im usually a Nissan guy, owning several 240sx's in various stages of modification. They RX7 has always interested me, and now i have the chance to buy a second gen turbo for 1k. Im not familliar with the things i should be care full to look at when buying one of these. Im in California, and its a california car. Any of the guru's have any advice on what to look out for (other than making sure no grinds in trannie, breaks, suspension, turbo play, belts, hoses ect)? any help would greatly be appreciated...

 

Get the compression checked. There is no way a tubro will be going for 1k if it runs fine..... And if the guy wont let you check the compression before buying then it aint worth it...

Also what is the condition of the car? How long has it sat/ what it was used for?

 

supposibly it runs, but it has no low end power, but picks up later in the rpm band. but as far as i know thats common with the 7's because of their lack of torque? to check compression can you use a regular compression checker or do i need something special?
im actually gonna go look at the car either tomorrow or tues, so ill know more then, but its been under a cover, but its sat for a long time. from what i know the paint is faded, but the body is strait and in good condition. not sure about the interior (not that im worried, will prob gut it anyways like all my cars).
This is just one of the cars on my "to own" list, and im thinking that it will be worth the pick up even if it doesnt run because i can always drop in another motor if need be. especially if i can talk him down a little if its not running well and in poor condition..

 

.......If its a good guy, and you know him personally go for it.

I just bought a t2 800$ well it was for a fresh safety on his 85 SE.

runs fine, cars in beautiful shape.
Welcome to your newest obsession.

 

i dont know the guy personally, he lives up the road from my grandparents and they take care of his animals when he's gone. he seems a bit shisty but if the motors trash i can always put in a JDM one...
im just trying to find our specific things to look out for, tell tale oil leaks, common drivability problems ect that i should be aware of...

hahaha, cars in general are an obsession for me. 93 del sol with a swapped B16A, type R trannie with LSD, suspension. 89 240sx with full cusco suspension/roll cage, re-building SR20DET to put back in. 97 Subaru impreza coup in the process of being converted to full JDM Ver. 4 STI. The 7 will just be sitting for a little while, it just seems like to good of a deal to pass up...

 

The FAQ would be the best place to start for links to How To Buy guides.

 

^^ do you not like your web site Aaron?

http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy2.htm

 

Besides the engine, there's not much that is special.

Treat it as if it's a regular car. Check your hoses, lines, brakes, etc. They should be familiar to you.

 

Maybe I missed someone's answer, but a regular compression tester will work. Essentially, you hold the pressure release valve while cranking and you look for even bounces. If you want, film the gauge bounces and post on you tube for input, or even just to have a good look at the bounces, because they go very fast.

More info on compression test prep. somewhere here. FSM link in my sig. chapter 2 engine has compression test - same thing but with the mazda tester.

 

The compression test should also be done with the throttle plates open. You should note whether the starter is running at full speed or a little sluggish (use a good battery is what I"m saying).

 

Run away!!! Run far in the other direction from the 7!!!

Seriously, most people love them. I however hate mine with a passion. I bought mine for $1000 and its an N/A. It killed over after about a weeks worth of driving. All I ever used mine for was daily commuting back and forth to college. I never got on it, and really never did anything bad to it, but it still went **** up. Now I am looking at putting more into the car then what its worth just to get it running again.

Seriously, everyone on this site is a pretty good help. Aaron and Ted have been the two I have seen so far that are the biggest helps here, but these motors just arent worth the trouble in my opinion. If I do infact keep my 7, I'm doing a piston swap into as soon as possible. I truely hate rotaries now because of this car. There is just too much to worry about.

 

^^^ Almost noone on here will ever say these cars make a great DD.

It sounds like you weren't interested in what the car has to offer. If you don't like rotaries, why not ditch it and buy a piston car? These things handle great, but it's not like they're the only well handling cars on the road.

It isn't true that most of us love our cars. Most of us love to hate our cars.

 

Well most people have seemed that these cars are really good, and Im sure they are. But its just my first experience with them has left me very turned off to them. I have seen alot of people "loving to hate" their 7's but they still have a connection with them. I just can't find the connection. I would love to find it, but...

But I am seriously contemplating ditching mine after I get my new truck. Which upsets me cause I have had it for less then 2 months. But it has been sitting for 6 weeks not running.

 

My 7 sat for about 2 years after I bought it. It should be finally running sometime this winter.

I just don't mind having a project car. I drive a '96 Subaru Legacy as a daily, and I swear I don't think that thing'll ever die. I've put it through hell and back (read water, snow, mud.

OTOH I get all excited when I hear that one of my friends is attempting auto repair. Most people only get excited if they know that involves getting paid in beer to tell them what they're doing wrong. I love it because it means I get to work on a car.

 

If the compression test ends up good, then when the car is running (especially at startup and extreme engine braking) check for smoke. If it does smoke, then it is probably time for a rebuild.

I don't think holding the release valve on a compression tester will work. I believe that would give false readings. If you have a regular compression tester, take the schrader valve out of the hose (same type of valve as a car tire). This will give you accurate readings as long as you hold the throttle open and unplug the CAS.

Make sure the bounces are even it should be like 90 90 88 <--- or something higher.

 

Im with you

I have 2 other DD cars and bought the 7 soley as a project car. It cost me $500 and has been sitting and slowly getting worked on for 6 months now. And i plan on putting much more money into than it cost me.

I've always loved the FC because its just one of those sexy 80's sports cars and the rotary is just as intriging to work w/.

 

My TII is a DD...

 

I prefer the faq over aarons site. He still hasn't changed "My Car" to "RX-7" yet.. Not very moron friendly. I say that, of course, on behalf of morons everywhere.

 

I bought my 87 TII for $869 smogged plus a years reg. It had a new motor installed and the shop who installed sent the guy home with low oil pressure. leaking coolant, clogged cats, and a $5500 bill. Then I got the car Car is a one owner. Paint looks ok and int is flawless. I have it torn apart in my driveway. I have spent more money then I thought I would. But I love these cars. So its worth it to me.

If you buy this vehicle plan on spending money period!!!!!! Once you have it running right though they are wicked fast.

If you don't buy it -- you may list it on the for sale section to help someone get one.

 

my tII is a DD, runs great. I just need to replace a few things here and there.... AFM, clutch starter switch, clutch slave cylinder... nothing serious. Just remember, these are called rotary rockets for a reason, if you don't give em some gas every once in a while they don't rocket around. They love to redline, and are very fast. Oh yea, they also love to eat your pocket book; but, so does any 20 year old sportscar!!!

 

I have other cars besides the RX-7s, so I may make an area on the site for them as well. Didn't want to have to go and change every other like from "My RX-7" to "My Car" in the future.

 

I suppose its been like 7 years the way it is... why change. It builds "character".