mitchR2

Hi Guys,

I'm thinking about buying an FD RX7, and I was wondering how hard is it to work on these types of engines. I'm not a gearhead, but I have some experience working with cars. I know these cars are notorious for blowing the engine, but I just want to make sure I'm not jumping into something that's a hugh money pit.

Also, would I need a cherry picker to remove the engine like typical engines out there, or is light and easy enough to unbolt and hand carry/lift out?

Thanks in advance.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

No, they're not hard to work on.

Yes, if you want much more than 350 motor hp they are huge money pits.

Yes, you need a cherry picker.

Yes, they're fun as hell and more addictive than crack

radiantRX-7

iTrader: (1)

Its very easy if you have the tools.I dont remember but one web site sells a dvd to take it apart.You are going to have to do some serious searching on all the topic's that can go wrong with these engines.Enjoy your reading.

VegasFD

I'd love to someone try to lift a shortblock out by hand. I'd imagine it would result in some serious back problems.

RX-7s are great cars if you have the money, time, tools, and knowledge to work on them. Like any other car, the more you modify them, the better chance something might go wrong.

G's 3rd Gen

iTrader: (11)

Atkins makes a good motor rebuild CD.

adrock3217

I carry around shortblocks..

VegasFD

I was just being modest. Actually, my Austrian buddies and I shotput them in our free time.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Yeah, so can I. They're not all that heavy. Pulling them out of an engine bay by hand, along with the manis and accessories is another story though

Monsterbox

iTrader: (6)

yea i curl 13b's

mitchR2

Thanks Guys.

Do you guys have any tips on what i need to look out for, engine wise, when buying an FD?

fsae_alum

What to look out for engine wise....a big balance in your bank account!!

Seriously.....COMPRESSION!!!

Before you sign over to purchasing an RX-7, have a compression test done by a good reputable ROTARY shop (NOT the dealer).

See how many receipts the previous owner has. Also see how much the current owner knows about RX-7's and the quirks of the rotary engine in general. Make sure that he knows it's not a Honda and requires constant TLC.

Also check to make sure the car has been through all the recalls.

PS....just to make sure you're aware, the RX-7 is not exactly a Prius on fuel economy. It's more in the league of a Hummer with anywhere between 12-18 mpg. This can bite pretty hard at the pump at So Cal prices!

grimple1

iTrader: (1)

Yeah compression is very important but not anymore important than any vehicle. You want to make sure the engine is good. The compression test is a must for any car you plan on purchasing. Especially a high performance one.

As far as FD specifics. I'd look for upgraded cooling items and ask if the cooling recalls have been done. There are 3 of them. You also wanna make sure the turbos are boosting properly. Also take a look around on the interior items. The FD, imo, seems to be very fragile inside. Things break off rather easily. Superglue is my interiors best friend. Take note of what's broken or what looks to have been repaired.. by, you guessed it, superglue.

The best way to buy a car is to speak directly with the owner. Ask him/her questions.. lots! Try to get a sense of how well the owner knows and takes care of the car. Do you know what kind of motor oil was used, spark plugs, why are you selling it, what years did they make this car, etc.. You'd be suprised at some of the things people will tell you. I actually had a guy tell me that he was selling his car b/c he thought it was going to break down and didn't want to have to repair it (not a FD mind you). Needless to say, I didn't buy that car.


It's been my experience that the vehicles are demanding rather that less reliable. There always seems something to do. If you can turn a wrench and have the tools the financial impact will be significantly less. If you can't and don't want to bother, I'd honestly suggest another car or making friends who can -- assuming you're not rich. If you are, then by all means go for it. Hell get 2 of 'em.


13Bs weight about 200~ish pounds. I use them as paperweights.

tphan

and just as good as sex...if you a non-smoker you will want one after a hard drive...LOL!

No, they aren't that hard to work on...but again I have strong mechanical background from fooling with EFI Mustangs.

This site is tremendous...I have learned and still learning a lot from this site.

mitchR2

Thanks again Guys.

This won't be my primary car. It'll just be another car that I can tinker with. The current "toy" car I have is a Toyota MR2 Turbo, which I'm planning to sell to get the RX7. I've been doing most of the maintainence myself for that car. I've never worked on a rotory or know of anybody that has. I just wanted to make sure it was worth me getting rid of my MR2 for the RX7.

Any of you have a chance to drive an MR2 Turbo? What's your feedback on comparison?

Right now, my only plans for the RX7 (once I get it) is to keep the engine stock, enjoy the handling, and 250 horsepower.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

pfft, first time i took the UIM off an FD i nearly **** myself and i have been a line tech for almost 15 years...

at least tell the guy straight up what to expect.

EjCabrera

iTrader: (4)

lets see i'm 19 with no prior experience on cars except to change wheels. i bought the dvds and its not too bad. the only hard thing is wiring up the electrical stuff, where he hell those vacuum lines go, and probably tuning the power fc. everything else is pretty much straight forward getting the bolt out and putting it back in. just have to remember where it came from. yeah these things are addicting as hell. getting your first mod is like a drug caues you'll keep wanting more.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Smart man, stock hp is enough to begin with and the car will last much longer. Btw, it's a 'rotary' engine

snub disphenoid

not...looking...forward...to it...

mitchR2

Can you provide me with a link to where I can purchase the DVD?

Thanks.

EjCabrera

iTrader: (4)

from reading the forums people tend to like bruce turrentines video. bad thing is right now he seems to be out. http://www.rotaryaviation.com/Books_videos.htm . wierd excuse they say that the dvd has problems and yeah mine froze sometimes. funny though how he said they got them professionally done when they could just go get a bunch of dvd-r's and mass produced them and made more money. seriously whoever did the videos for them made bank since its seriously just a dvd-r with a printable label.

RX7 Japan

I have the remove/replace video for the 2nd and 3rd gen, as well as the rebuild video. I'm done w/ them if you would like to purchase. They are however VHS, not DVD. I know, but at least I don't have an 8-track system anymore.
Let me know if you are interested. (send me private message if interested)

mitchR2

Thanks for the link "EjCabrera"

Thanks for offer "RX7 Japan". I actually would like the video in DVD format. Hopefully, the DVD is sectioned off so we can do an easy skip & search.

RX7 Japan

I agree totally. They were just out of DVDs when I needed them.

mcfly

you cna never have too many zip lock bags

and a black marker

grimple1

iTrader: (1)

I'm not even going to atempt a rotary rebuild but it IS tempting to get the DVD just to see what all is invlolved. I don't have the space nor the engine hoist tools.

The DVDs are also on ebay. Search for Rotary Rebuild DVD. Here's the direct link.

http://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/customer/home.php