Thanks, Mahjik.

My objective was to determine whether or not the RX7 COULD be a reliable car when given exceptional care. It's sounding as if it's going to break in some way or fashion regardless of any precautions and provisions.

So... final call. Can I MAKE this car more reliable than those that have the common RX7 issues (regardless of price)?

I guess my problem is that I really like the 3rd gen RX (always have) and WANT to make it work, somehow.

 

(me saying this with my FD in the shop)

Well, I'd have to say that something is going to break somewhere on the car eventually.

The main problems with the car will happen because of the following reasons:

1. Age of the car. Things will just tend to fail or need to be replaced because of the age of the vehicle.

2. Heat. Heat is a killer to the car. Whether it's hoses or something else, heat kills.

3. Detonation. This doesn't usually happen to a stock FD, but I suppose if there is a problem with the fuel delivery system it could happen. Generally, this is a problem with improper modding or tuning.

If you get the FD, replace all the hoses, change all filters and fluids, and make sure the reliability mods are done, the car will be fine with a little TLC (just the normal maintainance). You'll still have to deal with things like the suspsension which will probably need to have some pieces replaced.

After that, when modifying the car? All bets are off...

Personally, if I were you, I wouldn't look to drop a Single Turbo in the car. I would look more towards upgraded twins or something similar to help keep more low-end power. If all you are looking to do is add more horse power, there are tons of ways to get there besides switching to a Single Turbo.

 

Thanks again, Mahjik.

I did a lot of thinking last night and decided I'm going for it. I've actually found a few cars for sale which already need new engines. I thought this would be a better way to start since this way I'd know what I have. Even if I miss one of the "blown engine" deals, the cars are so affordable that I intended to purchase a new engine ANYWAY just for peace of mind.

As of last night, my decisions are as follows:

1. I'm getting the Rx7... hands down.
2. Provided that I get the car for $15k or less (and I'm sure I will)... I'm replacing the engine.
3. I'm going to replace all vacuum and coolant lines.
4. I'll replace the radiator with an upgraded one as well as the Air separation tanks (I'd rather get the aluminum ones rather than by-passing them).
5. I'll also make the necessary exhaust upgrades from the manifold (possibly), to the down-pipe, to the rear canister.

It's been my experience with supercharged and turbo-charged Hondas that a 160 degree thermostat helps as well. Any comments on whether the rotary will benefit from this?

Anyway... I'm now in-search-of a gen3 Rx7. I'll keep those who've posted here (and are interested) up to date.

Thanks to everyone,

 

The Toyota Supra and the Volkswagen Beetle are two of the most hideous cars ever produced. The Supra looks like a big *** ugly cockroach that needs Gas-X cause its bloated and on top of that did I mention its ******* ugly

 

I think you'll be fine with just the stock thermostat. This is what I found:

As far as getting a FD with a blown engine? I agree. If I had it over to do again, that's what I would do. At least I would have known was I was getting. You should be able to pick up a nice FD with a done engine for around $8-10k.

Good luck with your purchase! Sounds like it's going be a fun project!

 

Well, it's been 3 years and not only did I break my promise and not keep everyone posted on the project, I chickened out on the FD project and went for the Supra T88 now to the tune of 706rwhp. Since then I've also done a GTE swapped SC300 and IS300.

Below are my current 2JZ-GTE powered cars:






HOWEVER... 4 weeks ago I decided to finally try the rotary, but with an RX8 instead. This is just to learn about the rotary. I have no real intentions of heavily modifying this car. I STILL want to do the FD project, but now that I'm more experienced as far as swapping and wiring goes, Im thinking of the 20b conversion.

Below is my RX-8:

 

HOw many cars do you have man?

 

stop pissing around and buy one decent car! lol

 

omfg after all that he bought an rx8 rofl

 

frikkin moon mobile

 

Yup! But now I'm lookin' at Surgemonster's blown 7. I just PM'd him for pics of the interior and exterior to see if I like it.

 

5, right now (Supra, RX8, IS300, SC300, RX330). Probably selling the Supra and SC soon. The SC definitely, the Supra is hard to let go. I won't drive it for a while, and I'm ready to sell it. But then I take it for a spin to keep it from dying in the driveway and I don't won't to sell it.

I was thinking of posting a Supra for RX7 trade, but I decided I'd better have a tuned 7 before I let the Supra go. This way I can compare the "weeeee-factor" of the two cars. If it gets to where I'd rather drive the RX over the Supra, then I won't miss the Supra when it's sold.

 

5 cars with a 2 car garage? What happens when you get a hail storm? : ) Do your neighbors complain?

Kevin

 

Neighbors don't complain and I've never been in a hail storm. Doesn't mean it won't happen, but in the 21 years I've been drivin' it hasn't happened to me yet.

I do, however, have the blue prints for my next house which does have at least a 4 car garage.

 

may i ask what you do for a living? sounds like you're having alot of fun out there in SC. ^_^

 

Might want to consider an LS1/LS6 conversion

 

GODDAMN look at your house, and you have all those cars, you say your not rich?

 

Information Technology Director for our company.

I am having fun, the most fun you can have in SC. I don't care much for this state. I spend a lot of time in Florida (just got back from Orlando). In about 10 years I plan on retiring and moving to Florida

 

No, I'm not rich. I'm comfortable, but only because I've been disciplined enough to save, save, save for the past 13 years that I've worked in the I.T. field. I went a long time with just the necessities until I'd saved (and invested) enough to alter my lifestyle.

The house is only 3 years old and the car hobby has been booming for about 5 years now (I've been through more cars than you currently see in my drive way )

 

Good luck with the rotary. Check the "FAQ for 3rd Gen" section, a lot of info has been added:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/faq-3rd-gen-other-useful-links-68640/


For RX-8s, there are supercharger kits available also. It might not sound as cool as a turbo, the the blower doesn't create as much heat, which should work well with the rotary engine. The porting of the RX-8 should be better suited for use with forced induction; there is less overlap.


-s-

 

Hey.

Who makes the SC for the RX-8 and where can I get info on it?

Thanks,

-nick

 

Damn your currently living the life that I wish I could! Pettitracing.com has a SC for the 8. Also if you want turbo, Greddy makes a nice kit. Search Rx8club.com for more info.

 

Hello-

No... most superchargers make more heat than turbos.

Very little of the heat in a turbo comes from the exhaust gases... the overwhelming majority is from inefficiency (it turns out that 100% efficient pumps don't exist :-). Roots-style superchargers are 50-60% efficient, whereas turbos are around 75-80%. Centrifugal superchargers have a similar efficiency to turbos, but they have boost characteristics that really aren't that good, which is why there are zero OEM applications of them on cars. Twin-screw superchargers are really nice, but also really expensive...

Take care,
Shad

 

I'd say go all the way for the FD. The feeling when the turbos come alive after 3K RPM all the way till red line..the sound of a rotary....never regrett buying the car