HardHitter

iTrader: (4)

Well as most of you know, I am intersted in picking up an FD and doing an LS1 swap because of all the reliability problems, but I'm thinking of just picking up a FD and just keeping it stock until the engine goes. The question I guess I am asking is, are these engines really not too reliable? Do these problems just happen out of no where, or do they happen to only highly modded engines? Example, this will be my daily driver and most likely won't be doing many mods to it, but if I pick one up with mods already done to it, what is it that pushes the engine too far?

recon fd

do reliability mods and you will be ok

Force13B

iTrader: (19)

Everyone makes that out to that they always break and die. I would say that a FD is more reliable then a DSM. It usually the person holding the wrench that causes the problem.

DaveW

IMO, most problems are due to lack of proper maintenance and/or modifications done without proper planning.

Of course, s**t happens, but most of it can be prevented.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Mine has been very reliable when I don't monkey with it.

Basic maintenance and reliability mods. So replace coolant hoses, radiator, caps, and AST, and that should reduce the breakdown factor substantially. Change the fuel filter, oil and filter, plugs, plug wires, and it will generally run well. Put in a downpipe and 2nd gen thermoswitch and your underhood temps should stay lower. Add a boost gauge and water temp gauge and you'll be able to detect most problems before they happen or cause damage.

Many complaints about the reliability involve the turbos not getting full boost. Since replacing all the wiring, hoses, solenoids, and check valves every 50k is probably unreasonable, we live with the fact that at times a part will fail and need diagnosed and replaced. But I don't feel that's a big risk for a daily driven car, since the car will still go and not damage anything. But it can be annoying.

Dave

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

I've been daily driving my car for over a year, with the last 6 months actually driving my car for work - no foolin'. Hasn't failed me a day yet, knock on wood .

The big thing with the FD is there are many systems on the car that are different from "regular" cars, and Joe Mechanic doesn't know how to deal with it. Also, you CAN NOT half-*** maintenance. Use some universal bobo hose for a coolant line, it will fail and overheat the motor. Use universal bobo fuel line, you'll get an engine fire. Etc, etc, etc. You can't work on this car like grandma's Buick - half *** it and it will bite you back.

If you keep the mods reasonable, you can have a very reliable, fun to drive car. But, the more horsepower you run, the shorter the engine's life will be, period. You're not gonna get 100,000 miles out of a 600 horsepower single turbo monster - you have to be realistic.

Dale

DamonB

I agree with those guys completely. I've put 70,000 miles on my car in 5 years and have far fewer problems than the large majority here.

TwinTriangles

Just buy a corvette and leave the Wankel alone... I dont really understand the whole thing with "Oh crap my engine!" Who cares! This has got to be the easiest damn engine you could ever have to take apart rebuild and put back together!

rynberg

This is the 4th thread you've started here on this same topic....thread closed.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/get-new-car-pickup-rx-7-a-486460/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/totaled-my-rx-8-move-rx-7-a-479807/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/rx-8-rx-7-a-457786/