Hello from California

[Chris1980rx7]

I have a 1980 RX 7 I purchased new some 34 years ago. I drove it for about 8 years, put a 108K miles on it, and garaged it after having kids. I ran the thing every few months an changed the fluids as required over the last 26 years. It is all original and runs great.

I'm planning to register it again and put it into service if it passes the California emissions test.

[Lucky]

Hey, welcome along Chris. That's an awesome achievement, keeping any car that amount of time, let alone an impractical sportscar Respect for that. I understand the smog test is set to get even more punitive and harsh than it has been soon isn't it? Is it retrospective?

Be nice to see some pics if you get the chance. We like pics here lol

[Chris1980rx7]

I believe pre 1975 cars are exempt from emissions tests in California. Autos that are 5 years or older require a test every other year. I don't know if my 1980 has to meet the same emissions limits as a new vehicle or if there are some adjustments for older cars.

When Mazda sold the 1980 RX7 in California they had to meet the emission standards so they put a thermal unit on it to burn the exhaust gases. I think in the 1981 model they used a catalytic converter. I don't know if any other state or country, at the time, had stricter emissions that required the thermal unit.

I'm sure this will be another opportunity to get frustrated with government regulations .

[Lucky]

Yeah, we only ever got the thermal reactor here in the UK. Our MOT yearly roadworthiness test only requires a visual check to ensure the exhaust's not smoking too much on all models of FB though, which is a bonus. There's a rotary engine exemption clause in the legislation, which shows unusual sense from the rules-makers. It all went west later, mind. My FD basically blows the CO and hydrocarbons limits right out of the water every year, we only manage to fudge its way through with extremely creative re-mapping on the ECU just for the test

[Chris1980rx7]

Picture

[Chris1980rx7]

Engine

[Chris1980rx7]

Interior

[Hobbawobba]

Whoa. Now thats a nice car! So clean! Welcome to the forum, Chris. Glad you joined

[spirit r]

Great colour.Perfect wheels. The 80ies lambskin upholstery are authentic. My first S2 Rx7 pearlwhite have the same upholstery. Love your serie1 to showcase with high quality pics. I am interested how it looks under
Thank you for sharing
Thomas
More............,More.....,More.......detail.!!!!!!

[spirit r]

Ian, please put these car picture in the forum banner!
Thomas