so i got impulsive and bought a 94 w/ 99k (original motor). now i'm paranoid about the car dying after reading all these threads. any advice for a newbie? does the engine just blow up all the sudden or are there warning signs? i'll continue to search the archives but if anybody go some advice to ease my worries much thanks!

 

do a search on reliability mods and some useful hints for a "new rx7 what should i do" owner

 

PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PD if you start to smell gas in your car BAIL OUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT haha but its more common in FcS.

 

how mcuh did you spend?

 

Always have $4k ready in case the motor goes out.

 

Do the following ASAP

replace the fuel filter
change the coolant
change the oil and filter
replace the air filter
replace the plastic AST with an aluminum one
replace coolant hoses if old
check and replace belts if necessary
use the highest octane gas you can get

do the above and you'll reduce your chances of a catastrophic engine failure.
most engines fail either because of detonation or a leak in the coolant seals. taking the steps above will help prevent those problems.

 

too much...oh well...time to get a second job

 

If you get the engine rebuilt avoid a mazda dealer. go to reputable rotary shop for the rebuild. don't make my same mistake... they used the same belts, on the rebuild even!! and mised alot of other things that the rotary shops would have found.