Back in the late 1970's and early 1980's, my mom's dream car was the first generation RX-7. In 1985, when she heard that Mazda would be changing the style for the next model year, she "figured she had better buy one now, while she could", so in May, she bought a brand new Silver GSL-SE. I was in high school at the time, and really wanted to drive it, but she was very strict with her "new baby". She drove it every day until she retired in the mid-90's, putting a bit over 100k miles on it, then it became her weekend ride. In the late 90's, the clutch was replaced; that is the only known maintenance outside of the routine stuff. She was already driving it less and less, and shortly thereafter, she fired it up, but the oil pressure stayed at zero, so she quickly turned it off.

And it sat in the garage.

For about twelve years.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago - she is finally ready to give up her baby. She'll either give it to me, or have it fixed locally, then sell it to me for the cost of the repairs. I have a feeling the "lack of oil pressure" is something simple (i.e. clogged line for sending unit), but I don't have experience with these engines, so I cannot say that with certainty. Also, I suggested that she should have one final fling with the car, so she's going to have a local shop look at it, fix what needs fixing (assuming it isn't too much), replace all of the fluids,and throw some new tires on it (of my choosing, since I'll be footing the bill.)

Come springtime (and better weather), she'll then drive it out of said garage in California, over to the bay area, and up the coast, until she reaches Seattle, and my garage, where it will hopefully spend the next 25+ years of its life. I haven't decided whether to get collector plates or not, since I may want to drive it to work on nice days. Inside and out, the car is still in immaculate condition, so I'm going to want to drive it a lot, but I don't know if I want it to be a "daily driver", mostly because of the sentimental value.

I joined these forums so I can do a little research, both on the existing problem, any other potential issues that might come up, as well as other suggestions regarding maintenance, and maybe to find some other local RX-7 owners. Right now the car is 100% original, except for possibly the tinted moonroof (I don't know if it was OEM or aftermarket; she has the orignal silver roof too) and I expect to keep it that way.

 

Welcome! Where is the car currently located? There are some great shops in CA, and some not so great shops lol.

 

Welcome!! (Im new too!) lol

 

Thanks for the welcome guys. The car is currently in Auburn. I'm told there's a good shop in Hangtown, so I may have her trailer it there. Wish I could take the time, go down there, and get it going myself!