I have an 89 Conv white Rx-7 5Speed and that I'm starting to restore...my first step is the engine. It runs (sort of been parked for awhile) but it "bogs" down in 2 and seems to "catch" somewhere between 3rd and 4th. Sometimes it backfires to . I plan on doing the work myself (if possible) but I'm trying to figure out what wrong with it. Being a girl people assume I'm an idiot when it comes to cars but I've done most of my own work on my cars in the past so I'm capable. I don't want to walk into someplace and have them tell me a bunch of stuff is werong that isn't to try and rob me. I'm thinking fuel injectors...but if anyone has any ideas please please email me. Thank you in advance
Michelle

 

'verts are great, see sig

RX7s with automatics (at least pre-93s) are known to be crap-***. The AT in the 7 is one of the worst designs ever. I have yet to be in a smooth/properly shifting one, and Ive worked on prolly 20-30 auto 7s. I have even had fully rebuilt trannies die within 1-2 years. Bottom line, a 7 with an auto sucks, not only for performance but for reliability. I recommend a 5sp swap.

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This is a by product of having a poor or modified exhaust on a rotary. Anytime you modify the exhaust in any way you can expect this from any 7. Even if it is just rusty or has leaks, it can be expected.

Sounds like you have a slipping transmission more than anything, but that isnt the greatest description either. IF there are engine problems, you generally start by checking the plugs, fuel filter, etc. Pull any ecu codes (requires no tools other than a length of wire about 9") and follow up on any that are stored. If you believe a problem to be in the runnning of the engine, a good idea is to check it's compression first, then follow up on the rest of the control system. IF you have a weak engine (block) there isnt much use in worrying with all kinds of other things until you handle the basics.

 

slipping 5speed manual transmission ?!?

 

Too late!

 

It's not an auto apparently!

 

Well goddamn, where the **** did I get AT? I swear that I thought thats what it said. Too much late night posting. Sorry.

 

Yes it's not an automatic. It doesn't really slip per say more like the RPM's go up but the car doesn't go any faster. It will do this for miles sometimes...and the check engine like starts out off when you start the car but comes on when the problems start around 2nd or 3rd. BTW thanks for the help so far!

 

How to get the ECU codes and find out why your Check Engine light is winking at you:

http://home.rmci.net/panther/ecu_codes.htm

 

if the RPMS go up but the speed doesn't. then you need a new clutch.

 

The clutch is brand new and it only happens in some gears...I'm planning on towing it down to a place that can run a 'puter check on it~I just didn't want to go in there and them tell me the engines shot when it might be something fixable. I plan on posting what they tell me on the site to gets replies. Double check I guess you could say. It tough to be a girl and have to visit some mechanic shops! Thanks agian!

 

Just wait until some of the guys here start chasing you to post a pic of yourself.

A bit of advice - if it is your clutch, don't replace it with a Mazda clutch. One weekend of hard driving can kill it (ask me how I know. )

I'd recommend getting a 6-puck copper ACT clutch. It's relatively inexpensive - mine was $249 Canadian, and it was shipped up from the states. You don't need to upgrade your flywheel or anything else in the tranny if you get it. And don't have your flywheel machined. My 7 mechanic has installed this clutch on a LOT of 7s over the years and he all but refuses to machine the flywheels before installation - he's found that machined flywheels often ruin the setup. Don't ask me to explain it - I don't know a thing about clutches, but I'll trust Ivan's word and experience implicitely.
Also a word of warning about the ACT clutch - it will take you about a week to learn to drive your 7 again. You'll stall/snuff her a lot at stoplights until you get used to the way the damn thing grabs.

There are other, 'nicer' clutches out there, but I don't know anything about them. A search for "clutch recommendations" in the Titles of the 2nd Gen Section only should give you some threads with suggestions. But the search engine isn't working very well right now. If you don't find the 411 you want/you're happy with, I'd suggest starting a new thread asking for recommendations.

Good luck!

 

I'm staring to wonder if it is the clutch...We had a new clutch put on b/c we knew the clutch was going out (grinding ect ect) then this all started happening right after we got it back. I took it back and was told the code for a new O2 sensor came up. So we changed that and nothing new. I know that we have some exhaust issues and the cars been parked for about a year and half (new baby and no $$ for repairs) so who knows what else it messed up. I'll look into that clutch and have them check out the clutch I have now. What a pain!! Thanks agian...I think I'm going to learn alot from this site and from people who know RX-7's
Michelle

 

do the rpm's hessitate around 4k rpms??? if so then you got a problem with your aux ports...not a hard fix if thats it.

 

I'm not really sure what RPM's it hesitates at but it starts in 3rd gear (sometimes second) and that's when the check engine light comes on. aux ports...what is thier function in the engine? Where are they located? Basically the engine races but the car doesn't get any faster (engine only races when stepping on the gas) When you floor it it hesitates and jerks (like it running out of gas). I swear looking at the pics of other cars really makes me want to get this car running! It was a blast to drive!