onefasteclipse

I have been looking into a 3rd Gen RX7 for a new project. I have previous experience with turbo cars (I currently have a 10sec GSX) so I know the fundamentals on a "normal" turbocharged engine. The rotary is not "normal" I have read a bit about the RX7's and their dependability. I understand they have a very bad heat issue and fuel supply probs. Now, obviously these can be dealt with, with a few extra parts but how is the over all durability of the car? I keep hearing many horror stories of people needing to replace the rotary after very few miles. Is this because of error on there part, or do the motors just have issues to begin with? I would like to have a solid car to work with that is different from everyone else and the RX7 almost sounds like the prime canidate. I just want to be sure I am not buying myself into a nightmare before I take the next step. What are your thoughts on the strength of the Rotary motors in the 3rd Gen RX7's?

diablone

iTrader: (2)

Please search. This quesiton comes up nearly every 4 hours. You'll find more information than you can even think of asking at this point, and probably change your opinion on purchasing an RX-7.

RXASSASIN7

you do the safety upgrades and they are strong! radiator, power fc, downpipe, hose the vaccuum lines, alumnum AST, you'll be good to go!

TT_Rex_7

If you really have a 10 sec. gsx and have experiance with turbocharged vehicles then you should know any highly modified car will start to have reliablilty issues, some just more then others...please search, there are plenty of threads on this topic!

-Alex

onefasteclipse

Of course reliability issues come with the territory of fast cars. It's reliability issues with nearly stock cars that worry me. I can trust the GSX that with proper fuel and tuning and setup motor, I am good to go. I don't have to worry about finding a speicial mechanic who happens to know rotary engines so he can rebuild it when the apex seals go. I have done my fair share of searching, I know that you need to replace the precat, open up the intake and exhaust for better flow and get some fuel control to adjust your AF, do your basic cooling system mods, extra oil squirter, and turbo timer. I understand this. But after this is all said and done, do I have a strong platform to work with?

TT_Rex_7

I'm not really sure what "stock parts" you think are crap but considering everyone rebuilds their motors with oem they must not be all that bad. IMO the car is reliable stock after the usual reliablility mods. I beleive its a good platform to work off of as long as you know what your doing. This is a never ending debate, people love the car and think its reliable and others say its a POS that always breaks down, but what you need to ask is, why is everyones cars breaking down?! Alot of it has to do with poor tuning, bad builders and what not. A piston engine can blow just as easily as a rotary, it all depends on who you let work on your car, and if they know what they are doing. As far as how long the motor will last stock, I wouldn't expect more then 120,000 miles and thats if the car was maintained VERY well. Many have 120,000 miles and more on their motors, but most tend to go around there.

-Alex

jeffrored92

I think the RX-7 has earned this reputation for poor reliability through unknowledgeable owners who either

a) heavily modify the car without necessary precautions (read: extra fuel to stop the motor popping an apex seal)

b) Don't maintain their cars properly (irregular servicing, general neglect such as not checking oil/water frequently etc)

Sure the car requires extra TLC. But if you buy one in good condition (might be hard to do) and look after it properly (VERY easy to do given the amount of into available) you won't have any more problems that you would with any other 12 year old turbocharged car.

`sl!mXP

the biggest problem is people modding the car without knowing what they are doing and without proper tuning. Turning up the boost to 17psi on a stock motor is an example of a bad idea.

Just try a search and you will find anything you want to know - look for robrobinette or scuderia racings sites they have good FAQs

rotorsownyou7

Agreed, and people send there cars to mechanics who don't know what the hell they are doing. A lot of people have no idea how to work on the rotary engine, so this usually gives the bad rep.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

There's a number of factors at work here. Jeff Hoskinson and I were discussing a few of them last night.

First off, the rotary isn't forgiving for bad tuning. It takes very little detonation to break an apex seal. It's also easy to fall into the trap of "seems to be running OK, I guess it's tuned right". The ECU just isn't forgiving for modification - you end up having to do something to the ECU (either a PowerFC, a chipped ECU, or a Haltech) pretty early in the modification game.

Heat is a big enemy. The stock pre-cat creates a LOT of underhood heat that bakes other components. Add to that an idiot light temp gauge, a radiator that's barely adequate, a cramped engine bay with poor airflow...it just slowly adds up. I think many people run for a LONG time with a minor overheating problem (like a lazy thermostat) and have no idea that the engine is slowly cooking itself to death.

Bad mechanics are also a major problem. Early on in the FD's life, the majority of Mazda dealers simply didn't know how to diagnose and repair problems on the car. Many engines and turbos were replaced due to misdiagnosis of various problems. So, you get a mechanic that's not too familiar with all the systems on the car pulling and reinstalling the engine, and lots of other small things go wrong with the install.

Troubleshooting some things, like the sequential control system, is far beyond the average mechanic. It's not *hard*, but it's not like any other car out there. Not many shops will take the time to test check valves, solenoids, vacuum line routing, and the like.

It's a phenomenal car. There's a different set of rules for maintaining the car than any other car out there. The good thing is the car is so well-loved that there's TONS of documentation out there on nearly every facet and system on the car - if you do have a problem, you're not alone. It's not a cheap car to maintain, and putting things off or going cheap will come back to bite you. It's also not a forgiving car to modify.

But, if you can learn the tricks of the trade and do the work yourself, it's extremely rewarding. I wouldn't have anything else.

Dale

pugg57

i have to add my $.02 (sorry) and add that from the title of this thread i've been wanting to say... "lookin into an FD" you'll see two seats, a steering wheel, a gear shift, and some carpet with a few gauges here and there.

on a serious note, i have no idea where the "reputation" of the FD comes from but i think you guys have some pretty logical points. its a car, its a high performance, fun to drive, unique car and it has all the good points and bad points that go along with it... that's what i believe and that's what i tell people.

alberto_mg

dave and jeff hit it spot on

the Turbo II had similar issues back in the day. turbo rotaries don't forgive poor modding or tuning.

tt2323

1 mistake boom If you looking to buy a drag car i would go with something else

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

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

skip to the beginning of the second post.