Hi, I'm in the market for an FD because I've always wanted to own one. I want to buy a high-mileage FD and just have a shop rebuild the engine to make it as good as new. I was wondering if you guys can tell me how much money I should have extra after I buy my car to get the car running like as if it were brand new. I won't really be doing much mods to it except suspension and some body work. The reason I want to have the engine rebuilt is because this will be my daily driver and I will need it to be as reliable as if it were brand new. Thanks! Oh, and another thing is that I live in So Cal and if anyone can recommend any places here that can rebuild my engine would be really appreciated.

 

If you know it's going to take some work to get it reliable, I wouldn't suggest it as your daily driver. On the top of the FD section there is a post with helpful places to start when purchasing an FD.

 

For a GOOD rebuild w/ all relaibility mods budget $3-6k for the engine and add another $2-4k for Transmission, Rearend & Suspension (add 2-4k for labor if you can't do a lot of the R&R work yourself) and you can have a very reliable car. the main key to relaiability is limit yourself to around 12psi boost and 250-300rwhp, above that the 13b gets very fragile & sensitive to tuning and fuel quality.

I daily drove mine for 50k+ miles in less than 3 years and the only reason I don't any more is $1.89/gal & 16mpg vs $1.69/gal & 19mpg for my Dakota

 

A new engine does not necessarily mean you will have no problems especially if it's a "high milage" FD. A higher milage car with original turbos, suspension, interior, paint, etc... might still give you a lot of problems if it was not taken care of perfectly. You might want to consider getting a lower milage FD with a strong engine (get a compression test). I daily drive mine @ 58k on original turbos and engine with no problems.

 

yup believe it or not the turbos cost cost more than a remanufactured engine.

Check the Rx-7 store for prices

http://www.rx7store.net/?source=rx7club.com

 

If you buy a decent car cheap that is not beat to **** (like I did) you should consider the following:

- rebuilt motor: minimum $2k, but figure $2,600 as per pineapple http://www.pineappleracing.com/PricelistSvcs.html
- $1k for labor to remove and reinstall (R&R) the motor
- $400 for a new clutch while the motor is out. You can choose to do a lightweight flywheel if you want for another $500
So, the minimum to budget for a car that needs an engine is: $4,000.

Some other stuff you should consider for a more reliable 7:
- Downpipe: Get one used for about $150 on this forum.
- Consider a bigger radiator. New from rx7store.net is minimum $375 for the Koyo
- K&N drop in filter $20-60 depending on if you find one used.
- If you need turbos, you can get by with a BNR stock rebuild for ~$800. Or you can also find them used here for about $200-400.

Read the stickies on the top of the forum for more in depth info. There is LOTS of good info.