I am thinking about purchasing an RX-7 with the following setup.

T04S 60-1 v band .70cold/1.06hot
HKS Cast Manifold
1600cc secondaries, stock primaries
mallory FPR
greddy elbow
Block off plates installed
Tial 44mm wastegate v band wastegate
Apex'i FMIC
Fluidyne Aluminum Radiator
Greddy Type-R BOV
Cooling Mist water injection
Apexi PFC with commander
Greddy Profec B boost controller
3 inch v band downpipe
Mindtrain off road midpipe
Apex'i N1 catback

The car has lower miles and appears to have been maintained properly. Besides the obvious pre purchase inspection items you should look at with all cars, could someone speak to the reliability of this setup? Are the cars alright for a daily driver? I don't plan to beat on the car. What kind of longevity can I expect? I am also looking at older Porsche 911's. The reputation for the dependability has been proven over and over. Im not expecting the cars to be compared apples to apples, just trying to get a feel for how different it would be....fully realizing I would be purchasing a fairly heavily modified vehicle. Thanks a lot, Cory

 

Read the FAQ for standard purchase advice.

However, if you want a daily driver and reliability, I would buy a Porsche. This car is already fickle in stock form, let alone throwing a big single turbo on it.

Older 911s seem to be increasing in value by the month and, despite many years of predictions, RX-7s have not suddenly become collectible so are a less solid financial bet (though, they are not really losing value either).

 

The car you are looking at seems similar to my setup - www.3rdgenrx7.com

With the addition of water injection which will increase reliability. The 3rdgen is needy in general and now they are all getting pretty old so if you are looking for something that doesn't require attention don't get one.

However I think the single conversion can increase reliability. The car can be simplified so much once you go through a conversion and as long and you don't get greedy with the boost it can be very reliable while still being extremely quick.

One tactic may be to get the car and plan on doing some additional reliability mods like:

1) the general ones listed on the forum
2) make sure wastegate hose is a well insulated strong line that is attached by threaded fittings on both ends
3) if the water injection system doesnt already have a boost controller cutoff when water is out - add one.
4) get some gauges. something like defi that can do differential of boost vs fuel pressure. maybe add a wideband - I watch mine alot.


Please keep in mind this information comes from someone who has 2500+ hours of labor in their car and has done 2 engine rebuilds so I may not have the best perspective of whats reliable.

If you have more questions feel free to send me your phone number in a pm and I would be glad to call you and answer them.

 

Thanks for the responses. How many of you rely on your RX-7 for daily transportation?

 

Also, having never owned a Rotary engine, is it any more tricky to work on?

 

I strongly recommend against counting on an FD as a daily driver. Don't buy it if it is going to be your only vehicle. It is not only impractical for many of life's ordinary tasks, but they tend to be a bit finicky and if you need to depend on it to get to work you could be in trouble.

Also, depending on where in TN you live, you don't want to EVER drive the FD in snow. I've done it twice, and it ain't fun.

As a second car, the FD is a lot of fun. If it is your only car, the FD can be a royal PITA.

I'm not a mechanic so I'm generally confused. However, my impression is that any skills you have with pistons will transfer fine with a bit of time spent reading.