Steve Scheidig

Hi Folks,

I'm now a new owner of a 90' RX7 Convertible. It's definately a fun little car, but it's not in perfect condition by any mean. I'll be needing to do some work to it in order to get it back to a condition that'll get it back to what it deserves to be in. Here's what she needs:

New rear top, it's been sliced on both sides. Anyone know a good top manuf? Is this a job that can be done with normal tools & by myself or pro install only?

The other must fix right now is the clutch. It's pretty shot & slips a bit when pushing the car aggressively. Any suggestions towards new ones? Is it better to have a shop do the replacement with thier OEM replacement units, or do it myself with a higher end clutch? The shops I've contacted so far don't give me too many options & cost is about 400 bucks. I've also seen several kits online for less than that, how hard is this install is this compared to other vehicles?

New cat back system. Still has the stock system on it & there's an exhaust leak somewhere around the cat. Haven't looked closely enough to tell whats good or bad under there. Any good units around that'll last & not cost an arm and a leg?

Then there's the engine. I know it should burn some oil, but how much? There is some noticeable blue smoke in the exhaust, but only when you downshift and really get on it.

That's about it for now. I'm gonna be taking my time in fixing this car up & trying to keep everything within a tight budget. There are several other minor issues, but all in all its in ok condition and other fixes will not be nearly as critical right now. Just looking for suggestions for starting the big fixes.

gugge

i would not recomend changeing the top by yourself, i had mine done by a pro and it looked realy hard ...
i did however remover the "top" part by myslef and split it up to make the time it took him lower.

im getting a "ACT Clutch Kit: Z65-HD00" for my car, seems to be one of the best ones around, i have test drow it in a friends car and it was very comfy.

cat back ...
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....rtNumber=16418
lemme know if you find anything better and cheeper ! (i want dual!)

ps. do NOT overheat the engine and dont let v8 morrons try to start it ... and park 10m from the curb if you have a blond in the passanger seat !

/bo

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (8)

Here is the cheapest supplier I am aware of. I cannot comment on their service or quality. Do some searching on this forum about vert tops and you should get more results.

http://shop.1usa.com/aabest/merchant...tid=564&step=4

It is possible to do it yourself, I would give it 2 days or a week for the beginner. IF you have the money, I would let a pro do the work...it is pretty involved. For details, you can go to www.fc3s.org and download the 89+ factory service manual (under how to's) and the section on the body, convertible top.

Depends on your driving style as to what clutch to use. Stockers work fine (even autozone ones) but something like an ACT street strip is a very nice upgrade if you get out and beat on the car from time to time. As for installation, I see no reason not to do it yourself. It is as easy, if not easier, than something like an s-10 truck or any other simple RWD. The hardest part of a clutch on the 7 is removing the exhuast without screwing up old bolts.

Straight through single setups can be had for around $400, but are pretty loud and take away from the look, IMO. For a nice dual setup front to back, you'll be well over $600. I recommend racing beat, personally. Great sound, totally non-intrusive, good look, good quality, good performance, high price.

Depends on driving style. Light driving, 1qt per 2000 miles. Hard driving, 1qt per 1000 miles. Smoke on startup is normal, smoke other times shows a little wear on the internals but doesnt really mean the engine is shot per se.

Steve Scheidig

Thanks for the info... i'll take a look at that manual & see what the top may involve. I'm in no hurry to fix the top & if it can be done myself, i may do that. I've seen stuff on the net where i can get the materials, but installs around here are 1000 - 1200 bucks, with materials. Without, nobody will waranty the work.

as for the exhaust, Racing Beat sounds like the way to go. Anyone have experience with MazdaTrix? They sell RB units and another slightly cheaper unit by DynoMax. Anyone have that unit? Is one louder than the other? I just don't want an obnoxious sounding car, just a bit aggressive is fine with me.