2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

New to the RX-7s. I have a question.

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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:02 PM
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Question New to the RX-7s. I have a question.

My current car is nearing the end. So it is time to start looking for a new one. My dad had an 88
RX-7 a while back and I remember how much I liked that car so I am considering getting one.

My biggest concern is getting the car fixed if something happens to it. Do you guys have any problems with finding a place to fix the 2nd gen RX-7s? And does it cost more than any other cars to get fixed?
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:18 PM
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Be prepared to repair the car yourself. There are some knowledgable people in Florida, but I don't know of any rotary specific shops (that's not to say there aren't any). Never, EVER, go to a dealer for service.

Maintenance costs are generally higher then other cars. But remember that the RX-7 is a sport car, not an economy car. Parts are generally more expensive.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:21 PM
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Cost is comprable in most cases.
Parts, labor etc.
Go to your local Mazda dealership and ask them.
My mech. has been very helpful and has actually diagnosed over the phone.
Like life---make a freind they will take care of you.
My 86 has 115000+ and is all orig. My mech. has been there from the start--Knows my car better than me.
Good luck--buy one(or more)
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:25 PM
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The maintenance costs are no higher then any other sports car, and be prepared to learn how to fix them, so when you buy it pick up a Factory service manual and use it
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:27 PM
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no... sorry, don't go to the dealership!! Make friends yes, but not at the dealership, they dont know rotaries. make the friends at an rx-7 SHOP. good luck, oh and yea, you're gonna have to get your hands dirty so have fun with it.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:31 PM
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Florida im sure must have many rotary specific shops, i wouldent worry too much about that. But why waste the money if your car needs anything just start doing it yourself youd be amazed at how easy some of the stuff is and the main part to doing this is this forum. I have been helped countless times here and i will always use this forum as my main tool to problem solving. You can find everything you need here.
If you want reliability dont get a TII cuz even though there the funest cars out there i wouldent get one as an everyday driver. In this case youd want to get a non turbo Rx7 like a s5 (89-91) Rx7, model specific would be the GTU. THose are super fun cars. The earlier years will also be great but the GTU is probably the best N/A to get.
All Rx7's are fun just do some research before you buy in this forum and youll find somthing that wil be perfect for you
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:33 PM
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sorry im new at this linking stuff. check this one out...

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=141751
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:35 PM
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What type of repairs does one usually have to make on those cars?

The car I have now is an 88 Camaro v-6. I have did a few things but nothing to difficult. Replaced the alternator, power steering bracket, a few sensors, changed the oil, spark plugs, air filters, starter.

All of that was pretty straight forward.

Is this the same sort of deal with the RX-7 or are they more complicated to work on?
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:35 PM
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If you want a FUN car, that's relatively cheap, cheap to work on, and EASY to work on, get a first gen.

Brad
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:40 PM
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Fixing the car is half the fun if you ask me. Not to mention when something isnt going right with it you know what to blame it on and people are like "hurmmm you know about that kinda stuff" Then you tell them "hell ya! am i generious (say it the way its spelled, hehe)"
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:41 PM
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Fixing the car is half the fun if you ask me. Not to mention when something isnt going right with it you know what to blame it on and people are like "hurmmm you know about that kinda stuff" Then you tell them "hell ya! am i a generious (say it the way its spelled, hehe)"
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:41 PM
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Add ons are a breeze--
the car and wiring harnesses are the same regardless of optional equip. ie power windows, mirrors, seats
just plug and play.
I bought two parts cars not one running one wrecked
was able to salvage enough from both to build a car and sell it for over $1000 profit.
also used alot of parts for my driver.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:42 PM
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Forgot--had to dirty the hand quite a bit and quuite often it was alot of fun. Wife was glad to see the wreck go though.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:43 PM
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Repairs aren't too expensive really. A quality rotary shop will charge about the same as any other quality repair shop. Where are you located in FL, might be able to tell you where a good place is nearby.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:45 PM
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I am in Largo which is pretty close to Tampa
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:47 PM
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Ryde Or Die--
Beautiful car, give us a run down an all youve done to it-ie before and after pics-need any graphics let me know.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:52 PM
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Hey Maztech is in Tampa and is very good. He charges pretty fairly I think. Its like $40 to diagnose any problem. Jeff is good. If you want to stay over there, there is Mazsport in Largo over on Ulmerton. Not known to be so good, but they are more performance oriented.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 02:54 PM
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Originally posted by joevc
Ryde Or Die--
Beautiful car, give us a run down an all youve done to it-ie before and after pics-need any graphics let me know.
Oh and thats not my car man. I guess I need to change my pic to my car whenever I get some pics taken of it, lol. Thats the kit I'll be getting though fairly soon.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 03:09 PM
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hey

japtrix in lake worth does FC's i think too
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 03:27 PM
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Re: hey

Originally posted by BonsaiRX7
japtrix in lake worth does FC's i think too
Isn't that down by West Palm?
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 05:39 PM
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What have you guys had to fix on the RX-7s and how hard was it to fix them? I am just trying to get an idea of what has needed to be fixed and the level of difficulty it was to fix it.

I am tossing between finding a RX-7 or just getting an old car like a 60's mustang that needs to be fixed up.

I looked on Auto Trader and there seems to be a lot of RX-7s in good shape for under 3 grand but I am scared of the maintenance involved with a car like that.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 06:02 PM
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Just like with any car try to find somthing thats in good shape, relativly low miles, and a non turbo. If you do this you wont have to worry about fixing anything at all for a long time. Just dont buy a **** box you know.
Problems ive encountered with me and my budys cars have been very minimal. For example, had to fix some electricle problems (very easy fixes) My car flooded once ( there is a procedure to follow to unflood the cars which is very simple) I fixed an idle issue that my buddies car had with his TII. Had to change his altonator once (extremly easy) I mean its all been really simple ****.
It just all goes back to what your getting, just get a car in good shape and youll be set for a long time. Contrary to popular beliefe Rx7's can be more reliable than piston engines and a lot less of a hassle, as long as you care for em properly
Good luck!
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 06:12 PM
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I found this site to be really helpful in understanding more about rotary engines.

http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/index.html

Just in case any of you guys want to check it out.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 06:54 PM
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Originally posted by RylAssassin
Just like with any car try to find somthing thats in good shape, relativly low miles, and a non turbo.
Why not a TII? Mine has given me much less problems than my NA did.
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 06:56 PM
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lake worth is right next to west palm
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