I've recently come across a 1985 Rx-7 GS, the engine has 154,000 miles and seems to run fine although it needs belts and a starter. The main problem with the car is the rear quarters. Specifically, the areas where the rear axel is mounted, the rust is so bad in this part of the car that there are softball size holes in the inner wheel wells and the wiring can bee seen inside. It's so bad that you can acutally feel the rear end flexing as it goes down the road. I'm wondering if there's a safe way to repair this part of the car or if there's a repair panel made for this area or if I should just part it out. I'm also curious about how many miles a rotary engine will last with normal driving use? As I'm looking at an 83 that is pushing 200k.

All replies are appreciated.

 

Ive heard of people having success welding in steel to replace the rusted out wheel wells. but if its that bad there.. you might end up finding other spots.

A normally driven n/a rotary if well maintained should last over 200k miles. I had a 85 with about 155k on it that ran fine until it was wrecked. My '79 i drive daily has over 200k on it and it runs flawlessly.

If i were you, ide stay away from the rusty car. find a car with a good chassis, and a crummy motor. Motors are easier to come by than a good chassis.

 

My 85 had 224,000 miles when I sold it and it ran solid. The key is to find one that has not been pampered. If someone says "I drove it like an old lady going to church" leave it cause it probably has so much carbon built up in it, you may take a seal out trying to blow it out of there (no joke). Ask where they normally shift it, if below 3 - 4K, be careful (I rarely shifted mine below 6) - rotaries were born to spin....

Unfortunately, if the back end is really rusted, you are in for more work than it is worth. The rear suspension arms attach to the frame in front of the rear wheel and if those points are rusted out (and they often are), the repair is a pain and I can't recall seeing one first hand that was done well enough that it did not impact performance.

 

Bare shells with perfect bodies but so-so paint and no rust can be had for $700, so there's no point trying to slavage such a wretch...

 

****.... you got a running one for about that

 

my car was owned by an old lady before i bought it. first engine went at 147,000..its on the second engine now at 248,000 (with a coolant o-ring leak) and i've only driven it about 1,000 miles since ive owned it...and i drive it like hell! still barks 2nd gear, but im pullin this old engine out

(mine was $700...no rust hehe)