^ where are you? we're looking for an FD project.

see.. $15K to me.. gets you a cherry FD + 1 motor rebuild... considering the number of ppl i know who can properly rebuild rotaries, i'd definitely take the FD. as far as rotary reliability.. my FC3S had 240k mi on it before the water seals went south. i'd like to see a) an ap1 w/ 240k mi on it, b) a "daily driven" F20C putting down 440rwhp...

Daily→ Honda (Civic), Fun(er) → FD3S.

 

I'm pretty confident that an F20/F22 could last 240,000 miles. I think most engines on the road today could last that long with routine maintenence and a respectful driver.

You make it sound like you have a daily driven 440 rwhp rotary engine with 240K miles . I won't argue rotary reliability with you, though, it wouldn't be a fair fight.

 

Many third-generation RX-7 engine woes can be traced to not changing the fuel filter. It is located up on top of the rear axle, conveniently out of the way. Its a pain to get to so they tend to never get changed. They fill up with crud, eventually causing the engine to lean out and burn up, causing the apex seals to disintegrate and get sucked through the turbo. Turbo and engine replacement time.

Rare to see one that will not need a motor by 80,000mi.

And as with any rotary, you must absolutely keep the cooling system in tip top, 100% operating condition as they are sensitive to overheating.

 

i was in your situation a lil while back. before i got my s2k that is . performance the rx7 has a lot of potential but it wont be that reliable and you cant use it as a daily driver. also when you get it more likely than not your gonna have to rebuild the engine right away.

 

a rotary guy said if u want a high hp rx7 like in the 400 to 450 range the engine wont last more than 5000 to 10,000 miles, up the hp=0 reliablty

 

I've owned a RX-7 for a DD/Toy let me tell you to own a FD you really have to love the car to go thru what that car will put you thru.

I was at the same cross road as you Ive had Honda's all my driving life 3 Preludes I wanted something RWD and quicker it was between the S2000 or RX-7 I went w/ the RX-7 and I regret the decision. There are so many little things that can go wrong w/ the RX-7 its nuts/ If you take off the top manifold you'll see about 200 Vaccum lines not to mention Rotary engine's aren't the most reliable engines when the have f/i all motor they run for a long time.

Don't get me wrong the FD is an amazing car when it running 100% I loved the looks the power the 8k redline its was a great car but as far as reilability coming from a Honda guy to another getting into the FD and dealing w/ all the issues its going to overwhelm you then your going to spend atleast 4k-5k on a "proper" rebuild for the engine. Yes you can find a FD for 8k running in good shape but when you add the the stress, unreliabilty, and money your going to spend to keep that car together you could of stayed in familiar territory and gotten an s2000 I learned the hard way. If it was just a weekend car then i go w/ an FD but for a DD s2000 gets good gas mileage reliable and it has decent power for what it is.

If your still interested in the FD check out RX7club.com that the best site to read and learn about the FD and the members are very helpful. And if you want to know about the nightmare i went thru w/ mine PM me...LOL

but IMHO I'd get the S2000 for your situation

 

Everybody knows that the rotary engine is prone to problems when it's turbocharged, but that is not what bugged me the most about the FD. The damn interior plastics are cheap as hell and break all of the time. Not to mention the door handles that are made of plastic. Mazda spent hours upon hours to make the car light, they could of added a few more pounds and made the interior so it wouldn't fall apart.

 

Also the FD's 13B-REW is a delicate engine tuning is everything when it comes to that engine the FD is an extremely high maintainace car when you mod the FD there's an order of mods you must follow to keep reliabilty. Unless you've owned DSM's all your life you will lose your patients w/ this car. When you own a FD your so worried about breaking something you can't enjoy the car. especially if its your only car and DD

If you want F/i on the S2k I's stick w/ a SC. A friend of mine had a Vortex SC on his S2K and he said it remained reliable and driveable as a DD.

Turbo+ a High compression Honda engine= Blown engine

SC are safer for Honda engines from my experinces and less maintainace. You've owned Honda im sure you've beaten on your Civic's and Prelude's and they've held up I tell you now you can't do that w/ the FD but the S2000 will take more abuse get better gas and be more reilable...

 

The Interior true is mostly plastic I had to replace my door handle on my FD twice. While it is a GREAT sports car back in 93-95 MAZDA didn't have a great rep for quialty cars Im sure they've stepped up now adays. The fact of the matter is a Honda is a quailty car that will run for ever if you take care of it.

Do you want a 11-13 year old Mazda or do you want a 1-6 year Honda

 

thats why you lower the compression when you go turbo