Hi,

I've always wanted a bad *** project car to work on, and now that I am buying a house with a garage I'm looking to get a 3rd gen RX-7. I've got some loose cash to burn and would love to buy an old RX-7, buy all the tools/parts, and rebuild the engine myself. (I already have a second car so I'll have plenty of time to get the rebuild done, too!)

I have some questions that I hope you'll help me with.

1) I've changed a few alternators and water pumps, but never rebuilt an engine. However, I'm technically oriented and good at following instructions (especially Haynes manuals). Is the rebuild of a rotary incredibly difficult for a relative newcomer, or are the manuals good enough to get you through? Does anybody have any recommendations for step-by-step rebuild manuals/videos?

2) I don't have any tools yet because I've been living in an apartment for the last four years. What sort of investment am I looking at for the tools/equipment required for a rotary rebuild?

3) I've seen great deals for salvaged RX-7s that don't have an engine and need a lot of work. As a newcomer, should I go for one of these, or buy a "complete" RX-7 that needs work?

4) Does anybody know any good RX-7 mechanics who can help me when I get stuck or need specialist work? I live in the Orlando, FL area. I'd also like to hook up with a local RX-7 club.

5) Any other general advice for selecting the car to purchase or about the rebuild in general will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help!

- max

 

1. Haynes/Chilton doesn't make a manual for the 3rd Gen (FD) RX-7s. You'll have to buy the Mazda Service Manuals (I believe 3 in total, overall, electrical, and something else? I don't own them I've just seen them listed for sale at a couple of places in searching for parts. They are around $150-200 for all 3). I haven't and don't plan on rebuilding my engine but I would be inclined to have a shop with experience do the engine internals and seal that up for you. You can then do the rest of the stuff around it which will keep you plenty busy (browse around and look at the hose diagrams ).

2. I've spent about $500 on tools, jack stands, etc to be able to do most of the basic stuff on my car. This doesn't include a press, welder or any advanced tools you'll need to do some more complicated stuff on the car.

3. One problem with buying a salvage car (even if the frame is straight) is the limited availabilty of aftermarket replacement parts for many of the OE stuff so you end up spending a fortune on little stuff (like interior pieces as example). If you can find a car that just has a blown motor that may be a good purchase but plan on spending $5k to get the engine going.

4. Sorry, I live in CA.

5. Buy a stockish (hard to find a totally stock one) car in good running condition, read the stickys here about what to look for when buying (engine compression, etc). Drive the car for a while so you can figure out what you want to do with the engine when you do rebuild it (porting, etc).

 

Thanks for the tips!

I saw the service manuals mentioned on other RX-7 web sites, but made the assumption that these are for experienced mechanics and may not break it down enough for a novice.

How do the Mazda service manuals compare to a Haynes/Chilton manual? Are they easy to follow? Do they have pictures? Do they show you useful techniques the same way that the Haynes manuals do?

- max

 

I have the main one it was $120. No pictures just drawings but they are detailed and accurate. This manual is more inclusive than the Haynes/Chilton (I have both Mazda and H/C for 2nd gen) but it does not offer shortcuts and tips. If you are fairly skilled like you said it will be useful to you in most stuff. Have a pro do the engine or buy a reman. It is simple but if you mess up clearances or small things you will have to remove it and take it apart again if you don't blow the whole thing. The vacuum lines are a bitch. Good luck.