I now own two RX7 "collector cars" inherited from a recently deceased relative for which I am estate administrator. I plan on selling both of these vehicles. The 1988 convertible is ready to be put up for sale. The 1981 coupe needs some work as it has failed to pass the emissions testing required in the Metro Denver Colorado area. Thus, I am looking for advice on the following:
1. Best venue for advertising and selling older RX7 automobiles.
2. For the 1981 I either need to repair/replace the engine so that it passes emissions testing or sell it to a buyer that would register the RX7 in an area that does not have rigorous emission testing and/or who would want to put in a different motor. The auto runs OK but the mechanic who did a complete tune up, spark plug replacement and carburetor adjustment and could not get the engine to pass the hydrocarbons emissions standard, suggests the engine needs rebuilt or replaced. (the repairs did get the engine to pass the CO standard and got it about halfway to passing the hydrocarbons standard). That said I would appreciate any suggestions for mechanics or shops in the metro Denver area that can work on an RX7 engine.

1981


1988

 

Hard to tell exactly what the problem might be with passing emissions, but re building the engine is not the solution. The problem is likely in the emissions system added on the power unit, not the internal combustion engine itself. The first step would be to confirm that all the original emissions equipment is present and hooked up. Not uncommon for owners to alter things, like putting on a header and / or muffler in place of the original exhaust. Could be a plugged cat, inop air pump, leaking vacuum hose(s). Would help to have someone familliar with Rotary's have a look.

The easy thing would be to get it running good and sell as is, mentioning the non conformance. Not all parts of the country require emission compliance on cars of this vintage. Market place, this site and alike are free but there are also places like Hemmings and Hagerty's that have collector car type of for sale ads. Bring a Trailer (BaT) has gained a lot of popularity the last few years as a place to get a good price, but its not free and the social media type of interaction / feed back can be daunting. There is a lot of good information on there to make comparisons to your cars with and get an idea of what you may expect. You can look back at previous auctions and see how the condition of those cars stack up against yours. Read the comments and see what kind of conservations are brought up. You can put a reasonable reserve on the car or go with a no reserve which guarantees it will go to the highest bid.

https://bringatrailer.com/mazda/rx-7-fb/

https://bringatrailer.com/mazda/rx-7-fc/

 

Thank you- great suggestions! I am scheduling the 81 Mazda with Colorado's Emission Technical Center which evaluates cars that do not pass emissions. Am currently searching for a Denver area shop or mechanic that specializes in rotary engines as the ones the previous owner used have all gone out of business. I will look into Bring a Trailer website and have already registered with Hemmings and Hagerty. Again thank you for the suggestions-much appreciated.

 

is the 81 still avail. to purchase and your asking price

 

intros only in this section. u will need to post an ad in the marketplace.

https://www.rx7club.com/market/

 

The 81 is still available. I had not yet set an asking price pending a further evaluation (completed today) of what might be required for it to pass air emissions test required in the metro Denver area. Based upon today's examination the vehicle has all the emissions controls required installed and functional. Further evaluation by a rotary engine specialist would be required to determine what is needed to get the vehicle to where it would pass the emissions standards set for the Denver metropolitan area and the northern front range area of Colorado. However, the vehicle currently runs OK and has been well maintained and could be licensed in other locations in the Unites States and geographic areas of Colorado that do not have the strict air quality requirements of the Denver Metropolitan area.
I will set an asking in the near future and will respond back to you with the price if you are still interested.

 

The 1981 is still available. I expect to set an asking price and advertise within the next few days. I will let you know when I am ready to sell if you are still interested.

 

again, please post in the marketplace. no discussions of selling in this thread. thanx.