The Mazda RX-7 is a popular sports car that automotive enthusiasts enjoy even to this day. The Sony PlayStation video game series Gran Turismo allowed a younger audience to get into the Mazda RX-7 and other JDM cars before they could even drive. Now those gamers are adults with disposable incomes and the Mazda RX-7 is in high demand.
Even with this high demand, several second-gen Mazda RX-7s are for sale for $10,000-$40,000.
The Mazda RX-7 is also a wonderful platform for modifications. Whether you want to LS-swap your Mazda RX-7, turn it into a track monster, or even put a snowmobile engine into it, the options are only limited by your imagination and bank account.
In the YouTube video, Rob Dahm takes his highly modified second-gen Mazda RX-7 to the racetrack to see what it can really do.
About This Second Gen Mazda RX-7
Rob Dahm is no stranger to the RX-7 platform. He owns a highly modified third-gen RX-7 that features a 4-rotor motor, all-wheel drive, and 1000 hp. While the second-gen car from the video is not as crazy as the third-gen, it is still impressive, to say the least. Rob purchased this FC RX-7 in November 2021 from a seller in Houston, TX. His goal with this build is to make it an OEM+ type of car. With a 300-400 whp power output, that is plenty to have fun, especially on a racetrack.
After several months of restoration and modifications, Rob's second-gen RX-7 is ready for some track abuse. After getting the car just right, the RX-7 arrives at one of California's most famous racetracks, Willow Springs.
One of the best parts about track days is the ability to have an instructor riding along in the car with you. In this case, Billy Johnson assisted Rob in the RX-7. As the track day went on, Rob continued to improve his driving skills in the RX-7 under Billy's instruction.
Overall, the car performed well, as expected.
Second-Gen Or Third-Gen Mazda RX-7?
If you're in the market for a second or third generation Mazda RX-7, both are great choices. However, price is the main factor to consider. The third-gen RX-7s are considerably more money than the second gen. For a nice example of a third gen Mazda RX-7, expect to pay $30,000-$70,000 depending on condition.
With that in mind, the second gen RX-7 is an incredible platform with loads of tuning potential. As you can see in Rob's video, the second generation RX-7 looks great, is affordable, and has plenty of performance to keep you happy.