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Couldn't resist this deal... not an LBC, but fun!

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bmurphy7369

bmurphy7369

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I picked this 1988 RX-7 Convertible up last month for next to nothing. Everything mechanical has been rebuilt by an expert mechanic... the cosmetics will be my project. It needs some cleaning up, but I have been using it to commute 85 miles per day with no problems at all. It's much different than the two Miatas I've owned. The Targa feature is cool. See the attachment, great engineering gimmick.

Brian
 

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With the top down... (attachment) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 

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For some reason, these 2nd generation RX-7s are sort of unloved. They are actually quite good cars, meaning that they can be a relative bargain (as you've found out).
A good friend of mine races a 2nd gen RX-7 and has had great fun and success in it. One of the weakspots that he's noticed isn't the unfamilar engine, but rather the trans. He's blown four of them in the last few years (it looks very similar to a Miata trans). And of course, they burn a lot of gas (about 3 mpg when racing).
I think they are a great choice for a fun street car. Enjoy your new toy!
 
Oh that is a sweet car. I've always loved the convertible. I remember back in college lusting after a black convertible that a guy I worked with owned.

I am jealous....enjoy the new toy!
 
Aeronca,
You nailed the problematic portion of the car on the head. The transmission is definitely its weakest point... lots of synchronizing issues, grinding, etc. I believe the previous owner had just installed the current transmission last year. I read an article that basically stated that Mazda made a poor choice or calculation error in choosing that particular transmission to match the 13B Rotary. I would have to agree. Other than that, cheap plastic switch mounts that break during disassembly are my only other pet peaves (so far). Fun car, all in all, and makes the daily commute more enjoyable. Thanks for the input.

Brian /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Thanks Donatuke, I had always wanted one too, since high school. I plan to repaint the car next year and re-do the interior. I already have one new blue leather seat kit on the way, saving for another. I found this one as NOS on ebay for less than $30! Couldn't pass it up, even if I have to wait a year to buy the other seat kit to complete the interior. I am amazed at how cheaply these cars can be purchased, and at how relatively-well they have held up.... mechanically, anyway. For under $3000 it seems you can pick up one in beautiful condition with around 80K miles.. not bad for a future classic, in my opinion anyway. Thanks for the reply. I'll post more pics as I fix up the car in the year(s) to come. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Best regards,

Brian
 
I have always thought the 2nd gen convertible was quite pretty. I also wanted one when they were new.

The one thing that I never understood about the convertible was why it wasn't offered with the turbo engine. They are pretty heavy cars, and the turbo really would have turned it into a decent performer. I seem to remember that with the normally aspirated engine and that weight (about 3500 pounds with a driver -- give or take) the convertible did 0-60 in a sluggish 9+ seconds. I never had a report on the convertible's handling. In a lot of ways, the RX7 convertible's performance was very similar to that of the Nissan 240SX convertible. Both really pretty cars, though.

A 2nd gen RX7 coupe used to autocross in Houston from time to time. I was impressed at its overall performance.

I suppose it wouldn't be difficult to improve the convertible's performance. I wonder if the turbo engine would drop right in?
 
Had one like it - black on black...loved it....totally different from anything I'd ever owned....wife thought it was "age inappropriate" so I sold it to a teenager!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Had one like it - black on black...loved it....totally different from anything I'd ever owned....wife thought it was "age inappropriate" so I sold it to a teenager!

[/ QUOTE ]

You also had a Merkur at one time as I recall! Little rocketship with 4 cyls!

Basil
 
Sammy,
You're correct about the weight/performance issue. The convertible is heavier by about 350 lbs., I believe. I don't see any problem with adding a Turbo II engine at all, the hoods with the air intake are readily available. The 1988 convertible is the slowest of all the 2nd gen. RX-7's, this was the first year for the convertible (heavy!) and the last year for the 13B before the 1989 enhanced performance modifications were introduced.
Tony, it is truly the strangest (most unique) car I've had, in its handling and driving.... must be the rotary and the shape, low profile (almost like being down inside a Vette).. The car is very fun to drive and so far very dependable . I've not heard the same of the Turbo II models, but you hear lots of negatives that aren't always correct about most all vehicles. I can't wait to get that JC Whitney spoiler off and have the paint redone to original. Arctic Silver Blue Metallic, I think. Close to what's on it, but someone had Maaco spray the car in 2000 by taking a cap from a K-Mart spray paint can in and saying "Paint it this color."! Unbelievable, but gives me something to work on later down the road. I may just be able to peel off the Maaco job and get down to the original paint... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Basil, what's wrong with the Merkur?? That's another on my list of "Always wanted one, but never bought it" strange cars.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

Hope you all are enjoying your summer motoring and keep well.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Brian
 
Basil - I did...just never really got into it...but the Mazda was something else!! Right now I'm playing with an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce!!
 
I loved the Merkur XR4ti (except for the name!) Never owned one, but they were standard-issue first cars for the Microsoft set of the late 80s.

If you love unloved turbo cars, you'd love my ugly $350 Capri RS Turbo!

And Brian -- even with a Maaco paint job, an RX7 convertible is a beautiful thing. It's also amazing how such a heavy car can handle so dang well!
 
Sammy,
Off the subject, but I have to say I love all of your cars and your photos of your garage are any man's envy...
Have you ever thought about selling one, just one Corvette, and extending the garage to the curb? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Nah, forgot I even suggested it.
By the way, there is a man in Columbus, Indiana you may be interested in speaking to about his car collection. He's a self-made Asphalt King, who has a car museum at his home. Email me and I can put you in touch with him... He was featured in the local paper a few years ago and commented that he loved for people to stop by and ask to see his vast collection, all immaculately restored or original, I believe.
Yes, regarding the RX-7, I really expected it to remind me more of the Porsche 944 I had, but it is a different beast, not better in any way, just plain different.

Write me if you would like an address and phone for the car collector here in Columbus.

Regards,
Brian
 
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