I Have a Mazda RX-7 Turbo II for a few weeks! What do y’all wanna know about it?

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
09/22/2020 at 15:58 • Filed to: Rotary, Mazda, Rx-7, Rotary Engines, Mazda RX-7, turbo, Radwood

This is an extremely nice ray of sunshine in this weird year. The car, I mean, not just the lens flare in the pic.

I’m car-sitting this ‘91 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II convertible for a few weeks. Rotaries need frequent drives to be happy, and I jumped at the chance to help out. I’ll try to post up a first impressions review soon.

In the mean time, what would you all like to see in future content about this car?

DISCUSSION (25)

Spanfeller is a twat > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:02

I didn't know they sold them as convertibles

E90M3 > Spanfeller is a twat
09/22/2020 at 16:04

So you can better smell the burning oil?

Jerry Harding > Spanfeller is a twat
09/22/2020 at 16:04

They did elsewhere in the world, but not North America.

Spanfeller is a twat > Jerry Harding
09/22/2020 at 16:05

Nice

Spanfeller is a twat > E90M3
09/22/2020 at 16:05

It's a safety feature, when you stop smelling oil, you know it needs more.

Jerry Harding > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:05

Just remember, a redline each drive keeps the engine happy!

Signed,

Also a 1991 TII owner

way2blu does a rev update > Jerry Harding
09/22/2020 at 16:08

That’s the best excuse ever to enjoy driving.

How long have you had yours?

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jerry Harding
09/22/2020 at 16:08

I know I've seen convertibles for sale here. Are you sure?

Tripper > Spanfeller is a twat
09/22/2020 at 16:11

samsies

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:13

I just want to drive it. I’ve driven the non-turbo FC but never the beloved turbo II. I can imagine the added power would make it a bit more entertaining.

Jerry Harding > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
09/22/2020 at 16:13

Oh, sorry, that’s partially misleading. Turbo convertibles were sold elsewhere in the world. North America only got normally aspirated convertibles.

Nick Has an Exocet > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:16

How does it compare to an NA Miata?

Jerry Harding > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:19

I’ve had my current one 15 years. It was non-driveable for ten of those years while restoring it, career change, marriage, kids, etc. it’s been back on the road for almost a year now and I’m loving every mile I drive it.

MoCamino > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:20

I guess this is more a question about rotaries in general rather than specific to the RX-7 Turbo II. When you start a rotary-engined car, is there an irresistible cosmic power that forces you to bounce it off the rev limiter repeatedly while sitting in the driveway? Even if it’s 11 at night and people around you are probably trying to sleep? And then proceed to floor it as you drive up the side street? Asking for a friend.

Seriously, there is a kid across the street with an RX-8 that I have to assume is running something pretty close to open exhaust. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the song of an ICE as much as the next guy. My El Camino is running duals and glass packs, for crying out loud. But you know what? I don’t let her clear her throat in a residential area after dark.

way2blu does a rev update > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/22/2020 at 16:21

The boost combined with the rotary smoothness is unique for sure. Definitely lots to talk about there.

way2blu does a rev update > Nick Has an Exocet
09/22/2020 at 16:23

Ooh, that’s a good question. I’ve only had about 10 minutes of seat time in an NA but I’ll see if I can add to that too. That’s a very relevant comparison given the greater availability and lower price of the Miatas.

way2blu does a rev update > MoCamino
09/22/2020 at 16:29

I prefer my cars only to be loud if they’re going fast. I’ll test for any urges to drive obnoxiously though; I may have it long enough that some bad habits develop. I’ll try to resist though.

The exhaust on this one is stock, sounds good but not loud.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:33

These cars tend to fall flat on their face approaching 70-80 mph, I can see an extra 75 HP making a huge difference in top end acceleration. I was a bit disappointed when I drove an FC and an RX-8, my Datsun has way more power/torque than those cars and pulls hard all the way to 6000+ rpm in top gear. I was expecting a similar experience in the Mazda and that did not happen at all.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 16:52

I would like to know how many potatoes can fit in the trunk with the top down.

:-p

way2blu does a rev update > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
09/22/2020 at 17:20

I’ll attempt as scientific of a study as I can on potato-loading capacity. Top down, and then top up for comparison, and then what happens if one tries to lower the top once again with a Top-Up potato load.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 17:20

I’d love to get a small clip of the engine sounds when starting and revving.

glemon > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 17:23

I test drove one, I am guessing it was the early 90s. It was a little crapped out. I think the digital dash was missing a few living pixels. I remember it as being a wait fo r it, here it comes, kind of car, as turbos tended to be, not lag so much as peaky high end power curve, but pulled very well. I have many regrets about cars that got away, and wouldn’t mind having a Turbo II, but the not the one I drove, which I am guessing was either ready for big bucks just to keep going month to month, or in imminent self destruct mode. I haven’t seen one on the the road in years. FCs, sure, Turbo II, not so much.

Textured Soy Protein > MoCamino
09/22/2020 at 17:27

You reminded me I needed to post about this car that I meant to post about in February 2019 but totally forgot about until now.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-shall-name-this-rsx-belonging-to-an-employee-of-a-bus-1845146401

MoCamino > Textured Soy Protein
09/22/2020 at 17:34

I’m glad I could be of service. Good post!

pip bip - choose Corrour > way2blu does a rev update
09/22/2020 at 21:05

how well does it hoon?