Alright.....

I now have an '85 GS with a straight body and solid engine (with 125k)

The cat is rusty so I know I'll have to replace that first so I can pass emissions and actually drive it. After that there are several things I can do.

I heard (thank you rx7 doctor) that the slight rough spot shifting in and out of 4th could be solved with a transmission replacement.

I will also need to eventually get a new paintjob....there were some small dents that were pounded out but the previous owner didn't match the paint very well.

He replaced the alternator, filters and brakes (rotors and pads) just last month.

Is there anything you all could suggest to improve its performance? I'm not planning on racing or anything, but I'd like it to run better than new.

I do not have a lot of funds right now....but I plan to put some more money and time into it come this June.

Thank you.

 

Is your emissions inspection a visual one or the sniffer? If it's visual only, you can fake the cat, add headers and an aftermarket intake and carb. That alone can give you a 30-40% gain over stock hp. Before you go to that effort and expense, make sure the rest of the car is up to oem specs mechanically.

This basically means doing the full 60k service listed in both the owner's manual and the FSM. Don't have either manual, you can download the FSM from the online link on my sig line. Upgrading engine performance is a waste of time and money if you can't make full use of it if the suspension, steering and brakes aren't functioning up to par. I'ts no fun when you hit a tree, curb, whatever because the car can't handle the added hp.
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Nah its the sniffer up here in Washington....
I have the Haynes and am planning on doing the full service greasing, lubing, and replacing gaskets....that might be expensive....but I am willing to do most of the work myself, so that'll drop the price down a bit...

I'm interested in improving suspension. When my friends and I built a sandrail that was the most expensive (and eventually the most worthwhile) piece of it.

Any suggestions?

 

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/other-what-look-when-buying-just-after-you-purchased-your-rx-7-a-601804/

That will give you some idea of getting the vehicle in good running order.
After that then you can concentrate on mods.

It does no good to do mods if the car is unsafe or keeps breaking down due to lack of maintenance or common repairs. :-)