FD sitting for 5 years advice needed
12-23-15, 01:09 PM
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FD sitting for 5 years advice needed
im new to rotary world, I need some advice.
I'm looking at an fd 1993 that a coworker is selling to me. The Car Been sitting for the past 5 years . The car is sun bake everything stock interior looks great he had a rebuilt before he park it 20k miles on the rebuilt .. He Doesn't have the time to use it anymore reason why he park it etc .. I look at the car the coolent looks great still and the oil dark and smells like gas, the whole time it been sitting there hardly any oil stains under the car .. I was wondering if the motor will be any good once freshing up with fuel and new oils do lubuing the rotor . I'm just nerves that the seals are bad from siting so long
Also what would you pay for the car . I don't want to over pay
I'm looking at an fd 1993 that a coworker is selling to me. The Car Been sitting for the past 5 years . The car is sun bake everything stock interior looks great he had a rebuilt before he park it 20k miles on the rebuilt .. He Doesn't have the time to use it anymore reason why he park it etc .. I look at the car the coolent looks great still and the oil dark and smells like gas, the whole time it been sitting there hardly any oil stains under the car .. I was wondering if the motor will be any good once freshing up with fuel and new oils do lubuing the rotor . I'm just nerves that the seals are bad from siting so long
Also what would you pay for the car . I don't want to over pay
12-23-15, 01:40 PM
#2
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Plan on replacing ALL fluids, doing a brake job, new tires, a new battery, and possibly a fuel pump/ fuel system work. The engine could have stuck seals so I wouldn't recommend throwing a battery in and cranking it, pull the spark plugs, funnel some MMO in with a tube, reinstall the spark plugs and then try to turn it over by hand. If you can make several revolutions by hand, you can try draining the fuel tank, and then cranking with some fresh gas.
I would also recommend checking out the FAQ in the 3rd gen section, there is a TON of useful information as well as links to buying guides.
As far as what to pay- It depends on condition, trim, color combo, etc. You have not given enough info. The best advice is try to get it for the lowest price possible because you have a lot of money in maintenance ahead of you.
I would also recommend checking out the FAQ in the 3rd gen section, there is a TON of useful information as well as links to buying guides.
As far as what to pay- It depends on condition, trim, color combo, etc. You have not given enough info. The best advice is try to get it for the lowest price possible because you have a lot of money in maintenance ahead of you.
12-23-15, 01:58 PM
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Plan on replacing ALL fluids, doing a brake job, new tires, a new battery, and possibly a fuel pump/ fuel system work. The engine could have stuck seals so I wouldn't recommend throwing a battery in and cranking it, pull the spark plugs, funnel some MMO in with a tube, reinstall the spark plugs and then try to turn it over by hand. If you can make several revolutions by hand, you can try draining the fuel tank, and then cranking with some fresh gas.
I would also recommend checking out the FAQ in the 3rd gen section, there is a TON of useful information as well as links to buying guides.
As far as what to pay- It depends on condition, trim, color combo, etc. You have not given enough info. The best advice is try to get it for the lowest price possible because you have a lot of money in maintenance ahead of you.
I would also recommend checking out the FAQ in the 3rd gen section, there is a TON of useful information as well as links to buying guides.
As far as what to pay- It depends on condition, trim, color combo, etc. You have not given enough info. The best advice is try to get it for the lowest price possible because you have a lot of money in maintenance ahead of you.
Thanks I would look into the FAQ
It's clean title color is silver it's faded with black interior which still looks great and sunroof only aftermarket turbo timer and exhaust the Body has no dings everything straight he wants 5k no less
I feel it's kinda it's a gamble with the motor and all the maintenance
12-24-15, 06:01 AM
#7
5k for a clean car with no drivetrain is an absolute steal. If you can get the thing running and replace the tires/brakes and fluids you could sell it for twice that or more.
Anyone with $5k in their pocket should have bought that car on sight if it's as complete as you say.
Anyone with $5k in their pocket should have bought that car on sight if it's as complete as you say.
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12-24-15, 06:57 AM
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Your lucky that nobody wants to ask you where this car is because it is a Damn BARGAIN at 5k!
Luck RAN OUT!...where is it???..MWUHAHAHAHA!
Luck RAN OUT!...where is it???..MWUHAHAHAHA!
12-24-15, 09:27 AM
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5k for a clean car with no drivetrain is an absolute steal. If you can get the thing running and replace the tires/brakes and fluids you could sell it for twice that or more.
Anyone with $5k in their pocket should have bought that car on sight if it's as complete as you say.
Anyone with $5k in their pocket should have bought that car on sight if it's as complete as you say.
12-24-15, 09:29 AM
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It's at . . . . .
12-24-15, 06:17 PM
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12-24-15, 06:18 PM
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12-24-15, 09:25 PM
#16
But this car competes with cars today that are $80-100k cars. If you don't have the $$ to put another $5k into it then pass it on to someone who can. Because the car is likely worth way more, if for nothing else than just parts. It's ok, not everyone has disposable income to throw at sports cars.
12-24-15, 09:54 PM
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You may be better of handling things you know more about. If this car scares you at $5k if something is wrong with it then you are probably over your head. Every car this old has a list of things it needs.
But this car competes with cars today that are $80-100k cars. If you don't have the $$ to put another $5k into it then pass it on to someone who can. Because the car is likely worth way more, if for nothing else than just parts. It's ok, not everyone has disposable income to throw at sports cars.
But this car competes with cars today that are $80-100k cars. If you don't have the $$ to put another $5k into it then pass it on to someone who can. Because the car is likely worth way more, if for nothing else than just parts. It's ok, not everyone has disposable income to throw at sports cars.
I'm sorry I didn't know a car soo "worthy" I can't own without my disposable income .
12-31-15, 01:32 AM
#18
You'll find that odd or quirky cars tend to bring out that sort of owner. Some people here come off as very elitist or otherwise as jerks. However, most are in some way protective of the remaining examples. Your response to $5k being a steal on the one hand could imply something of your finances and as many of the older generations are frequently bought by people who cannot afford to maintain them the knee jerk reaction is to advise people against purchasing these sorts of cars. However, your reaction could simply be from the thought that what is essentially a paper weight at this point is worth so much; or even something else.
We do not necessarily know what your financial situation is, however, as mentioned by others, it would not be surprising for you to have to spend in the neighborhood of ~$5k to get the car running reliably and back on the road. If it needs a new engine, extensive rebuild, and/or other expensive items that could double to ~$10k. The reality is that it could be a very good deal for you, or you could come out of this after some time putting in about how much a decent running/driving example would have cost in the first place.
Regardless, good luck.
We do not necessarily know what your financial situation is, however, as mentioned by others, it would not be surprising for you to have to spend in the neighborhood of ~$5k to get the car running reliably and back on the road. If it needs a new engine, extensive rebuild, and/or other expensive items that could double to ~$10k. The reality is that it could be a very good deal for you, or you could come out of this after some time putting in about how much a decent running/driving example would have cost in the first place.
Regardless, good luck.
12-31-15, 12:56 PM
#19
Teddy, it is natural to be hesitant to purchase a machine you don't understand yet, however, if you have patience and time, you will have a lot of fun working on this car. The knowledge on this forum is a blessing for all rx7 owners. You can literally find answers to all of the issues you experience because chances are someone else has experienced it as well and documented it on the forum.
With this said, be ready to spend some money on this car, even if the engine is fine. You will not want to cut any corners and go with the cheap fix because an FD will not forgive you if you take the easy shortcut or cheap fix.
List of items that you will need to do asap even if the engine is good.
- Change ALL fluids. I mean all (easily $100-150 in fluids)
- Change spark plugs ($35)
- Clean injectors ($140-150 to get all of them cleaned and shipped to you)
- Do a Silicone Vacuum Job (Hoses cost around $70. $400 if you want a shop to do it)
- Downpipe (if it doesn't have one already) ($150-200 for a good used one)
- Aluminum AST ($100)
- Better radiator (Koyo is used by a lot of owners but there are other good ones out there. $270-$300 shipped at most places)
- New Tires ($600 for good ones. You never want to go cheap on tires)
- Suspension might be out since it has been parked for 5 years. (new struts around $500. New springs around $200. You can probably pick up a good used set of coilovers for $800 on the forum)
- Check brakes and rotors. (If needed to change that will cost you around $200-250 min. for rotors and brake pads)
- Check suspension bushings.
- Big thing to check. Wiring. I am not sure where it is stored but if you see any nibble marks on the wires then rats have probably messed with the wiring.
I'm pretty sure I am missing a few other things that will need to be done.
The biggest thing that people don't consider is the space where you will do the work. If you don't have a garage or a driveway this process becomes very frustrating. For example, some apartment complexes don't allow you to work on your cars in your parking space. It is a small thing but it makes a big difference.
Remember, if you do purchase the car, the key is not to get frustrated and do a lot of research with you take on a task.
With this said, be ready to spend some money on this car, even if the engine is fine. You will not want to cut any corners and go with the cheap fix because an FD will not forgive you if you take the easy shortcut or cheap fix.
List of items that you will need to do asap even if the engine is good.
- Change ALL fluids. I mean all (easily $100-150 in fluids)
- Change spark plugs ($35)
- Clean injectors ($140-150 to get all of them cleaned and shipped to you)
- Do a Silicone Vacuum Job (Hoses cost around $70. $400 if you want a shop to do it)
- Downpipe (if it doesn't have one already) ($150-200 for a good used one)
- Aluminum AST ($100)
- Better radiator (Koyo is used by a lot of owners but there are other good ones out there. $270-$300 shipped at most places)
- New Tires ($600 for good ones. You never want to go cheap on tires)
- Suspension might be out since it has been parked for 5 years. (new struts around $500. New springs around $200. You can probably pick up a good used set of coilovers for $800 on the forum)
- Check brakes and rotors. (If needed to change that will cost you around $200-250 min. for rotors and brake pads)
- Check suspension bushings.
- Big thing to check. Wiring. I am not sure where it is stored but if you see any nibble marks on the wires then rats have probably messed with the wiring.
I'm pretty sure I am missing a few other things that will need to be done.
The biggest thing that people don't consider is the space where you will do the work. If you don't have a garage or a driveway this process becomes very frustrating. For example, some apartment complexes don't allow you to work on your cars in your parking space. It is a small thing but it makes a big difference.
Remember, if you do purchase the car, the key is not to get frustrated and do a lot of research with you take on a task.
02-18-16, 05:16 PM
#21
Congrats on the purchase.
There was nothing elitist about my comments. You wanted advice and you got some good advice and the reality of what you were up against. It's a question of finances for a project such as this.
Sure we all had to start where you are to gain the knowledge to work on these cars ourselves. Learning isn't the only obstacle. It's going to cost money and predictably a lot of it. That's the reality. Good luck with the project. This site is a great resource. Don't take people's blunt opinions or suggestions personally. With some thicker skin you will do fine.
You can find the factory service manual in PDF for free. Just do a Google search. This should help you trouble shoot any issues as they come up and help you reference what you are looking at. There are also wiring diagrams in PDF also. Be sure you are looking at the manuals for US Spec cars.
There are decades worth of knowledge on here and a search will bring up plenty to read. Be patient and use the search function and take the time to read the forum. The 3rd Gen section is a good place to be.
There was nothing elitist about my comments. You wanted advice and you got some good advice and the reality of what you were up against. It's a question of finances for a project such as this.
Sure we all had to start where you are to gain the knowledge to work on these cars ourselves. Learning isn't the only obstacle. It's going to cost money and predictably a lot of it. That's the reality. Good luck with the project. This site is a great resource. Don't take people's blunt opinions or suggestions personally. With some thicker skin you will do fine.
You can find the factory service manual in PDF for free. Just do a Google search. This should help you trouble shoot any issues as they come up and help you reference what you are looking at. There are also wiring diagrams in PDF also. Be sure you are looking at the manuals for US Spec cars.
There are decades worth of knowledge on here and a search will bring up plenty to read. Be patient and use the search function and take the time to read the forum. The 3rd Gen section is a good place to be.
02-19-16, 07:28 AM
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..so..What are ya sellin it for now...(hahhahahaa!)
the Guys were just trying to warn ya that you can get a bargain or get a "pig in a poke".
Most of us seasoned veterans just expect the car to have faults and are prepared to deal with them.
They were not trying to steer you clear of the car,just let you know that sometimes it may look and sound good but these cars have a tendency to turn into money pits real fast...even from the start.
If you are inexperienced and do not know that fact then you can be turned off of the whole "rotary thing" real quick!
I know the deal dropped into your lap quickly but having a bit of knowledge on what to look for would have been real nice,Before the deal arose.
Time was working against you and put pressure on you to get it which can really backfire if the car turns out to be a lemon.
As the sexy Judge on "People's Court" says : the cheap turns out expensive.. (she says it in Spanish and it sounds so "Hubbah-Hubbah"..lol.!)
the Guys were just trying to warn ya that you can get a bargain or get a "pig in a poke".
Most of us seasoned veterans just expect the car to have faults and are prepared to deal with them.
They were not trying to steer you clear of the car,just let you know that sometimes it may look and sound good but these cars have a tendency to turn into money pits real fast...even from the start.
If you are inexperienced and do not know that fact then you can be turned off of the whole "rotary thing" real quick!
I know the deal dropped into your lap quickly but having a bit of knowledge on what to look for would have been real nice,Before the deal arose.
Time was working against you and put pressure on you to get it which can really backfire if the car turns out to be a lemon.
As the sexy Judge on "People's Court" says : the cheap turns out expensive.. (she says it in Spanish and it sounds so "Hubbah-Hubbah"..lol.!)
02-23-16, 04:31 PM
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I really don't mind on how much it's going end up costing because it's a hobby . Can't put a price on that <br/><br/>Did full serves plugs wires belts etc . I Lube up the rotor and spin it for 2 days to lube up seals .. Start up video this Saturday
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