I just bought an '87 RX7 from an auction for $115!!!!

123,xxx miles on it, decent condition tires, white, all glass looks good on it, dent on passenger side, looks like the door was opened too far (no big deal, will fix it), driver side seat is coming apart( but not unusable) I'm going back tomorrow to get it (has a dead battery ATM)

I'm a noob when it comes to fix'n cars, but I know I can do it.(I got logic/Patience on my side and a dad to help, lol)

neither me or my dad know much about rotary engines so I'm sure this site will be helpful.

this car has a non-op on it but I think I was told it was because the guy had too many cars and didn't want to have to pay insurance on a car he wasn't driving.
If I read right the non-op was a year ago, and I don't know if it was driven since.(but they had to get it to the auction somehow)

what should I look for when I go to get it tomorrow?(mainly running wise)

I'll get a pic tomorrow if anyone is interested.

 

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I'm looking to get an 87 turbo II, just need to find one for cheap. I'm jealous of the deal you got on that, damn.

 

well, I got it today. spent all afternoon cleaning. runs good, from what I can tell. all lights work, all doors work including sunroof. But there is a problem how ever, It overheated on the way home....I'm not 100% sure whats wrong, but my dad thinks it either the thermostat or the water pump. I'm not convinced its the pump, while at the place where the auction was after running it for a min or 2 my uncle had the smart idea to try and take the radiator cap off (coolant cap at the top of the engine) about 4-8oz. of fluid came out before he could close it, so I think the water pump was working but the thermostat just wasn't opening. We refilled the overflow with water and headed home. about 3/4 the way home my dad (who drove it home) pulled over then steam came out from the hood.....scared me...well we let it cool off and filled the engine with water then fished the way home.

my dad wants to take the thermostat out then drive it and see if it tries to over heat again. Good idea? bad idea? does it sound like the thermostat is the problem?

P.S. sorry about the night time pics it got a little late by the time I was done cleaning. will get one in the sun tomorrow.

EDIT: By the way for some reason after I lock the door then shut the door, it unlocks it self! whats up with that?

 

Looks pretty good, the overheating could also be the fan not operating properly. Or did you check that already. I don't think it's terrible to drive without the t-stat for testing, but I would not drive around like that by any means. I'm not really sure though.

 

fan works, the poof of dust I got hit with said that much, lol. but ya it spins and puts out some good air.(I can feel it pretty good standing next to the car by the door with the hood open.)

 

wow where are these auctions at thats an awesome buy trust me u will have your ups and downs now that u are a rotary owner but thats half the fun besides u said u have patience thats important for this car but overall seems to be in good shape hopefully u get the overheating problem sorted out im not sure about driving with out the t-stat just do some research

 

it's my uncles Auction, he does mostly antques but this was an estate sale at a auto repair shop. a full sizes paint both(a nice one) sold for $500!!! there was a 92 or 93 Honda Prelude that just had some transmission work done that went down to $400, I was just about to bid, but they passed it.(didn't sale) I fill kind of bad for the owner.



here are some day time pics..

 

same model as i had mine was turbo thou thought it was an unreal car

only problems i had was with a few electrics in the dash and 2nd gear syncro

gank0

 

wasn't the thermostat...it didn't have one!! lol
flushed the system, looks clean and nothing blocked.

buying a water pump tomorrow, it's the only thing left my dad or I can think of...

 

Gratz on the buy Prozium and welcome to the forum! Where in nor-cal are you from? I'd like to get in on these auctions



~Shar

 

nice find man!

 

thanks

its my uncles auction, do a Google search for ogren's Auction. theirs online live bidding and preview and what not. its in Lodi, CA (about 30ish miles south of Sac.)

 

Touch down...good luck with your rx7!

 

Just make sure the idle is semi smooth. And When you get it do a 100,000mile service on it. Change all the fluids and inspect the belts and hoses. Listen for any Vacuum hoses. The old school way of checking for vacuum leaks was to spray brake cleaner on the vacuum lines and listen for the idle to change. If it does there theres a leak where you just sprayed. But like i said thats the old school way.

 

very nice, just find a new fender and get 5 lug conv.

 

Nice find, i have an 87 TII FC, watch out for the electronics, mainly the wiper switch is probly bad. Also, i have the same problem with the locking the door from the inside, then after closing it, it unlocks. I just bought an alarm with power locks so i dont have that problem anymore. Does it have AC?

 

technically, yes it has an AC unit, but IDK if it works yet. (fans blow)

did yours have power locks before, did the alarm have them with it, or did you have to wirer in some power locks then put the alarm in? mine are non-power locks ATM.

 

Hello there Prozium!


And Equilibrium is a great movie.

 

No one has seemed to ask this yet but did it come with the fan shroud ?? that makes a good differance on cooling.

 

yes it has the fan shroud.

that it is.

 

wow you got that car for cheap good find!!!

 

not bad

 

thats a nice car man congrats on the find!