Hi guys. I just sold my E36 M3 and found an RX-7 I really want, but would like to run by you guys first. I don't know a lot about RX-7's and appreciate all of the input you guys have. From what I've been reading is this engine in danger of turning to toast due to lack of fuel mods? I dunno, what do you guys think...

"The motor has been recently replaced with a Mazda factory-spec motor with only 1500 miles on it. The often unreliable twin turbo system has replaced by a GReddy single turbo system. The kit comes with a GReddy T-78, air filter, 3-inch downpipe, external wastegate, and stainless steel braided lines. I’ve upgraded the turbo to a T-88 which is good for 500+ whp. The turbo kit has about 500 miles on it and is virtually maintenance free compared to the complexity of the stock twin turbo system. It also has an HKS exhaust system, eibach springs, tokico adjustable shocks, HKS Front Mount Intercooler, front & rear anti-sway bars, and cross drilled front rotors.
I’ve owned this car for about 18 months and have recently purchased an Infiniti G35 (I needed something with rear seats). The interior is very clean. I replaced the original beige leather seats with a pair of black leather seats that were in much better condition. There is a little rubbing on the driver’s side bolster but that is very common with these seats. The CD player has been replaced with an Alpine head unit. The paint looks good with a few door dings on both doors. There are also some scratches on the passenger side front quarter panel but they are superficial and easily repaired. The A/C system has two lines removed to make room for the single turbo. All of the remaining A/C system equipment is intact and two custom lines are all that is needed to have working A/C. "


I e-mailed the owner and he says he's only running a conservative 7lbs of boost. The nearest tuner from what I know is about a gazillion miles away (in SoCal) so I'm kinda screwed that way. Also, I'd be driving the car about 400 miles to get it home. What should I be aware of? Are there any red flags that you guys know of. Thanks a ton!

 

What is he asking for it ?

 

1 Note not knowing anythig else, 500 RWHP on T88 Maybe, but not on 7 PSI (Most likely Wastegate Spring) No Boost Controller. T88's can be / are very Laggy, if you do see 500 RWHP one day, it won't be untill late in the RPM range...

And if he stuck that much $$ into a single system why didn't he get it tuned...

The ONLY way to tell if the motor is healthy is to do a compression test, which theoretically any Mazda dealer can do, or someone with a keen eye and a pressure gauge... either way make sure it's up to par... do a search for nomal compression, but as I recall anything under 8 is suspect.... 9-10 is ideal / healthy....

do some searching on reliability mods, and do some reading in the Single Turbo section and you shall find a boatlod of info....

 

Thanks guys. The add said that it has the "potential" for 500hp. I'm not looking to do anything like that, but rather simply have a reliable car. I was reading a lot on the single turbo forum and that's why I was wondering if the lack of extra fuel at this boost level is going to burn up the motor in no time or is it perfectly safe? I appreciate your help a ton. Thanks again.

 

So no upgraded ecu? That'd be a concern. What about cooling upgrades? In all honesty, I'd either look for a FD that is further along or one completely stock.

What's he asking for it? That might help in determining. We talking 18k or 10k here?

 

The biggest Bosh 1680cc Injectors aren't going to do you any good without an ECU to controll them.. And typically an ECU is one of the first things you need to worry about when you upgrade to single turbo... the Stock ECU will burn that motor quickly, since It has no concept of what you just did, and how much more air is passing into the intake...

 

That's what I was afraid of. The asking price on the car is 13.5g. I don't really have enough room after that to start doing ecu and tuning stuff. Not to mention I have no one down here to tune it. I think this may be one I have to pass up unfortunately.

 

with all do respect, if that's all the money you have and there aren't many rotary mechanics nearbye, I'd pass on buying an FD right now all together. Unless you strike gold, any FD at $13.5k or below is eithr going ot need immediately, or soon down the road, thousands into it.

 

it should definately have an after-market ECU installed immediately after the single conversion - if it has been running without this for a while - walk away coz it will prove detrimental to your back pocket in the near future....

 

Ehh...9-10bar?


14.7psi x 9 = 132.3
14.7psi x 10 = 147


I've NEVER heard of a rotary engine with over 125psi compression. 9-10bar..ehhh, no :-O

8.5bar is a PERFECT motor, or, 125psi.