I'm new to the board but love all types of cars. I own a 1994 Toyota Supra TT, a 1960 Chevy Corvair, and a 1970 Ford Torino GT. I've been wanting an RX-7 for a while, and finally found a 1983 RX-7 in the classifieds that isn't too expensive. My question is what I should look for on this car, like common rust spots, or common engine problems. I haven't looked at the car yet, so I am unsure of what specific model it would be. Also, I wanted to know what potential there is to make a first gen a bit more fast, and if there is a rev limiter on the 1983. Thanks for the help.

 

https://www.rx7club.com/vforums/show...ht=common+rust

There are a few more threads. Just do a search for common rust. or rust in the 1st gen section.

 

Biggest problems when looking for a new RX-7 are engine and transmission problems, then comes body...

If the car runs rough, don't assume it's just something new plugs, dizzy and wires will fix, as it could be something more serious like compression (bad apex seals). If the guy won't let you take the car in to a garage to have it compression tested, don't buy it.

Also, watch the transmission as it has a problem shifting from 4th to 5th... If this is evident a grinding noise will be heard while shifting between these gears... I don't know if this is a problem on first gens though...

Finally, look for major rust in the wheel wells, as it can rust suspension components clean through....

Gotta go, hope any of this helps....

Jeff

 

Other way around man. I find it easier to swap out the engine than weld patches over rust in the body. Retains all over stock look too. Just my humble opinion.

 

Common rust problems, are bad around the back quaters. Inside the wheel well, at the front most. They can be viewed in their earliest state by removing the inner storage compartment. Also rust bad in the very rear quarter way at the bottom, or as most cars do.

Look at the motor, where it says Mazda on the drivers side of the motor, if its leaking where the housings go together, your gonna need a new motor soon. Unless you like leaving a shitload of oil everywhere you park. Not to mention if those are bad the O rings are probally bad too, and it will start smoking. Get a compression check, if you serious about the car. I think they charge 50 at the dealer?

Never really had any trans problems. So I cant comment there, i thought the 12A trans were tougher than hell.

All this depends on how cheap the car is, and how much you wanna do to it. I still have my orginal 80 that I bought when I was 16, man I really loved that car. But i think the rust god has gotten it As with any older car, depends on how resourceful you are, and stuff. One day I will fix up my 80, people call me crazy. But she still gets a parking place in my garage next to my 85 RX-7 GSL, and my 88 Rx-7 convertible

 

if ur in SF, then drive down to SoCal for a rust free rx. ck out this website for cars for sale....... www.recycler.com thats for los angeles recycler. in addition, prices here are lower than up north.