In early October I got an '88 RX-7 with a blown engine, and with the help of my dad, started fixing it. Neither one of us knew a whole lot about cars, but still we trudged on. With the help of the video Engine R&R For the 2nd Gen. RX-7 from Atkins, we were able to figure out everything on our own (except the rebuild, which we got for $800). 3 months and about $2000 later (had to buy all the tools I needed) and I'm driving it to school

I guess I'm just posting here because I'm really happy about finally finishing the thing. Except for the fact that I accidentally crossed the fuel lines everything worked perfectly the first try. I'd really like to recommend the video I used from Atkins; I'm 16, I did almost all of the work myself, this is the first car I've ever worked on, and I was able to pull it off.

I do have one question though... I'm getting about 10-12 mpg city on the very first tank of gas. Is this normal for new engines or should I expect this to continue?

Thanks in advance,

Matt T.

P.S.: I could probably take some pictures if anyone is interested in seeing them.

 

congratulations on your project. That MPG is on the low side, if you havent replaced fuel filter, cleaned injectors, o2 sensor etc i might suggest doing so.

 

A rebuild dosent have full compression for several thousand miles. This may contrubute to the MPG being low.

 

I replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the injectors and got a new O2 sensor.. I guess I'll accept the low compression explanation and hope it gets better soon.

Thanks,

Matt T.

 

Don't just accept it. You seen eager to learn, research it and figure it out. Your 7 will love you for it.

 

good advice, might as well read while you are not driving and breaking in your7, if things dont get better within a good amount of miles then you will already have a list prepared on areas to check out.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know how it's running in a few hundred miles.

Matt

 

cool. gives me more motivation to try things myself. lets see some pics.

 

Here are some pics of my RX-7. It has some dents and dings but overall I'm happy with it

Sorry... I know the pictures are kinda large.

click here

Also, after filling up today, I have the real MPG: 14.8 MPG. What should I be getting? (on a stock n/a)

Thanks,

Matt T.

 

Great job!!!!

Hope you keep the car for a long time. You and your dad must have loved rehabbing the car together!!!