Pros and cons of 8-bit and 16-bit ecu\'s

[SupraZed]

Hi everyone, as I\'m looking to buy an FD soon I was wondering if anyone is aware of what advantages or disadvantages there may be between owning a pre \'96 and post \'96 car.

As some of you may be aware, cars built after December 1995 with a chassis number starting with a 4 came with a 16-bit ecu and are rated as 265 bhp.

Is it any more difficult to tune the later cars or difficult to obtain certain parts?

TIA

[skybusr34]

to be honest mate if your going to do a few mods later on you`ll be ripping out the ecu anyways and sticking an axexi unit in.

don`t pay a premium for a rex because of the fact its a 16 bit.

[Kevin]

Totally agree with harris2182.  Just look for a decent clean RX7, cause the Apexi PowerFC is a 16 bit ECU anyway, just bin the old 8-bit and plug in the apexi.... job done.

Is it any more difficult to tune the later cars or difficult to obtain certain parts?

There were only very minor changes over the years to the RX7, 91-95; 96-98; 99-02; basically have the same range of parts available for them.  Only thing is you can get away with alot more with regard to emissions on cars upto 1995.  E.g. no cat test on the mot.

[SupraZed]

Only thing is you can get away with alot more with regard to emissions on cars upto 1995.  E.g. no cat test on the mot.

No worries, good job my MOT tester loves jap motors.

I would probably get an apexi early on anyway, thanks for the replies.