I'm looking into buying an 87 RX7 "gtu" from a friend of a friend, but there is a problem with the car. He explained it as a "pyramid piece in the engine missing compression at a tip."

Could anyone explain this further, and maybe give me an estimate on the repair costs? Also, if you know anyone in the Richmond area who can do it, give me a phone number.

 

that little "pyramid piece" is a rotor and if its missing compression then an oil seal (most likely apex) is either worn, blown, or stuck.

there is a chance that the motor will run again if stuck using the "atf trick" which you can do a search and it will bring it up

otherwise it would have to be down for a rebuild which usually runs about 2k

 

Roundabout way of saying a apex seal is broken/blown. Time for a rebuild. The engine may still run but not very well, and is hard to drive. Parts cost about $800, plus labor. IF its any help, Im near knoxville and cna do a rebuild/port for ya for about $1200, there is a sl a friend of mine in middle NC near raldigh that does rebuilds and porting for about he same price.

Also, there was no GTU in 87. IT first came out in 88, this is a good model to buy, lightweight with few options and turbo suspension IIRC. IN 89 and 90 the GTU became the base model. IN 87 there were only GXL, turbo 2, base(4 lug wheels) and sport(unmarked, 5 lug with the aero package and no power windows).