Hi everyone,

I just saw this website as I was trying to learn more about the RX-7 Twin Turbos. I am currently debating buying a 93 RX-7 TT or a 93 300ZX TT. There is a 93 RX-7 with the Touring package down in San Diego that I'm interested in but would like to know more about the car itself. I am going to drive down from here in Newport Beach to San Diego to check out the car and I was hoping you would be able to give me a few tips on what to check out while I'm inspecting the car. For instance, I know there are several important TSB's and recalls on the RX-7. Is there a way to do a visual inspection to see if these were performed? (ie. brake booster, coolant lines, fuel lines, EGR). What other things should I inspect of find out?

So far I know that this car has 94k miles on it, the body and interior are excellent condition, it has had a recent tune-up, and is selling for $13,995. The only problem with it is that the driver side door handle came off, which is supposedly common.

I had an 82 RX-7 GSL in the past which I sold and now I currently own a lightly modified 86 300ZX Turbo. But now I want to get back into the rotary scene, and the 3rd Gen 7's have got my attention. I just need to know more about them to get an idea of what I would be getting into.


Thanks in advance for any help. It is greatly appreciated!

=Ricky=

P.S. I have attached a picture of the car I'll be checking out tomorrow.

 

Check out this website:

http://7sins.rx7life.com/

It tells you alot about buying and possible problems with a RX7. Enjoy and good luck!

 

Bring a boost gauge and check the boost pattern. Is it the original engine? Automatic or 5-speed?

 

Thanks for the quick response! The car is a 5 speed with the original engine. I have attached a picture of the engine.

Where do you get the boost gauge for testing, and where is an easy spot to connect it to?

Thanks again!

=R=

 

Its going to be tough to test the boost pattern if a boost gauge isn't already hooked up, but there are a few plugged nipples on the upper intake manifold (silver thing with 4 ribs, attached to the throttle body) that you could use to connect it to. The problem is you'd have to somehow route it into the cockpit, I suppose if you have a really long vacuum line, you could just string it through the back of the hood and in through the window . The bigger thing is test the compression at the local Mazda dealer or rotary shop. If the compession is good, then the engine is good, I've never heard of a bad engine with good compression. The car looks very clean on the outside, and the engine bay is fairly clean too except the plastic parts show some age, and it is a high mileage engine. The average life of the 3rd gen engine is only 100k miles or less, so with higher mileage the engine may be wearing thin. Also check for leaks and fluid loss of any kind, and check to see if it smokes when you start it for prolonged periods (you may get a puff of blue oil smoke if the car has been sitting, but almost all cars do this). You'll read a lot about the boost pattern, but as long as the turbos are ok (if they're not then they'll either leak, smoke, or blow oil into the intake), if the boost pattern isn't good, it can be fixed by a good 3rd gen mechanic.

 

check out http://www.robrobinette.com/buyaused.htm

there is a little rx7 buyers guide there

 

Just tape the gauge to the front windshield to see it. Compression is very important, I can't believe I forgot to tell you. Way to go Nathan. Make sure you run it good and hard, don't race it but also don't baby it on the test drive. If it can't take 5 minutes of hard driving then it definately won't last very much longer. Check the oil when you go down there to see if it looks healthy.

 

Hmmmm. Only get the RX-7 if you are certain you want it and nothing else.

If you are stuck between two different cars. Get the other car.

 

I don't think this is true. Don't you still get good compression readings when the coolant seals go bad? If the coolant seals go, you still need a new engine, regardless of the condition of the apex seals.


Royalfox7: Also, take a good look at the body and paint to look for accident damage, as well as the interior. A GOOD paint job costs as much as replacing the engine or turbos.

Buyer's Guide: http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide3g/bguide3g.html

 

thats a lot of miles for a fd if thats the original engine, in anycase you gotta choose between relibility but boring (300zx) or out of this world excitment but tons of down time and lots of money (RX-7)

 

Well said.

 

Does the car have a new engine? If not, then the price is too high.

 

read through the thread before you respond