Attn JV--RX-7.0

[JST]

http://bringatrailer.com/2015/08/24/...95-mazda-rx-7/

That looks entertaining.

[blee]

I always liked the 3rd-gen style. I also liked the (idea of the) Wankel, but this seems like much more fun.

[bren]

I was looking at that last night thinking it would be fun. Too bad you'll never get it registered in MD.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by blee

I always liked the 3rd-gen style. I also liked the (idea of the) Wankel, but this seems like much more fun.

I had a few wankles with the 3rd gen RX 7 being one of them ... They are awesome ... Very linear which takes a little getting used to when used to the pulling of a torquey engine.

I would love for Mazda to build another one.

[John V]

Pretty easy to get registered in MD, actually.

But for that money, no interest on my end.

[bren]

Originally Posted by John V

Pretty easy to get registered in MD, actually.

But for that money, no interest on my end.

Did they change something that allows for chassis with engine configurations not available from the factory? Or is it because it's "historic" now?

[John V]

You can either register it as historic (which I would not do ever again) or you can program your GM ECU with the RX-7's VIN and have it scan OBD-II pass.

...But there is no OBD-II scanning on pre-1996 Mazdas (as with most other cars) so you get the sniffer test at the emission station. There should be no reason that it would fail. It's a newer engine in an older chassis. There are tons of cars like this running around legally.

[bren]

Originally Posted by John V

You can either register it as historic (which I would not do ever again) or you can program your GM ECU with the RX-7's VIN and have it scan OBD-II pass.

...But there is no OBD-II scanning on pre-1996 Mazdas (as with most other cars) so you get the sniffer test at the emission station. There should be no reason that it would fail. It's a newer engine in an older chassis. There are tons of cars like this running around legally.

I think "historic" would be your only option to bypass the system all together.

I'm not talk talking about emissions, but the inpection/registration process. There is language specifically regarding changing engine types that would be problematic. I ran into this back in the 90's looking at a Wrangler with a Chevy v8. Since no Jeep YJ chassis ever came with a V8 they wouldn't pass it.

[John V]

I know a lot of people who have gone through the normal process for these kinds of cars and it's never been an issue.

[clyde]

Originally Posted by bren

I think "historic" would be your only option to bypass the system all together.

I'm not talk talking about emissions, but the inpection/registration process. There is language specifically regarding changing engine types that would be problematic. I ran into this back in the 90's looking at a Wrangler with a Chevy v8. Since no Jeep YJ chassis ever came with a V8 they wouldn't pass it.

Originally Posted by John V

I know a lot of people who have gone through the normal process for these kinds of cars and it's never been an issue.

JV, it's Bren. Replace "vehicle registration issue" with "finding diesel" and you won't be confused any more.