I had several Rx7s but that was years ago. For a 1984 GSL-SE, do I need

Distributor cap
Rotor
Plug wires
Plugs

I thought an electronic ignition didn't have a rotor. Shows you how behind the times I am. Rock Auto has these in kits. Are they worth it?

thanks

 

the factory tune up is in the FSM, which is here Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals

in the factory service schedule the plugs get replaced periodically (30k?), and everything else is inspected.

the wires are easy to check, look for damage, and then check for resistance. new wires are about 8k ohms/meter, and the spec for replacement is 16k ohms/meter, anything over 16k is bad.

the cap and rotor are a little harder to diagnose, unless it looks brand new inside, might be worth it to just replace. if the old ones looked ok, i'd keep them as a spare.

if you wanted to look at spark plugs, measure the gaps, a new plug will have sharp square corners, and old plug will be rounded off. the metal parts will be gross and dirty, but look at the porcelain electrode, it should be a nice brown color.

 

Plug wires are good so I ordered a new Bosch distributor cap, rotor, and NGK plugs from Rock Auto.

 

Moved this to the tech section too

Rockauto is a great source of parts like this for our cars. Don't forget to search around for their 5% off codes!

 

I have no idea what coils to get for this car so I went to Rock Auto. Read good things about the AirTEx-Wells models. I was told to go with Mallory but, when I went to their website, they don't have any products for them. I went to Atkins and Amazon and found them for the 12A but not 13B motors. Got to pay attention to details is what I learned.

 

coils are the same 12A and 13B, and they last forever, save your $$ for something else

 

Plugs, Wires, Cap & Rotor are so cheap, it's a good idea to just replace them when buying any FB.

 

The only thing you gotta watch out for about the coils is the metal terminal inside. If it's corroded, it can be unscrewed and cleaned. Look for a phillips screw (don't worry, an American screwdriver will work).

 

I went on Auto Zone and they list coils that are recommended for the car but not vehicle specific. If I end up getting coils, would that matter? They are the standard ones people use for performance cars

 

Make sure the coils can be mounted on horizontally, some oil filled coils leak when turned on
their sides.

I would just go to rockauto and get the right ones for the car. But then you have to wait for it
to ship.

 

Great advice. I went there and, of those I want, they have 1 of each and, of course, I need two. They are cheaper as well. I will wait for now. Again, thanks for helping me sort out what I need to do. Long story short, I should have kept my 86, and my 84...