I'm a total pilgrim to this site (and well done, I must say!). Here's my story....
Been driving an '86 coupe for about a year. Also got a '86 GXL for parts. Just this weekend I bought a '88 GXL. Looks nice and all, but smokes and it's a damn automatic. One tire and a master cylinder later, and I drove it home. Quit smoking pretty quick, but still smokes when I start it (most of the time--not always). (The best part--$300!!!!!)
Anyway, my '86 also occasionally smokes, like after it's sat for a few months (didn't get to it right away--had trouble selling a Saab). But it runs great (200K miles)! (I just checked out some old posting, and I guess I'm pretty much the only one with a RX-7 that occasionally smokes???)
But my "new" '88 is weak. Starts fine, and good power a low end--but won't get redline even in Park (revs puke out around 5K). Air filter new, exhaust doesn't seem clogged. Haven't got to the fuel filter/pump or compression check. And it smokes on start-up (most of the time).
So, two questions:
- After I swap in the parts rig 13B, what should I plan on to rehab this '88 motor? Something akin to a "master rebuild" kit, no? What kind of special tools, and what cost for parts should I plan on? (I've rebuilt a half-dozen piston motors.)
- Should I swap the 5sp too? (Odds are I'll just sell this "Z-ified" fancy-pants rig anyway. Who the hell needs AC?) Is this swap way-easy, or just kinda easy?
advice appreciated! Thanks!

 

Most Rotaries give a little smoke on startup. Thats normal behavoir.

Jarrett

 

the smoking could be leaky oil injectors. when the car sits for a long time the oil could be pooling up and burning off (smoke) when you start it up. i had the same thing happen to me (the smoking) when i left my car sitting for about a week. now i go out and let it run for a bit every few days just in case.