1991 Questions. Limited Slip? What to look for?
09-16-01, 10:08 PM
#1
Passenger
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1991 Questions. Limited Slip? What to look for?
Well,
Tomorrow I am going to look at my first FC, and I'd like to know what to look for. I've searched the forum and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for, so I apologize for posting and repetitive material - if someone could direct me to an FC Buyer's Guide, it would be greatly appreciated.
I need to know what to look for in an FC - I have very little experience with RX7s. The car I'm looking at is a '91 natually aspirated with 104k miles (original) and Turbo II rims.
Firstly, how do I know if it has a limited slip differential or not? Is there any way to tell? I don't know what the designation is (GXL, GTU, etc...). What models came with LSD? The car is described as having every option (power everything, etc..) EXCEPT leather and an automatic trans.
What do I look for when buying it? I suppose the timing belt should be done at 120k? What else? What questions do I need to ask? Any replies are greatly appreciated, and I thank you in advance.
David
Tomorrow I am going to look at my first FC, and I'd like to know what to look for. I've searched the forum and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for, so I apologize for posting and repetitive material - if someone could direct me to an FC Buyer's Guide, it would be greatly appreciated.
I need to know what to look for in an FC - I have very little experience with RX7s. The car I'm looking at is a '91 natually aspirated with 104k miles (original) and Turbo II rims.
Firstly, how do I know if it has a limited slip differential or not? Is there any way to tell? I don't know what the designation is (GXL, GTU, etc...). What models came with LSD? The car is described as having every option (power everything, etc..) EXCEPT leather and an automatic trans.
What do I look for when buying it? I suppose the timing belt should be done at 120k? What else? What questions do I need to ask? Any replies are greatly appreciated, and I thank you in advance.
David
09-16-01, 10:48 PM
#3
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
You should search through these boards, and teamfc3s.org for info on the FCs.
As a couple of things:
Turbo, and GXL models had LSD in 91. There is not external way to tell if the car has an LSD, as they all used the same housing. The only thing you could do is jack up the rear end, and turn one wheel, and see if the other turns the same direction or doesn't turn at all. If it turns the opposite direction you do not have an LSD.
Rotary Engines don't have overhead valves, hence they don't have cams, hence they don't have timing belts. OHC or DOHC engines like found on the lowly Hondas have timing belts
You should have a compression test done at a rotary mechanic. This will give you an idea if the apex seals are good. Doing a compression test on a rotary is different than a piston engine.
See if the owner has changed to oil regularly. Poor or infrequent changes will kill a motor faster than anything.
As a couple of things:
Turbo, and GXL models had LSD in 91. There is not external way to tell if the car has an LSD, as they all used the same housing. The only thing you could do is jack up the rear end, and turn one wheel, and see if the other turns the same direction or doesn't turn at all. If it turns the opposite direction you do not have an LSD.
I suppose the timing belt should be done at 120k? What else?
You should have a compression test done at a rotary mechanic. This will give you an idea if the apex seals are good. Doing a compression test on a rotary is different than a piston engine.
See if the owner has changed to oil regularly. Poor or infrequent changes will kill a motor faster than anything.
09-16-01, 11:01 PM
#4
Passenger
Posts: n/a
Thank you both for your replies, teamfc3s will be my next stop 
Anyways, a couple more questions:
Did all of the GXL's come with LSD? Based on the description the owner gave of the car, it sounded like a GXL. I will try and verify this tomorrow.
Also, how durable is the stock LSD rear end? Do they wear out or do they remain functional even after 100k miles?
Regarding the timing belt question, duh, I sure feel like a twit! My history with conventional piston engines is shining through (MR2s, Alfa Romeos, etc...).
The owner tells me that the car has recently had a compression test done and it was quite good, I will be sure to check if I get serious about buying it. Thanks again!
David
Anyways, a couple more questions:
Did all of the GXL's come with LSD? Based on the description the owner gave of the car, it sounded like a GXL. I will try and verify this tomorrow.
Also, how durable is the stock LSD rear end? Do they wear out or do they remain functional even after 100k miles?
Regarding the timing belt question, duh, I sure feel like a twit! My history with conventional piston engines is shining through (MR2s, Alfa Romeos, etc...).
The owner tells me that the car has recently had a compression test done and it was quite good, I will be sure to check if I get serious about buying it. Thanks again!
David
09-16-01, 11:09 PM
#5
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HOLY ****!
A 91 TII, if its in good condition go for it man! That is one rare car, especially if its in good cond...
Yeah, my '90 GXL has a limited slip (had to change the differential fluid the other day, only one wheel spins when spun by hand).. so i'm pretty sure it'll have it.
welcome to the club
A 91 TII, if its in good condition go for it man! That is one rare car, especially if its in good cond...
Yeah, my '90 GXL has a limited slip (had to change the differential fluid the other day, only one wheel spins when spun by hand).. so i'm pretty sure it'll have it.
welcome to the club
09-16-01, 11:58 PM
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minus the hood
No scoop!!! But, a RX7 is an RX7. Hope it is a good car. I didn't know a thing about RX7's and Rotary's, still got along way to go, but key thing is engine condition. Compression check verified by you is the first thing. Good Luck
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09-17-01, 12:25 PM
#8
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Originally posted by SCCA kid
Did all of the GXL's come with LSD?
Also, how durable is the stock LSD rear end? Do they wear out or do they remain functional even after 100k miles?
David
Did all of the GXL's come with LSD?
Also, how durable is the stock LSD rear end? Do they wear out or do they remain functional even after 100k miles?
David
As too your second question... I can only answer, "It depends". It depends on how he drove it, how often he changed the diff oil (every 30k minimum) did he race it, did he drive it a lot in the snow or wet roads etc. I have seen Mazda LSD's last 200k+ when they were taken care of, but I've seen them wasted at 90k because the never changed the diff oil or drove them like a rally car in the snow.
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