Hey guys, cool site... I am very interested in buying a 2nd gen rx7 turbo. I was wondering how reliable they are? I wanna make sure I can run some decent boost without blowing the engine like hondas. Also, i heard after 200K the engines seems to slowly die, is this true? or are ppl just jealous that im intertested in an RX7?

 

Actually, the TII motor seems to have an effective life of about 120,000 or so. And its just like any other motor. You start adding boost, you need to do it right. The rotary is VERY unforgiving to tuning mistakes.

 

safly with little mods i would say 8 psi

 

whoever sead a TII would go 200K needs to be sent to a insane asylum and bounce off the walls for a couple days

 

If you buy a well maintained motor and tke very good care you will minimal problems. I've seen TII's with 150,000+ that ran really good. I've heard that S5 N/A motors are the most reliable.

 

Its true the Turbo motors and Rotary's in general are a little tempermental when it comes to tuning. But keep in mind this is no economy car. Its a sports car, loving to be rev'ed and it even says so in the manual to redline it!

Most of the second gens are at least 10 years+ in age. Any car of this age will need to have a little care to keep them running in top shape.

On that note, mine has never left me stranded, Its a Turbo II with 116k miles on its first motor. I pretty much redline it everytime im in the car, it just feels right.

If its going to be a daily driver you should definately look into it deeply before choosing. Becuase even the newest Turbo'd 2nd gens are going to need some parts replaced.

If you're willing to learn some things that are different from other engines and are inclined to work on your own car. Then these cars are definately for you.

Most shops don't have a clue as to how to work on these cars. They think they do, or pretend and learn as they go.. causing more problems then you went in with. (Mazda dealer included!) Keep that in mind.

I know it seems like a list of bad things, but its a list of problems which occur with ALL aging cars. Not just the rotary family. With that said, don't be scared of it. Besides, this place has more then enough infomation to keep it running if you do searches and ask questions.

 

I have nearly 160,000 miles on my 88 TII, still on the original engine (knock on wood, right?). I'm boosting higher than stock as well, up to 10-11psi on the high boost setting. I have mods to support it though.


So it really depends on how well you take care of it.

 

UNRELIABLE!

 

Aight I think i got the drift... Im prolly gonna ask a few garages in my town to see if they would know how to properly work on a rotary, because I dont. I still need to research for sure.
Thanx a lot guys.

 

Why not hang around here and learn how?

-Joe

 

Oh i am for sure man! I just wanna make sure I have a garage in town that can work on my rx7 just incase.

 

I would be very wary about taking an RX-7 to a garage because generally they give you a lesson in what not to do. Even if they claim to have a "rotary specialist," nine times out of ten they know just 2 things; Jack and ****, and Jack just left town.

Other than that, RX-7's are pretty much like any other performance car, take care of her and she'll reward you with a great ride. And don't forget:

 

haha, aight man sounds like a plan... A lil research on rotary engines and ill be in like flint.