1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

What should I look out for when buying an RX7

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Old Nov 9, 2002 | 10:58 AM
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What should I look out for when buying an RX7

I do not know that much about RX7s. Is there anything I should be aware of when looking? This is there car I am going to look at. How do you tell what model it is? http://www.collectorcartraderonline....6/35634266.htm


I know I should replace the fuel filter/drain the gas tank, change the oil,coolant, and check belts/hoses and maybe the plugs/wire distribtor(?). Any other idea and help would be great as I said I don't know alot about these cars.

Last edited by Hitokiri; Nov 9, 2002 at 11:02 AM.
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Old Nov 9, 2002 | 11:57 AM
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That seems.. expensive?
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Old Nov 9, 2002 | 11:58 AM
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Basically, the procedure for looking at an Rx-7 is similar to looking at any used car. Check coolant, brake fluid, belts, brakes, carb, tires....etc.

Specifically to the Rx-7, you should check under the compartments for rust, in the wheel wells, by the upper control arms (rear), uneven cranking while starting and the idler arm.

Be sure to test drive the car and let it warm up fully to check if it overheats.
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Old Nov 9, 2002 | 04:58 PM
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How cam you identify the model type? Is there any badges or labeling anywhere on the car. Or are there styling(sp?) differences?
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Old Nov 9, 2002 | 05:38 PM
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Identification.....the 83 and older FBs had the tach in the center.

84/85 had boxy-styled vents, 83 and older had circular vents on the side and rectangular in the center.

For 83 and older, it can be hard to tell the difference between the S and GS, although, the S had manual mirrors and a two-spoke steering wheel and the GS had power mirrors and a four-spoke steering wheel.

84/85 unmodified GS's had a badge on the left rear deck that said 'GS'. The S model had no badge.

84/85 unmodified GSL's had a 'GSL' badge on the left rear deck along with four-wheel disc brakes and a LSD.

83 and earlier unmodified GSL's had a 'GSL' emblem on each sail panel as well as having four-wheel disc brakes and LSD.

84/85 GSL-SE's (SE's) had the 'GSL-SE' emblem on the left rear deck, four-wheel disc brakes, 14" wheels, and leather interior; all of which came standard.

If you are looking at an 80, there was the Leather Sport, Anniversary Edition and the base model (there may have been another model; someone else with more SA knowledge can clarify this).

On the forum, we refer to the 81-85 Rx-7's as FB's, due to the lettering in the VIN and 79-80 Rx-7's are refered to as SA's, again due to the lettering of the VIN.

If I were you, I'd look for a complete, running, driveable, mostly stock Rx-7. This way, you can drive it and get to know it better, without dealing with the hassle of reassembling the one that you linked to previously.
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