Hello Rx-7 folks!

I may be joing the ranks of proud Rx-7 owners soon. but first I need some help.

Yep I might be buying an 85 rx-7. I know much about mechanics and I can usually inspect a car and tell if it is a lemon or not, but I dont know jack about Rotary!

I can listen for bad lifters or a noisy valvetrain, look for signs of a bad head gasket, ect, but only on a cylinder motor.

So when I go to inspect this car before buying it, what should I look for?

Also what are some common problems in the 85 models?

my friend mentioned that it stalls alot, I'm not sure what, beyond carb problems, whould be implicated by stalling on a rotary.

 

Welcome to the forum. Hope you end up getting it. Check out the faq page(at the top of the forum) and use the search button- very useful. Check for rust behind the storage bins and under the wheel wells, just check everywhere possible. Mine never stalls, so i don't have that problem. Is it a GSL-SE, S, GS, or GSL? Tke pics if you can and please post them. how much miles, Original owner?, etc. Check out www.howstuffworks.com and look up how the rotary engine works. Make sure everything mechanical wise is working great. God bless

 

+1

Ditto on the rust and whatnot. The cars also came with an EFI motor: 13B. Only found in '84 - '85 GSL-SE trim models. Both cars have acceptable amount of problems, but only pending on previous owner care. When I got my car it was in fairly good condition, mechanical wise, at least.

Along with what twinkletoes said, check the miscellaneous stuff, such as if it comes equipped with a rear wiper, make sure it works. Check the power steering pump to see if it leaks. Various trim pieces that may be broken or on the verge. The rear muffler to see if it's hanging by a thread.

And, regardless of what motor it comes with: 12A (carbureted) or 13B (EFI), both can have plenty to offer in terms of modifications. There's one forum member (64MGB is it?) that has a supercharged version. Very nice.

And, welcome to the Forum (car pending of course )