Menghi06FX4

Hi guys.

I got a phone call today about a car I've had my eyes on for a number of years. It's been within my "family" (mother's fiance, they've been together over 10 years) since new, and they're selling it since the owner of it has had back problems for the past 15 years or so and isn't able to get in and out of it.

It's an 85 RX7. I don't know the mileage on it. But as I said, it's basically been stored in a garage for 15 years. It was moved, once, but it's always been in a garage with a cover over it. It's a 5 speed, completely stock. From what we know it's not running, and it's probably best to call the engine ceased. The body is in excellent shape, not a hint of rust (rare in this part, I'm restoring a '73 Jeep so I should know). The interior smells musty from sitting for so long but that's no big deal.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me a ballpark of what it's worth? I was considering offering around $1k cash for it, but I'm not sure. If I were to buy it, it'd be put on the backburner because I've got the Jeep as I mentioned with the engine coming out in a few weeks. But, it'd more than likely turn into a fun car that may get a few track days, since I'm about 2 hours southeast of Lime Rock.

Thanks guys!

fesoferbex

While I'm certainly no rotary expert (yet). I'd be curious to know how salvageable that engine is. Just because it's not running, doesn't mean it's in bad shape. After 15 years of being garaged, most engines are gonna have trouble turrning over (and it probably wouldn't be wise to try). If you think the motor is still in decent shape, then the $1K is not bad at all. Spend a little time & money gettin' the engine rebuilt (a must for the age and length of storage) and you might have yourself quite the deal.

Just my advice.

good luck, let us know how it turns out.

DirtyBreakBeat

1K is too high boss. You are looking at a hand full of issues, most will be related to anything fuel was in contact with. (gas break down) After 15 years, the gas is sludge. New fuel pump, all lines, gas tank, carb, fuel filter, etc. However, it's very possible that the engine is still OK, if it had coolant in the water. (nice & green) The biggest issue with the engine sitting is the water rotting away the side housings, causing the seal to leak & compression to leak into the water passages.

Because the car is going to need new fuel everything, & maybe an engine, fix the locked brakes, etc... $500 is a solid price for it.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

the key is to offer as little as possible. it's not running so can't be driven to check things like tranny, rear, bearings, cooling, etc. i'd start at 300. and i'd bet the engine will still run.

Menghi06FX4

Thanks for the welcome and help guys!

If it turns out to where I'm buying it I'll be back!

Menghi06FX4

Well I just talked to the person who's storing it, my mother's fiance'. It hasn't been run in a good few years, but it does in fact run, all that it needs is a carburetor (so it's a 12A?) and a new clutch.

Is $500 now too low? Or should I go up to about $750?

pooprunner

when a car is an everyday driver and then sits for a couple years theres a good chance that its going to stat running into problems. id watch out my man.

Mgoodwin1979

Hey guys, I'm a relatively new member as well and I had a similar situation as Menghi06FX4. In my case, I found a 1979 rx7 for sale with an outstanding body, near flawless interior, all stock and no rust. They were asking $850 for the car and it only had 72k miles on it- the catch was it had carb issues.

In short, the secondary throttle valves were rusted shut so I bought a kit and cleaner to rebuild it. After several hours with this wonderful puzzle game a friend of mine decided to come "help" me with it. (By this time I was working on the throttle linkages) Since niether of us didn't really know what we were doing, it wasn't put back together the right way. Now i'm stuck in a hot mess with it and can't seem to find any sort of diagram to help me out.

If any of you know where I could find one or pictures, diagrams, coloring books or anything to help.. It would be much appreciated. It's a Nikki Carb to the best of my knowlege.

A side note- i was also looking at a single turbo 225HP engine with 5speed trans for $900. is that a good deal? and if so, know anyone who can put it in? (Memphis, TN)