So I have recently acquired an 87 with 75k miles on it, it has been sitting for about 15yrs. The previous owner who is 75 said it ran when he parked it after lost interest in autocross. What things do I need to prep to get it running this is my fist rotary. Thank you!

 

i would spin the engine over by hand, just to make sure it will. i would top off the fluids and toss a battery in it and see what happens. after it starts its going to need an oil change, and a cooling system, and probably the fuel system too. and tires, and the brake and clutch hydraulics

 

Thank you! I plan on getting started next weekend, should I do a compression test it first? After I get it running and everything changed at what point should I start worrying about the Apex seals if they are the factory ones? Thanks again!

 

oh you'll have a lot to do to get it running before you'd need to worry about apex seals, they are fine for ~200k miles, its all the rubber stuff that isn't

 

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/unstore.htm

Here's a link containing fairly detailed information about bringing a sitting RX-7 out of storage. If done properly you can minimize work later on caused by things like running rust through the fuel system.

 

Had an 87 just like it back in the day. Same color even, but yours looks much nicer. Quirky little cars at this age but very fun to drive. Enjoy!

 

I have a 88 GXL which I bought new off the showroom floor! Putting the third engine into it now!

After 35 years everything needs to be replaced, nothing lasts forever.

This type of car is for pride of ownership, it takes a bit of work to keep it up and running. It will always need some work done as it ages, hobbies are to spend money on not make anything off of it!

 

Just to let everyone know, a new major concern has made itself known on my 1988 GXL.

The car was undercoated at the factory I think, after all this time it still looked good underneath!

I put it up on jackstands to start removing the engine and transmission. After a couple of weeks, I noticed that the frame rails where I positioned the jackstands had collapsed. The rail where the fuel lines run almost bent the lines, I will need to look them over closely.

The outside of the rails look fine but when I felt inside the rail, it was corroded very badly.

The rocker panels are the same way! So, when I get it back on the road, I need to find a real frame shop if they still exist!

If you are going to purchase a RX-7 please check for a corroded frame.

 

Happened to mine as well. I was in the same situation as you, lifted the car to remove from storage. Those rails are not good lift points, bend fuel line which cracked and caused leak.

 

Rust aside, I think the rails have never been good lift points. Mine were mostly rust-free when I bought my car, but full of dimpled areas where they had been used to lift the car. They are too thin from the factory, IMO.

I banged them straight and installed V8 Roadsters frame rail reinforcements (intended for a Miata) and it's helped immensely. There are still some really minor dimples from the jack, but no crumpled areas.

 

+1

learned that lesson a few times on Rx-7s and other cars.