WHAT ITS LIKE TO OWN AND DAILY DRIVE A FD3 MAZDA RX7
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มี.ค. 2020
- If you've wonder what it was like to own and daily drive a Mazda FD3 RX7, I talk about my experience owning and daily driving the car for 3 years.
The car is a wonderful car in your are into cornering and quick acceleration the 13B-REW engine is definitely a different experience from any normal piston engine. Although you do have to be careful when it comes to maintaining the engine, as long as your diligent and follow the rule I list, your 13B rotory engine should last you a long time.
As a daily driver this car is not bad. It does lack for storage, so as long as you are not picking up large items or taking more than one friend with you, you shouldn't run into to many issues. I daily drove mine and loved it.
Maintenance on the car is not bad. It is easy to work on and parts are not that expensive. The only down side is the quality of some of the material. The interior plastics are very thin and break easily, which can be frustrating.
So if your a fan of the Mazda RX-7, JDM cars, or are an import tuner yourself I believe you will find my channel informative if not a little entertaining
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Links to Similar and Related Videos:
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I have been a wrench head for years. I started off with building a 69 Camaro, then moved on to Miatas, followed by my first turbo car a 97 Eclipse GSX. After than I moved on to a Honda S2000, then my first MKIV Supra, then a 2010 Camaro, FD RX-7, R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R and my second Supra. I am now the owner of a 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition. I love JDM cars and would like to share that enthusiasm with all of you. I will be do car reviews, how to videos and opinions based on personal experience with those legendary JDM tuner cars. I tend to do almost all of the work on the car my self. This comes from a budgetary need as well as a lack of trust of mechanics in general. Working on cars are not has hard as people think, and I hope to show you that you can do it as well, regardless of your experience.
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#MAZDA #RX7 #FD3S - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I daily drive my 93 rx7, first time owning it and doing maintenence time to time, pre mixing every refill and oil changes frequently. Love that rotary to death
Thinking about going for an RX-7 but it would be my daily for awhile. Any tips you could give?
Great video. I agree 100 percent with everything you said. I used to daily drive my fd in the 90s and early 2000. I still have it as a weekend car. It is always a pleasure to drive and it runs great at 425whp.
That is a great hp number. You start going higher than that and you loose the weight to hp balance
I agree JD. Anything else tends to not only hurt the balance also the reliability. I am not saying you cant more power but you will need e85 to run it reliabily. At my power level the car is still responsive and is great for occasional trackdays on a roadcourse.
I used to own an RX8 traded it 6 years ago for my current car (WRX), and I miss that rotary. I'm considering on looking into rx7
You will not regret it. I had an FD and it was great. If you check out my vid on comparing my supra to a rx7 you'll get a little of my opinion
Savannah’s brooo
Rx-7 savannah
As an owner I 100% agree with this video, good advice for a new buyer 👍
I’m happy to see this I’m trying to get an fc to daily
It can be done, just keep a close eye on the oil and don't over boost till warmed up
Great video, you answered a lot of the big questions I had after researching for a while 👍🏼
Awesome. Glad I could help
This was a really useful and informational video, thank you!! You touched on some nice points that others have not gone into too much depth about (at least from what I've seen), so even though I've been doing lots of research around the RX-7s, I still learned some new stuff! It's also refreshing to hear the opinion of a long term owner rather than someone who just test-drove one or is reading off info from Google lol. It's a shame you don't still have the 7 as it would've been great to hear some braps! Can't go wrong with a Supra though.
One thing I'll say is that it would be nice to have more images (or even videos!) while you spoke, as well as shown on the screen for longer. I hope that is constructive - it's just me nitpicking. I'm very surprised to see such a low subscriber count because this was a really useful and to-the-point video, so I'll +1 to the subscribers number :)
Thank you for watching and super thank you for your opinions. I wish I had thought of doing you tube sooner, I would have actually had video and more pics. I wanted to use only my pics of my FD. So none of them were downloaded. Those were the surviving pics from my archives. If you want to see my evolution you should check out some of my new stuff about the supra. This friday I will be uploading a drive I just did with it on Stunt Road. Thanks again
Spot on this video, someone who' knows about rotary engine
Thank you
This video is godly. Thank you
Thank you
Thinking about getting an FD to daily the one I’m looking at 40k miles and even with all the bad opinions I’ve heard about the rotary I still really want it. Appreciate you for making this video and providing great insight.
Glad I could help. I dailies mine and had a great time. However, everyone there a loud noise you think, did my engine just blow?
Other than your info on side seals this video was great, awsome video for beginners to get an introduction!
I had a 86 fc. Large street port, few other mods. Was my daily driver and my drift car. It was also my most reliable car I ever had.
The rotory engine does get a bad rep. It comes from people who don't know how to run a rotory. Its the same thing that happened to nitrous. Although the FD does have its issues, the engine was never one
Thanks for bringing us yet another vibe 🥂 enjoyed
Thank you for watching
Keep up the good work we have two miatas a 90 NA and 00 NB check us out sometime and we subscribed
thankyou, you said it, a lot of people have problems with the rotard because they're not treating them properly, I've said it so many times, its a good engine
I really is, people just need to learn how to handle them. It's like someone saying a rear engine car is more prone to crashing because they don't account for the difference in weight distribution
@@justinpitman8296 indeed, I've also looked into this stuff (but you gave me a better understanding in more detail) because i want to own an rx7 fc3s savanna since its my 2nd favourite car after the JZA70 but always on facebook i see people complaining about their rotaries breaking down and i die inside as i hold myself from saying anything anymore, lol
@@MaximumDorifto cool. If you do go look at one just make sure you do the champagne rest and 3 phase compression test
@@JDArcher ty, i will do, my mate who currently has a US spec fc here in the UK and used to own an RX8 also told me the same thing
Good info
Thank you
Hey brotha I decided I want a rx7 recently after owning a 370z nismo and I was wondering if it’d be possible to email you and talk about options on where to look at and who to talk to for brokers and other info on importing an fd from Japan. I loved this video and it just made me want an fd even more lol
Mine is a '93 FD, red exterior and black interior, 180,000 Km on the clock and all original except for the exhaust, which is a free-flow stainless pipe. No pre-cat; it's the only thing I removed and replaced with a carbon steel and fibre glass insulated down pipe.
I've owned it since 1998 (I'm the second owner) and got it with 50 or 60 thousand Km on it. Inside is in good condition, some of the clear coat has flaked off on the driver's side. It has a 5 speed manual transmission with the original clutch. Gearbox is in good condition with no synchro growl. Both gearbox and differential have been run with high grade synthetic oil almost since I got it.
Due to life changes and failed emissions test it hasn't been driven since 2012, but has been garaged since then. We checked the compression at the time and it was about 100 PSIG on all chambers.
It's for sale in southern Ontario, Canada. Best offer over US$20K takes it, as is where is. If interested, contact me here. Thanks.
Seriously? That's a good price. If I had a scratch, I'd be tempted
@@JDArcher Thanks for your reply. I really enjoyed your vid, as you echo my experiences with the car: It was a blast to drive! BTW, US$20K is approximately CDN$25K.
Fd is expensive but I’m going to keep waiting to get one
Trust me its worth it. I'd have another one if I wasnt married and the wife wants kids
The undisputed best-handling automobile in the universe, BAR NONE.
Also the best-looking automobile in the universe (if you ask me).
Definitely the best handling car I've every owned
Great video! I was curious how would they hold up in the snow? I live in canada and this is my dream car but I’ve heard stories about the car having issues if it’s cold.
I'm not sure if the rotary would have issues aside from possible damage to the side seals. However, I'm not sure I would want a light weight rear wheel drive car on snow or icy roads
Bubble tech map lid replacement 👍
So worth it
Hey JD. Just found your channel after considering buying an RX-7. Recently got talked down by some friends. The effort and commitment isn’t what scares me, The fact that I can do everything right, and something still goes wrong scares me. Still, That rx-7 is super clean and a favorite of mine. Any suggestions? Would it be a nice car to daily drive in 2020? I would love to have it for a while. Is this a good idea?
It depends on you and the car.
1) are you the kind that will follow the rules for maintaining the car more than a piston car? Is the car going to be raced or mainly a commuter car?
2) how many miles are on the car? Was the engine ever rebuilt? Rebuilt engines are actually a buying plus with these cars. Who did the rebuild? Was it an experienced rotory shop? Does it have a wideband O2 gauge?
Either way you're going to need to be prepared to fix things on the car. It is now a 25 year old car and thing will start to go bad regardless. They could be minor things like solenoids, or sensors, or they could be major like engine, transmission or interior plastics. Maybe check around and see how easy it is for you to get certain major parts
If you're enthusiastic about turning a wrench and you're prepared to do repairs as they come up and if the car is solid and maintained properly then you should be fine. However if you're dependent on a mechanic that is not an rx7 specialist, not a wrench head your self and the car has a questionable history it would probably be best to look at a different car.
Great info. Awesome description. But the rx-7 doesn't look like any other car. The miata (nb) looks like a viper and an rx7 had three bastard child lol. The c6 Corvette looks like the rx-7 (which was well before its time) . Ill add this also: always wear great tires in this car. Never risk that. With all that being said, i will admit that everything I just said comes from experience. The nb2 miata and the fd rx7 are the two best model vehicles i have ever daily driven. I aim to experience a wrx in the mix eventually.
100% agree about tires. And that's for any car
I own a 93 Fd that needs an engine rebuild
Do u recommend going with a single turbo build or staying with the stock turbos ?
Single turbo build would give me 400 hp. Is that too much for this car ?
I was single turbo and thought it was so much better. Not only do you get better power but you can get rid of the rats nest. 400 to 450 is perfect for this platform
Yo looking to get an FD maybe end // creeping up on next year do you think learning on this car is a good idea ?? & also how long do u think these cars can last really want one but don’t want to make a mistake
Also I was going to finance but put 8,000 down is that a good idea ??
Holy crap I’m going through a crisis where I need more space and thinking of selling my fd :( have a baby girl on the way and I’m always driving everywhere. Your video made me thankful for my fd. I just hope I can hold on to her as much as I can
If you love it that much, why not find a old wrx as a kid carrier. It has 4 doors. Then use the FD to get to and from work
JD Archer wife won’t let me get another car unless I sell my fd lol. It’s funny because she doesn’t want me to sell it but I work with Peterbilt trucks and the practicality is catching up where I need more space to carry things and with a baby on the way, it’s just making more sense to let her go. Literally everything you said in the video is what I feel. I just need to hit the lotto and I’ll end up keeping her :)
@@Kev2930 not eve a cheap 90's 4 door civic?
JD Archer yeah not even that. Too put in perspective, I’m looking at a truck to replace my fd. Life will go on if I end up selling it but like you said an rx7 can be a daily driver. Love my fd and never had a problem with overheating or anything.
@@Kev2930 major bummer, but that's how life goes. Priorities change
I have a 93 R1...bone stock,with 16,000 original miles..it’s quite clean and I have turned down 60,000 for it. However I will keep it stock and I use the recommend pre mix in addition the the stock oil injection system..my question is how can I check to make sure the oil injection system is working and when breaks what is the usual cause?
Oil metering pumps just go bad. Usually you can tell by the engine braking. Sounds like you're doing everything right.
Hi there, i love learning about rotories and this video was very informative. I have a question, compared to your r32 gtr what was more expensive to up keep maintenance wise and reliability factor. I understand both cars are old but I am looking into them for a weekend car. I work in my own cars but nothing major, more like swapping parts or simple diagnoses that don't need specialized tools. No engine swapping or anything past moving valve cover gaskets lol
The RX7 was super easy to work on. There is lots of room in the engine bay, especially if you go single turbo. The R32 engine bay is super tight and cramped so it's better if you have small arms and hands. There are certain things, like the oil pump, where you have to remove the RB from the car to fix it. Also getting parts for the R32 is a little harder because most you have to order from either Japan or Canada.
As for reliability, I'd say they're about the same. Of course that's comparing stock to stock. As you know the more you modify, usually, the less reliable the car is.
This seems like I'm getting a little long with this post, so I guess, in short, the RX7 would probably be a little better, but that's probably because there is less involved. The R32 has the all wheel drive and all wheel steering systems that can also have issues.
@@JDArcher thanks alot for your insight. I I understand that the R32 has say more potential issues because of the all-wheel drive system and it being such an old car. But I guess my thing was are GTR parts more expensive as opposed to rotaries? And my head I'm trying to outweigh what is more expensive. Do parts on rotary engines need more replacing as opposed to the GTRs Rb's? Of course if all things being equal stock wise. And if I were to store the RX7 for the winter, is Rust a major issue for rotary engines even if garage kept? I'm from New York so it's definitely a fall or summer car.
@@R26Roman ah, ok. As for parts, technically they are about the same in cost except for 1 thing. The shipping. Because GTR part will usually have to be gotten out of the country you will beblaying more. Plus there is the famous GTR tax on used parts.
As for rust, most r32s will.have rust issues from the front of the door back. It comes from being on an island either close to the salty sea or salted mountain passes. RX7s will depend on where you get them from.
@@JDArcher that's so much for your knowledge and time. One last thing are there any issues when storing a rotory and starting it after a winter season? I sometimes hear about the insides of rotory housing rusting out but not sure why that is? Thanks again definitely subscribing
@@R26Roman the inside of the rotor housing are chromed to prevent the devils finger nail marks. If there is fuel left in the housing it can mess up that chrome. If you get condensation it can mess up the rotors, apex seals or side seals, but not that common. Maybe go.out and fire it up once a month to.clean it.out
What would be the monthly cost of an fd? And is it viable to daily drive?Looking to get a rhd one myself. Great video my man!
Monthly cost would depend on you and how much you drive and your need to up grade. You could just do gas and oil and be fairly cheap. Once I fixed the stuff that was wrong with it when I bought it, not to kich else broke. If highly, highly, highly recommend against RHD. I had a r32 gtr for about 3 years. Once the novelty wears off, it's a pain in the ass to the point I didnt like the car any more
@@JDArcher why? Surly maintenance costs can’t be that much for an RHD Rx7 because the parts are surely the same?
@@beastbee0118 you're correct for the most part. Things like engine and transmission partd would be the same, but if you need things like dash plastics, it will be a pain. However, my aversion to RHD in the rx7 is not due to availability of parts, its the driving. Once the novelty wears off, it's not as much fun. If you're in a busy area, like LA, left turns always feel like russian roulette. Because you're on the other side of the car, it's more difficult to see if there are cars coming the other way if there is another car turning left in front of you. If you have a parking garage with a gate or pay booth, you have to get out of your car everytime to badge in, or get a ticket for entry then pay on the way out.
With the r32 is almost justifiable because we didn't get them in the states and they really only come in RHD. The FD did come to the states and LHD are easily obtainable so why go through the hassle? Constantly having to deal with RHD issues in a LHD car with lessen the enjoyment over time, especially if you're using it as your daily.
FD, MK4, R32 or NSX and why... I am getting ready to shop. I think the FD is likely the most fun of the lot.
I've not had the NSX, but I have a connection with the MKIV, I've had 2 of them. That being said, the FD was the best driving car and us great if you know how to turn a wrench. The engine never gave me issue, but everything else did
What's the best year model of the FD that you recommend? I'm searching and interest in the market to get an FD, but I honestly don't know what year model at it's peek.
We only got them from 93 to 95 and 95 was only a partial run. They're all pretty much the same, but in 94 they went from a rubberized pain on the dash plastics to a textured plastic. If possible I like the textured plastic more, but other than that there's no real difference
98 and above. Those models had most of the issues resolved found in the previous models like the engine easily heating up and stuff. Oh, and they have more horsepower as well.
@@jogezai94 and they have they better tail light, front bumper and wing. I converted mine when I had it
It is my dream car and I want to import it when it's legal, would it be a good first car/daily driver if I engine swap it?
Where are you based out of? If you're in the US they were sent here originally. If you want a RHD, we're in 2022 almost 2023, so any car made after 1997 is OK for import, and the FDs stated in 93.
As for a good first car... probably not. This car dies require some constant attention, it at least some who is comfortable with a wrench. Get a Miata. They are a great first/ entry level tuner car and somewhat simular to a RX7
Em trying to think abt buying a miata and swapping the engine for a 13b or 12a i think 12a but i cant seem to find a 13b engine for a cheap price
If your patient one should pop up, you might have to travel a bit
Miatas have the good ol 5th gear grind too lol
I've owned 3 miatas a 91, 94 and a 04 mazdaspeed. I never had a single issue with any of them
i feel like i’m the only person who likes the pre facelift taillights
It is defiantly a rarer opinion, but not invalid
Do turbo charge rotaries have a shorter life ? I'm talking about a car that's been modified.
I dont think so. Unless you're over boosting or running lean
How much reliable horses can I pull out of this engine? 400whp is a nice number for me, but I dont know if this will destroy the engine reliability
Mine was 450 and my daily. I never had an issue
lmao the truck in the background
What about the FC’s is it the same with the FD’s?
Somethings yes, some things no. The interior on the FCs is stronger, less likely to break unlike the paper thin plastics of the FD. However the FC is older than the FD and will have it's own problems. The engine has the same principles, but I would change out turbo stock intercooler sooner. It's a top mount and sits on top of the engine and absorbs all of that heat. Make sure you do a three phase compression test to check all sides of the rotors. Also open the coolant cap while the car is cold and then start. If it bubbles like champagne then the side seals are bad and in need of a rebuild. I am not aware of the FC having the famous 5th gear synchro grind that the FD gets
I DAILY MY 26B EXTEND PORT SINGLE TURBO NO PROBLEMS. TRAFFICS A BREEZE
Damn
@@JDArcher im clearly lying
@@jtspiky damn lack of vocal inflection. I have heard weird set ups for dailies though
Hey I’m 19 and looking to own an FD in the next 3 years or so lol. I’m not mechanically inclined I know a few stuff but not hardcore. Would I be okay owning one? I’ve heard about all the problems and people telling me that I’d have to fix it every week. Is this true ?
Also, why did you get rid of the Rx7? They’re such awesome cars that I find it weird that people sell them
@@icheeseit_3050 I'd say if you're no mechanically inclined, find a car to learn on, otherwise you may end up spend a lot of money in the future. The car isn't a lemon by any means, but it is now 26 years old and will need extra maintenance werher it's an rx7 or something else.
I sold mine because it was may daily, and I was working in Hollywood and they kept requiring me to carry more stuff
JD Archer would i be better off financing one or buying it with a private seller ? And thanks for the tips man
@@icheeseit_3050 I'd buy straight up if possible. Dealerships will be way over priced and will sneak in extra fees if they can. Plus you wont find many in dealerships
I am looking into buying an imported 1995 rx7 with about 50k miles. Do you that is a good mileage for it, or is it too much?
Was the engine ever swapped or rebuilt, how much are you paying?
JD Archer well I do not know much about it but, lets say it has the original engine and has not been rebuilt. I will be financing it. And it cost 24k.
@@omarmendoza3887 at $24k you can get one here a USDM no problem. Buying a car sight unseen is never a good idea. Its even worse when it's a rotory. You cant do the champagne test or the three phase compression test
JD Archer well do you know any places that sell them and have financing available?
In California
Just to let every one know because i hear this all the time, the tail lights are not 99 spec. Its a hug misconception. They are actualy 1996 spec and up.
I thought they were part of the face lift done in the 99 refresh, I could be wrong though, since we didn't get them here in the states. They seem to be referred to as 99 spec now, like how every copy machine is loosely called a xerox
@@JDArcher yeah every one ended up calling them the 99 spec because of the face lift (front bumper). Alot of people dont know that they could get a 1996 model with the revised tailights, and the better ECU. Thats also when the cars got an increas in power. Ill leave a link below with a bit of info with model year specs.
How many miles can I go without rebuilding the engine? With and without precaution, because i'll take care of it, but idk how the previous owner did
If taken care of, these engines can go quite a while before needing a rebuild. Most people I know drive them till the break or hit 150k and then either buy a second engine or have the car down for a rebuild. A friend of mine just popped an apex seal last week. Housings were fine, but it messed up the turbos. Good excuse to go single though
Mine lasted about 235k before apex seal went, and i did not baby it at all, i'm surprised actually lolol
What is a good price for a fd?
Low 20s to low 30s depending
my 5th gear syncro's are gone lol
Can you even fit people in the back?
There's no back seat. Its a two seater
Where is the best place to find an FD i need one
Craig's list, car gurus, auto trader, even ebay
@@JDArcher Thank you for replying! If you don't mind me asking where did u get your rx7 from and how much did it cost you?
@@Red_Heresy I originally got my fd in Irvine. I paid around $14k for it and then sold it for $20k four years later
@@JDArcher thank you thank you, the prices of fd's have been dramatically rising so ive been worried about finding one
@@Red_Heresy be patient. Wait for the right one. Make sure you get a three phase compression test, when cold pop the radiator cap then turn.it on to make sure it doesn't bubble. Bubbling means bad side seals and a rebuild is needed. Also dont forget to check all gears for grinding
What about tall people? Is it tall people friendly?
Probably not unless you swap out the seat. I'd say around 6ft is the limit
@@JDArcher well there goes my dream car
@@happy_dutchman unless you want to drop in some race seats
@@JDArcher if that works I'll keep it in mind for sure. Thanks man
@@happy_dutchman best thing to do is find one you can sit in and see how it feels. I'm 5'10" and felt I was the right size. I think for vin diesel to fit they just removed the drivers seat
making an rx7 a daily driver is just disrespectful lol
Is it? Or is leaving it the garage, caged up and unused more disrespectful?
@@JDArcher that all you got? daily driver or locked in a garage? how about giving it the attention it deserves, and using it for fun on the track. thats what this car should be used for. not being driven into the dirt as a daily driver, and not being locked up in a garage.
Let’s say It was the car, lmao yess It def was
yeah let me just talk about my rx7 while driving my supra
You really need to let your hair get back to this, the red you got going now is super cringe.