'85 RX7 5-speed

[Shaman]

Since it looks like the Formula is out of commission for the majority of this year's Solo-1 races, what's the general concensus on a stock RX7 5-speed running in a stock class? Is the car competitive in class?

I can pick one up for very little cash, and I figure with no plates or insurance on the car, it'd make a cheap way to get some racing in this year.

If its not competitive, I'll do it anyway, I'm just curious if I'd be able to hold my own in class, driving skills being willing.

[Dave]

Well, that thing is a C3 car so if you ran it in stock class I would think you'd actually be pretty competitive given your driving skill and the fact that you've got a rwd sports car when most of the competition will be in low power fwd econoboxes. The top car in C3 Stock indexes out at 27%, while a RX7 of that gen rates a 24% which isn't far off. You could run up against a quick 1st gen CRX or a bottom of the line Civic, a Protege, or a few other good handling cars with a bit more power, but if you ever get a full class I would think your chances would be very good.

I say buy one and beat the crap out of it! You'll have a blast.

Dave

[RICK3059]

I believe the stock RX 7 is classified in stock A4. Last weekend at Mosport DDT I was turning mid 48's with my AUTOMATIC 1983 RX 7. Granted I've done some suspension and brake work and am currently classed in A 2, but with a five speed your times, I believe, would be much better given the bottom end torque you would have. I say buy it and drive it and have fun with it. They're a great little car and I'm having a blast with mine.
Good Luck,

[Dave]

Actually, I think Rick is correct about the classification. I now seem to recall a thread somewhere here where Christian clarified the 1st gen RX7, which was mistakenly in C3 last year but they're now in A3. That's certainly a much tougher class than C3, but you'll have fun regardless.