considering a 83 RX7 for open tracking and autocrossing. Is this a good low cost beginner car? what is the top end speed?

Here's one for sale Pro 7 on the NASA sight....

Just about any car is good to learn on. I think the things that you should consider is the availability of parts, the cost of parts and how similar this car will be to your first race car. (e.g. if you like Honda's that's one direction, if you like Mustangs, that's another).

The best thing to do is buy the car stock and get seat time. Make mods that are within a rulebook and evolve the car to be a race car ready for a given series...

Would recommend swapping out the rotary with a SBC. I haven't seen a rotary RX7 that didn't have the blue smoke accessory coming from the tailpipe. I guess from what I have been told is they have figured out the seals, so maybe if you replaced the seals you would be okay.

Top end speed is nothing spectacular for an old RX7! Besides, this is not what beginners should be thinking about. Low cost, easy to drive. RX7 is not a bad way to go. Got a great CMC third gen for $10k, set-up is very low maintenance due to choosing the right parts (Dana 44, forged axles, etc.) also very easy to drive.

Top end speed is nothing spectacular for an old RX7! Besides, this is not what beginners should be thinking about. Low cost, easy to drive. RX7 is not a bad way to go. Got a great CMC third gen for sale for $10k, set-up is very low maintenance due to choosing the right parts (Dana 44, forged axles, etc.) also very easy to drive.

unfortunately most of the best deals I've seen have been on the wrong coast

Dang!

So you spend ~$800 on shipping, at least you're :drive:

But building is half the fun...

Julie's car would be a nice buy, however.

Make a decision on what type of car you want to learn to drive first. Do you want FWD or RWD? After that, based on your budget, pick a car that's affordable and reliable/easy to maintain. If you are going with a FWD car there are several good choices that are reasonably priced and great fun to drive: first gen. Neon ACR, Acura Integra, Various iterations of the Civic Si, and of course, the Mini. If you want to go RWD, there are also lots of choices: 3rd gen. Fbody, Miata, Sentra SER, Fox body Mustang, 3 Series BMWs, etc.. Don't worry about mods until you've gotten enough seat time to have more skills than you have car. This usually takes more time than people initially think. Spend the "mod" money on good safety gear and lots of track time.

I'd start with something rear drive and cheap, focus only on things it needs to be reliable...and have fun!!!

3rd gen for the win!

I've got a '83 Z-28 roller, no front clip.... hard top, ready to be built!!

$200

Here's a Neon in PA.... NEON... that is if ya don't buy Julie's or my roller

How about a 5.0 Mustang? Cheap as dirt, easy to mod and work on.