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178,000 miles what should I expect

Old 04-01-04, 12:56 PM
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Question 178,000 miles what should I expect

Hi guys Like the thread says I just picked up an Rx7 used for a little over $7,000, off an auction over here, blindfully. The engine was complete as was everything else, it doesn't start up yet but could be because it has been sitting for so long, no spark yet but I am working on that. The gauges weren't working but it was because a fuse was pulled when I got the fuse put in I realized it had 178,000 miles I about crapped my pants, cuz I couldn't believe someone drove the **** out of like that. So what do you guys think should I be worried? I know most of the engines wont see 100,000 miles without a rebuild that is why I'm freaked. Thanks in advance for any help or advice you may have.
Old 04-01-04, 12:59 PM
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oh ps. I have done a home compression test with my finger for now until I get a compression tester, and it seems to have strong pressure coming from both rotors, just thought I'd give you that little tid bit of info.
Old 04-01-04, 12:59 PM
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It's hard to determine if you should be worried or not about the engine without knowing how many miles are on it (How long ago was it rebuilt?) or how it's been treated. Get it up and running and go from there.
Old 04-01-04, 12:59 PM
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WOW.. thats the most I have heard on an original engine.. It must have be rebuilt.. get it compression tested..
Old 04-01-04, 01:12 PM
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I have heard of 200,000 miles on an original engine, but who knows his engine is original?
Old 04-01-04, 01:32 PM
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do compression.
with that kind of mileage and not knowing the history of the car, everything needs to be checked.
Old 04-01-04, 01:44 PM
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For 7 grand, that car doesn't really owe you a good motor. You'd pay around 5 just for a rolling shell.
Old 04-01-04, 01:59 PM
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Re: 178,000 miles what should I expect

Originally posted by pimpin7
it had 178,000 miles I about crapped my pants, cuz I couldn't believe someone drove the **** out of like that.
That's actually not THAT many miles if the car was driven every day... it is 11 years old .

It's actually nice to hear that some of them aren't paperweights.
Old 04-01-04, 02:20 PM
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Re: Re: 178,000 miles what should I expect

Originally posted by jdhuegel1
It's actually nice to hear that some of them aren't paperweights.
well said
Old 04-01-04, 02:21 PM
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i agree that a compression test is needed. 7k for an FD seems too good to be true if the motor checks good.
Old 04-01-04, 02:24 PM
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get a compression test, then if its good, buy a new eletrical system off someone (there are lots of guys here parting out car) and you should be good to go. if worst comes to worst, buy a brand new engine+turbos+eletrical system+ecu+fuelpump for about 5-6k and youll still come out cheaper then most guys here and will probally be running low 13's or high 12's with tuning. probally lower to tell you the truth. you might wanna spring for a new suspension system while your at it just for kicks. good luck in anycase

P.S. you might need to add a bit of oil/atf fluid to get some compression on the engine

with out somekinda oil, its just metal on metal loving
Old 04-01-04, 02:35 PM
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Not to frustrate you but, just prepare yourself for the worst.

Expect to buy a new everything. While it may be in good order, things will strat breaking soon. Just remember that you spent only $7k. Most are spending $15-17k for a decent 7 with mild mods.

Good luck with all and if you need help just do a search or post.
Old 04-01-04, 02:44 PM
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if the rotary doesnt work just put a LS1 in there 50 lbs to the front and a shitload of torque.
Old 04-01-04, 04:12 PM
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hehe, thats what i'm doing..can't aford another rotary ... www.Hinsonsupercars.com
Old 04-01-04, 05:58 PM
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If you want advise or need help with the car call D&H Auto Parts and ask for Hugo. He's a good guy and knows the 3rd gens well.
Old 04-01-04, 08:20 PM
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Hmmm... I paid $7500 for my FD but I got a steal. 138K miles but still running great. Got a new factory reman at 85K though...

-John
Old 04-01-04, 10:24 PM
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mine just turned 187k. put in a new engine last august. the car is very reliable, and the suspension has no issues whatsoever! I also paid $7k for mine.
Old 04-02-04, 11:54 AM
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Thanks for all your help guys, so far it sounds hopeful, lol, yeah I guess when I got into it I kinda wasn't reliying on the engine cuz yeah I figured it was a hell of a deal, even w/o the motor. But hey if the engine is good more power to the 7. I imagine there is no real way to see if the engine was rebuilt or a reman, but it does look like the housings were repainted with a fresh red. The bad thing is the hoses and wiring looks sooooo flimsy all I have to do is fart and they'll bust, so as a reliable and fire hazard I am going to redo some of it. Also I should ask how many rebuilds are the rotors and housing good for my guess is 2x or 3x at the most?
Old 04-02-04, 11:55 AM
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Originally posted by oakridgerx7
mine just turned 187k. put in a new engine last august. the car is very reliable, and the suspension has no issues whatsoever! I also paid $7k for mine.
That's awesome, shows how well the suspension holds up :thumbsup:
Old 04-02-04, 12:09 PM
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I think I read somewhere the housing is good for 2x or 3x, likewise.
Old 04-02-04, 12:29 PM
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How many laps around puerto rico = 178000 miles?
Old 04-02-04, 12:37 PM
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Oh my bad I don't live in Puerto Rico anymore, but I did for 10 years, I moved back to the states recently, so I bought this car in the states too.
Old 04-02-04, 05:19 PM
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Originally posted by Sbailey294
hehe, thats what i'm doing..can't aford another rotary ... www.Hinsonsupercars.com
actually, its not that cheap.. its like $7500 for the engine and what not.. no?

If it was $3k or something, I'd seriously consider doing one - just so I can have a reliable rx7 next to my little fickle rx7
Old 04-02-04, 11:47 PM
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I just bought a 93 mint condition inside and out needing a motor with 110,000 miles for $3500.00 but its an automatic. GOOD LUCK WITH IT
Old 04-04-04, 03:01 AM
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Originally posted by Mike Nola
How many laps around puerto rico = 178000 miles?
About 590


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