Hi,

I'm looking at buying an RX7 and have seen a '93 model. Seems to be in good condition, and the owner has had compression tests done with the following results (in kg/cm3):


Front Rotor 8.4/8.4/8.5
Rear Rotor 7.6/7.5/7.7

Standard ratio
Compression 7.0kg/cm3
Difference of 3 rooms 1.5kg/cm3
Rotor /Difference 1.0kg/cm3

They look ok to me, but the car has 57k on the clock with no engine rebuild. Do you think it's safe to buy this car, or should I steer clear?

Thanks!

 

first of all, know what ur getting into. an rx7 isn't like a honda civic or a toyota camry.

its an rx7. u get alot of attention, and stares, and thumbs ups.

but u also get alot ofo headaches regarding repairs and maintence.

i'd say learn what u have to with the car, and get a price quote too. don't get overcharged, and don't expect to lowball, coz its a ******* Awsome car.

just at least get some info about the car, be4 u just hop blindly in.

i've had my fd3 for 3months, and im loving every minute of it, but i've also pumped in over 1k in repairs that u won't usually notice. its an expensive car to upkeep and maintain, but its also the
BOMB!

 

Those are not uncommon numbers for an original engine. Even with the mileage, the original engines saw much abuse from owners that didn't understand how to properly take care of them.

The rear rotor is low. 8.5 is good to go but anywhere in the 7's not good.

What mods does the car have? Reliability mods are very important. Downpipe, Air Seperation Tank, and silicone lines are some of the first things that need done.

I would let the owner know that the rear rotor is low, and the price should be adjusted accourdingly.

 

The only mod done to the car is the exhaust. Nothing else. Sounds like I need to keep hunting for something better. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!

 

Talk him down. That is one thing about FD's. You can get engine's for $3-5k. You can buy them from Mazda, or from builders that can build you a modified setup.

However, low mileage and good condition chassis's is something a little harder to find. The money you would save to take a "reliable" FD and make it to the condition of a low mileage, well cared for FD, can cost the same or more.

He may argue that the engine still pulls well. Which I'm sure it may, but numbers don't lie and he needs to be honest with himself and the seller about the future of the engine.....and adjust the price accordingly.

The most he can say is he won't lower the price.

Also, FD's are not honda civic's......my FB will go toe to toe with any civic for reliability...
Just thought I should clarify that FD's arn't the only generation Rx7........though it may be your first.

Good luck