RJH1985gsl-se

Great car mechanically. 100,000 miles. Just bought. Had one owner. oil changed every 2,000 miles. Only has slight tear in drivers seat, faded factory paint and some chips on stock rims.

My question do I restore to its original shape? or modify? I would like to get out the $ I put in (or close to it) if I need to sell.

this car is totally original, and never driven hard. The motor is strong, this thing rips and handles excellent.

Anyone have a few tips?

Brianhsval

Whe I got my 85 SE I wanted to keep it original. Then I started reading and having exhaust problems. Well, one thing led to another and I could see no point in sinking an enormous amount of money in replacing the A/C, or the cat. Therefore those were the first things to go. Then I was looking at a little more reliablility. So the 2nd gen direct fire was next. Of course the fuel pump had to be replaced also so why not upgrade to a better one. A few mods yes. I think for the sake of originality, that is all I will do after I get rid of the rats nest.

1984special

I don't think you will ever get the $ you put into back. Thats just how cars usually are, with the exception of maybe the muscle cars and the high nostalgic demand for them.

It sounds like you have a pretty nice stock GSL-SE. If you want to upgrade it, remember that the return on you investment will mostly be in performance and less monetary.

HTH, hope you find your answer.

PS. Also depends on your local smog laws. Sometimes it is cheaper to go with a modified part instead of the restrictive stock part. Also, emissions removal makes the rotary more efficient.

RJH1985gsl-se

Thank you for your response. I need to do my homework on the rats nest and the cat. I have been advised to take out the AC as mine doesn't work, which I could care less about. What do you think the investment would cost to repaint to the original factory specs, replace power antena. As I mentioned I have no problems mechanically the exhaust was replaced at 90,000 miles. I love this car as stock. What do you think of purchasing aftermarket rims to 16" and larger tires. Will this drastically improve driving performance or will this modification only reduce the value of the car.

Did you take out the spare tire and jack? I was told that eliminating the AC components would reduce 50lbs in weight as well as weight reduction from taking out the spare. I am somewhat heavy at 6'1" 225lbs. I was also read that after market rims would also reduce weight. I would keep the stock rims for resale (althought they are approx at a 5 out of 10 shape, but I may be a bit ****. I have an 03 hummer h2 and accustom to a very clean look.

Again thanks for your response. I plan on posting my car as is to give everyone a look at what I am dealing with.

I may have overpaid for this car at $2,600 but it was the first 85 gsl se I have found that I was confortable with the care the previous owner conducted. He provided me with a log of work he had done since he bought it new. He was so detailed he logged every time he checked air pressure, oil added between oil changes. 15,000 mile maintenance records (new plugs, air cleaner, flushed fluids, greased everywhere needed). The exhaust pipes and muffler were just added at 90,000 miles. Again this car is tight, compression is strong and it snaps when I hit the gas. even with low tred the car corners as if it were on rails. I do need to warm it up after starting, I have noticed it will occasionally stall if I don't. Is that normal? thanks again

Since I paid the $2600. what do you feel would be a smart figure of $ in reconditioning this car to a nice stock look. What do you think the market price would be if I invested another $4,400. I don't want to invest more than 4,400 in addition to my initial investment. Granted I would foresee keeping the car for a least two years and add approx 20,000 miles. I expect deprection. I owned the exact same model 11 years ago. It had 125,000 miles. I did not invest any money except tires. I purchased the car for $2400 and sold it for $2,000 which is not bad since I drove it hard and was very clear to the buyer what I did or did not do to the car over the two years I owned it. Is it fair to say, with minimal adding a paint job etc. I would see only a small reduction in resale value?

Max7

adding new rims will not change the value of the car as they can be removed need be.
16's will change handling also depends on the tire compound.
Keep the spare incase you need it, ditch the A/C stuff, it will help the radiator cool better
by removing a restriction in front of it.
It's nice to have a documented car, mine is as well, all dealer service records since day 1.
you might also look into cleaning the engine up. Pull off the intake have the injectors
cleaned as they can be quite dirty after 100k of miles.
I would look at upgrade parts when replacing stock ones, just from a performance and lasting
standpoint. Also go thru and cleanout the throttlebody as is may be sticking.
there are alot of little things on the GSL-SE that need to be checked one at a time.
there is alot of info on here for reading and ideas, so it may take you awhile to gather it all.
These cars can be quite rewarding, just change the oil, and do the basics and many
many miles can be had from the stock motor.

web777

Yeah, I would only upgrade if you need to replace something. You can also upgrade the shock , springs bushings w/o really effecting the value. If you decide to mod anything just make sure you are able to put it back to stock if needed.

RJH1985gsl-se

Based on what you mentioned. I think I would like to keep it stock as much as possible. It seems when I view some of the RX7 sites. The gsl se seems to be mostly stock. I assume because it is the special addition. Is that the reason or do all RX7's best kept stock?

jays83gsl

Well, really, these cars are meant to be 'for fun' cars, and most of us aren't into seriously racing them. Therefore, we don't really need to modify them.

What you WILL see is stuff modified for convenience. Better suspension means nicer ride around town even. Other stuff makes it more reliable/easier to start/whatever.

I'm not sure if I really answered any of your questions, but, there you go!

web777

Well, most RX7 are modded, that's why a stock, good running one usually sells for more. And yes, the SE is a special edition and some people don't want to mod because of it's rarity (this coming from a guy who turbocharged his SE!). Anyways, the SE is the most sought after first gen rx7's and there are many people who would pay good money for a clean stock one.

RJH1985gsl-se

The car is extremely reliable, I like the performance as is. As you stated, it is fun to drive, but for my satisfaction, I would like it to be cosmetically pleasing to the eye. Thanks I appreciate all opions. I am new at this and since this is my project car, I am in now hurry. I don't want to regret buying things I really don't need. What about nitrous? good, bad, indifferent?

Brianhsval

N2O, no need, the best you could run is a 50 shot of wet, and you can get 50 more hp from doing basic mods and still keeping it just about stock. Header, freelow exhaust, direct fire, air filter, and such. Along with fuel pump. Stay away from N2O. There is no need in it unless you intend to race it.