Hi everyone!

I've lurked for a while as I was doing my research over the years!

I recently imported my 1998 RX-7 from Japan (a little over a month ago). Quick backstory: I was previously driving a 2021 GR Supra 3.0, sold it as I got a job with a longer commute and free charging at work, and I switched to a Hyundai Ioniq 6. And of course, they were right. It is soulless, so I decided to go for my dream car, an FD.

She's been great so far, but there is definitely a lot to learn. I did a compression test, and it was in the low 90s, but they said it wasn't bad for 88K miles. Everything seems to be in order except for the starter, which I had to replace a few days after importing it. Threw on an HKS catback and replaced the rear brake pads/rotors.

I'm always welcome to any tips or suggestions.

Location: San Jose, CA.

 

Compression (if correctly read) in the 90s is very healthy. If it's stock, leave it alone and enjoy it

 

Welcome to forum

 

As a '98 your car will have the change of coil position.

If you use the USDM FSM as a guide you, or your mechanic, may attach the spark plug leads, or coil harness, in the wrong order.

This can result in very poor running or engine failure.

Keep a careful watch on this.

Also the 1993 USDM FSM, which most people use, lists the compression test threshold at 85 PSI.

That is an outdated test threshold left over from the Fc3S USDM.

The proper level is 100 PSI.

Therefore, your low nineties readings are below the threshold Mazda sets for inititiating remedial measures.

If your compression is fairly even on all faces, and between front and back rotors, you may be OK for a while.

But it likely a good time to start planning for a new motor.

Don't wait until the motor self distructs, as damaged housings, rotors and turbo impellers are not cheap to replace (relatively speaking).

 

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-gene...148527/page20/

 

Redbul, you are the most cup half empty person here lol

His compression readings are fine. Thats a plenty healthy motor with many years ahead of it if properly cared for. Maybe put the coil position info in your signature. You are spreading this information as if it's the 11th commandment lol. The prophet himself 🤣🤣

 

Congrats on your FD and you're pretty local! I'm hoping you drop by to one of our monthly meets! Below is the thread for it!

https://www.rx7club.com/west-rx-7-fo...896635/page80/

 

Well, it is an issue that has personally cost me $15,000, so far, and I have caught the wires being placed incorrectly on four situations since.

It is so easy to make the mistake, and so expensive to fix the damage.

Even an experienced shop can have a junior tech do a simple thing like a spark plug change, and cost you a motor.

I am afraid when these cars are brought stateside, one of the first things people might do, is a spark plug change.

In any event, it is my advice to anyone, to be always working on sourcing your next motor.

To that end, I sponsored our local shop to get four motors rebuilt by RX7 Specialties (in Calgary) from broken engine parts I have accumulated over the last ten years.

 

Also made up a display 20B from scarp pieces with lots of scrap housings left over.