So my name is Dave, and I am a glutton for punishment. I can admit that I have a problem, but alas... I can't control it. I have an affinity for pulling cars out of fields, junk yards, and (in this case) wineries.

So here we are, an Rx7 sitting in my driveway, handed over by a friend, me scratching my head, and you (probably) exclaiming welcomes.... Which by the way are well met. I've put together every motor between a 2.2 turbo to a 440 magnum, most out of junk yards, and built to the "T's" and put into show cars, which were usually pulled from said junk yards as well... But I've never even laid eyes on a rotary motor.

I was told that the car was an '86 Rx7, and by my initial inspection (2 hours ago) I've got an '80 Rx7 X Anniversary. (Google is an amazing thing).

So truth be told, I've been stalking this site for the last few days after finding out that I would be "inheriting" this car so... if you don't already feel violated, now's the time to start. I haven't the slightest what I'm doing with this car, I know it's to an extent a rare find, but I'm torn about going full stock rottiserie restoration or making a car I'd enjoy driving. I welcome all input from everyone within reason and assuming tact. I will be relying on the vast amount of information that you fine gentlemen and ladies have put together on this site to get this project off the ground.

If anyone has a good estimation of what a motor/tranny rebuild on a project like this would run, I would love to hear from you. (I'm looking at either staying N/A or going to a Second Gen turbo motor/tranny swap) Also feel free to poke fun, but be aware, Im a United States Marine and once my mouth starts... it just runs on its own and I can't be blamed.

So enough rambling, here's some pictures... some before the quick cleaning, and then more after. Please feel free to tell me anything you can about this car, because obviously my knowledge to this point is somewhat lacking.

http://s732.photobucket.com/albums/w...damyers79/Rx7/

Thanks for listening to me ramble on.. And I look forward to bantering with you all.

Best regards,

Dave Myers

 

I pulled the seat covers off this morning to find black leather... would this imply that the car is an LS?

Please advise

 

Welcome! Boy that car is a piece of work. Should restore nicely.

To do a proper rebuild it will run you a few thousand dollars. To be honest if you are set on overhauling the engine you might as well just go all out and put in a turbo engine. A Japanese turbo engine conversion (stock no modifications) won't run you much more than just doing a proper rebuild.

Don't know enough about 1st gens to tell you what trim level it is, sorry.

 

the outside cleaned up nice