Advise please?

[Paul R]

Hi,

I have a toyota Supra TT at the moment, but I\'m thinking of an RX7.

Before my Supra I have owned 3 MR2\'s - 2 Turbos and 1 NA.

Howevere I want a change!! I vitually know nothing about the RX7
appart from the basics of how a rotary engine works.

I would like some advise:

1, I\'ve heard that the engines are only good for 50k miles or so
before they need a rebuild. Is this true?? Or is this only the case
on the earlier cars?

2, I have seen various models of the car. Can someone tell me the
differences? ie, between the 1.3 turbo to the 2.5 turbo that I have
seen?? Which is the best with drawbacks and advantages?

3, What can I get for under 10 grand that is going to be reliable and
at least as fast as my Supra TT??

4, Do they come in a convertable form? Tat would be a bonus!

Cheers,

Paul.

[J4P RX]

1. Engines generally seem to need rebuilding at approx every 60,000 but it does depend how its been looked after and tuned etc just like any other engine.  Expect to pay around abouts £3500 for a rebuild

2. The ones you have seen are probably all the same, but get classes as lots of things as no-one (except us and specialts) know much about them.  See them advertised as V6 and all sorts.  All 3rd gens are basically the same engine, the Type R has slightly more performance but there are a few other limited editions (see the sticky thread about about this in 3rd gen questions)

3. Under 10k will get a very nice early car.  Most the ones on Autotrader are either crap or dont really exist though, or right on 60,000 miles with no rebuild.  They are around just takes a while to find a good one.  They seem to be the car to import at the moment and people who dont know much seem to be bringing in loads of cheap rubbish to try and make some quick money.  I got mine under 10k with a brand new engine and its very good and quick.  Had a play with a Supra (dont know its state of tune) but was noticably quicker.  Have a look in the for sale section here is a good idea.

4. No

Cheers
Lee

[Trappy]

No stock RX7 is as fast as a Supra. 265bhp vs 326 bhp and 212lb/ft? vs 325lbs/ft torque... I\'m no expert but i reckon the \'99 onwards would probably draw level up to 100 then fall back slightly. You\'d have to get a slightly modded RX7 for less than ten grand to match a standard supra. Maybe 290bhp should put it level?

[J4P RX]

You have forgotten one important thing there, and that is weight.

1260kg  versus about 1600kg, which gives the stock RX7 a better power to weight ratio.

Anyway, its not like I had 265 bhp

Cheers
Lee

[Trappy]

Torque to weight gives acceleration. Bhp per tonne gives top end.
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/magazine_articles/Motor_Trend_article02.html
Theres an american R1 vs Supra (and others). An RX7 Type-R is lighter and slightly more powerful though...
Better on tighter tracks (roads) though.