Hi All,

I just boght my first rx7. It has 100k on the clock, seems standard bar wheels and had an engine rebuilt approx 20k ago.

Unfortunately its an auto, bought still couldnt turn her down as she seems so origional.

This is my daily car, can people please give me advise to make her more reliable and tips re maintenance etc.

It seems to run approx 2 at idle and 5 at boost is this correct. Runs **** untill warm.

Just to add, i would do a lot of stop start type driving, is a turbo tymer worth buying?

P.S Anyone know of any more comefortable seats?

 

I thought i was the only one dumb enough drive an fd as a daily.

Best advice buy another daily driver. Last year i put 15000km on the fd in 2 months this year first day out of storage i blew a collant seal. make sure you have a back up car.

as far as comfort goes its a sports car its not suposed to be comfortable

 

Welcome to the club.

That's not the end of the world, Banzai (an American Rotary Specialist) makes a harness adapter so you will be able to use one of the more popular uprated ECUs (PFC) while keeping your stock auto features.

There are certain reliability mods which are advisable. I'd suggest you read through the FAQ (https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/faq-3rd-gen-other-useful-links-68640/) and a couple of the threads contained inside of there which pertain to reliability.

That being said, reliability mods basically include:
Boost Gauge (monitoring capabilities ftw!)
Uprated Aluminum Radiator
Uprated AST
Silicone Vacuum hose replacement in the "Rat's Nest"
For LHD American car's replacing the stock pre-cat with a DP is reliability, since yours doesn't come with a pre-cat it doesn't *really* apply to you though

I have no idea what you are referring to with the 2 and 5.

When the engine is cold DO NOT boost (I'd avoid revving over 3k as well), these engines can be very fragile below 70-80 deg Celsius.

A Turbo Timer is a terrible idea for the stock setup. If you have been out playing in the car on a carriageway or something just be mindful the last couple miles/minutes. Just be responsible, take it easy, and don't get on it and you should have no problems with oil coking in the turbo's

Welcome to sports car's my friend ;-) Go easy on the pub food (or maybe start eating more of it, if you're scrawny!! hehe) and the seats will start to fit a bit better.



Have you checked out the two UK specific Rotary websites? www.mazdarotaryclub.com and www.FDUK.org/forum I'd pop in there as well, MRC's got some good info, as does FDUK (and FDUK has a lot of really friendly guys)

 

Cheers lads,

I am going to do all the reliability mods straight away and keep it stock after that! Who would you recommend getting all the mods from and how much will it cost?

Regards

Steve

 

Do some searching.

 

What Fendamonky said, plus:

Install a water temp gauge, and pay attention to it. overheating = engine rebuild in most cases.

Download and read the FSM from the FAQ. Print out a copy, and place it within reach of your favorite toilet seat.

If your not mechanically inclined, locate the nearest rotary specific mechanic, and make friends with him. This step includes hoarding large quantities of money in your mattress to pay him for the inevitable rebuild. 2k should be considered bare minimum, and will only net you a "budget" rebuild in most cases.


Last but not least, every question you have has a 99% chance of being asked and answered at least a dozen times already. When you have a question, your best friend is the search button. Use it before posting.

 

Steve,

I would highly suggest creating accounts on the other two forums I listed in my initial post, they will be your best bet for local sales, referrals, and help.

I'm not sure if there are any Rotary Specialists, or suppliers, in Ireland. The UK has several pretty good shops though, I'm sure shipping from Great Britain to you won't be too much.

Personally I'll be getting rid of my Koyo Radiator, AST, and GReddy SMIC come October (I'm going with a large V-Mount Intercooler at that point). There are always owners on our side of the pond upgrading and selling used (but good condition) parts for MUCH cheaper than you will buy new.

Check FDUK and/or MRC for local(ish) referrals and private party sales.

Cheers,

Levi

 

nope, we're out there


as for the op.

1. stay on top of things is my best advice.
2. check coolant/oil levels often (once every other day, is what i do).
3. focus on reliability mods (hoses, ast, etc..)
4. i seldom boost.
5. forget boost gauge, get a water temp guage first. boost 2nd, imo.
6. check to make sure the car has had its cooling recalls fixed.
7. start saving for rainy days - they will come