I'm getting my '81 back to proper running order after bringing it out of retirement after ten years. Retirement means although it was not registered or insured during that time, I tried to take it out and drive it around the neighborhood with an old license plate on it for about a half hour once a month or so. It's actually running fairly well as is (I drove it to several local shows over the summer) but I want to bring maintenance issues up to date. I'm the original owner so I know the plugs were last changed in 1990 at 41.5 K miles. Mileage is now 59.7K and the plugs are pretty nasty. Question -- the plugs in the car are NGK BR8EQ 14. Before I go to Pep Boys and get told they haven't made those for years, do they still make these and/or is there some other plug I should use instead? I'll also be changing the oil (last done a few years ago). The car was raised on GTX and Fram filters. I've been told Fram is a no-no, so what filter should I use, and is GTX too old-school? I just replaced the antifreeze (last done in 1994 at 56K miles). Brakes have not been touched in 26 years, even the brake fluid has never been changed to my recollection, so that's next on my list (probably should be first). Car stops well but the pedal is like stepping on a pillow. Any suggestions as far as the above questions would be greatly appreciated.

 

You can go here for your spark plugs http://rx7.com/store/rx7/saengine_maintenance.html
I've ran GTX in all my mazdas (even non Mazda's) and it works just fine. I've ran only Mazda oil filters though (i get a discount on them ). You need to do a FULL tune up if it hasn't had things like that changed in 26 years! ALL your fluids should be flushed and filled. Check all your lines, fuel/brake/power etc etc... Where were you storing it this whole time? Your garage i'm assuming. I think their was a thread on how to do a proper tune up, might want to give the Search button a whack to check and see Their is a lot more things i haven't listed here, the list would just go on and on.

 

I had a bad experience with Denso plugs. The problem was resolved by switching back to NGK plugs. That's all I have to say on this matter....

 

For good links for the oil and plug questions, please visit the FAQ section.
For maintenance please view this link. https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/other-what-look-when-buying-just-after-you-purchased-your-rx-7-a-601804/

 

The car was stored in a garage and has been garaged since new. This picture was taken last year.

 

Be sure to change the transmission and differential fluids and put in some good lube, like Redline. I neglected to do that after returning my 83 to service and the transmission developed a bearing whine, which I attributed to water condensation during storage. A better lube would be more tenacious and not allow that. Oh well, it gave me a chance to put in an SE transmission with taller 5th gear, which I really like.

Add 6-8oz. of Marvel Mystery oil to every fillup to help get rid of fuel system moisture and other crud and improve interior engine lube. I've switched from dyno oil to synthetic.

For plugs, you can get them at sparkplugs.com for $6 each. More and more I'm using Autolite 2626 (in 12A and 13 engines both; don't like the 2526 sometimes recommended) because they simply seem to work better. And they're about $3 each.

 

Agreed. My GTX used to eat the Denso like fat kid in a candy store. Every 3 months for denso...Blegh.... Ngk's are the only OEM replacement plugs and wires that I will use.