Ok, I've been out of the RX-7 scene for a couple of years now. I used to have 90 GTU that was my baby, but I was forced to sell it in the name of my racing career. Anyways, I've found an 86 GXL for $500, and I'm thinking about picking it up cause its so cheap and the body is straight, plus good interior. I haven't talked to the owner yet but apparently it blows smoke above 4000rpms. Does that basically mean its apex seals are shot, or could I get lucky and maybe its an easy fix like an lodged apex seal that could be fixed with a nice ATF treatment? I emailed the guy to ask him what the colour of smoke is, and whether its a constant smoke above 4k rpms, or just a puff when shifting, or what. I'll let you know what I find out.

Also, this GXL doesn't have a spoiler, would a stock spoiler off an 89-91 FC bolt right onto an 86, or would an 86 spoiler even bolt on, or would I have to do some drilling or something?

 

You are probably right about the apex seal, check your compression just to make sure. If I were you, I'd still buy the car if the engine was shot. Buy a blown TII engine and rebuild that baby. Straight body, nice interior, 2600lbs. That is the best body to drop and engine in. I wish my vert weight 2600, it would haul ***.

 

You apex seals don't hold in oil. The oil control rings do, so that would mean that the rubber rings in them are failing. Apex seals are for compression only.

 

Well the guy says the smoke is white, so if memory serves me correct, sounds like the water jacket could be cracked. He says above 4000k rpm there is a steady stream of smoke, and above 6000k the smoke is pretty thick.

 

My 89 use to do that as well it was the rubber rings i had them replaced and no more smoke.. but i also had alot more probs then that lol hey but what rx7 dont