Hello, I have been working my a** off for over a year rebuilding a 1983 RX-7 GS, its my first project car and I have done a lot to it, swap the rear end for a GSL (the rear end was set up for me by a rotary shop) I also swapped the 12A out with a S5 13B ported N/A, I converted the 13B back to a carburetor with a 48 weber, the engine is hooked up to my old 12A manual transmission, I have a return style fuel pressure regulator set up and a champion 3 core aluminum radiator. With this being my first project car I a still learning a lot so I would like your guys's suggestions on what to do and check before I try to start it for the first time in over a year, I think the car will be ready to start some time next week around 7/22/15, meanwhile my dad keeps doubting me and saying it wont start until at least fall, I want to prove him wrong. I have a list of things that I need to check and do before starting it but I am sure i'm forgetting something, that's where all of you come in, any help and suggestions are welcome, (if you know of a way to get it to start on the first try that would be awesome) thanks for all the help.

 

Show us your check List, save us repeating stuff…


Stu
80GS
Alaska

 

connect choke cable
connect throttle cable
add engine oil
add transmission fluid
add diff oil
add clutch fluid
add brake fluid
bleed brakes
add premix to gas (done)
add transmission fluid to shifter
add coolant
check timing (not sure how to do it, its my first time )
plug O2 sensor hole in header
attach distributor cap
attach alternator
check tire pressure
attach battery
reattach coolant hoses

 

Make sure you have fuel and oil pressure and spark... then go.

Check all three things simultaneously. Pull plug wires lay them on the top of the engine; turn key and crank. Plug wires should light up like Christmas, fuel pressure should show up on your gauge, and you should at least see a bump in the oil pressure. (but I always loosen the oil filter before the real start to make sure of oil flow)

If you have all those things I'd fire it up. then of course after firing it up keep a CLOSE eye on all the other concerns. Water temp, leaking things, voltage, timming, yada yada yada.


EDIT: Obviously put sparkplugs in the ends of the plug wires laying across the top of the engine (I figure that is self explanatory but you never know)

 

Don't forget to check brakes, parking and foot brakes! If it moves it needs to stop!

 

Most people have to learn timing over time, it doesn't come to us all the first time

Your list seems pretty comprehensive. Make sure you check it over, then double check everything again to be sure.

 

the timing is pretty easy, turn the engine until the timing marks line up. turn the distributor until the nub on the housing lines up with the dimple on the gear, and then install it. usually there is a mark from where the distributor was most of its life, so you just put it back there, or its just about centered in its adjustment range. you should double check it when its running, but it should be close enough (with some experience, you're within 2 degrees)

then when everything else is hooked up, remove the spark plugs, and crank the engine over until you see the oil pressure gauge move. this get oil to all the bits that need it, and the engine can eject most of the assembly lube/stuff thats in it.

put the plugs back, check the fluids and look for leaks and fire it up!