New Member RX-7 Technical Post your first technical questions here, in an easy flame free environment, before jumping into the main technical sections.

Buy or run

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-22-14, 12:27 PM
  #1  
Can Post Only in New Member Section
Thread Starter
 
Cliferton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tn
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TN Buy or run

Tried posting this but didn't so if I end up with 2 post sorry. Friend of a friend has 87 gxl for 400 bucks perfect body nice interior for age but motor is smoking antifreeze. Should I buy it. What kind of money and parts list am I looking at for repair. I will be able todo all the labor myself just need to see what I'll be getting into. I like the car and would like to fix it drive it for a while then pass it along
Old 04-22-14, 10:24 PM
  #2  
Retired Moderator, RIP

iTrader: (142)
 
misterstyx69's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
Posts: 25,581
Likes: 0
Received 131 Likes on 114 Posts
The engine has a blown coolant seal which means a Rebuild.
Depending on how good you are with tools and tolerances(specs for engine) you can do it for under a Grand.From there the price just goes up.
You could also seek out a replacement engine( IN the classifieds though,NOT in this section..rules.).
Old 04-23-14, 12:23 AM
  #3  
Rotorhead

 
Evil Aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Posts: 9,136
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes on 33 Posts
I would plan on $1,200 minimum to rebuild the engine. If enough parts are bad, then it could cost up to $8,000, in which case you would be better off buying another used engine. Unfortunately, you will not know how bad the engine is until you take it apart. The below link is a good checklist to gauge how many other things are wrong with the car:
How To Buy An '86-'92 Non-Turbo RX-7

I think that $400 is a fair price for an 87 GXL with a good body and bad engine. Other than the gas mileage it is a very practical car because it has a huge trunk for a 2-seater and the normal maintenance is rather inexpensive for a sports car, it is fun to drive, and it is pretty safe when compared to other cars of its era. Whether or not you want to buy it is up to you, but if it has an automatic transmission then run away.

These are the most common websites for engine rebuild kits and rebuild videos:
Atkins Rotary - Rx7 | Rx8 | Mazda | Rotary | Engine | Parts
MAZDATRIX for Mazda RX7, RX8, Rotary Engine Parts and Accessories
Racing Beat - Mazda Performance Specialists
http://www.rotaryaviation.com
Old 04-23-14, 04:44 PM
  #4  
Can Post Only in New Member Section
Thread Starter
 
Cliferton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tn
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
it is a 5 speed.....guess I'll take a shot at. also found out it has the racing beat exhaust kit on it.
Old 04-23-14, 05:04 PM
  #5  
Martin S.

iTrader: (2)
 
evo_koa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Huntsville, Al
Posts: 1,401
Received 79 Likes on 57 Posts
sounds like a good deal to me, hopefully you dont need rotor housings
Old 04-23-14, 07:28 PM
  #6  
Rotorhead

 
Evil Aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Posts: 9,136
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes on 33 Posts
Originally Posted by Cliferton
also found out it has the racing beat exhaust kit on it.
That's the top of the line for street catbacks.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
FDNewbie
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
161
09-06-15 11:10 AM
plentymoon
NW RX-7 Forum
4
09-05-15 08:55 AM
Wicked93gs
New Member RX-7 Technical
0
08-17-15 12:14 PM



Quick Reply: Buy or run



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:48 PM.