Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests IS300 Replacement

Thanks, Staz & Mark. I'll check out that forum. What is the user name of your friend over there?

The RB exhaust sounds great, but I am still breaking in my new stage 1 clutch. The exhaust is very quiet at light loads and below 3000rpm so I no longer need to be ashamed when I start it up at 5:30am. But it sounds very nice and I have more power between that and now that I fixed my secondary intake ports. Too bad the tranny syncros don't work as well as they probably once did. It wouldn't be a good 1/4 mile car because shifts have to be very slow. The paint looks even better now than those pictures. I had a little time this past spring to take a random orbital polisher to it and again a couple weeks ago, followed by 4 coats of Zaino. Still a lot of swirls, but not bad for a 19 year old car.

James,

I would love a convertible. There just is not one that I can afford, fit into, and is a decent car to drive. I wish the Miata were a tick larger. Second Gens look great, especially the vert, but it is not as inpiring to drive, IMHO. Realistically, maybe I can get away with a Crossfire Convertible under a management lease some day. Too bad Mercs don't qualify.

You must drive high miles differently than I do. I do mine mostly an hour at a time, twice a day. Then an hour to anywhere in SE Michigan. Most trips longer than an hour in the seat = pickup. And you have a different frame than I and find the seats comfortable. I got used to the low headliner, but it was shocking at first.

polstar, he & I moderate the performance forum over there.

-Mark

I will agree the FC RX-7 models are more a touring coupe than a sports coupe (the convertible weighs about as much as my SVT) so it's not quick, but it corners like on rails (much to the fright of my friends ). I also like the diva factor the car has. He loves attention, and gets it, even in blue. Except for a MazdaTrix exhaust, the car is stock and original at 86,000 miles.

You should come the RX-7 Revolution next year. I had a blast.

I agree with the Miata, I don't fit either, but a used BMW Z3 2.8 or 3.0 may qualify. I can fit nicely in my mom's 2.8, and I love to drive it.

My miles are more long trip based. I drive about 2/3 of my 30,000 miles a year around town (1/2 hour or less at a time), then a trip of at least 4 hours once or twice a month to visit friends/relatives/CEG meets... The trip frequency is what makes me fussy, and requires utility (as well as having a house).

A little off topic, but I'm curious how the IS300 did in the winter. I live in Kalamazoo, and winter can be rough here. Your impressions would be appreciated. Thanks!