Hi All . . . I'm considering picking up a 1980 RX7 GS red 5sp . . . but not sure of just what I might be getting myself into . . . Friends of my family are original owners . . . garaged and not started since 1999 . . . deemed "unreliable" daily drive as the car would unexpectedly die . . . current owners suspect an electrical problem? I believe that the car is otherwise clean and straight.

The car has been sitting for years . . . will the engine need a rebuild?
If I get the VIN . . . Where on the Web can I go to get details for the car?
Assuming I don't get hooked on the car, what would it be worth once running reliably?

BTW . . . this forum is really pretty amazing

 

just in case, PM MannyVidal. He is in San Diego and he is selling an 12-A motor. Im in Socal also so if you need work on it, LMK

 

..with that said, just get the car! Would that we were that lucky here in Arlington!

 

First off welcome to the forum. A small tip to keep people from jumoing on you ... I tell you now, use the search features on this site ... sometimes you won't find what you are looking for but saerch and read as much as you can. Educate you self on the car learning every lil thing you can about it.

For the value of the car I looked it up on Nada Classic Cars - sports car website...
http://www.nadaguides.com/default.as...vi=76177&da=-1

Being that the car has been sitting for a while you'll want to go through the 1st Gen F.A.Q.s page and read up on it.

I have a 83 GSL that sat about for a while and the gas went bad. I had to drain the gas tank and do a BG 44k fuel treatment along with new gas to get it to run. But all in all read up in the FAQ. Welcome and I hope that if you get the car you'll enjoy it so much. The 1st Gen guys on here are great!

Also...
Felix's everything you need to know (kinda) page about RX-7s
http://mrmazda.no-ip.com/cfaqmenu.html#FCF
1st Gen Timeline
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/S.../firstgen.html

 

BW- amazing car if the price/condition is right! (slight bias with SoCal-original red 80 RX7 myself )
99% likely your sellers had NO clue how to properly store a car so you will have one, possibly 2 issues at least:
1a) fuel system, unless COMPLETELY drained OR at least stabilizer-treat the gas will mean you'll likely struggle to get the car started (or, even succeeding that, KEEP it running) since the fuel has long since turned to dried sludge in the tank, lines and carb. unfortunately 79-80 RX7s had no drain plug on the tank, so getting the old crap out - or even flushing is problematic. I would certainly at LEAST drain what ever fuel is in the system FIRST before attempting a start since you risk pumping what ever gunk might be in the tank into the rest of the system. Easiest way is to jack up the driver's side of the car and -after removing the plastic gravel shield in the rear wheel well that protects the tank there, pull the gas-sender unit and drain the tank from there. Siphoning from the fuel filler is tough and "iffy" with all the tank baffles present. Frankly, I would just bite the bullet and
1b) pull the whole tank, take it to a rad shop and have it professionally chem-flushed; then buy a $30 resealing kit such as the one sold by POR15 (por15.com) to be sure nothing in the tank isn't going to start "shedding" later. NOTE: critical you note (ie photograph!) the attached 4 hose-configuration when you are pulling the tank!
1c) regardless, you MUST change the fuel filter (located ahead of rear drivers wheel). 1 minute job

2) worst case is the block itself has dried out to the point either the internal oil or water-jacket seals are shot, thus requiring a rebuild. Obviously - again, BEFORE first start - oil and coolant should be replaced (might as well do all the cooling AND HEATER hoses and thermostat at the same time since they will likely be decades old). I would further pour some motor oil (we are talking a few ounces here) down each of the 2 primary throats (the carb is a four-barrel) of the carb then do a "dry-start" (ie no ignition - disconnect coil wires) to get some lube in there. New plugs in now would be a good idea - (15lbs of torque!!!!! that is: hand tight PLUS a 1/4 turn).

This may seem like a lot of fussing just to get to the point of starting it, but time well spent, believe me!

-And check the above recommended links, of course.
Let us know if you get it - post some pics - ask questions! Lots of knowledgable folks here-
Enjoy a really great car (or walk away and find another RX7 )
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Grab it. As long as you can read/write/follow written instructions, we'll help you get her running. These cars are pretty simple to work on overall, and a blast once they are running right. I don't think you'll regret it.

 

The VIN won't do you any good, as CarFax and such don't go back that far and only work with modern VIN numbers.

If your worried about its worth after buying it, don't expect it to increase in value much if at all even if it runs. Not running in the condition you describe less than $1,000, runniing maybe 2K but thats stretching it without seeing the condition of the paint, interior, etc.

 

These cars have huge personal value, but not much market value.

Owning a first gen leads to addiction. I don't think you'll have to worry. If you have any attraction to cars, you will not get rid of it soon.

RXDad