im lookin at a 84 rx-7 12a 5 speed manual has anyone got any advice of what to look for

 

The critical first check is for rust in the body. Most other things can be replaced but not the body! Around the seaside you get bad salt corrosion but more inland where its dry there should be minimal problems. Remember the cost of a total respray is $3,000-5,000 depending on quality. So a good body is essential. Fortunately on the mechanical side, there is a good secondhand parts place in Brisbane, Phils Rotaries. Go to www.ausrotary.com for details.

ENGINE. The biggest concern is worn seals on the rotor. The engine should start first time, otherwise it can be low compression. Black smoke out the exhaust is a give away, but not white smoke for a few seconds when you start up.

If its a stock exhaust system, too much noise can mean it will need replacement soon[ rotary exhaust gas is hot and leads to corrosion]. A new exhaust system can cost around $500 and is one item it never pays to buy cheap..

Make certain oil pressure is slightly below half way at normal revs. Brisbane is hot so check temperature is normal in case of cooling problems. Gear changes should be smooth, any noise changing into second means potential future trouble as that gear always suffers most. Remember a replacement engine is around $3000 on a drive in- drive out basis

STEERING. Rather vague on a 84, but real slack means the steering box is worn and will need replacement soon.

SUSPENSION. Shocks, springs and bushes wear out. RX-7 suspension is slightly hard. Try it over a pothole, if it bottoms out or is too harsh then things are worn. It can be expensive to replace, Pedders charges nearly $1000 for shock and bushes replacement. Tyres should be in good order, a replacement set is $600+

In general everything that you would check on a non rotary applies to the RX-7. The only difference is seal wear on the rotors, rather than worn piston rings. The 12A engine is quite reliable while the rest of the car is built with a high standard of quality control. A clean engine bay and clean oil are a good sign, but you can be led astray by a last minute clean getting rid of oil leak signs.

From memory there is a good Rotary Club in Brisbane, its members will always give you good advice on a specific car. For a price check, look on the ausrotary website as Brisbane prices are very different from US prices quoted here. The s3 fetches from $3,000 for a slightly below average 200,000km 12A unmodified car, to $12,000 for one with a transplanted 13B turbo in good condition.

Good luck and good rotoring.