Hi everyone, I'm new to the rotary scene. I'm currently a Honda guy (flame me if you must), I drive a 1990 CRX Si. I recently came upon the chance to get a free 1987 RX7 base model. The guy was selling it, lowered his price a lot, and eventually told me he is moving saturday and if I can pick the car up, I can have it, otherwise it goes to the junkyard. It has a bad alternator and no exhaust behind the cats. He said it blows a little oil at startup until it's warm, then a little at high RPM. He hasn't driven the car in a couple of months, but assured me that it does run. Still, he suggests towing it home. Here's the catch: I have to drive 300 miles to get it. I live in Troy, NY, near Albany, and the car is in Maine. My parents live in New Hampshire, so I would probably tow it there and leave it at my dad's house for a little while before I decide what to do with it.
I think I'm going to get it, I've wanted an RX7 for a long time (though I want an FB), and hell, it's a FREE car. I don't know what I will do with it yet. I may decide to replace the bad parts and sell it for what it's worth, or part it out and sell the shell. I'm a little reluctant to part it out, though it is pretty clean, I consider the older RX7s like I do the CRXs, they aren't making them any more, and I don't want to be the guy who puts another classic to death. The other option is I will get it running well and use it as a weekend car/dedicated autocrosser, and probably let my sister drive it during the week to alleviate some of the cost of insurance/maintenance, she doesn't have a car right now. I'm a poor college student, and I spend enough money on parts for my CRX I really don't need another car. I wouldn't be considering it if it weren't dirt cheap/free.
I also want to get a feel for the larger owner community. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, after owning my Honda for less than a year I could build one in my sleep. Unfortunately, I have no experience with rotaries. I wouldn't have made it so far with piston engines if it weren't for the great support I got from the other owners and enthusiasts out there, and if I knew it was the same for this car, I would be more inclined to keep it.
So... what kind of costs am I looking at to maintain one of these? What are the benefits of the FC (ie, some good reasons I shouldn't part it out/sell it to buy an FB or more stuff for my Honda)? How much are they worth, both as running cars and as a shell? Does anyone here autocross, and if you do, how does the car perform? Thanks in advance.

cheers
Tom Downes
1990 Honda CRX Si
[soon to have] 87 FC

 

Well you came to the right place, and nice my first car was a 90 CRX Si. Your best friend is the "Search" button here though. Search before you ask.

 

Go get that RX7. You'll throw your CRX away after one cruise.

 

Thanks guys. I've been reading since I joined, about an hour ago. I don't think the CRX will be going anywhere, until the RX can perform AND get 30+ mpg.

 

yay autocross

 

What about?

Here's a suggested guideline on maintance

http://www.fc3s.org/how_tos/maintena..._schedule.html

 

Hahahahaha, I like this new guy, He's a riot!!!

 

go for the rx7. I purchased my 89 glx half a year ago. I habitually beat the crap out of it driving 90+mph 30 miles to work and then home from. The gaskets are all failing on me because the car sat for 10 years. the altrenator is close to shot. But 2 days ago I raced a camaro and won. And as for how to get it home.. I would chance it, try to drive it home, AND IF it goes south on you bring a cell phone and if you need a tow get one then. I drove 2 months with an exhaust system rusted to hell past the cat and I never got pulled over. I would jump on that deal. < PS: Rx7's dont get great gas millage. not like a honda would (I also owned a civic till I got my rx). But again. the ride is worth it.

 

You think that is the reason?

 

sounds worth it if its free. there's no better RX-7 than a free RX-7. I too own a honda, and I actually get better gas milage in my RX-7.