Prospective purchaser
 

Hi all, I’ve got a really clean 79 Rx7 in my sights. I’m not looking to do anything crazy build wise, other than save up for possibly putting a 13b into it in the future - but it runs now so I’m not rushing.

Any advice on what I should be looking for when I go for test drive would be appreciated. Common hidden rust areas? Work that should have been done/may need to be done?

Thanks in advance!

While I don't have an Rx7 yet, I do know that you should ask the owner if you can perform a compression test. There are more modern, electronic options available out there, but a standard compression testing gauge (about $15 from various online sources) can be used too. Check this video out:


This thread is about three weeks old, and might not even be in the right section FWIW. But hopefully you ended up with a nice, running car :)

Edit: Here's a great thread for if you did buy it, or are still thinking about looking at it:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-arch...rx-7-a-601804/

Thanks Cowtank. The video is a great reference and thanks for linking me to that thread in the other area - some really good info there. I ended up passing on the 79 and found an 84 GSL-SE one owner car. It is in amazing condition and has passed all the tests and checks ive put it through. Only one slight issue, the differential is seeping oil very slowly, less than a drop a day. Thanks again!

Welcome! Would love to see pictures of the new SE! The differential could be a faulty pinion seal, seal against the housing, or a drain or fill plug that's getting oil past the threads from being too loose.

I snapped these two when I got home. It was dark out so I couldn't get any good daylight walk around stuff.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0c48851f9d.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a31674a16d.jpg

Are those factory wheels? I don't recognize them.

yes those are the factory wheels for the gsl-se, lug pattern 4x114.3.

Definitely original wheels! Love the Tornado Silver color on the car! Appears it has red leather as well! I think we need more pics and details!

79 is my favorite year! That is a clean se!