A Good Buy?!?!
 

Howdy y'all, I just joined the site cause I need some advice. I recently came across a 1985 RX-7. It's in fair condition considering it's 20 years old. It has some bits of rust on the body, no major dents or dings, interior seems to be in decent shape. It's carburated and seems to run alright (I don't believe it's ever been redone, and I forgot to check the mileage while I was lookin' at it). It's an automatic, and the only major problem is that there's a leak in the brake system somewhere, slow, but leaking. The guy only wants $500 bucks. What do you think? I've never owned a rotary, but have always thought it'd be cool. I'm lookin' to race it (whether drag or street), and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Steve

I don't know for sure, but I have a hunch a Texas car shouldn't have hardly any rust at all.

I'd look around some more. I think you could find a better fb for $500.

Well, there's very little rust at all, just mainly right below the rear hatch. As for finding another one? Well, that'd be pretty hard to do. Considering it was never "exceptionally" cared for, it seems to be mostly all there. I currently have a Honda Civic (which I'm selling, cause I want to race it, and it's new, and I feel bad about rippin' on it), and I've just always wanted to get a rotary. Plus, since it's the carburated model, I guess it's a 12A motor? Thanks though.

Its hard to race an auto...I've heard that they are slow as crap. But I agree, you should be able to find something better for 500.

I agree, don't get the auto. Keep looking.......

I wouldn't keep the transmission, I'd find a stick to drop in there. I know you can't race an auto. Slush boxxes suck.

I wouldn't buy it if you're looking to race. Keep looking, Like suparslinc said....you'll find a better one for $500. If you plan on racing get one that already has a 5 speed, it'll save you money and alot of fab work in the long run.


and yes, if it's carbed it's a 12a.

Personally, I think you should look for just a rolling chassis if you plan on racing. I mean, for $500, you can probably find a rolling chassis in great condition.

I highly doubt you'd want to race a car with a tired, old 12A in it, and you are probably going to wind up pulling it out at some point; so, why not just skip that time and aggrevation?

You can get a rolling chassis for cheap, and then get a full built 13B bridgeport or TII engine for anywhere from $2-4K-ish. Drop either of those in, gut it, get some sticky tires, and get a cheap (aka make it yourself) rollcage, and you are basically set.

That's just my thinking, though. I really don't know what your budget is; so, that may not be the best bet for you. Whatever, though! As long as you have fun with your Wankel, you're all good!

Well, I told a guy who I work with about it (he used to have nine 79-85 models) and he was quite interested. Particulary since he has an old parts one sitting around. So, I think he'll pick it up. The only problem is that I don't have a huge budget and cheap is best right now. But, I'm gonna' check out the junkyards. I have a bad feeling I won't see another one for a while, because they're not very prevelant in my area.

You can't just drop a 5speed in 'em. You have to change the front couterweight.

Just find a decent 5 spd. You'll be better off

Well, I showed my friend the car, and we drove it around (the guy wouldn't let me drive it at the time). And the car was his brothers and he just really wants it gone, so my friend got it for $375. Pretty cool.