My first rotary(lots of pics)
Originally Posted by Sgt. Pepper
He said the car is an 88 making it an S4. The tail lights are from an S5, the trim is not the S4 black trim, and there is a spoiler on it so obviosly the previous owned did a few cosmetic S5 conversions.
**
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
Originally Posted by theagavejazz
The GXL's did come with a wing, mine did. I have two GXL's.
I have a GXL and it came with a wing from the factory, but that's because it's an S5.
Full Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by SureShot
Welcome,
The RX-7 is a medium high performance, medium high maintenance, medium high fuel consumption true sports car.
It's best if you can do most of your own maintenance.
Aftermarket new, used, and performance parts are easily available.
Going to a shop for every little thing will get expensive.
Good experienced rotary mechanics are scarce.
The FAQ has way more information.
As with any car you are new to, take it easy as you get used to the handling.
Few cars have a 50/50 front to rear weight balance and rear steer (called DTSS) like an RX-7.
For example if you try a quick lane change at 65 without practicing first at lower speeds, the rear steer will be a big surprise.
Check for any short cut patches the P/O may have left you.
See that all the warning lights come on during the test cycle when you first turn the key.
All the factory manuals are available on-line.
I have a mirror copy at the link in my sig below.
Download & print whatever you need.
The RX-7 is a medium high performance, medium high maintenance, medium high fuel consumption true sports car.
It's best if you can do most of your own maintenance.
Aftermarket new, used, and performance parts are easily available.
Going to a shop for every little thing will get expensive.
Good experienced rotary mechanics are scarce.
The FAQ has way more information.
As with any car you are new to, take it easy as you get used to the handling.
Few cars have a 50/50 front to rear weight balance and rear steer (called DTSS) like an RX-7.
For example if you try a quick lane change at 65 without practicing first at lower speeds, the rear steer will be a big surprise.
Check for any short cut patches the P/O may have left you.
See that all the warning lights come on during the test cycle when you first turn the key.
All the factory manuals are available on-line.
I have a mirror copy at the link in my sig below.
Download & print whatever you need.
First had the clutch replace for around $800 with parts and labor.
Secondly my Transmission Rebuild cost me $2100 parts and labor.
This mechanic I expensive but thats what you pay to have someone do it right (Also I've onle been driving it for over a year and put that much into it and I'm probably not done either?)
Mazda Dealers charge an arm and a leg for OEM parts so when something breaks your definately going to break the bank.
They have qouted me $1100 just for shocks and coil springs. I told them no way I'll just go buy some Tein Coilovers if it'll cast that much.
Last edited by rx007racer; Jan 5, 2006 at 02:08 AM.
I got interior shotsss
Thanks for all your comments 
I think I am addicted already, Is it bad when you drive around so much you burn almost a full tank in a day??? lol. I have no idea what Fuego Racing is, but its magical miday you see not fun spot =p. Close enough though. Well here is some interior shots.
There they are. Not too bad, few rips on the drivers seats, few stains, and chipped plastic in a few spots
I think I am addicted already, Is it bad when you drive around so much you burn almost a full tank in a day??? lol. I have no idea what Fuego Racing is, but its magical miday you see not fun spot =p. Close enough though. Well here is some interior shots. There they are. Not too bad, few rips on the drivers seats, few stains, and chipped plastic in a few spots
is it just me or who here is starting to think thats not a GXL, wheres the Leather?, wheres your AAS Switch console? and for heaven sakes! Wheres YOUR REAR SEATS!!!
in any case, nice find, and very nice clean ride!
in any case, nice find, and very nice clean ride!
**
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
Originally Posted by lastphaseofthis
is it just me or who here is starting to think thats not a GXL, wheres the Leather?, wheres your AAS Switch console? and for heaven sakes! Wheres YOUR REAR SEATS!!!
in any case, nice find, and very nice clean ride!
in any case, nice find, and very nice clean ride!
The Silver Bullet
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City/Springfield, MO
lookin good. I'm sure this has been covered, but keep it filled with oil and coolant, the two main killers of 7's welcome to the club, this place has everything you need to know about them
Originally Posted by rx007racer
Heres an Idea of how scarce and expensive rotory mechanics are.
First had the clutch replace for around $800 with parts and labor.
Secondly my Transmission Rebuild cost me $2100 parts and labor.
This mechanic I expensive but thats what you pay to have someone do it right (Also I've onle been driving it for over a year and put that much into it and I'm probably not done either?)
Mazda Dealers charge an arm and a leg for OEM parts so when something breaks your definately going to break the bank.
They have qouted me $1100 just for shocks and coil springs. I told them no way I'll just go buy some Tein Coilovers if it'll cast that much.
First had the clutch replace for around $800 with parts and labor.
Secondly my Transmission Rebuild cost me $2100 parts and labor.
This mechanic I expensive but thats what you pay to have someone do it right (Also I've onle been driving it for over a year and put that much into it and I'm probably not done either?)
Mazda Dealers charge an arm and a leg for OEM parts so when something breaks your definately going to break the bank.
They have qouted me $1100 just for shocks and coil springs. I told them no way I'll just go buy some Tein Coilovers if it'll cast that much.
Those prices do seem a bit high, but my friends father knows rotarys like the back of his hand, he has had rotarys in starlets and 80's corollla, and making the front wheels come of the ground(I wet myself when I first saw it 2 years ago). So hopefully I wont get raped on repairs if he can help me out. Otherwise thanks for the adviise guys =)
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: indiana
My advise learn as much as you can on your own read the fourm board like it's the bible. When it comes to finding a mechanic for the jobs over your head or that you don't have the time for. Shop around and talk to all the rotary shops in your area. There are quite a few good rotary mechanics out there,but not all are right for everyone I came across mine totaly by accident. I have to drive 3 hours to get to his shop but it is worth it for the work and he dosen't rap his customers pocket book. Good luck and welcome to the club on a side note I do belive that is a base model but my dad just bought a s4 that has me asking the same questions wheres the power doors, adjustable suspension, rear wiper, that sort of thing. As for rear seats those where only an option.
Two drops of Superglue
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins, CO
those mirrors look S5 to me, and the center console looks just like my 91, the wing too...Are you sure it's an 88? but that is a s4 nose, confusing...I like it , looks just like mine except for the nose, and blue interior. hmm manual windows, might have been a base model with sunroof that's had lots of S5 cosmetics done. but if it's a base, why the alarm controls on the center console? mysterious...
man... I rummage through the forum's archives like everyday. This site is WAY better than a haynes repair manual. This rx-7 addiction might affect my performance in college! lol. Love your car and it will love you back!!
BOOSTED Vert
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,307
Likes: 0
From: Miami
Originally Posted by FC-chan
those mirrors look S5 to me, and the center console looks just like my 91, the wing too...Are you sure it's an 88? but that is a s4 nose, confusing...I like it , looks just like mine except for the nose, and blue interior. hmm manual windows, might have been a base model with sunroof that's had lots of S5 cosmetics done. but if it's a base, why the alarm controls on the center console? mysterious...
Registered 7 User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ont, Ca
Originally Posted by lastphaseofthis
is it just me or who here is starting to think thats not a GXL, wheres the Leather?, wheres your AAS Switch console? and for heaven sakes! Wheres YOUR REAR SEATS!!!
in any case, nice find, and very nice clean ride!
in any case, nice find, and very nice clean ride!
because the GXL has power windows standard (one of the main reason I got my car)
and my GXL doesn't have leather. But it is the fugly red to I'm kinda happy no leather But mine does have somewhat working AAS (the shock's are shot but the voltage goes down when I change the settings).
oh and FCakezilla welcome. Just play it smart and don't swap for the 13bt because you killed your wankel....like I did.
all in all a nice car but i wood put that tach where it belongs..... in ur civic, in the junkyard hahahaha. and my apex single comes out of the passenger side as well, except mine is 3" and it is a catback so who knows?
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,789
Likes: 2
From: Jacksonville, NC
Look in the door jamb at the sticker... If it says 185/70/R14 it's an '88 SE with a 5-lug swap... If not it's a GTU... And BTW, the '88 GTU's featured polished wheels... And LSD... Congrats on one of the best FC's ever made! 
The trim was painted, and the spoiler is probably stock because it's an '88 GTU... They didn't make Sport's after '87 and the SE was the only other '88 to have manual windows, but it was 4-lug...
No they didn't...
Originally Posted by Sgt. Pepper
He said the car is an 88 making it an S4. The tail lights are from an S5, the trim is not the S4 black trim, and there is a spoiler on it so obviosly the previous owned did a few cosmetic S5 conversions.
Originally Posted by theagavejazz
The GXL's did come with a wing, mine did. I have two GXL's.
Breakfast fortress
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Locust, NC
I have an almost stock 88 GXL, and I have power windows, leather seats, AAS suspension, and no spoiler, and LSD. I dunno if all GXL's came with power windows or not, but yours looks like a GTU to me.......... conrats on the sweet ride, welcome!
