280whp Mazda FD RX7 Review - Is Rotary Better Than VTEC?

Is the third time the charm? Having briefly driven 2 examples of the FD RX7 previously, let's just say I wasn't completely convinced by its driving dynamics. This time, we spent some quality time pushing Hanzhang's 1993 FD RX7 through the ideal backroads to discover if its peaky engine and handling enable it to live up to its reputation. Also a former S2000 owner, Hanzhang decided the Honda's tuning potential didn't satisfy his desires as a mechanical engineer, so he purchased this rough-around-the-edges RX7 to tinker with.

Build Sheet:
1993 Mazda RX7 Touring (95k miles)

Engine:
Mazda Reman Engine (60k miles)
Simplified Twin Turbo (Reduced vacuum line quantity due to emission components delete)
M2-style Intake
3.5” Downpipe
Bonez 3” High Flow Catalytic Converter
Racing Beat Dual Muffler
A’PEXi Power FC, Tuned by Yoshi @ Neptune Speed

Cooling:
Rotary Extreme V Mount Intercooler
Koyo Radiator
R1 Dual Oil Coolers

Chassis:
Tein Type Flex ricer coilovers, 10k/8k
Hawk HP+ Pads F&R
ATE Super Blue
Refreshed Control Arms & Subframes during 2nd owner’s ownership
Rotary Extreme Rear Trailing Arms and Toe Links
Custom Engine Torque Damper
RPF1, 17x9+45 Front, 17x9+35 Rear, 255 Z2* all around

Interior:
6 Point Harness w modified stock seat’s bottom cushion
Personal Neo Eagle 340mm
Moddiction Anvil Mini Shift Knob (carried over from my s2k…)
Autopowers Race Roll Bar
B&M Short Shifter

[stephenimsong]

My dream car has always been the S2k, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the FD, and I respect this guys for getting the Mazda for its mechanical design and imperfections of the rotary over the masterpiece of the F20C

[PeloMR]

Beautiful RX7 and tastefully modified. He's running the exact wheel & tyre combo I want!
I've got stock R1 suspension and stock tyre size and it handles very neutrally. Changing the coilover springs on this car to 8k & 6k will make the car a lot less twitchy. Consider that the stock springs are around 4.7k & 3.5k!

[redrx]

It would be interesting to test a Series 8, '99 spec JDM car : Bilstein suspension, uprated ECU, dedicated Potenza 07(03) tyres, new upgraded Hitachi turbos giving instant power delivery throughout the power range, Nardi steering wheel, variable steering assist, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, 167 mph, 315 BHP as standard(whatever the gentleman's 280bhp agreement said) etc. In all, a more powerful and better handling car than the pre '99 models.

[Number]

Love these!! nice review buddy, only just found your channel after your comment on my vid and have subscribed !

[SnowWhiteMR]

Sweet vid! This RX7's characteristics seem surprisingly different from other RX7s I've seen on video.

[lagunacorona]

If you get the the upgraded SP turbos it wont feel dull at low end, its crazy difference

[ArthurSperotto]

Damn, this was a quality video, got me looking up FD RX7's for sale hahaha

[zachfisher]

The lack of throttle response is due to the nature of the beast, the higher the rpm the harder it pulls, and when I'm above 3000 Rpms my throttle becomes very snappy

[IntegraDIY]

Can’t really compare rotary to vtec.. one is changing the valve lift, and the other is a different style engine.. rotarys don’t even have valves lol 😆 good video though beautiful car 🚗

[smilepermile]

Another great video Zygrene. I'm not sure if its possible for you guys in the US to watch TopGear UK (with Chris Harris, Matt LeBlanc and Rory Reid) but this week's episode was based in Japan, where Chris Harris loved driving his pre-facelift RX-7 he bought at auction. Without spoiling the episode, i'll just say that it doesn't end well for the RX7. Speaking of RX7s, have you seen Garage Quinn Motors? He owns both two RX7s, an AP1 S2000 and a few MX5s and I thought both of you have similar tastes in cars. He makes very informative yet entertaining videos.

[big-R]

Refreshed suspension, bushings and proper alignment go a long way on cars from the early 90s. They are old. I've had an FD with a fully refreshed suspension feeling like it is on rails at 170 mph (no wing). At the same time, I was scared to take my stock FD quickly around any corner because the suspension was so out of wack. The RX7s are cars that were easy to handle on the limit when new. P.S. Since then I sold all my RX7s and now own a stock S2000 due to priority changes.

[Eunos_FDS]

As an FD3S owner I came to say No, it isn't better than VTEC. Actually it isnt better than pretty much any piston configuration. But gah damn everyone agrees it cooler. liked and subbed.

[joeynachanphasuk]

I have a 245 square set up bro and no aero is that bad ? Cuz I think I said that towards the ends u said that’s a bad recipe .... explain please 🙏🏼

[JanMichaelFranklin]

Zygrene, you should get your hands on a well sorted RX-8 with an intake. They're a little heavier than the FD and S2K, but the handling is better than both in my opinion. Also, that feeling of progressive power ramp and endless gain is pronounced with the Renesis with great NA throttle response.

[scoobysnacks]

ya sit an s200 beside an fd and the honda may as well look like a ford focus the fd is timeless, i hope he gave him $200 gas money

[giorx]

Clutch problem incoming maybe realated to not having ultra fast response?

[sins]

lol watching AFR on a powerFC commander. guy probably needs to replace his bushings and have the car aligned, these things are really sketchy if the suspension is not well sorted. also they come with a pretty heavy flywheel and are not very responsive with it. an aftermarket flywheel makes heel toe a lot easier but will destroy your fuel mileage.

[andrw]

How does it compare to a NSX in terms of visibility, pedal placement and overall driving feel? I have never been inside a FD but have considered it before.

[williambellisIII]

A rotary might be as addictive as a VTEC... until the rotary blows 150, 000 miles before the VTEC.

[zachfisher]

Rotary, I have an 8 I never got to exp a 7 but I love my 8, replacing apex seals, and side seals every 2-3 yrs does suck, but when your back on the road you remember quickly why you love it so much