RX7 Seat Runners

[dai capp]

Evening,

Does anybody know whether the seat runners in an RX7 are moveable...

I'm thinking about venturing into RX7 land but at 6 foot 4 it's a bit of a squeeze to get into my mates and would certainly be unsafe to drive. I reckon I'd only need a couple of inches backwards movement to get in comfortably.

I live a long way from any dealers and would hate to waste both my time and theirs if it wasn't possible to move them back a bit so any help or advice would be much appreciated...

Cheers

DC

[IainT]

It's possible to replace the Jap ones (assuming you're looking at an import) with UK ones that allow the seat to go a few inches further back. You could also have the Jap ones modified. I know a few people on fduk.org have done this.

I'm 6' and don't ahve the seat all the way back (~1" laft) so you should be okay with the full amount of room made available.

Iain

[dai capp]

IainT said:

It's possible to replace the Jap ones (assuming you're looking at an import) with UK ones that allow the seat to go a few inches further back. You could also have the Jap ones modified. I know a few people on fduk.org have done this. I'm 6' and don't ahve the seat all the way back (~1" laft) so you should be okay with the full amount of room made available. Iain

Iain,

Thanks for the reply - looks like the hunt is on once the Cerbie is sold (which should be this week).

I would be looking at an import - I think Jimmys RX7's will be the closest to me so I'll pay them a visit...

Cheers

DC

[IainT]

Jimmys do plenty of cars with engines already rebuilt but if you want something with a few mods on it (e.g. single turbo, nice body kit, etc) you'll probably have to look elsewhere as they seem to only do 'stock' cars.

Newera, rotaryimports and linney.org will all shop to your budget and get you what you want but you'll have to wait for it to arrive frim japan.

Also check out the forums (mazdarotaryclub.com for example) as there are some nice examples for sale in the UK at the mo, some with recent rebuilds and some with some nice mods.

Iain

[dai capp]

Thanks again Iain, BTW that's a lovely looking one that you have...

I'm a bit torn on the modified/unmodified one, I've seen a couple of nice modified ones, a white one at dragon performance and a black one at sterte but I'm a bit wary of reliability on the highly tuned engines.

Part of me says buy standard or near standard and modify it myself so I'm happy with the mods and workmanship, just not sure yet...

Cheers

DC

[IainT]

Ta, I'm pretty happy with it (body work needs some touching up due to inconsiderate t***s in car parks but the engine is sound... just in the process of upgrading the brakes in time for trax and need to do something with the suspension... never ending task.

I'd have gone for a single turbo with all the major mods if I were in the market now. Much cheaper even if you factor in a rebuild than modding from scratch (where, like me, you may need a rebuild anyway!!!).

If I remeber correctly Ant (guy from sterte) was going to be running the black car at totb3 but the engine popped on it so is being rebuilt... will be a nice example once done as it's somewhere roung 450bhp I think... With the rebuild it'll last a gooldy while.

Iain

[Pulsatingstar]

Both black and white cars mentioned are sold.

[shnozz]

How bizarre. I went to look at a modified RX7 on Saturday and left with 2 questions...

1. Can you move the seat rails as at 6'3" I struggled to get in and comfy.

2. Is it best to buy a standard (or near abouts) car or a modified.

Iain, where do you get insurance? RX7 insurance is silly money compared to the TVR (double ) and thats for a standard car!

[DustyC]

shnozz said:

How bizarre. I went to look at a modified RX7 on Saturday ...

[shnozz]

what are you doing in jap chat! thought I could slip in here without being noticed (said the actress to the bishop)

[DustyC]

I just cant get those Jap machines out of my system.

I lurk in here waiting for the day the Honda build a 5000cc V8.

Infact, the capacity isnt even relevant, if it fits in an S2000 or CRX shell than even better!

A RWD CRX MK2 with heaps of torque. Completely
un-drivable but I'd have damn good fun trying!

[dai capp]

shnozz said:

How bizarre. I went to look at a modified RX7 on Saturday and left with 2 questions... 1. Can you move the seat rails as at 6'3" I struggled to get in and comfy. 2. Is it best to buy a standard (or near abouts) car or a modified. Iain, where do you get insurance? RX7 insurance is silly money compared to the TVR (double ) and thats for a standard car!

Hi Shnozz,

you're going through the same questions as me!

you can definately move the runners back and also from what I can gather you can fit momo steering wheels and they do an 11 inch diameter one. The wheel on my mates RX is 14.5 inch and I can just about get in his car (I'm 6 foot 4) so the extra bit of room around the wheel should just about do the trick.

As for modified or unmodified, I have mixed feelings. I have my eye on a really nice unmodified one but would want to upgrade the exhaust, air filters and ECU plus the obvious brakes and suspension so I would need an estimate on costs to do that. Whereas you see nice modded ones with all the work done for not much more than a standard one, but the risk is that they've been toasted in their past life.

So are you thinking of getting into one then or just chewing on an idea...

All the best

DC

[IainT]

shnozz said:

1. Can you move the seat rails as at 6'3" I struggled to get in and comfy. 2. Is it best to buy a standard (or near abouts) car or a modified. Iain, where do you get insurance? RX7 insurance is silly money compared to the TVR (double ) and thats for a standard car!

I'd say that if you're going to mod the car it's cheaper to start with something already part-way there. i.e. if you're going to go single turbo then buy one already done. You won't make the money back on the mods you do to the car...

I've just changted my driver's seat for a recaro bucket and it gives much more room as it's much lower than the standard seat - makes leg clearance on the wheel even better.

My insurance is through A-plan and, whilst being £300 cheaper this year than last is still bloody pricey. Try Aon who also offer a discount for members of MazdaRotaryClub.com (plug plug). If you save a hundres or so then the £20 membership is well worth it...

Iain

>> Edited by IainT on Tuesday 10th August 14:23

[shnozz]

dai capp said:

you're going through the same questions as me! you can definately move the runners back and also from what I can gather you can fit momo steering wheels and they do an 11 inch diameter one. The wheel on my mates RX is 14.5 inch and I can just about get in his car (I'm 6 foot 4) so the extra bit of room around the wheel should just about do the trick. As for modified or unmodified, I have mixed feelings. I have my eye on a really nice unmodified one but would want to upgrade the exhaust, air filters and ECU plus the obvious brakes and suspension so I would need an estimate on costs to do that. Whereas you see nice modded ones with all the work done for not much more than a standard one, but the risk is that they've been toasted in their past life. So are you thinking of getting into one then or just chewing on an idea... All the best DC

hi mate, been thinking of one for the last 3 - 4 years but TVRs have got in the way When I sold the last TVR I went for a test drive of an RX7 up near Newbury and I must admit I found it a bit tame and uninspiring. That was a standard car and the huge wheel didnt help me feeling comfortable.

Now the TVR is up for sale I am assessing my options once again. I havent sold her yet mind you and the prices are depressingly poor. If I have to knock much off my price I simply wont bother and will keep it for the foreseeable as I simply refuse to "give away" such a sorted and mint car. We'll see if the phone rings....

If the Tiv sells then I quite fancy an RX7. As I say, I have been looking at them for years anyway. My g/f has just moved in and she has her own TVR, it means 4 cars (both got second cars) on the driveway and it seems a case of overkill. If I can combine 2 cars in the RX7 then it would be better. I can then just use her tintop when I have to park dodgy places/nights out in town/trips to the tip etc and she can use the RX7. On sunny days she can take the TVR and me the Rex. It seems (slightly) more logical. Only other consideration is an Elise.

I think I would have to get a modified one to be honest. As I say, i found the standard one a bit tame and as Iain has pointed out, the cost of modifying is pretty huge compared to what you get back so would rather buy it already done. We'll see, no leads on the TVR yet...

[shnozz]

IainT said:

shnozz said: 1. Can you move the seat rails as at 6'3" I struggled to get in and comfy. 2. Is it best to buy a standard (or near abouts) car or a modified. Iain, where do you get insurance? RX7 insurance is silly money compared to the TVR (double ) and thats for a standard car! I'd say that if you're going to mod the car it's cheaper to start with something already part-way there. i.e. if you're going to go single turbo then buy one already done. You won't make the money back on the mods you do to the car... I've just changted my driver's seat for a recaro bucket and it gives much more room as it's much lower than the standard seat - makes leg clearance on the wheel even better. My insurance is through A-plan and, whilst being £300 cheaper this year than last is still bloody pricey. Try Aon who also offer a discount for members of MazdaRotaryClub.com (plug plug). If you save a hundres or so then the £20 membership is well worth it... Iain >> Edited by IainT on Tuesday 10th August 14:23

Iain - thats really helpful - thanks

I think the replacement seat/rails/wheel would have to be the way forward if I am to serious consider one.