As some people know, I have a new car. Specifically, a 1988 Mazda RX-7 (yes, with the rotary engine).
It's mostly for the summer, since I'll need a decent car to commute with in Milwaukee. And probably beyond that, though I don't drive much in Ames.
Anyway, I went from a "sub-beater" to a nice two seat sports car.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1.3L 13B Rotary engine @ 140hp or so
5 speed manual
Power sunroof
AM/FM/Cassette built in
CD changer (over FM modulation)
Overall, it's *much* nicer. It has a working heater, working A/C, a radio that works (though I had to replace the rear speakers, they were blown), and good handling.
I'm in the process of (slowly) doing a general tuneup on it, replacing the filters, plugs, wires, etc. All that stuff that should be done on a fairly regular basis that isn't. On the plus side, changing the plugs isn't that difficult. It took me about 45 minutes, half of which was spent BSing with a friend of mine who is a former computer geek turned car guy. He drives a 1994 Caprice Classic. Huge car, huge engine... thing launches like a rocket, and he's just started working on it's performance.
Driving it is a bit odd due to the lack of low end torque on the rotary. Below 1000 RPM it provides enough power to idle. Between 1000 and 2000 RPM, it provides enough power to keep the car moving... maybe. 2000 to 3000 RPM is a good range for cruising, as it provides enough power to accelerate if needed, and is quite smooth. 3000-8000 RPM is where the power lies. It starts pulling hard at 3000, and stops pulling hard at 8000, where the fuel cutoff is.
Overall, I'm happy with it. Do I need anything this zippy? Probably not. But I figure I may as well drive something fun before I graduate into driving a minivan for the rest of my life.
-=Russ=-
Posted by rgraves at April 27, 2004 11:01 PMHi Russ,
I live north of Milwaukee in Port Washington. Are you moving to the area? Permanently or temporarily?
Posted by: Different Dan at April 28, 2004 07:03 AMThat Mazda, btw, is your classic mid-life crisis car. You're not old enough to have a mid-life crisis. Perhaps you'd like to sell it to me when you get up this way. ;)
Posted by: Different Dan at April 28, 2004 07:06 AMIt is russ's quarter life crisis car.
Posted by: Matt at April 28, 2004 02:42 PMCue 50s B&W TV voice:
"Actually it's a used car, but it's new to him."
Do they let bus drivers operate cars now? I mean, do you ever turn onto Knapp St. driving your car, and swing wide to avoid hitting the people in the opposite lane like you were driving a bus? Do you ever make random stops, and open your passenger door to let the drunks off?
Actually, scratch all that. Way to go, Russ!!
Posted by: Ben W at April 29, 2004 02:36 AMI'll actually be living in Cudahy, with a guy I know off IRC. If you drop me a line, I'd be glad to drop by at some point and say hello.
The car's not a midlife crisis car... though it probably does qualify as a quarter life crisis car.
*sigh* Yes, they let bus drivers operate cars. Yes, I've swung wide. Yes, I have to occasionally remember not to let people in. Actually, it's not that bad - driving a bus feels significantly different from driving a car, so I don't mix it up often.
-=Russ=-
Posted by: Russ at April 30, 2004 12:02 AM