|
Whats in a name?
FC3S and SA22C are references to RX-7 chassis designations. Frequently you will hear many such references on email lists and discussion boards, so it pays to know them.
RX-7s were imported from 1979 to 1995 (US model years). In that time, there were three major body styles. And, between the body style changes, there were major underlying changes made on several occasions.
1st generation body style RX-7s were imported from 1979 to 1985, with two major underlying changes (1981 and 1984). The Chassis designation was "SA22C". In 1981, however, Mazda adopted standard VIN numbers and the model code was FB. So, 1st gen RX-7s can be called either SA22C or FB. Reference to the underlying changes is done by noting the "series": I, II and III, respectively, which is more common outside the US.
2nd generation body style RX-7s were produced from 1986 to 1991. The chassis designation was FC3S with a corresponding VIN model code of FC. Additionally, there was one major "minor" change in 1989, so the early 2nd gens are also called "Series IV" and the later ones "Series V".
3rd generation body style RX-7s were imported to the US from 1993 to 1995, with no significant changes in that time. The Chassis designation was FD3S, or FD for short. They are also known as the Series VI. Outside the US, there was a Series VII, for 1996+.
|
|
|
