I just acquired a 1988 Rx-7 Turbo II yesterday that needs some help.

Im not too familiar with the rx-7 at all really, but would like to know some of the basic things and what I should know/do etc....

I definately need an S4 wire harness, the PO did some crazy stuff to the stock one.... I also might need an engine, but im not sure yet. Im going to do a compression check tomorrow but before I do I would like to know some things.

On the radiator, there are 2 tubes coming out of the bottom and pointed toward the engine, what are these for?

Also, is there any way to check to see if the block is no good other than a compression check? What should the compression be?

And one more thing, the gear shift lever is REALLY loose. I pulled the shifter out and foudn a metal retaining like ring chewed up inside the hole for the ball.
Is there a place where I can check to see what parts should be there that might be missing like a diagram online?

I apologize for questions that are probably really simple, but I know almost nothing about the rx-7. Now a porsche 944 on the other hand.....

 

the hoses by the radiator are probably for the heater inside the car. the shifter bushings probably need replaced. they are like $20. compression should be 90+ on all faces for a solid motor. if it blows a lot of smoke the oil rings inside the motor could be done or if you have a lot of coolant bubbles the coolant seals could be blown. turn the motor over by hand and listen for even compression

 

That could cost you more than the car is worth, and original used harnesses are usually pretty beat up and crusty nowadays. You may want to consider repairing it or converting to a standalone EMS.

See the service manual for compression numbers and the proper procedure. Links to the free online manuals are in the FAQ that you appear to have overlooked.
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/frequently-asked-questions-2nd-generation-rx-7-faq-fc-494667/

Ghetto methods here:
http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/2n...ion_check.html

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/shiftbsh.htm

 

I apologize for not seeing the technical data links in the FAQ section.

Thanks for the info by the way.

I may just repair the damage that was done, it isnt all that bad and could be fixed pretty easily.

The odometer says 181,xxx miles on it, i see that the common thing to replace is the pulsation dampner and basic things, but is there any other parts that go bad after that many miles that I should replace as a "while im in there"?

Again, thank you for the help. I really appreciate it

 

Hey Apex944, I noticed that you were in Elk Grove and I was just wondering if this was the car in question that you picked up?

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/car/332843082.html

Sorry if I'm mistaken.

 

Yep, that's the car

It needs a good amount of work, but to me it will be worth it. I'll have maybe 4k into it by august but that's nothing compared to the amount of money my 944 steals from me....

 

Haha. I kind of had the feeling. I kept going back and forth on this deciding whether or not I needed a parts car, but as you can see, I turned the other way. Good luck on the car and have fun. Let me know when you get her running!

-Ray