I've been running a '93 RX7 for about 2 years now. It is a lot of fun, but
much more difficult to drive than something like a Corvette.
>Are there any rumors or known cars coming to SS class that would
>make the Rx7 not the best car to have?
I'm wondering about the Audi TT, anyone else?
>I've been told that a 93 R1 gives pretty good value for what I want.
>Apparently the 94's have less rattles and are less likely to burn to
>the ground, but the 93's cost less and weigh slightly less.
>Looking around, I see quite a few advertised in the 15k-18k range,
>and some real cream puffs in the 22k range.
A '93 will be much easier to find. I think they made more in '93 than in '94
and '95 combined. As long as all of the TSB's have been done, a '93 should be
fine.
>Once I buy the car, what are the rest of the expenditures?
>Shocks and suspension bushings (stock) are pretty easy to see,
>as are a cat back exhaust system and K&N air filter and brake
>pads.
>What will the above cost? Recommendations?
suspension bushing replacement - sounds cheap and easy. The dealership quoted
me over $2000 to replace all of the suspension bushings with factory
replacements. Many of them cost around $100 each. I would highly recommend
replacing only those necessary. If you join Mazda Competition, you will get
about a 40% discount from dealership parts prices.
I really like my setup with GAB Super R shocks and an Eibach FRONT sway bar.
I don't remember what I paid. The hot setup runs without a muffler - just
replace it with a straight pipe. The 2 cats muffle the noise enough so
removal of the muffler is almost unnoticable, but I have been told it really
helps the turbos spool up quicker.
>Under what circumstances do the catalytic converters get ruined
>and need replacement?
The cats go bad when they get too hot. It's hard to tell without removal and
visual inspection unless it is really bad.
>Any other suggestions or recommendations?
Go for it! There was a fully preped ASP RX7 for sale at about 26K. I think it
was posted on this list within the last month or so.
The transmission syncros are a little weak on these cars. Make sure you can
both shift into 5th without any sickening sounds and down shift to 1st
without coming to a complete stop.
Look out for those sunroofs. I really don't fit into my RX with a helmet and
I don't have a sunroof (I'm about 6'2").
Jim Young
Phoenix, AZ
'93 RX7 CYM SS
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