I want to buy a used RX-7 (FD3S). What things should I look out for?
 

I want to buy a used RX-7 (FD3S). What things should I look out for?

I do not know much about cars and don't want to risk buying a second hand car which has been worn out and needs a lot of repair.

I live in Vancouver B.C., Canada and I heard there aren't much people that knows how to fix rotary engines.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Buy the cleanest, nicest, lowest mileage, latest model year car you can find. If you spend $20k+ on a nearly new one, you will have FAR less trouble than if you buy a typical one (which may be $5-10k less but is in need of a lot of repairs, and repairs are expensive on this car).

It pays to buy a nice one. I bought a 30k mile 94 model four years ago, I've done all the typical bolt on mods (appx 350 rwhp) and normal maintenance. The only failure I've had is a friend broke the tranny. I've driven a few drivers schools, autocrosses, drag races, and I drive the piss out of it on the street. It is still going strong.

Wade

Thanks for your help Wade.

By the way, what common problems do most RX-7's (FD3S) run into?

And if I were to modify a stock RX-7 or other japanese cars, what parts/components should I modify first? I really want to know more about car modification, but I do not know where to learn more about them. Any suggestions on where or how to learn more about car modification ? (performance, maintenance, repairs.. etc.)

I think each car is unique in what mods are most important for that car.

Personally, I think the most important reliability modifications for an FD are (in order).

1. boost gauge
2. downpipe
3. hose job
4. efini y-pipe
5. silicone intercooler hoses
6. radiator (depending on your climate)

Maintenance is REALLY important. Particularly oil changes, fuel filters, and coolant flushes.

There are lots of performance mods. Be smart and careful before parting with your money.

Thanks for replying johnchabin.

I would like to know, approximately how much does a new rotary engine cost? would it be cheaper if I rebuild it or if I just replace a new one?

Also, are there different kinds of rotary engines?

it cost about 2-4k for a rebuild

Um, "typical" bolt ons shouldnt yield that much wheel power. If you are looking for an FD that will last for over 100k miles you should consider keeping most your mods in the reliability category. When you do find a car that looks like it could be the one make sure you take it to a shop that can run a comp test on a rotary engine. (I know a guy who was able to borrow the tester from the Mazda dealer in my area) and if compression is good look for tale-tell signs of O-ring failure, (this is another thing that will cause an engine pull, which equals $ in labor)

Check out Rob Robinettes site about this car and read ALOT, that is the best way to be safe. The link for his site is in the Rx7 Links section of the home page under resources or something.

And remember that an FD is a very high maintenence car, if you take care of it meticulously you wont have any problems.

Good Luck
Catlin

here is a nice guide for buying a used rx7:

http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide3g/bguide3g.html

1FAST7

Personally, I think lack of maintenance and overheating are the biggest problems. All new water hoses, a fan modification, a water temp gauge, and keeping a good thermostat and coolant in the engine are all good ideas.

Most of the rest of the stuff is just routine maintenance that you should do for any 10 year old car if you want it to last. The boost hoses can also be problematic, but they are usually more of a nuisance than anything else, and a few minor upgrades usually make them trouble free.

A lot of things are wearing out on cars this old, particularly THIS car, and when a person doesn't keep up on it the entire car ends up seeming like a piece of junk. Just keeping one of these cars in tip top shape requires quite a bit of work and money.

Wade