Drove my roomates '85 1st gen around last month and fell in love with the RX-7. Found one on Ebay, an '86 auto NA with 151,000 miles for $150.00 no battery, straight body, clean interior, baloney cutter wheels. Towed it on a dolly (after disconnecting the drive shaft) from 60 miles away.

Got it started and experienced the overheating nightmare. New water pump, radiator, cap, thermostat (there was no thermostat). Had to flush the scale out with cleaner twice as the engine was very dirty. Blind contortonist nightmare to remove/install the engine drain bolt! Still overheated. Did the CRC block weld... That fixed it!

Experienced the "flooding", and installed the fuel cut out switch. I leave it on all the time, if it won't start, I flip it off, crank till it starts, turn it on, works like a charm. Have had to use it only 2 or 3 times.

Replaced the master cylinder, all fluids, battery, O2 sensor, and need a starter, as it only clicks once the car is warm.

Changed out the bushings on the auto shifter. No more sloppy shifter. That was not easy, but rewarding.

Next is resoldering CPU, (for a working horn) clock/warning lamp assy, and the wiper control/relays.

All the info needed was found through searching, searching, and researching! Thanks for all the sound knowledge, advice and reference to online resources that has enabled me to get this car running.

It has to pass emissions by August!

Saving my bucks for an 89-92 NA standard trans

Thanks again!

 

Ged rid of that autobox as fast as you can!!!

Good hunting!!

 

Great work.