Turbo Tension

I have a 1981 RX7 with extensive floor pan and underbody rust that runs, 50k miles on engine and a great tranny (although the mounts are loose). I also have a 1985 GSL-SE with "average" (for Illinois) rust on the back side suspension and fuel pump shield.

Basically I was wondering what is the value of both cars? The GSL-SE is about to get a new clutch master and slave, and the fuel lines needed cleaning (tons of rust in them..wtf?) but once it's all cleaned out (new injectors probably too) what would the market value be?

I've been running the 83 GSL open header (shooting fire is fun) but I'll put an exhaust on it if I can get enough out of selling it, otherwise I'll part out the drivetrain and crush the shell.

any suggestions or advice?

I tried running through the searches and got dozens of rediculous threads that didn't cover what I was looking for here.

EDIT: sorry I mean 1983 GSL

Rex4Life

I'd drop the gas tank and get it cleaned out also. It's not that hard and for a 20 year old car well worth your trouble.

Turbo Tension

how much could I sell it for once it's running?

Aviator 902S

Mint condition '81 GSLs can be had for 2500 or less. Mint condition GSL-SEs range from 2500 to 5000 tops.

It costs about $4000 to properly do rust repairs and then repaint one of these cars, and much more than that if the rust is serious, ie: in storage bin area, front unibody frame members, rear wheel wells, etc. This means it's easier for a buyer to just spring $4000 for a mint GSL-SE that needs nothing rather than to buy a fixer-upper in a futile attempt to save money. Nobady needs that aggravation.

So in answer to how much your cars are worth, I hate to say it but not much. Those with minor rust can be had for $1200 or less. If rust is serious $500 is typical. At that point it's more useful as a winter beater or as a parts car.

But if you are handy with body/ paint work and are willing to write off the value of your time invested in the restoration--- and if you ENJOY doing this type of work--- It might be worth the effort to do it yourself. This will cut the restoration cost in half, and you'll know exactly the quality of the work. Don't cut corners.

That IMO would be your best bet. You'll end up with two very nice and very collectible 1st gens. Eventually (say in about ten years) they'll be worth more than what you invested in time, money and sweat. BTW, this is only true if you restored it without ridiculous mods like widebody kits, wings, V8 engine conversions, air dams and the like. Keep them as stock as possible, and try not to do anything mod-wise that isn't reversible.

Turbo Tension

I would like to restore the GSL-SE to a like new condition with the basic upgrades, stock motor. The only rust I can find on it aside from the suspension and rear axle is in the rear wheel wells.


The 83 has a very holey floor pan and I'm thinking I'll just V8 it and drop it to the ground and race it as an SM2 car in local SCCA.

thanks for your advice!

CHEF_EG_1

I'll give you what you paid for the GSL, cash, today.