What should I do first?
 

I just got 1985 RX.

I need to do some basic stuff on it, new brake pads, clean the carb maybe rebuild it. The exhaust has already been modified.

I'm hoping you guys can tell me what the best modification to improve performance for ~$500?

Thanx

what model is it ? g-gs-gsl-gslse?

Read the FAQ!

if exhaust is modded then go modded nikki ie sterling carb
Or suspension coils and struts. Depends on if you want better handling or more power.

If you want to go faster in a straight line, go for a carb upgrade.

If you want to go faster in twisty turns, go for a new set of struts and shocks.

Either way, Mazdatrix.com and Racing Beat has the best selection of new parts for your RX7, and used parts are commonly available on this forum in the "for sale" section!

Simple question, tough answer.

If you have $500 to spend, then:

- Change all fluids and filters. Brake, oil, transmission, coolant, fuel, rear axle, transmission.
- Check all rubber hoses (cooling system, fuel, vacuum lines, brake lines) and replace as needed.
- Check all steel lines (brake, fuel) and replace as necessary.
- Check all rubber bushings and replace as needed (front: control arms, tension rods, sway bar. Rear: sway bar, lower trailing arms, watts link (See PB&J Racing's writeup). Do a search and see which ones should be replaced with urethane and which ones stock.
- Check front wheel bearings, ball joints, idler arm bushings (I will guarantee these are bad), tie rod ends (inner and outer) and replace as necessary.
- Have the radiator cleaned.

Assuming you have any money left from your $500, define what performance means to you (straight line, handling, interior comfort, etc.) and go from there. There are lots of things that are relatively cheap that will make a big difference. Do a search on these forums for ideas.

Good luck!

Just to chime in, if it's the original radiator I'd worry about it disintegrating under a powerful flush, like what they do at oil change places.

How are the tires?

If you have a RB header/exhaust already go w/ RB sways & springs. Then get Tokiko HP shocks for cheap upgrade. The stock carb can be modified for manual secondaries, etc. Keep the stock carb & just fiddle w/ it unless you want to spend lots $. W/ my modded stock carb 12A I got great boost in a strait line & spun a wheel in a slight turn just getting on it.

Update
 

I've been working my ass off on her since that last post.

Pulled up the original rugs to realize that water had collected underneath (it's Florida, it's humid) and there are some minor rust problems. There was a major rust problem with the behind-the-seat hatches. Basically ripped out the metal part with sheer brute force.

Figured I should give her a full looking over because of the rust. All the carpets and old foam came out, some of it as rotten as a steak left in the sun. Right now there's still some kind of tar-paper adhesive from the factory application of the foam. It's rotten and cracked too. I'm taking that out with a hammer and chisel, already removed the seats so I can be sure I get it all.

Dashboard...gone. Took it right down to the metal supports, again all the old foam is rotten and worthless. I'm about to go take out all the metal flanges, which have some superficial rust. I'm going to steel wool them all down and then coat them with cherry red anti-rust paint. Then I'm going to rebuild the whole dash, with custom gauges, using cherry wood under thick polyurethane coating, maybe even clear fiberglass.

The electrical could stand to be redone, but I'm pretty sure I need a new gas tank because of rust. Wish I had a digital camera to take pictures of her. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Man, am I whipped. This must be why young men restore cars and old men drive them.

Mac

oh yeah, the tires are brand new. Got great rims! They're a triangle shape, just like the rotor!!!!

also the brake pads have been changed.

sounds like your making progress. Keep it up.