Well, i've owned over 20 mazdas in my life but never an rx7. Not that i don't like them. I'm just poor and picky(never at the same time)and until recently did not have the room. I found this gem on craigslist. I had seen the car before, it was moved into an absolutely despicable building in one of the worst parts of the city here in st.louis. 107,000 Mile car. NO body rust. the only rust is 1" long, surface rust in the cubby hole. Cream, 5spd, GS. Tan cloth. First gens here are either owned by complete enthusiasts, or are a fading thought in the minds of owners past. I've always wanted one since the age of 12 when my father bought a mint tornado silver 84 GSL-SE(which he sold DAYS before i got my permit). This GS had No gas tank, no exhaust, and No engine. I wish it had all of it just in poor shape, but i was VERY fortunate to find an 85 Base for parts in the same color, but it has rotten exhaust, poor gas tank, only 115k but i can't get it to run. That being said, I have not bought a SINGLE part for this car yet. i have $450 in the entire vehicle. the seats and a few misc interior parts are from the parts car. the wheels were originally on my 79 626(which they will be returning to once i find something better for the rex). all of the work i've done on it so far is just cleaning, repairing, and reassembling. the KID i bought it from did some not so cool things to the car, but at least did not own it long enough to completely destroy. the chassis is clean with the exception of the doors and right front fender. paint is great. glass is good. Interior is nice except for the common crappy door panels, even has the OEM passenger floor mat(and the drivers, but its shot). Anyway, enough with the blabbering. heres the pics after i cleaned the interior, and the engine bay prepping for work.
















and lastly, the engine i'm using:



Im using an 88 SE auto engine. I have to still swap on the GSL-SE front cover and oil pan, and change the counterbalance. Current plan is to use a weber or mikuni side draft with a RB upper manifold, RB header, MSD igntion. I have all the parts except the carb, and the clutch/flywheel. I picked up a 40k SE differential for $50 from a family friend...I'm not looking for an absolute rocket, i have my mx6 for that... i just miss having a balanced fun car that isnt a one wheel wonder.

anyway, i'll post up some pics once the engine is in the car.

-Eric

 

Nice man!

 

good work cant wait to see completed car

 

not too bad!! make sure you keep us updated on your progress!! glad you rescued the car. you'll have blood sweat tears and a ton of money into this project but in the end it'll be worth it, down to the last drop of your blood hitting the pavement!

 

For the price, you scored well on a very clean body and interior. I can't believe how rust free the body is for a Missouri car. I do have the fender and door you need from an 83, color is close and they will need a little work as each has some rust. I have better ones in other colors. Have a spare passenger side power mirror too. I also have an RB upper intake mani for the S4 engine if your going side draft. I might be able to put a Mikuni together to go with it. The carb will need to be rejetted for the S4 13B.

I don't really want to ship the door or fender, it would be cheaper for you to spend the day and drive across state for pickup. I'm an hour north of Kansas City. I can also repair the door/fender and prime them for paint if you wish.

 

What a rx7 friend you are trochoid!!!! Wish i had one like you close to me.

 

thanks, i think so too. I can't believe how clean the chassis is. It was a gamble because it was fairly dirty when i saw it the first time.
I already have a very nice fender for it, and the RB upper intake. I do need a carb though, and i understand i'll have to jet it for my set up. I need the mirror mounting plate, i have one from my 79 626(not using stock mirrors on that car) but the door contour is different and the mirror nearly hits the glass-so i just need that piece that screws into the door itself.

i have a nice passenger door too, its the drivers side im weary of. it looks ok but it has been repainted and not very well, and im positive there is bondo in it, which i don't want. we'll see. Got a finish panel in this color? mine is chipped to bloody hell.

Yesterday i removed the fender from the parts car, waxed the engine bay and reinstalled the harnesses/coils/fusable links. there is a 2.5" dia. area where the battery acid ate the paint away, but it is NOT rusted at all. I think im just going to POR15 it since its under the battery tray, sucks the car isnt black cause it'd look stock. So, its a project that's going slow, but i plan to work on it nearly every day til its done, just an hour here and there.


-Eric

 

Convert it to a GSLSE!!!!!!!!

 

sure! find me all the parts for under 4 bills and its done

 

I can get you close to a GSLSE but no suspension. But have everything else.......

 

You scored on the rims...