![]() The rotary engine is particularly sensitive to heat, and adding two turbos under the hood doesn’t help matters. If the car fails on these points, then you saved yourself the cost of getting a professional opinion. Don’t be too surprised when they also recommend an independent shop.Įven though the cars are somewhat complex, there are some simple aspects to check out during an initial inspection. What about a local Mazda dealer? Well, it’s now been 12 years since Mazda sold their last new RX-7. Rotary specialists know their way around under the hood, and they should have the proper equipment and knowledge to check engine compression and uncover any other issues. Although a prospective purchase should be inspected just like any other used car, there are some special things to consider on a rotary car, particularly an FD.įor one, if it's at all possible, have a rotary specialist do an inspection. While the car sounds infallible on paper, there are several potential hazards to keep in mind before running out and handing over a check for a third-generation RX-7. When combined with the car’s 2800-pound fighting weight, the resulting performance was stellar. Maximum output was listed as 255 horsepower. In stock trim, both turbos produce 10 psi of boost, but during the changeover the boost drops to 8 psi, resulting in a 10-8-10 pattern. The car’s 13B rotary engine sported a very complex twin sequential turbocharger system where in each turbo had a specific purpose in life: The first one helped low-end torque and around 4500 rpm the second one kicked in for high-rpm power. Unlike previous generations, only one engine was available for the third-generation RX-7. The R2 replaced the R1 for the next model year due to complaints that the R1 was too stiff. The package added a stiffer suspension and other performance items Mazda only sold it during 1993. The R1 was the automotive cocktail for the hardcore driver. Each trim level grouped together specific options until 1994, when Mazda allowed individual options to be ordered. model run with four basic models available: Base, Touring, Popular Equipment Package (PEP), plus the R1 and later R2 performance packages. The third-generation RX-7 remained basically the same during its entire U.S. In a day when sports cars had started to put on some bulk, the RX-7 was a lean, mean machine. In fact, its performance numbers still outshine some of today’s newer sports cars. Talk of reliability problems and cost of production-two issues that could be traced to that unique rotary engine-along with a declining market for sports cars fill out the list of reasons for the car’s discontinuation here.Īlthough the argument is still found on RX-7 message boards, there is one opinion that many people agree on: the third-gen RX-7-often referred to by its FD chassis designation-was the best RX-7 made. ![]() Many RX-7 owners argue about why the car stopped coming to North American shores. (The third-gen RX-7 was available to customers in Japan through the 2002 model year.) Mazda stuck with the rotary through both the 19 redesigns, with the final car remaining on North American soil only through the 1995 model year. ![]() Since its 1979 introduction, Mazda’s RX-7 has been unique thanks to one major feature: its use of a rotary engine. Only one manufacturer, however, managed to outshine the rest from day one with something truly unusual. ![]() Just about every car manufacturer has made some form of sports car, and each marque has tried a different tack to make its steed stand out from the herd.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |