There is an '88 FC N/A in my area for sale and the guy says it has a whole TII drivetrain except it has an N/A motor. Now this all sounds good to me but the thing I'm worried about is the car has 150K original miles which is ok i guess but the guy stored it every winter for 11 years and every spring he takes it out and uses the "ATF" Trick... now all of the research that i have done says you really shouldn't do this because it eats away at the seals? I've also heard that if you do use this method, you should only do it once if that. But doing it 11 times? I'm not to sure. Anyone who has any info would be helpful. Just basically wondering if I should stay away from this one or is it going to need a rebuild like right away? I basically need one that is going to run for awhile before I start replacing major engine parts. Also he says that there is "play" in the rear end....??? Any info would be more than appreciated. THANK YOU!!!!

 

Ask him for a compression test. Then go from their. Depends on how badly you want to get your hands dirty also. At least thats how it sounds to me.

 

I don't mind getting my hands dirty at all. That's not what I'm worried about. It's the reliability that I am worried about, like I said I'd like the car to be driveable when I buy it. It will eventually be a project for me but as of right now I'm looking for it to be a daily driver with a little bit of fun. Also does anyone know what the actual compression rate should be if using a standard compression tester? I know it's supposed to be over 85psi, but is there an actual number? And should each rotor be the same or is one different from the other?

 

its a 20 year old car. if you dont want to expect to replace engine parts or anything, buying an rx7 is not for you
daily driving rx7 isnt the best on gas millage.

If the guy is a real rx7 fan, then the car should be ok.

 

I expect things are going to need to be replaced I'm just saying should I stay away from this car based on the info the guy gave me or not? Besides unlike everyone else in the U.S. I do not care about gas mileage one bit. I just want an RX-7 because I used to drift 240s and I wanted to get a 7to do the same and also have as my transportation. So if someone used ATF that much is it going to be bad or will it be ok to drive?

 

should be alright,.. its still runing.. just when you take over, dont do the atf trick, and make sure to use dino oil, no synthetic.

 

I mean I really would like this car because it already has a whole turbo drivetrain except the right motor. And eventually i will be swapping for a TII motor. There is also another one a little closer that has been in storage for 9/mo and hasn't been started since then. Is this ok for the rotaries?

 

starting isn't so much crucial, but idealy the engine should be turned over periodically to avoid stuck apex seals.

But if it cranks up and passes the compression test you should be good to go (engine wise)

 

The ATF trick to get it started is not really a problem as it is only in there for a second, it is when it is put in there and left overnight that it does damage.

Ask how he did it, if it was only in there for a little bit, i would not think twice about it.

 

I appreciate the feedback guys. Really I do. I hope to join the rx7 fam really soon. Also does anyone know where the best place is to buy parts other than the dealer?? I just want to be prepared when something goes wrong and not scrambling around.

 

Well it depends on the parts, i have found most parts can be gotten at pepboys ect. They just have to order most parts (usually same day).

Then junk yards and on here from other people.

 

Doing the ATF trick after it has been sitting will not Hurt the car.It just gives the Seals a little lubrication so that they are Not Dry from sitting during the Down Season.and the stuff burns off after starting and running it a bit anyhow...The TII rear end swap is OK..it is more Beefed up than the N/A rear.So it should last you alot longer than the Engine would!..If it has a Little rear end/Driveline Problem(you mentioned something) it shouldn't be that Major..Maybe a Ujoint,or some bearing..Differential mount...something like that.But Short Story: do your homework.See if you can get somebody Close to you that OWNS an rx7..bring him with you to check the Car out..I Would Get it,Personally,because it is ready for a TII swap...but it's your Nickel.

 

It doesnt have the whole TII swap it has an N/A in it still but the rest of the drivetrain is turbo. I still cant find out what the compression is supposed to be for the front and rear rotors.