gbowers

In 1988, I purchased new RX7 SE white that looks new inside and out with 250K miles, pulls strong, idles at 750 and everything works, except noisy input bearing from tranny to engine.

As I am considering rebuilding drive train (rebuild engine and tranny) for approx. 8-10k cost, please provide your opinion if this is a wise decision, given that some parts may not be available in future.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

I'll reply-It's certainly a choice that you need to make, but if you enjoy the car and structurally it's in great condition, it would be worth the effort, but cost will naturally exceed the value of the car. Our '89TII we purchased new, in 2002 got a Mazda re-manufactured engine at 155,000 miles along with OEM clutch assembly and transmission rebuild. Fast forward to 2017 after the wife got hit in the driver's side door, I did most of the body work (don't want to go into all the details), and after $7,000 the car looks as new.

LargeOrangeFont

iTrader: (7)

For that price you can put an LS V8 in it, and it will have about 3X the power and get 2X better fuel mileage.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Maybe like me, enjoy to keep it fairly stock as speed is really not important to some.
Had a NHRA Comp license so got my kicks at the strip.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

I think I would consider doing a compression test on the engine to determine its health before just deciding to rebuild it or replace it. Other factors to consider due to age and mileage are weak coolant seals, o-rings, gaskets, vacuum lines etc. You may find the source of the trans noise is just a faulty throwout bearing. Replacing the clutch kit, throwout bearing, pilot bearing, seal, and having the flywheel surfaced may be the remedy.

If you purchased the car new, I would feel there is sentimental attachment to the car and for me personally, if the car were still in excellent condition, I would not have an issue investing the money back into the car.

Barnahadnagy

Wise? Objectively speaking no its probably not. Should you do it anyways? I think that is up to you, but since you kept it for more than 30 years, I'm inclined to say its worth it.
+1 on the compression test and pretty much everything said by mazdaverx713b. I also have a noisy input bearing, but I'm trying to put that off for a bit as laziness kicked in (already have a new input and throwout bearing for the job).

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

if you want to keep the car "original" then 100% go for it. theres nothing wrong with doing it. 2 sides to the coin though......

after spending that much, the overall value of your car will not increase by much at all. if that doesnt bother you and selling the car isnt something you intend to do then whatever, rebuild away. all the money ive put into my car, i care nothing about since im never selling it. its value is of no value to me. only that i get to enjoy it

gbowers

Thanks to everone who provided their input.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

What was your decision?

gbowers

Due to risk of obtaining parts in future for a 30 year old car and $8k cost to rebuild drive train, I decided not to rebuild it and continue to drive car until it needs repair or won't run.

However, as I cannot find a light weight coupe under $40k that performs like my FC, I am resigned to purchase a new or late model car when FC quits running. Local chevy dealer and test ride of new Camero confirmed I would have to compromise my desire to replace FC with same handling/performance.

Can you still obtain OEM parts for your RX7?