Hi, I have a 1990 FC that I bought non running and was wondering if someone could give me a list/tips on where to start with the car. All the internal electronics work, I was also given a spare engine when buying the car but I'm not sure if that one works either.

 

Read the stickies in the subforum for 2nd generation. There is a wealth of information to get acquainted with. I would also look through some of the build threads in that section too. You'll get lots of direction for what to start with if your project is in a similar situation.

I also recommend checking out RadPotential on Youtube. Erich does a great job explaining the internal workings of the rotary, and if you decide to tear into one, you won't be so intimidated.

 

Responses you're going to get... get a copy of the factory service manual. There are digital copies floating around. And search Google with the word rx7club In front of it and you'll find decades worth of knowledge from some really smart people.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​be ready to become a mechanic. Have fun!

 

welcome to the board.

the previously mentioned FSM can be found here: Foxed.ca

you/re going to need to get a set of basic metric hand tools (sockets, a 3/8 ratchet and wrenches). you don't need top of the line stuff, but you probably don't want flea market stuff either. decent quality is good.

in addition, you will want a basic test light and multimeter. that should be enough to get you started. the rest you can get as needed.

familiarize yourself with the basic workings of a rotary engine, the start testing things bit by bit - fuel, spark and compression. finally, post your questions as you work through the diagnostic process. you're in the right place.

 

Along with that I would get a 1/2 drive ratchet and rubber mallet as well. The extra length helps with breaking things loose. I usually break things loose with my 1/2 inch ratchet or breaker bar and a rubber mallet. I reassemble with 3/8 rachet so I don't overtighten from the extra length of the 1/2 inch rachet. Also I wouldn't even bother with regular 1/2 sockets. Just go ahead and buy impact ones. You'll eventually end up with an impact gun if you stay in the car game any way and you'll already have the sockets for it. From what I understand they have to meet certain standards to be impact rated so even your cheaper ones should be fine. Mine are Performance tool from O'rielly's for my deepwell and Duralast from Autozone for standard length. With some Kobalt and NAPA scatterd in there when I needed sizes that didn't come in the sets.They have been fine. In fact I have a mix from all over. Half old Craftsman/ KD tools the rest from local parts stores Walmart and Lowe's. Starting to try Harbor Freight. So far so good. I probably would not buy new Craftsman since they're made in China now. Just get Duralast from Autozone.

Edit to add: That said my first rotary rebuild I did with a 3/8 socket set, metric wrench set, 1/2 breaker bar and 1/2 " to 3/8" socket adapterand rubber mallet, but life got easier as I acquired more tools.
Oh and get a torque wrench as soon as you can afford one.

 

Also get familiar with Atkins rotary and mazdatrix. They have probably the best inventory of OEM parts available in US.

 

Also Jim Ellis Mazda. Mazda Parts - Jim Ellis OEM Mazda Parts (jimellismazdaparts.com)
They have exploded diagrams of different systems and sometimes better prices than Mazdatrix.

 

these cars are actually really good to learn on. just about every system is basic. its easy to get to just about everything.
the downside is that there are a lot of basic systems on top of each other, so getting all of that happy is tricky

i like my 1/4" drive ratchet set. you also want a set of long needle nose pliers

 

you're gonna need to beef up on your cuss words while working on these cars.