Re-Introducing myself
05-27-09, 03:33 PM
#1
finally back in an RX-7!!
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Re-Introducing myself
Hi Everybody!
I have just purchased my 3rd RX-7 so I would like to re-introduce myself as it has been a few years since I've played the RX-7 game. A little history - my first car was a 1987 FC base 2 + 2 with 210k miles on her - I purchased it when I was 18 years old and a poor college student. I bought it for $900, and instantly put about $1,200 into fixing it up to where I could drive it. I had the car for about one year until I put it into a curb and couldn't afford to fix it. I traded that car for a subwoofer.
Then when I was about 19 I got my second RX-7, it was an 84 gsl-se, it was actually a gift from a buddy who bought a brand shiny new RX-8. I drove that through college and then my senior year I had to sell it because once again, I was out of money. It only had 90k miles on it when I sold it.
And now, I will be turning 25 in two weeks. I have graduated college, and have a pretty stable job and a nice new 2007 truck which is my daily driver (Dodge ram 1500 with the 5.7 liter hemi - slightly modified), so I decided it was time to get back into the RX-7 game.
I picked up a decent 1990 vert with 125k on the clock for $1,700 - Here's a list of things I know is wrong with it:
1 - Tear in the top on both sides, some duct tape will work for now but it really needs to be replaced.
2 - power steering issues (I think it's just a broken hose but I won't know until I take it apart)
3 - brake issues - I think the rear brakes need to be rebuilt
4 - driver side window does not work, the pully is broken but the motor is fine so hopefully I will be able to make something so that it will work
5 - driver side power mirror does not work. I'm not sure why, haven't looked into it yet
6 - some minor rust all around the body, but nothing too extensive
7 - the original owner took the side molding off but never finished the shave job so I will need to either find molding to re-install, or finish the shave job myself
8 - the exhaust is just a straight pipe to a muffler. I personally do not like that sound, and would rather have my exhaust legal (in new jersey it matters)
9 - tears on the seats, boot, and emergency brake leather - for now I will just use seat covers but eventually I will re-upholster with new leather
10 - Transmission shifter is getting a little sloppy - it's not as bad as my 87 was when I first got it, but in 5-10k miles I think it's going to need to be addressed
11 - the antenna doesn't go up or down but the motor works. When I looked at the car over the weekend it worked fine but today it does not?
12 - the paint isn't in the greatest condition in the world, but some day I will re-paint it a different color anyway (it's white)
13 - normal trim pieces that crack are cracked (vent pieces, etc), some day I will track down non-broken pieces but that's of very little value to me
Everything else as far as I know works on the car, including the stock radio, the speakers in the headrests, the A/C, wipers, headlights, fog lights, etc. so all in all it's pretty decent, and I'm definitely looking forward to getting to know the car :-)
I'll post some pics this evening. just wanted to say hi!!
I have just purchased my 3rd RX-7 so I would like to re-introduce myself as it has been a few years since I've played the RX-7 game. A little history - my first car was a 1987 FC base 2 + 2 with 210k miles on her - I purchased it when I was 18 years old and a poor college student. I bought it for $900, and instantly put about $1,200 into fixing it up to where I could drive it. I had the car for about one year until I put it into a curb and couldn't afford to fix it. I traded that car for a subwoofer.
Then when I was about 19 I got my second RX-7, it was an 84 gsl-se, it was actually a gift from a buddy who bought a brand shiny new RX-8. I drove that through college and then my senior year I had to sell it because once again, I was out of money. It only had 90k miles on it when I sold it.
And now, I will be turning 25 in two weeks. I have graduated college, and have a pretty stable job and a nice new 2007 truck which is my daily driver (Dodge ram 1500 with the 5.7 liter hemi - slightly modified), so I decided it was time to get back into the RX-7 game.
I picked up a decent 1990 vert with 125k on the clock for $1,700 - Here's a list of things I know is wrong with it:
1 - Tear in the top on both sides, some duct tape will work for now but it really needs to be replaced.
2 - power steering issues (I think it's just a broken hose but I won't know until I take it apart)
3 - brake issues - I think the rear brakes need to be rebuilt
4 - driver side window does not work, the pully is broken but the motor is fine so hopefully I will be able to make something so that it will work
5 - driver side power mirror does not work. I'm not sure why, haven't looked into it yet
6 - some minor rust all around the body, but nothing too extensive
7 - the original owner took the side molding off but never finished the shave job so I will need to either find molding to re-install, or finish the shave job myself
8 - the exhaust is just a straight pipe to a muffler. I personally do not like that sound, and would rather have my exhaust legal (in new jersey it matters)
9 - tears on the seats, boot, and emergency brake leather - for now I will just use seat covers but eventually I will re-upholster with new leather
10 - Transmission shifter is getting a little sloppy - it's not as bad as my 87 was when I first got it, but in 5-10k miles I think it's going to need to be addressed
11 - the antenna doesn't go up or down but the motor works. When I looked at the car over the weekend it worked fine but today it does not?
12 - the paint isn't in the greatest condition in the world, but some day I will re-paint it a different color anyway (it's white)
13 - normal trim pieces that crack are cracked (vent pieces, etc), some day I will track down non-broken pieces but that's of very little value to me
Everything else as far as I know works on the car, including the stock radio, the speakers in the headrests, the A/C, wipers, headlights, fog lights, etc. so all in all it's pretty decent, and I'm definitely looking forward to getting to know the car :-)
I'll post some pics this evening. just wanted to say hi!!
05-27-09, 05:18 PM
#3
finally back in an RX-7!!
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I think I'm going to do a full restore, and maybe in time throw a TII in there once my N/A poops itself.
Step 1 is to make it safe i.e. inspect / rebuild the brakes and figure out the issue with the power steering. After that I'll start chipping away at it's other "character traits" :-)
some pics...
05-28-09, 02:05 PM
#5
finally back in an RX-7!!
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I figure I might as well use this thread to track some of my progress, maybe I'll start another one at some point but for now this will do. If anybody ever has any questions or wants to see any pictures just let me know!!
1 - Tear in the top on both sides, some duct tape will work for now but it really needs to be replaced. - duct taped for now
4 - driver side window does not work, the pully is broken but the motor is fine so hopefully I will be able to make something so that it will work - after further investigation, the regulator has a PLASTIC tab where the wire runs from the motor, and that tab broke off. I find that the design is just terrible and I'm not surprised at all that others have had issues with their power windows. I am not going to be able to repair easily, so for the time being I'm manually pulling up my window and pushing it down and looking for a replacement. If I can't find one then eventually I will take everything apart and see if I can fabricate a better regulator.
5 - driver side power mirror does not work. I'm not sure why, haven't looked into it yet - it was unplugged behind the door panel. I love easy fixes :-)
6 - some minor rust all around the body, but nothing too extensive - I put some duct tape over some of the real bad spots to help prevent further damage. Eventually I'm going to repaint, I'll deal with the eye-sore now - maybe I'll get some white duct tape ;-)
7 - the original owner took the side molding off but never finished the shave job so I will need to either find molding to re-install, or finish the shave job myself - searching for molding. If I can't find any at a reasonable price I'll just cover up the holes and re-paint those sections. Shaving the sides in my opinion would not look good due to the molding on the bumpers and fenders
8 - the exhaust is just a straight pipe to a muffler. I personally do not like that sound, and would rather have my exhaust legal (in new jersey it matters) - It turns out in New Jersey the inspection stays with the car - and it's inspection is good until 2011, so I can worry about it later and just deal with the obnoxious exhaust note for now.
9 - tears on the seats, boot, and emergency brake leather - for now I will just use seat covers but eventually I will re-upholster with new leather - A little research online tells me it's going to cost $400 for the leather alone, and I would have to re-upholster on my own. For another $150 I could get a new shift boot, shift ****, and e-brake. For now I'm just going to deal with it
I also have to add one more issue - one of the tires has pretty bad dry-rot. I'm going to replace two tires in the very new future, and then get on a cycle where I replace two at a time.
1 - Tear in the top on both sides, some duct tape will work for now but it really needs to be replaced. - duct taped for now
4 - driver side window does not work, the pully is broken but the motor is fine so hopefully I will be able to make something so that it will work - after further investigation, the regulator has a PLASTIC tab where the wire runs from the motor, and that tab broke off. I find that the design is just terrible and I'm not surprised at all that others have had issues with their power windows. I am not going to be able to repair easily, so for the time being I'm manually pulling up my window and pushing it down and looking for a replacement. If I can't find one then eventually I will take everything apart and see if I can fabricate a better regulator.
5 - driver side power mirror does not work. I'm not sure why, haven't looked into it yet - it was unplugged behind the door panel. I love easy fixes :-)
6 - some minor rust all around the body, but nothing too extensive - I put some duct tape over some of the real bad spots to help prevent further damage. Eventually I'm going to repaint, I'll deal with the eye-sore now - maybe I'll get some white duct tape ;-)
7 - the original owner took the side molding off but never finished the shave job so I will need to either find molding to re-install, or finish the shave job myself - searching for molding. If I can't find any at a reasonable price I'll just cover up the holes and re-paint those sections. Shaving the sides in my opinion would not look good due to the molding on the bumpers and fenders
8 - the exhaust is just a straight pipe to a muffler. I personally do not like that sound, and would rather have my exhaust legal (in new jersey it matters) - It turns out in New Jersey the inspection stays with the car - and it's inspection is good until 2011, so I can worry about it later and just deal with the obnoxious exhaust note for now.
9 - tears on the seats, boot, and emergency brake leather - for now I will just use seat covers but eventually I will re-upholster with new leather - A little research online tells me it's going to cost $400 for the leather alone, and I would have to re-upholster on my own. For another $150 I could get a new shift boot, shift ****, and e-brake. For now I'm just going to deal with it
I also have to add one more issue - one of the tires has pretty bad dry-rot. I'm going to replace two tires in the very new future, and then get on a cycle where I replace two at a time.
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05-29-09, 10:33 AM
#10
MECP Certified Installer
The driver side window in my vert has the SAME problem. You pretty much have to get a new regulator man. If you keep rolling it down and pushing it up when you need to, steel cable will eventually bind and shred. Ask me how I know....
06-03-09, 01:07 PM
#12
finally back in an RX-7!!
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2 - power steering issues (I think it's just a broken hose but I won't know until I take it apart) - found out the P/S fluid cooler line was cracked, I have a replacement on the way
3 - brake issues - I think the rear brakes need to be rebuilt - after some more driving, I think that I was just used to my ridiculous brakes on my truck and the ease of the pedal on it. When I put a little more "umph" into the brake pedal, the car stops very very well.
Also I have to add to the list that I'm getting error code 20 thrown, which is around the OMP sensor. Still troubleshooting to determine exact cause, and going to attempt to rebuild the OMP / OMP sensor in an effort to save some money (pre-mix is of no interest to me, I'm just doing it for the time being until I figure out my OMP issues)
3 - brake issues - I think the rear brakes need to be rebuilt - after some more driving, I think that I was just used to my ridiculous brakes on my truck and the ease of the pedal on it. When I put a little more "umph" into the brake pedal, the car stops very very well.
Also I have to add to the list that I'm getting error code 20 thrown, which is around the OMP sensor. Still troubleshooting to determine exact cause, and going to attempt to rebuild the OMP / OMP sensor in an effort to save some money (pre-mix is of no interest to me, I'm just doing it for the time being until I figure out my OMP issues)
06-04-09, 11:01 AM
#13
Smoke moar
I'd check the OMP sooner then later, it's the oil metering pump that injects oil to lube the engine
maybe premix to be safe?? The S5 (89-91) rx7s use an electric pump that fails
maybe premix to be safe?? The S5 (89-91) rx7s use an electric pump that fails
06-04-09, 11:59 AM
#14
finally back in an RX-7!!
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Yep I've PMed a few folks here who have them for sale and I'm keeping my eye on some ebay auctions. I am pre-mixing right now to be safe.
My hope is to get a used one in working condition, install it, and then try to re-build the one that is currently on the car. I'm getting error code 20 which is just the sensor, not the pump itself so hopefully some cleaning and re-soldiering will be all that is needed, and then I'll have an extra :-)
My hope is to get a used one in working condition, install it, and then try to re-build the one that is currently on the car. I'm getting error code 20 which is just the sensor, not the pump itself so hopefully some cleaning and re-soldiering will be all that is needed, and then I'll have an extra :-)
06-04-09, 10:29 PM
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ok so tonight I did two things, one good, one not so good.
First off, upon doing some research on the s5 OMP, I learned that in theory, the TPS needs to be adjusted properly in order for the OMP to work properly (I guess the components are connected through the ECU). With that knowledge, I thought to myself "hm, maybe I just need to adjust the TPS". I went with the multimeter method since I couldn't find my test lights and didn't feel like going to radio shack to get the parts to make a new one. Of course, I had issues and couldn't ever get one of the pins to show me 12v (I like to test my setup by seeing 0v on both and then seeing 12v on both, and then fine tuning). In my haste, I undid the TPS bolt so far that the nut came off the bottom, and after 3 hours - yes, three HOURS of searching, I've determined that the nut has actually vanished off the face of the Earth. I'm not sure if it's sitting in my driveway, garage, on top of the engine block under the intake, or what - but I sure as heck couldn't find it and I will just take the bolt to home depot or something to find a matching nut for it.
So after I failed to properly set the TPS and in fact make that situation worse, I figured I might as well just assume that the ECU is correct and that the code 20 really does mean that the OMP sensor is bad. I drove the car up on its stands to take a look underneath, and sure enough - the sensor casing was cracked. I wish I had done that before I started messing with the TPS, but hindsight is 20/20. I then went on to remove the OMP. I have never had such a frustrating experience maybe in my entire life. Mind you I was already kinda frustrated with losing the TPS adjustment nut so tackling this project was probably a bad idea since I have heard of others having issues as well. It is not easy to remove the OMP. I ended up using a box end 10mm wrench to get the top right bolt off, and two of the oil line bolts off. Then to get the other two, i removed the bracket that I believe is where the air pump is supposed to be connected (I also realized that my car no longer has said air pump) to help me get a better angle at the "inner" oil line bolts. I was able to use my socket wrench for the lower one, but had to use the box end wrench again to get the upper left. For the left top OMP bolt, I used a 3 inch extension on my socket wrench, same with the lower left. Lots of feeling around and little cuts on both my hands. I'm sure putting the OMP back on is going to be tons of fun. Also, There is a small metal bracket that holds the wires and the oil lines all together, I had to get out a pair of vice grips to grab it and bend it open. Luckily it did not break so I should be able to re-close it upon reinstall.
I have considered going with pre-mix - but I feel like that is the lazy way out, not to mention inconvenient since I live in Jersey where they pump your gas for you. I don't want to have to explain to the gas guys why I'm getting out of my car, and frankly it's annoying to get a funnel out, make sure I put in the right amount of oil, etc. My OMP is fine, just the sensor is busted. I'm in the process of buying an OMP from another member here, once that is done I will put that one on my car and will work on fixing the sensor on my current OMP.
Anyway, I just wanted to give you all an update on my progress, and if anybody ever has questions on removing the OMP maybe this will help a little bit.
First off, upon doing some research on the s5 OMP, I learned that in theory, the TPS needs to be adjusted properly in order for the OMP to work properly (I guess the components are connected through the ECU). With that knowledge, I thought to myself "hm, maybe I just need to adjust the TPS". I went with the multimeter method since I couldn't find my test lights and didn't feel like going to radio shack to get the parts to make a new one. Of course, I had issues and couldn't ever get one of the pins to show me 12v (I like to test my setup by seeing 0v on both and then seeing 12v on both, and then fine tuning). In my haste, I undid the TPS bolt so far that the nut came off the bottom, and after 3 hours - yes, three HOURS of searching, I've determined that the nut has actually vanished off the face of the Earth. I'm not sure if it's sitting in my driveway, garage, on top of the engine block under the intake, or what - but I sure as heck couldn't find it and I will just take the bolt to home depot or something to find a matching nut for it.
So after I failed to properly set the TPS and in fact make that situation worse, I figured I might as well just assume that the ECU is correct and that the code 20 really does mean that the OMP sensor is bad. I drove the car up on its stands to take a look underneath, and sure enough - the sensor casing was cracked. I wish I had done that before I started messing with the TPS, but hindsight is 20/20. I then went on to remove the OMP. I have never had such a frustrating experience maybe in my entire life. Mind you I was already kinda frustrated with losing the TPS adjustment nut so tackling this project was probably a bad idea since I have heard of others having issues as well. It is not easy to remove the OMP. I ended up using a box end 10mm wrench to get the top right bolt off, and two of the oil line bolts off. Then to get the other two, i removed the bracket that I believe is where the air pump is supposed to be connected (I also realized that my car no longer has said air pump) to help me get a better angle at the "inner" oil line bolts. I was able to use my socket wrench for the lower one, but had to use the box end wrench again to get the upper left. For the left top OMP bolt, I used a 3 inch extension on my socket wrench, same with the lower left. Lots of feeling around and little cuts on both my hands. I'm sure putting the OMP back on is going to be tons of fun. Also, There is a small metal bracket that holds the wires and the oil lines all together, I had to get out a pair of vice grips to grab it and bend it open. Luckily it did not break so I should be able to re-close it upon reinstall.
I have considered going with pre-mix - but I feel like that is the lazy way out, not to mention inconvenient since I live in Jersey where they pump your gas for you. I don't want to have to explain to the gas guys why I'm getting out of my car, and frankly it's annoying to get a funnel out, make sure I put in the right amount of oil, etc. My OMP is fine, just the sensor is busted. I'm in the process of buying an OMP from another member here, once that is done I will put that one on my car and will work on fixing the sensor on my current OMP.
Anyway, I just wanted to give you all an update on my progress, and if anybody ever has questions on removing the OMP maybe this will help a little bit.
06-12-09, 03:41 PM
#16
finally back in an RX-7!!
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WooHoo!!
The new OMP (from FelixisGod29X on this forum) fixed the main problem I was having! I also fixed the power steering line although I forgot to fill up the fluid (oops). I am getting an error 17 now which is the O2 sensor, but I don't care too much about that as I have no cat's on the car, just a straight pipe to my brand new racing beat cat-back (which sounds awesome)
I'll do another update soon as I have done some other things but I was very excited to just take the car for her first spirited ride :-D
The new OMP (from FelixisGod29X on this forum) fixed the main problem I was having! I also fixed the power steering line although I forgot to fill up the fluid (oops). I am getting an error 17 now which is the O2 sensor, but I don't care too much about that as I have no cat's on the car, just a straight pipe to my brand new racing beat cat-back (which sounds awesome)
I'll do another update soon as I have done some other things but I was very excited to just take the car for her first spirited ride :-D
06-13-09, 05:59 AM
#17
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Our stories sound similar only replace my first car with a 240sx. but here I am 25 and looking to buy a rotary. Ill probably always miss my 240 though =[.
Good luck to us both eh? ^_^
Good luck to us both eh? ^_^
06-14-09, 03:52 PM
#23
finally back in an RX-7!!
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with only 120k on this motor, the TII swap is (hopefully) many years away.
By then I may even have enough saved up for a 20b swap... For now I'm enjoying cruising around town nice and slow :-)
By then I may even have enough saved up for a 20b swap... For now I'm enjoying cruising around town nice and slow :-)
06-17-09, 07:40 AM
#24
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6 - some minor rust all around the body, but nothing too extensive - The only spot where it had actually rusted through was a dime sized hole above the brake light on the trunk. I patched it up and painted it so at least it won't spread, but I would like to re-paint the whole trunk some day. Maybe after I get a small spoiler / wing for it...
7 - the original owner took the side molding off but never finished the shave job so I will need to either find molding to re-install, or finish the shave job myself - I bought some molding from andresj on this forum (great seller by the way), sanded it down, painted it, and put some super strong double sided tape on it to hold. It is amazing how much better it makes the car look, even without the color perfectly matching the rest of the car. I took a ton of pictures yesterday but of course I'm having technical issues. I will post the new pictures when I get home.
I have one more item to add to my list now - the front passenger side wheel well is not held on well, it seems like almost none of the bolts are holding it on / are even there. I will see if I can throw some surgical steel wire on it to hold it up.
I've put over 120 miles on her so far and can't keep the smile off my face :-)
7 - the original owner took the side molding off but never finished the shave job so I will need to either find molding to re-install, or finish the shave job myself - I bought some molding from andresj on this forum (great seller by the way), sanded it down, painted it, and put some super strong double sided tape on it to hold. It is amazing how much better it makes the car look, even without the color perfectly matching the rest of the car. I took a ton of pictures yesterday but of course I'm having technical issues. I will post the new pictures when I get home.
I have one more item to add to my list now - the front passenger side wheel well is not held on well, it seems like almost none of the bolts are holding it on / are even there. I will see if I can throw some surgical steel wire on it to hold it up.
I've put over 120 miles on her so far and can't keep the smile off my face :-)
06-17-09, 05:09 PM
#25
finally back in an RX-7!!
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It really does amaze me what a little side molding will do...
I'll be getting back under the car this weekend to look for the exhaust leak, and to fix up that wheel well.
I'll be getting back under the car this weekend to look for the exhaust leak, and to fix up that wheel well.