right now, i have a 94 ls. no performance upgrades other then exhaust and intake. i plan on using this car as a daily driver and buying a weekend only car. i prefer to spend the least amount of cash for the new car. i was wondering what i should do? here's my thought as of TODAY.

- i might get a fairly good shape 65-68 stang v-8, 4shiftmanual and upgrading the motor with friends who know what they are doing. cuz like i said me noobs. price 2000 for car plus 3-4k (at most) for upgrades.

-second i am going to go to japan within the next two years and i might just get a tt rx7 for about 6-7k (value now i think), exclude shipping. i am in the airforce so i can get a pretty good deal shipping.

oh yeah i forget to mention i wont be racing competitively. i just want a car thats highly tuned to drive for the thrill and fun factor. i am single so i dont need a family banger as of yet. i need some expert advice. please no, dont go domestic raping. i dont need advice from people who never experienced domestics first hand. if you get a chance email me first hand.
-much appreciated LL-

 

You really have to look at what you want from the car. Keep in mind that if you have to get Japanese OEM parts, they're going to cost you an arm and a leg. I'm not sure about importing laws here either as they concern active military. If they're anything like civilian laws, you'll have to ship the car back after 3 or 4 years or have it destroyed or store it. It varies on the state, but I think the federal law is three years then its unroadworthy...... UNLESS its a collector's car, in which case you can appeal for special licenses and plates.

 

well put it this way american made motors tend to wear quicker but since its just a weekend driver go ahead and get american and then you can do the same to an american car for much less then an import car and also american cars have more potential since they are v8's and the motor company doesnt put good gearing in them most of the time because then the buyer would have to pay higher insurances and stuff along that line

 

Your funny how many integras make it to 220,000 miles? i have a ford ranger sitting in the driveway that is my everyday truck and it has been troubble free since i bought it. Yup thats 220,000 miles on the original engine. im dont raggin on the imports because i do think they are inceredible cars, im planning on getting rid of my truck and getting a GSR.

 

I have 205,000 miles and counting. Original motor, not rebuilt. A lot of G2s (2nd generation intregras) have over 200k miles.

Ben

 

:thumbup: Thats alot of miles, im honestly suprised others have made it that far as well. so much for the 100,000 mile club...now its the 200,000 mile club.

 

my g2 was at 165k and I was racing it... It technically still is, but the motor isn't at that many miles after I parked it for the swap. :-/

Anybody got a clutch alignment tool?

 

hey bud after you show me just how many american made cars or vehicles in the matter make it to over 250k and compare to just honda and see just how many make it that far and i will guarentee you that you wont say that again. Some things you just have to face the fact on and this is one of them.

 

I'd say go domestic, usually much faster out of the box, absolutely insane amounts of aftermarket parts, and almost seemingly endless horsepower possibilities. As for the RX7, they are very unreliable, the rotary engine is a great piece of machinery, but have a severe lacking in the reliability dept.

 

First off, the whole notion of imports lasting longer than domestics is a misperception. I'll bring up one example. How many old Ford trucks do you see on the roads these days? Plenty.

Secondly, the rotary engine in the RX-7 itself isn't the root of it's reliability issues; it's the rather poor layout of the engine bay thanks to Mazda. Overheating is the main concern there. Most rotaries require a full rebuild at 100,000 miles. Keep the boost near stock levels and upgrade your cooling capabilities + replace apex seals and you should be fine.

As to the original question, you'll have more luck with the RX-7 in Japan (were you thinking of importing the Ford?). Plenty of parts and support. However, it's also a very different car than the Ford. What kind of driving do you enjoy?

Shingo