Randman

Hey guys, about a month ago I sold my 04 STi and got a gas mileage Si, traveling for work. Well my job has already changed for the better but I think it would be better to keep the Si as the grocery getter that it is, and build up a project car for fun. I've been interested in the 93+ RX7's for years, but have always heard about problems with the apex seal and vacuum lines. Just wondering from the owners themselves if the engine can put up with a bigger turbo and some weekend driving on windy roads and what not. How stable of a platform is the car for a buildup?

cloud9

iTrader: (4)

if you are willing to dish out the money this car will reward you appropriately

and since you have another car I would say go for it, the 7 will eat windy roads alive while putting a smile on your face every time you step on the gas leaving a corner

diablone

iTrader: (2)

You can't just toss in some new seals and slap on a turbo and be done with it.

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...threadid=68640

twinturborx7pete

iTrader: (3)

methinks you need to do some searching.. a 7 is a fine project car, but its nothing like anything you've ever messed with. They can be reliable and fast, but nothings cheap.

Randman

I definately need to do a lot of research before I get into this, but luckily I live in SoCal and performance shops are easy to come by for first hand research, and I have the internet at my fingertips with you guys helping me out on top of that. Cash really isn't an issue because this will more than likely be a longer term project, not just dump all the cash at once.

I'll read through those links all the way and get a little knowledge about the car first off.

You guys wouldn't also happen to know of any places that might have salvaged RX7's (straight frame is a must) I'll definately replace the front end to the new spec, so front end damage alone would be preferred. I saw one on eBay, but it was already upwards of $4k which seems a lot for a salvaged title car.

cruiser

I have same combo. Civic Si for daily commuting and RX7 '93 as my weekend car.
For now, RX7 proved to be very reliable in a year of ownership.

On the other hand, I'd prefer to have an STi AND Rx7

AMRAAM4

$4k is cheap, if the car is not a complete pile of **** you're probably looking at $7k for a salvaged FD. It doesn't take much damage to total an FD because of its age and the cost to fix them. I think it is even possible to take a salvaged FD, part the entire car to a metal frame, and actually make money on it. Never done it, just what I have taken in from some of the guys here that do it.

Randman

When I saw the price at $4k it still had quite a bit of time left for bidding...

Where is a good source for JDM parts?

AMRAAM4

JDM are three letters, why do people have to make that such a big deal. Who the **** else makes MAZDA RX7 PARTS in the USA?? Sorry, pet peeve.

Look at the vendors and buy what you want, chances are it is "JDM"

Also, you sounded as if you thought $4k was a lot for a busted up FD, I was letting you know that if you thought that was a lot, it is generally much higher unless it is a completely worthless car.

turbojeff

iTrader: (30)

Depends on how much $$ you want to spend. For $20K you can have one sweet FD that will hand any STi it's *** in power and handling department. Of course it doesn't have AWD and 4 doors either.

Randman

JDM doesnt refer to aftermarket parts for the car, JDM would be the stock parts avalible for the new spec RX7's. If I get a gen 3, I want the new front bumper and taillights. Aftermarket is a whole nother category.

AMRAAM4

My advice to you would be to hold out and wait for the guy above your post there, turbojeff, to save another FD and purchase one of his. If he doesn't have one around that time aReX-7 has them once in awhile as well.

93silverbullet

iTrader: (7)

I think Jeff still has his last project available. Looks great BTW (I've seen it in person). You should PM him at turbojeff.

Randman

Part of the fun in this project will be doing it myself, not lookin for an already modded car...

AMRAAM4

They aren't modded, they are basic FDs that actually run and aren't beat to **** anymore.

Randman

Ok, I had the wrong impression... I'll definately look into them.

Is it hard to find engines by themselves?

AMRAAM4

right now, yes, waiting list over 100 people last I heard.

Randman

Wow, I was thinking of just trying to find something without the engine and throwing a rebuilt one in, but I guess I wont go that route, lol.