Restomod In Reverse: 2004 Mazda RX-8 Turbo

The Mazda FD generation RX-7 was one of the best looking cars of the 1990's.  Its twin turbo rotary engine made good power at 250hp, but had reliability issues related to the mess of vacuum lines on the engine.  The replacement RX-8 car was neither as good looking or as powerful as its predecessor.  The RX-8 Renesis engines were prone to flooding, did not run many miles before rebuilds, and were thirsty for the power output.  The RX-8's were known to handle amazingly well and had a set of funky rear jump doors that opened so that full size humans could fit in the back seats.  Today's car features a a single turbo JDM FD engine and totally custom gauge cluster installed into the newer RX-8.  Find this 2004 Mazda RX-8 for sale in Philadelphia, PA for $14,500 via craigslist.

15k: Stock or Mod? 1993 Mazda FD RX-7 Showdown

The FD generation Mazda  RX-7 was built from 1991-2002 and is in my opinion the best looking of all Mazda vehicles.  Some are turned off by its amoeba/jelly bean styling, but personally, I think it kicks the butt of any 90s Japanese supercar from an aesthetics perspective.  Performance was good too. While reliability is the only real blemish on the FD's report card, you can find low-mile examples that just need regular maintenance for years of happy drifting driving.  Now...you've got $15k burning a hole in your pocket; do you want your FD bone stock or LS1'd?  Tips and feature suggestion from Rene C.

10k Flash: 1997 Mazda RX-7 FD w/ LS1 Swap

 The Mazda RX-7 was in its 3rd generation in 1992 when the FD was released- with curvy Japanese styling, a front mid-ships layout and a turbocharged Wankel rotary engine.  It was a fantastic combination, except for the horrible reliability of a rotary multiplied by the abysmal record of a 90's turbocharger..and basically every FD RX-7 you will find with more than 70k miles has had a new engine or two.  Many today have been replaced with simple, reliable and lightweight Chevy LS series small block V8s.  This 1993 Mazda RX-7 with Chevy LS1 engine is for sale in San Jose, CA currently bidding on ebay for $8,100 reserve-not-met.

This RX-7 is still wearing its factory Blaze Red paint job and looks decent in the photos.  90s era Mazda's were not known for great paint quality, so a thorough check for signs of peeling clearcoat is important - especially check roof, hood and trunk lid.