cott55

I am seriously considering getting a 3rd gen. RX-7. I have researched the info on it extencivly. There is an agreement among all these online forums that the 3rd. gen. 7's have crappy motors. People have said that the main problem is with the weak seals, they have also said that you can get a replacement seals that are much stronger (3mm apex seals I think). Does anybody know where I could get these seals from? Price? Another problem i've seen is with the excess heat in the engine. Any remedies? Basically, I am on a tight budget, and need to keep this thing running smoothly, and not in the shop all the time. I can't afford that. I would like to know if I could simply get those seals and not have any major probs. down the road. Please help.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Do a search for "rebuild" here in the forum.

The seals are internal, so you just don't replace them. You need to tear down the engine, replace the seals and then rebuild the engine. Not an inexpensive task.

As for the seals, 2MM seals are fine. It's the tuning/maintenance that you need to worry about. Detonation (improper tuning or modding) is what breaks the apex seals, heat warps the coolant seals.

poss

iTrader: (5)

no offense, but you haven't researched the RX-7 extensively. the supra/300z/3000GT forums don't count as research!!

the main problems lie in poor (or no) fuel tuning and overheating (as you stated).
just make sure that you have adequate fuel for your given mods, and make sure that your cooling system is in good condition. do the reliability mods and you will greatly reduce the chances that you will have future problems. it's really pretty easy stuff.

unfortunately, these engines (w/ turbo(s) anyway) tend to wear out before your run of the mill honda engines, but if you look at the amount of power these little guys push out, it is amazing that they last as long as they do.

I have put 30k miles on my car with NO problems that weren't a direct cause of my negligence (5th gear synchro). *knock on wood*

find a good car that has been well maintained and cared for, then strap in for the ride of your life!

*in light of the recent tragedies that have plagued this board, please remember to drive safely.

Garrett

Any apex seal can succumb to detonation, no matter how thick it is or what it is made out of (ie ceramic). Just do what they say and give it enough fuel.

Go to the regional forum and find a mechanic in your area. Let him do the tuning if you decide to modify your car extensively. If not, do all the reliability mods and you should only have to worry about normal wear and tear of a 10 year old vehicle.

Reliability mods:
ast bypass
boost gauge
downpipe
hi-flow cat-back
hi-flow main cat
cold air intake
boost controller of some type (once you've started boosting over stock levels)
radiator (fill with Evans coolant)
intercooler

(these are in no particular order)

The motors are fine; it is your research that is lacking. These motors last as much as you would expect a turbo charged car. The naturally aspirated 13bs last as long as piston engines. The best thing for a RX-7 is an owner who knows what the hell he is getting himself into.

As far as not spending money at a shop, well, it varies widely depending upon the recent ownership and the way you treat your car.

Garrett

mcf

If you are on a tight budget, I wouldn't waste your time. There is a lot that can be done with plain old hard work, but cutting corners because you are on a tight budget is not an option if you want a strong reliable car.