Sup everyone, I'm looking at buying a 86 RX7 non-turbo. It has 128k on the clock on the original engine. Owner says the engine needs work. My friend has been looking at RX7s for a while, so I kinda fell in love with the 2nd gens. From what I hear the engines don't do so well past 125k or so, generally needing replacement. Met a guy with a 216k first gen, but I think it's some kind of fluke. How much does this usually cost and is it a possible DIY job. Also wondering what kind of numbers you all have gotten out of the NAs (possibly including adding a turbo?) Thanks in advance.

 

i myself have an 86 gxl and its at 168,xxx miles on original engine. i haven't had any problems with mine yet and it still runs really strong. with good maintenance, you can get pretty high on the odometer.

take your buddy with you if he knows his stuff about rx-7s. check for smoking and all the usual sorts when buying an rx-7...do a search for it...if you haven't already.

my 1st gen got to 373,xxx miles...but it just pooped now...so i will need to get it rebuilt...whenever i get time.

 

I have an 86 n/a with over 180k. I don't know exactly how much over because my speedo is off by 5 MPH at 70. so I'm really going to 75.
But to answer your question, you can get a rebuild from $1000 (shady usually) all the way up to about $5000 for a streetable motor.
or you can buy low mileage motors starting at around $200. I got one that had under 50k for $300. and another that had less then 1000 miles on the build, for $250, becuase the messed up the oil control rings.
It will take you about 5-6 hours to do the swap the first time if you've had experience with other cars.

 

hey, i have a 90 gxl... still runs strong w/original engine. i have about 142k on it.

 

i got a 88 gxl with 175,xxx on it still runs good

 

When you say numbers you mean 1/4 mile or HP? I'll be on the dyno soon with my 86 NA so i'll let you know but my 1/4 mile is 15.2. My engine has 108k miles on it and runs strong as ever, before you go rebuilding or replaceiing check the compression, it may just need something simple and not a rebuild, although with that many miles it might be wise anyway, i think i got lucky that my motor was in mint shape when i got it with 100k on it

 

mines got 185XXX miles on it, 88 GXL. And it still pulls great. Like every one is saying, just keep maintainance up and it'll be great if it's already in good condition. And if you do go ahead an rebuild it, it will last a LONG time with a good rebuild and proper care from there. Also, if you do get a rebuild you can have it ported while in the process so that is another reason

 

Find out if the owner knows alot about rotarys, because it could be a rather simple fix. Generaly the whole idea that the engines don't run well past 125k is BS, if it is properly cared for there shouldn't be a problem, any car will run like **** past 125k if not properly cared for. My 86 na has 250k Km+ on it now and there is no sign of it giving out any time soon, so yeah find out the problem for sure and let us know, than we can better tell if it is worth it or not.

Chris