I recently purchased a 1986 RX-7. It's the dark grey color with the burgundy interior. I also own a 1982, which I'll eventually sell. This '86 was absolutely babied. Only 145,000 km (90,000 miles). It was pretty much stock. The guy that I bought it from was the original owner, and he was a little older, so he didn't do any mods at all. In the past week, I've put in a $1500.00 stereo (Kenwood cd player, 4 - 4" Rockford Fosgate speakers powered by a 250 watt Sony amp, 2 - 12" Dr. Krankenstein Subs (they're a little old) powered by a Rockford Fosgate 250.2 amp), and I just got the windows tinted - looks SWEET!
There's some stuff that I'd like to do to this car, and a few quirks that I need to iron out... any help would be appreciated...

1. I'm having the hesitation at 3,500 RPM issue as I've read about in some of the posts. I haven't yet tried the extra grounding fix... but hopefully this weekend. Any other suggestions for fixing this?

2. While taking out the stock stereo, I blew a fuse somewhere. I lost my interior lights, but I can't find the fuse that blew. I checked the fuse box... but all the ones I've checked look fine. Any ideas???

3. Clutch. I'd eventually like to put a high performance clutch in this car. Any ideas on which is the best, and the best place to get it... keep in mind I'm in Canada. What about cost... how much will this run me???

4. Anyone know of a good place to take RX-7's for mods/service in Calgary, Alberta???

5. Any suggestions for easy/cheap mods for more POWER!!!???

Thanks in advance!!!

 

There is a place in alberta called RX7 specialties. The BEST thing you could do for yourself would be to go buy a new rebuilt engine. It will run you about $1680.00 and a little more if you want the porting (which is an excellent choice) All I can say, is I got a rebuilt engine from them (not even ported) and I had a 14 second 1/4 mile '86 rx7.

-Daryl

 

If its not the ground its a cold solder joint on one of the CPUs there is a tread about fixing it someplace on here if not ask about it. I had rotary performance fix mine ok im lazy lol

Its nto a fuse its a relay. ANd the guy that put mine in poped mine too I think he just by passed it but Im not sure.

I dont know about turbos ..... yet. So check out the single turbo forum they can help Im sure.

Move to Texas and go to rotary performance Besides you can drive your RX7 year round here.

Best Bang for your buck in any car is a high flow exhaust. how loud you want it is up to you.

 

...where would I find the relay... honestly I have no idea where or what that is...
Thanks.

 

Thanks, I did see it in the yellow pages actually, but the engine is fine! It's got lots of power, runs smooth and quiet. Maybe RX7 Specialties can do some other mods to give her more juice though!!!... :-)

 

Hey! Another 2nd Gen Rotary newbie in Calgary AB!!!! I just got my '88 SE at the start of September. Its also been babied...REALLY BABIED...44000 km on it! Runs like a charm...also totally stock, like yours. I'm planning on getting it tinted in the spring, as well as replacing a dented fender and possible repairing some hail damage. It's a gold colour with the burgundy interior. Wow, what a coincidence.

If you see good deals on upgrades or stuff in Calgary, write me at nima_taba@hotmail.com.
We should stay in touch.

Nima

PS. I got the same problem with the 3800 rpm hesitation...I'm buying some 8 guage wire this weekend and seeing if i can fix it. Later!

 

Did you check the fuse box inside the car? When my interior lights went out, it was a fuse in the inside fuse box. I mention it because some people forget to check that fuse box and only check the one in the engine compartment.

 

Nima,
I just phoned RX7 Specialties... A new clutch (and that's all new parts) installed is only $425.00 CAD. A pipe that bypasses all three of the catalytic converters is $645 installed - AND adds 20HP!!! (he said this would help the hesitation problem, but I'm going to try the 8 guage wire thing first... it's a little cheaper!

Jeff

 

Yes I did. Do you remember which fuse it was. I checked a few, but maybe I missed the obvious one.... also (again) what is this 'relay' thing???

 

Hi..

I (sorta but not really) run an RX-7 club in Calgary. There's about 6-8 of us that get together quite regularly and work on our own cars and then go for cruises

We are not a finely tuned organized group but we have fun. Give me a call and maybe we could meet before it snows. There's also some stuff we could show you that can get ya some hp for free as we are almost all 2nd gens, turbo and n/a.


--Mike
399-4246

 

for your interior lights when you installed your deck did you run a new ground ? alot of the times you can't use the factory ground unless you use the steel strap with your new deck and attatch to metal as a second ground.

 

im afraid Ive lost where that thread was. Theres probably several that can tell you where that relay is at. and the fuse box is in the right drivers kick panel.

 

for your interior lights when you installed your deck did you run a new ground ? alot of the times you can't use the factory ground unless you use the steel strap with your new deck and attatch to metal as a second ground.

 

I did run a new ground... ran a new power wire too because the one from the old wiring harness didn't work... I think it must be part of that relay with the interior lights that I popped. Guess I'll buy a Haynes manual, and figure it out from there.
Thanks.

 

I've had a 3800-rpm stutter and loss of power for 3 years. I've tried all of the tips. Today I went into a new shop started by an ex Nascar pit-crew Mgr. He immediately told me my timing was probably off. Timing on a rotary is critical. Sure enough, it was off a little and now I have no hesitation and more power than I've ever had in 3 years. Not one person ever mentioned timing to me.