This is more of a restoration then a "build" per say. but i figured it would be a good place to start. anyways, a little back story

the craving started in highschool. I wanted an fc turbo coupe but couldn't afford one at the time. So something cheaper came my way. initially it was a 68 mustang coupe, then a 1990 mustang hatch, then my pride and joy 1992 lx hatch, then an 86 T-TOP mustang hatch.

I noticed my buddies dad inherited a 89 convertible non turbo. over a stogie and a nice home brewed beer, i was asking questions about the car. things like, how do you like it, drivability, stuff of that nature. He said he liked it, but its not practical for him and his family. thats when he said, you know if the price was right he would sale it. thats when he asked me if i wanted to buy it for 5k. I simply said, I have too many cars as it is (90 mustang, 86 mustang and my 03 ranger) and that i couldnt really afford another project (86 mustang is a current restoration) he said ok.

about 3 months later my buddy asked me if i still wanted to buy the car and that he had just dropped 1200 bucks (new belts, new alt, new waterpump, new hoses, new ngk wires and plugs) at the shop. He said that he dropped the price to 2k just to get rid of it. I said, you know its a nice car and im interested, but again too many projects.

Finally 2 weeks ago, my buddies dad came home after two weeks and the thing wouldnt start. He called me up and said, you have until tomorrow afternoon to come pick it up or im donating it. I said, ok im on my way. This is what i ended up with... i figured
a: the paint wasnt too bad,
B: It was complete
C: registration was current
D: everything worked (minus the radio)
e: it was a convertible
F: And of course, its an RX7







This is after a good polishing, removing the front plate and a wash.







After diagnosing the symptoms, i found that the rotor housing water seals are shot and may need a new seal replacement.


First things to be fixed:
1: The motor
2: the seats
3: The convertible top
4: radio
and alas
5: new wheels.

 

Very nice for a free car! That's some luck you have.

I have to ask, though. What's wrong with the wheels that need fixing? And you're not going to "fix" the engine with one of your mustang engines, are you?

 

haha, no mustang motors :look: I was planning on running a 5.3 with zo6 cams. but after driving the car in stock form, i decided against it. plus the price to rebuild as apposed to changing motors was far less then i had expected. So she's staying with rotary. I would like to save up and get a 20b swap, but i doubt that will happen.

The wheels have massive chrome flake issues, plus im not into the whole mesh style wheel. Im more of a simple five spoke fan.

 

Wow thats an amazing car and you can't beat getting it for free.
I would ask you how much you would take for the wheels, but I'm sure shipping would take my life savings from San Diego.
Good luck! Though it seems you have had plenty so far.

 

PM me, maybe we could work something out. ive heard of people sending stuff on grey hound buses for a very reasonable price.

so it seems shipping on grey hound with 2 packages (2 wheels in each package) would cost about 35 bucks each, so about 70 bucks in shipping, to Louisville Kentucky.

 

I would love to do that, but Louisville isn't exactly close to me and painting my car has pretty well drained my account. There is probably plenty of people on here who would love to have them though!

 

So here is an update on the car. The water seals finally gave out on the car completely (drive 5 miles before i have to refill the radiator) and it doesnt idle at all (probably loss of compression)

I have a lead on a 88 rx7 that was totaled, but the engine was good. i could probably get the short block for 350. The problem is, 88-89 had two different spec'd 13b's correct? i dont know if i want to stick with the 89+ engine or go down to a >88 engine. any suggestions?

As far as i know, the rotors in my car are still ok, same with the apex seals (i suspect) I think the worse of my fears might be the water jackets on my old engine. A complete rebuilt (900 bucks) is a little out of budget at this current time considering another 2-400 bucks would buy me a running turbo 2 engine.

 

please put a bunch of oil in the old engine, the rotors and seals are iron, so if you let it sit with water in it it'll all rust together.

IMO i would just rebuild the original engine. although i've done a bunch, so its not new to me

 

yea, ive gathered enough know how on how to rebuild it, i just dont know what would be more cost effective.. as stated before, i dont currently have a grand for a full rebuild.

 

Sounds like whatever you do its still a win win situation since it was free lol I've already put in a grand in my car and that was the new top installed and rebuilt driveshaft.

 

Wow, I thought my $500 FB was a good deal. Well done! The verts are really starting to grow on me

 

free car? daaang..

i want a free FD

 

Nice car