I'm in the process of fixing up my first RX7 (82, GS I think) and I want to do all the work myself. I think the car could use a bit of a tune up, as it has been sitting for 2 years. It fires right up and runs pruty good, but I would like to verify that it is timed just right. Could someone point me to a good howto, or share some tips? I'm fairly mechanically minded, but have never timed any engine before. I'm hoping this will be a good learning experience. Actually, that’s mostly the reason I bought the car; to have fun and learn about it.

 

when i looked at my haynes manual to go and set the timing, there wasnt a process for my 79 sa

 

http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/cars/rx7/manuals.html

 

The easiest way I learned to time a 12a is to simply remove the distributor cap and line up the timing notch on the main pulling 2nd line and point the arrow on the distributor until it is pointing strait towards the front bumper (leading pick-up. wish I had a pic) This has never failed me even with stubborn hard to start motors. You may need to fine adjust it but it will at least be set where you can start the car and not worry about off timing backfires!.

 

Thanks! I'm downloading the 1980 (shame there isn't a 1982) service manual and I have already printed out the section on adjusting the timing. Good thing I already have a timing light. This is going to be fun, hope I don't screw up! lol

 

just to be sure, a 79 cannot be timed due to the ignition being different, right?

 

DL the 83 FSM, it is more appropriate for your FB than the 80 SA one is. Mark where the timing is now before you start in case you run into problems.

All of them can be timed, the 79 and earlier engines have a points style ignition.

 

I can't find a '83 service manual, but I do have a Haynes manual on the way (thank you ebay! $6.00!). Should have it any day now, and I bet there is a quite detailed timing guide in there!

 

well the only process i've found for timing is for 80+. should i just follow that process as close as possible then?

 

You didn't look through thr 79 FSM enough. There is a how to on tuning the CA models in Sec 1a, p8. the rest of the timing/tune up is in Sec. 5, p11 on.