)
- RX-8 SF3-P (on the miata platform, Skyactiv-R twin rotor making 330hp)
- RX7 FE (on a similar platform of the Mazda6 but coupe, turbo twin rotor 430hp, option for twin turbo 470hp)
- RX9 (supercar tri-rotor at 650hp)
Not only manual steering but not even rack and pinion. Recirculating ball which is very primitive but has great road feel through to the drivers hands. I’ve owned and still own 2 since I was 17. Brilliant cars, right on the border of classic and plastic.
Car journalists love to complain about the fact that there are no cheap lightweight dedicated sports cars with naturally aspirated engines anymore, but pretend the GT86/BRZ don’t exist and consistently complain about not enough power.
Abtin Khayatian
it’s just that buying an gt86/brz is too expensive new. And it isn’t as bare-bones as the rx-7
Because the BRZ/GT86 is just a bit below the mark of what they're looking for. If it was just the lack of power then they'd be panning the MX-5 just as much.
@@VestedUTuber They love the Mx5 because of the soft top but they too say it's a bit underpowered. Get it right.
@@dntlkdwn1602 did you know the last Rx8 was pricier than the 86? And how the hell is 26k starting expensive for a RWD, Sub 3000 lb sports car with 205hp? How often do you see that? You guys need to admit it that horsepower is what drives you. Just be honest with yourself.
Mowflex The SubNegro don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the gt86
"100hp and no torque" you had me laughing guys! yeah theey are torqueless Unless you are talking abt the 85 gsl -se with the 13b and the 86 rx7 turbo..the turbo had a rush ,a wall of torque that would press u into the seat and propel u by cars like they were standing still
My 1st car ever was a 1982 RX7. Got it for free in 2002 so u can’t complain but the engine would randomly cut off tans the steering wheel would lock lock it was an absolute death trap lol
you'd welcome it? No you'd make a review on it calling it the cheapest pile of shit and say "what are we living in, the 80s?" lets be honest here.
Having owned 3 fb rx7s and sold cars for years for both Toyota and Nissan.. The BRZ/86/FRSis very much a modern 1st gen rx7. If the BRZ needs a liitle more power, just put in a 444 rear gear and get the 13% bump in torque at the loss of top speed, which you will never use anyways. You can get a cheap used BRZ anywhere and they sell new for close to $20gs.
Or, now hear me out on this, Since they sold almost 500,000 1st gen rx7s in the States. Why not just buy one and learn how to fix a car? The journalists don't have any idea, but these carbd rotaries are the easiest engines in the world so long as the have decent compression and seals ie 3 even exhaust pulses and no smoke... and take the time to learn them....
I just sold mine for $2200 because I moved across the country, the guy who bought it was so happy he tipped my mom $80 while cleaning car parts out of my old shed. Now, keep in mind these things are old and have old designs and old style brakes. They don't drive in the rain like a modern car. They don't stop like a modern car. They don't start everytime without fucking with the carb and throttle like a modern car. They aren't as fast as a modern car. Mine topped out around 110mph and 7.5s 0-60 with minor mods. A modern v6 minivan is objectively just as fast in a straight line and you wont die if you crash the minivan at 90mph. But that's what makes these cars fun. Ur call but you don't need to spend 10-20gs to have a fun proper sports car.
buy an old 280Z. drop a 2jz in it. Sports car.
A couple years ago I bought a >60k miles GSLE for under five grand. Its my first sports car/project car and I’m having a great time. The engine may be intimidating to some but if I can do it anyone can. Keep those triangles spinning!
This is why we restore them! Such an awesome car, I absolutely love mine! :D
That 2+2 is a rarity with a back seat, I have actually never seen one. I own the 1985 GSL and love it. Thanks for the Video
I have an '82 FB with tiny back seats, they are a rare option. most FB/SA are just 2 seaters as far as I have seen. Also it is a joy to drive, always puts a smile on my face :-)
Never a fan of the rotary, but always loved the shape.
Didn't drive it hard enough to notice one of it's more interesting features, something that no other cars have to this day.
Redline buzzer
Cars like these make me wish someone opened an auto factory which remakes old classics with safety tweaks and calls it a day
I blame the soccer moms for all the safety crap
Such a pleasure to see you guys in a video after reading so many articles!! Simple and highly enjoyable video, just like your writing! Good stuff :) Bring back simple cars!! I wish!!
Love those cars. Had 2 in the past. 83 and 85.
I miss my 1985 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE it was so fun to drive. It’s the one car I still had. Yes it was a rice burner and you had to change the spark plugs more often, but who cares, it was a sweet car.
my FB didnt have a back seat, but lemme tell you, with the horsepower that thing has, it was pretty ambitious to think more than 2 people were going to do well in that car. it CHUGS if you try to put a 3rd person in it.
When I was a kid I had a 1983 Nissan Pulsar NX, it was in mint condition and was my baby. I thought at 17 it might as well have been a Ferrari, with pop up headlights and sunroof but most of all, it was a cheap car to own, was slower than molasses in January but was a hoot to drive!! That's the thing, other than a Miata/MX-5 there are no more cheap, fun sporty cars. Sure there are crossovers and SUV's that can blow the doors of the old NX but that's not the point, take a new car down a twisty road in winter and all the built in safety features kick in and there is no difference for the driver between that twisty road and an arrow straight highway, now same twisty bit in the NX and you learn very quickly how good a driver you really are! Between front end plow, the inner back tire lifting (Oh yeah, it did!!) and the underpinnings of the base Nissan Sentra two door and you could go from Zero to Hero on the right road depending on your ability. It's not how fast you can go in a straight line, anyone can do that ( to some degree ) but it's how well YOU can drive that makes these old sporty cars fun! I highly recommend buying an old RX-7, or a Miata, 240SX, MR2, Fiero, base Fox body Mustang, Fiat X-19, Isuzu Impulse and go have some fun, and recapture the pleasure of Driving again!!
Oh how I miss my 83 GSL. Surprising y'all found a rare 2+2 model though, most sold here in the states were just 2 seaters. I dailied it for about a year and a half, 25k miles, sold it with 163k on it. Kept up with maintenance and besides drinking gas like a fullsize truck that car was super reliable. I'll get another first gen some day, but currently working on an FC.
I added the rear seat after market
Enthusiasts don't want this type of car anymore. We already have the BRZ, which is constantly criticized for having 'low power.' This type of car would be even softer than the BRZ with less power.
Hell, Mazda enthusiasts would NEVER accept a new RX car like this. They could barely tolerate the RX-8. We'll never see a cheap, lower-powered RX car again. The 3rd gen RX-7 ruined that idea forever.
mishfal
And Mazda are bring back the RX Marque for 2020.
Yeah take that.
What a dumbass comment
@@samueljones3668 that hasn't been confirmed yet. All we know is that they are bringing back the rotary engine as a range extender for an electric vehicle.
Even if they do bring back the RX name, my point still stands. Enthusiasts will only accept the RX badge on a hardcore sports car. If Mazda ends up making something soft and underpowered like the 1st gen RX-7 it will not sell. The 3rd ge. RX-7 set the bar too high and ruined the idea of a cheap inexpensive RX car. The RX-8 was a flop.
The only possible option for Mazda for Mazda to use the RX name going forward is to reintroduce something like the RX-3, which can be soft and underpowered, and also bring back the RX-7 (or use RX-9) as a halo car.
Otherwise we will never see one soft, underpowered, RX car by itself in Mazda's lineup.
The RX8 was an attempt to bridge the gap between casual sports car consumers and rotary fans. It met the demands of neither. Also, rotary fans aren’t rotary fans because of engine output (remember that rotaries have no torque), we’re fans because these are light, high revving engines that give an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. I think you misunderstand rotary culture, especially considering that the FB is arguably the second most popular RX7 generation in the core community.
Eh, the RX-8 had... other... issues (still one of my favorite cars, though).
As for the BRZ, the main complaint regarding power isn't necessarily that it's "low power", but that it's just slightly underpowered. It's _almost_ powerful enough for its weight, but it just needs a little push to get it just right. You could probably get it up there with an ECU tune or a tuned exhaust. But I also hear a lot of people complaining about what I've decided to refer to as "Toyota Lag". Everything Toyota makes these days (and this has been a trend since the mid 2000s) has a bit of hesitance on EVERYTHING. Step on the gas? It takes a half a second or so to actually open the throttle. Hitting the brakes? You have a whole inch of deadzone before they even engage. Turning? Well, it doesn't lag, but you have to turn it quite far to get the right steering angle to make it around that corner. And all this contributes to the car feeling heavier than it actually is. The Lexus RC, which is basically a luxury BRZ/GT86 in function if not design, has all these same complaints - slightly underpowered and feels "laggy" - on a car that's much more powerful and _supposed_ to be much more refined. So, I think it's less "no one wants a 'slow car fast' car" and more "modern Toyota sucks at making sports cars".
If there wasn't a market for "slow car fast" cars, the Miata (excuse me, MX-5) wouldn't be doing well. But it's still a successful platform. And Fiat recently brought back the Spyder, too (saw one on the road just yesterday, in fact). So it's not that no one wants these, but that you need to get the formula right to be successful in this particular market sector. The RX-7 SA has the right formula - light, feels good to drive, very connected to the road, and with just enough power to do the job (or at least just enough for the era it was developed in). Same goes for the Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno and Corolla Levin, and even the Nissan 280ZX to a lesser extent even if it was an outright porker compared to the previously mentioned cars.
Totally happy with my 93 FD. Daily driver is 2015 FRS
Nice💯
As an FB owner I can't believe they didn't comment on how bad the steering is. Recirculating ball sucks (used in SAs like the one they're driving too). Look at them jockeying the wheel just trying to go straight... The thing i dislike most about my FB is definitely the steering, otherwise its a total blast.
Oh and 2+2 config is highly uncommon for first gens in the states. Vast majority were 2 seaters.
Rotaries consume oil by design; they don’t burn oil through sloppy seals or loose tolerances.
Comments on reliability are ignorant. Mazda sold almost 500k first gens, almost 200k Gen IIs, and tens of thousands of other rotaries going back to the ‘60’s with below average complaints on reliability and oil consumption. Even the beautiful Gen III problems were not related to the engine, but to the sequential twin turbo. Yes, owners needed to actually check oil levels and do all the easy maintenance checks found in every car manual - rotary, piston, or diesel - but those engines successful, popular, and had good reputations.
Not until we get to the RX-8 13B MSP do we see issues (and bad reputation forming) due to insufficient lubrication, which Mazda addressed in 2009. There was also a significant drop in quality (adherence to tolerances) from 2003 to 2008, maybe longer.
If somebody could make a modern SA/FB, it’d probably be a hit, even at $25k.
I keep hearing rumors of a Mazda RX-9 coming out. I wouldnt buy one, but I love when companies think outside the box. Mazda has been known to do that.
My dream car back in 1980s
I owned an RX-7, I want to say an 80 or 81. Maybe my mind is turning to mush, but don't recall it having a choke
A Miata coupe with a direct injected normally aspirated Renesis rotary
would be beautiful. Sure it would have airbags, power windows and Apple Connect, that’s today, but price it $32k. 2500 pounds, 250HP (or 238?) a little more expensive than the Miata but $thousands less than the new Z or Supra and you have a modern RX-7.
I have a very nice 1984 RX-7 with a Skyline engine and transmission, and with1990 RX-7 convertible brakes (same brakes as the Turbo models), and the BBS convertible 15 inch wheels. I would not trade it for a fancy new Porsche or late model Supra. With proper adjustment and good ball joints, the steering is just fine.
My fave. Removed the governor mine was a sling shot miniture suicide rocket. It would wind up and shoot. But due to the fact it's a low to the ground light weight sports car made it the least favorite car to be sharing the road with massive 18 wheelers and large vehicles. Other wise this car was a lot of fun to drive.
I drove my friends 1983 but with auto trans I took it on the Express way and open it up I was surprised how it kept picking up speed with no problem
What a gorgeous example of an sa rx7, absolutely wonderful
I had a 83 rx7 in the early 90’s lol 😂
This car is on craigslist currently (aug 2019) newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/millburn-for-sale-the-jalopnik-reviewed/6940960842.html
I had a red gen 1 ,it was a blast around NZ winding roads use the gears and pull the revs could just get 200 kms but the handling made up for power .
bought one a year ago, best thing i ever bought!
Miata and Subaru BRZ fill this segment of the market today
a turbo 6 would be fun in that car, but can i get one with the small block ls 454 engine and 7 speed auto trans?
Thank you!
So much of this I can agree and disagree with. The 2+2 was such a rarely found option that it isn't even worth mentioning. They burned oil sure but only as long as the pump was working and most people didn't know how to check that and also when it was working you had to be diligent with your 3k oil change or you'd be out of oil. I have an 83, I've 13b swapped it since I botched my last set of side seals on my 12a. I feel the 12a moved so much better than the 13b that I have in there now. I blew my original engine because I rushed out the door for work and forgot my premix. The gas mileage was great, I got 30 to the gallon and still ate Vettes alive. I'm still working on her steering slop and probably always will be. She's been an amazing conversation starter wherever I go and after talking to so many people the general consensus with anyone who owned an FB is that their biggest regret was selling it to get an FC when they came out.
Australia was one of the few markets they made the rear seats standard but that's because what the likes of Datsun/Nissan(280zx/300zx),Alfa with their GTV AND GTV6,Mitsubishi Starion and even Porsche with the 924 and 944 were doing at the time.They did that not so much due to seatbelt laws in the land down under but without it would be buyers at the same showrooms would have been forced into a 626 HATCHBACK(from 83 onwards)or a Coupe which existed in both models of the 626 before that became a MX6 from 88 onwards.
I am not sure you could sell a car like this any more. Safety was terrible by today’s standards and the only way to fix that is make it bigger and heavier or use exotic and expensive materials. The lovely feeling of the throttle being connected to the pedal via a cable has disappeared for cleaner air. Sadly, the closest that seems to be possible now is the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX5. I miss this type of car too
The Miata is this car today more or less. (Previous 3rd gen owner)
I own a 84 RX7 that I am trying to restore but interior parts are hard to find
is kinda sad we dont have 'analog cars' anymore..
manufacturer could do it , it will save a lot of manufacturing and developing cost for them ; and we consumer get the fun and direct car. but no one build it
Car manuf. is driven by high sales volumes. Have you seen Roxon 4x4 or Suzuki new Jimny? Outside company efforts to bring all you talking about. Can we change politics and laws?
It’s no RX-8, but considering the technology of the late ‘70s, pretty impressive!
Rotaries in theory don't have a redline. And if you don't know what you are doing, you will just break it trying to soup it up.
How tall are you guys ?? What is the max height for the driver ???
what a legend.
I'd love to own a FD someday
FC for me. I like the boxier look
Wow. It's not an fd! Lol the first Gen is amazing. They really don't make the cars like they used to!
RX7 and MX7. the MX7 should have a Skyactiv-X equipped turbo V6.
It's supposed to be a light fun car. Not a BMW Z4.
That’s not a bad idea tho, especially considering that way back in the day, Mazda actually offered versions of their rotary vehicles that were powered by piston engines. So you could have a something like an RX3, with a rotary engine. Or a vehicle that had the same chassis and body, but had a piston engine instead
Gawd. This was like watching two anthropologist studying a 20 million year old fossil. Having not lived during that era they know almost nothing about the time the car came from and are making absurd assumptions about why the car is like it is. For example, saying it was so cheap to buy because that kind of money compared to modern Honda Civic-style cash. The RX-7 was, in fact, within a couple hundred dollars of a new Corvette back then. I vividly remember the commercials on TV. They were tremendously expensive back then! And the lack of power steering was NOT a performance feature! Holy hell this as hard to watch...
If you reach under the dash of a mirage and unplug the steering collumn motor....Kristin and other guy you are my heroes.
the reason is modern safety standards are swallowing up modern passenger cars. but suv's and trucks get to be big slab sided bricks.
This video is kinda misleading. Yes the rx7 Fb WAS cheap back in the day. Basic serviceable items may be cheap, but try finding cheap spares on what is an old car thats been out of production for decades. Any of the engine parts are going to be expensive. And if you buy a garage queen thats been sat around or start/stopped frequently and you're likely looking at water seal failure and henceforth a rebuild.... and then the 'cheap' classic becomes a moneypit. The only relatively cheap rotary engined car is the rx8, RELATIVELY and thats only because they've sold tons and parts are still available in plenty. Hope the rx8 continues to have a bad reputation,that way those who know how to deal with it can make the most of it
thank you but im pretty sure I can fully restore my 79 RX-7 for around 5 grand mechanically ( bought my "garage queen" for 2500$) , im convinced there's no car right now under 17 grand that can out do it in terms of fun. the next best thing is a modern miata / s2k
I'm just glad Kristen pronounced Porsche correctly...
I see that license plate. Where in Jersey was this shot? Some of those roads looked nice.
1983 Mazda RX7 12A original everything. 🖐🖐🖐🖐💪💪💪☝☝☝
Some say the power plant was forged by a dieing wizard some where in the Bermuda Triangle🤔
The SACC RX7 came out in 1978, not 1980. I had one among the seven rotary engine cars I have owned. By the 1980 model they were no longer under $7000 by a wide amount. Please be accurate, thanks.
They never said it came out in 1980 they just said theirs was a 1980
so what, a cheap, lightweight coupe under or close to a ton with 120+hp is actually great fun? you know they make the BRZ nowadays, right?
The closest thing we have to this now is a Civic Si coupe. But it doesn't have the wenkle.
The RX-7 was not a 2+2. It was a 2 seat roadster. There was no rear seat, only rear storage compartments. And you completely ignore the manual choke?? Lol. And yes they burned oil by design... for the same. That's why I had to ditch mine once they changed the emissions inspection in NJ to the dyno test. It would not pass.
I added the rear seat when I owned this car. . Had a similar issue with NJ inspection but the equipment had to be recalibrated and then it passed