I've known for a long time about interesting engines including the rotary but in May 2024 I learned about a car that actually used one. In June I bought a blown up 1988 RX-7 Convertible for $1000 off eBay.(I don't want to mention the $2000 shipping) Over the past year I tore down the original engine, learned as much as I could, saved up my money, bought a second blown up engine for parts, bought more parts and two months ago I cobbled something that resembled an engine. One month ago I got it put in and after an hour of messing with the CAS, throttle, cleaning the injectors again. and deflooding it, IT RAN for a couple seconds. I overdid it with the ultra slick so it blew smoke for so long I was worried I messed something up but it cleared up after an hour. Two weeks ago I registered the car and after 20 years sitting in a garage it drove 2 miles to O'Reillys auto parts. I have never driven a manual car and I stalled a few times but I don't care. This car is SO COOL and it sounds cool too. I love this car.

I also hate this car. Well not really the car but a lot of things surrounding the RX-7. I really like when vintage things are as original as possible. I generally like fixing/repairing instead of replacing but for a lot of things there is no option to replace(manual trans reverse switch, fan clutch). Prices are...a little high for some things. I swear if I hear another Youtube video say "I could fix the gas tank or just order one for $150" it'll be too soon. Tons of pictures, links and other resources on the internet for the RX-7 are just gone at this point. There are so many scams out there when looking for parts and even some legitimate well established businesses I've bought from have misrepresented the item they were selling or completely sent the wrong thing then refused to talk to me to resolve it.

I still love this car. Shortly before I bought the car I realized I was the only thing holding me back from doing anything that needed done(also money.) I would love to have the resources to make some of these parts but this is just the beginning. Long live the RX-7!


It sat here for over a year. I didn't think the wheel caps would cost so much.

You try sleeping for 22 years full of gas and see how it feels.


First engine pull!


I thought they used three piece seals not 300 piece.


That piece lives there now.


Really cool 3D printed rebuild organizer that I think is better than the paid ones.


It's staring at me. It knows I'm going to spend hours cleaning the coolant seal grooves.

So easy(It took forever)

That's a lot of smoke...

But it's still running. I wonder if I'll have overheating problems.



It got a little hot so I parked it under a tree for an hour.

 

Welcome to forum

 

The RX7 is labor of love, and we all have felt your frustrations, and small victories. If it was easy everybody would own an RX7's so keep up the good work, and remember improvise, adapt, and overcome!
:-)

 

Sounds like its about time to add a 2nd one to the stable just for the fun of it.

 

Welcome, and congrats on all that hard work before you'd even made your first post here.
There are a ton of really good resources on the forum. From information, to parts. If you reach out, someone is likely to help you.

I think we all feel your pain about part availability and the shady nature of just about anything in the car community now. Unfortunately, I don't see that changing course at all, so we have to learn to deal with it.

You've made some great progress on the car. We can all relate to the love/hate relationship. I let my car sit for 6 months out of frustration when I couldn't get the transmission put back in.

 

i know the feeling of "i could just buy another gas tank for $150" thing, i have an '86 non turbo in my driveway that needs a fuel tank(along with a lot of other things). it's literally swiss cheese and leaking/smells like a lawnmower that's been sitting for 20 years. i'm scared to even look inside of it, at this point i'm quite sure it's not worth trying to repair. finding a replacement is no easy feat these days.

 

Welcome!