Hello!

So, my dad passed away when I was 3 years old and at the time, he owned a 1983 RX-7. When my dad died, my grandpa on my mom's side bought the car and unfortunately, it's more or less been sitting in a garage ever since. I know it hadn't been driven in over 15 years. A few months ago, my stepdad got the car from my grandpa and took it to a shop hoping to get it running well enough just to drive around town in it. Frankly, we're not sure the shop knew what they were doing. (Posting pictures of the service description from them and under the hood as it is now.)

As of last night, I am in possession of the car. It does run now... Barely. Today, the throttle wire (?) came loose, so you can't start it with the gas pedal, but I think I can fix that. Anyway, the point of my post is this... I have absolutely not a single clue what to do, where to start, anything. I look under the hood of a car and I can identify the battery, the places for oil and wiper fluid, and that's about it. So, how do I find someone in my area who knows what they're doing and how do I know they're not lying to me? I called a place in town and they told me they "weren't interested" and I'd be "in a world of hurt" trying to restore a rotary. Feeling a little hopeless about getting this thing going right now. Any advice in general?

Again, please be nice and understand that I just want to restore the biggest piece of my dad that I have left. I know I'm an idiot in this forum lol, just asking for any help I can get.








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I doubt very much if anyone will be mean to you, my experience so far is that the members are very knowledgeable and most helpful. They are polite and respectful with their advice. I would suggest that you review some youtube videos discussing the general workings of a rotary engine (specifically RX7). Then as advice is received from the members of the forum, check the "how to do" stuff on youtube to get a feel for the layout and actual visuals of your car.

Your RX7 looks really good, your dad must have taken good care of it. You have my admiration for "Caretaking" the car as a memory of your dad. A lessor person, or someone without any choice might have sold it. I tam certain he would be very proud of you.
don

 

Your dad's Rx7 looks great!

A good place to start reading is the FAQ thread in this section. Lot's of good info there. You can also find the Factory Service Manuals in PDF form at Foxed.ca, which is helpful for troubleshooting.

 

First off, welcome aboard! Secondly, you've come to the right place. This forum is the de facto hangout for anyone who shares an enthusiasm for these cars, and you're in good company.

Like you, my 84SE was purchased new by my dad who has passed away. Its something that we shared a passion for, and I can remember the day he drove it home in March of 1984, because my brother and I (at 13yo) got a test ride in it with him, and I remember him being so excited to have it. He owned this car for decades and then sold it to me, even though I had bought a 1980 Rx7 as my first car. When I got it from him, it became a continuing legacy and I still drive it to this day. In fact, I drove him to many chemotherapy sessions in it when he was still alive, so please recognize that your memories of this car and the connection you're feeling to it are really something special.

Now, about your car; the 1983 model you has been modified a bit from original condition. Someone along the way has installed an aftermarket Dellorto Carbeurator and intake system on it - which is a substantial performance upgrade, and a rare addition to find these days. For that reason, most mechanics will be unwilling to work with it as the tenacity, knowledge, and tinkering it takes to properly tune a Dellorto carb is beyond your average mechanic today. Further, the rotary engine which we all share in this generation is VERY UNLIKE any other engine which is in common use today - which is what makes these cars so special. No stealership is going to want to work on it - and even if they tried, they're not going to find mechanics who know enough to get it running and keep it running well. This community, however, is uniquely suited to help you do so, if you're at all mechanically inclined - OR are willing and able to learn.

The neat thing about your unique position is that you're motivated to learn to keep the memory of your dad alive. That's amazing.

Tell us some more about what you know about the car, and a little about yourself, your mechanical skills, and what kind of work you're able to do, and we'll do our best to help you out. Take care,

 

welcome to the board.

first, i know it's been years/decades, but condolences on your Dad. i think your story is cool (not the death aspect), but keeping the car in the family until now you have a chance to have a tangible connection.

yeah, as was said above, you're in the right place. if you're here to learn, there are plenty of us here to help facilitate that. for all the reasons LongDuck outlined, you're probably going to have to learn how to get things done for yourself because it will probably be hard to find local, honest professionals willing to help you. in the event that you just need help finding someone local to you, there is a Regional forum (scroll down the main page) and someone from your part of Florida may be able to help.

 

Welcome and congrats on finding this place. As others have said, you can source a ton of useful info here, just ask. On average, this is an older, more experienced group with a lot more reliable and respectful info than posting on FB.

Owning any old car will require a certain amount of basic mechanical aptitude or the willingness to learn. Much of the car (like the throttle cable) will only require general mechanical skills and tools. The engine internals and its quirks are the Rotary specific things about the car. A new or used throttle cable shouldn't be too hard to source if you post up a wanted ad or do a search on eBay.

 

Welcome to forum

 

First off, welcome to the forum. You have quite an incredible car and it looks to be in really nice shape for having sat so long. When I was in your shoes and I had my first RX-7, I experienced much the same with shops. No one wanted to touch the car and the car was only 14 years old then. I had very little mechanical knowledge and only basic tools. This was pre internet for me and I had to learn everything by trial and error. I can offer you some advice from experience and from 24 years of RX-7 ownership.

Start by purchasing a factory service manual and wiring diagram for the car. Ebay has them and they're usually less than $100. Having those will help you immensely. Secondly, make sure you have a good set of tools and specialty tools. These will take time to get. Having a good Milwaukee electric impact will also be a big help. I recommend one in 1/2" and 3/8". Once you have tools and have the FSM, you'll be ahead.

From here, its likely all basic maintenance and some carb tuning. We can help guide you with any aspect of repair you choose to tackle. Working on thencar yourself will save you money and will bring you closer to the car and you will learn everything about the car. In some way doing that may make you feel closer to your dad. It does when I work on my 63 Ford Falcon that my grandfather gifted me shortly before his passing. This is a good feeling, trust me.

The fuel tank should be removed and cleaned professionally. It's simple to remove and we can offer advice should you want or need to go this route. Replace the fuel filter and look into tuning the carburetors, as i see theyvmay have already been rebuilt. Having a clean fuel system is very important. Fuel flow and lack of pressure can be responsible for many poor running conditions.

You'll need spark plugs (NGK BR8EQ-14) and wires. I prefer the NGK wires as well. New cap and rotor, and inspect and replace any vacuum lines thay may be left. Looks like the shop got the belts and hoses and fluids so that's a good start. You'll want to consider tires and brakes and inspect the suspension for any worn and cracked bushings. Leaking front struts and rear shocks. That should get you off to a good start

And remember, the entire community is here for you. We can help you fix anything on the car. With our combined experience, anything is possible.

 

Welcome. I won't reiterate whats already been said by many, but want to echo the notion that this forum is FULL of knowledge and enthusiasm for these cars. Almost everyone here is nice and respectful. You'll find any answers you need in the archives of information, and if you need help please reach out. Your story and motivation are pretty special so i really hope you can return this car to the road and enjoy what your father left you.

 

Wow, thanks for all the quick and welcoming responses! Reading everyone's stories of connecting to loved ones through their cars has definitely been inspirational.

I can't lie, y'all telling me to take it on myself was definitely not what I was expecting. I'm certainly motivated and really love the idea of learning the car inside and out and having the connection of putting my own work into it. But I'm also just wondering if that's realistic... I've never done anything more to a car, not just this one but any car, than cleaning it and putting gas in the tank. Is it safe for me to learn on this car? If I tinker and get something wrong, can I break it irreparably?

 

Things can go sideways if you're not informed. If you are not comfortable about doing something, ask us. We will give you a step-by-step of do's and don'ts. Just be willing to listen and do al little reading on this forum. A lot of respect is given to those that try to find the answer on this forum by reading first and if you need to more info just ask. We've all have been there before and between all of us, someone has the knowledge to pass on.

 

This forum is great for learning and sharing knowledge. It's also a great way to meet local enthusiasts. I've met plenty people who were willing to come by and lend a hand on a projects. Maybe there's a local guy reading this who can stop in and help you out occasionally. Although, there is a lot you can learn to do yourself just by reading existing threads.

Good luck.

 

The best teacher is,another owner. Anybody on this forum has been driving their 1st Gen Rx7 for DECADES and has probably fixed everything on it at some point, or their car wouldn't still be on the road! The one upside to an older car for learning is that they're far simpler in construction, design, and operation than any 2023 model year car.

They don't make them like they used to! For us here, we see that as a feature, not a bug!

 

You can get this car running! My son and I rebuilt an 81. Neither of us had ever worked on a car before, and all we had was a box of bicycle tools… and the guys on this forum.

First task…. Look into the low compression issue reported. This will let you know if you are indeed in for an engine rebuild. Do you have any video or compression numbers to share of the test, or how they actually did it? If not, let me know and I’ll show you a quick and dirty way to test compression that will indicate if a full rebuild is needed.

An engine rebuild is actually not as hard as you would think, but is a big financial hit. You can do the labor which is fun and saves huge amounts of cash, and there are good step by step videos to teach you and hold your hand along the way. But figure around $1500 in parts to pull the engine, open it up, rebuild it and get it back in if housings are not damaged. If they are damaged, than significantly more costs to find new housings. You don’t know that latter answer until you open up the engine.

 

I was trying to recall your threads @Slow_sevens because it was the perfect example of learning as you go from a total novice perspective. To the OP, you got this. It will be even more meaningful if you learn how to work on your fathers car. I bet if he was alive he would have wanted to share his car passion with you by working on this car together. It might be a really special feeling as you wrench on it, rather than "just another car"

Good luck!

 

You might try contacting Grassroots Motorsports. They are an enthusiast car magazine based about an hour south of you and may know a local-ish rotary shop. And worth getting a subscription if you want to get into these types of cars.

 

Welcome, glad to hear you are interested in learning about your father's car!

Another good thing to read though and get familiar with these cars are the factory service manuals. You can find one for your year here: http://rx7/foxed.ca They will help you learn how to repair most of the car, what fluids to use, what torque, etc.

 

just as an aside ...
no rush ... but at some point, you will want to think about getting the exhaust sorted. that side-draught will probably wake up a bit with a header and decent exhaust.


also, another tidbit occurred to me while reading this report. you're supposed to remove the schrader valve on the compression tester, and not everyone knows that. if the engine is starting fine, both hot and cold, maybe that's why the reading was low.

 

Somehow, and no offense to the OP, I would think some shops would see this predicament as $$ signs. Someone from the board should accompany this member if possible.

my reading of that invoice. we did you a favor, now trust us that you have no compression and need a complete rebuild, followed by price increases, followed by blaming used part. someone with experience needs a hand in this IMO

at the very least just as a 2nd opinion before opening up a car that looks clean.

 

I’m confused. Did this shop rebuild the engine?

 

Rotary or not a Internal combustion engine requires three things to run and three things to stay running . To run it needs fuel , air and an electric spark . To stay running it qlso needs Lubricants , coolants and pressure*

If you lack fuel air and spark you will be unable to start or your engine will run poorly , Familiarize yourself with the fuel , air and electric system. If you can run your engine you need to make sure you have the right lubricators at the right amount . You also need to make sure your cooling system is functioning . Lastly you need the right amount of pressure ( and vacuum) in your system at all times by ensuring you have no gasket leaks and that all bolts and fasteners are torqued to spec . It is overwhelming at first but honestly once you start to understand the basics you will be surprised with how fast you can diagnose and fix things .
Also it's important to be humble and too keep your ears open to advice . Not all advice is good but sometimes there are better methods and better ways to accomplish things .

 

>>>I called a place in town and they told me they "weren't interested" and I'd be "in a world of hurt" trying to restore a rotary. Feeling a little hopeless about getting this thing going right now. Any advice in general?<<<

I call bullshit! "Vice Grip Garage" on youtube, gets cars that sat for decades roadable. A pro garage has huge overhead to cover, they can't afford to tinker around. You, on the other hand, have a labor of passion, and all the time in the world. First thing to check is if the motor can turn.

 

To add to this. Last year I got a original owner early 1979 running after sitting for 30 years. Yes, 30 years. I replaced/reconditioned every hose, brakes, gas tank, radiator, water pump, etc.. It runs like a clock and the owner is very happy.

if I had that car, I could do the same.

 

Vice Grip Garage shows all the headaches. It's not like 1st car fixer program where everything is quick and easy, and is just advertising of that oil and air filter that you can clean and reuse.

"Glass fuel filters, causes more car fires than ex wives"

 

Welcome and get ready to read a lot.

Thats a nice car and I doubt it has low compression. You really need to find someone local to sort it for you if you can't. That advice about grassroots motorsports is spot on. They have a rotary in their stable still I think.

Looking at the picks that is a well sorted Weber 48 DCOE on an Atkins intake manifold. Really needs a different exhaust to make it perform well. Good luck!