Buy or run
 

Tried posting this but didn't so if I end up with 2 post sorry. Friend of a friend has 87 gxl for 400 bucks perfect body nice interior for age but motor is smoking antifreeze. Should I buy it. What kind of money and parts list am I looking at for repair. I will be able todo all the labor myself just need to see what I'll be getting into. I like the car and would like to fix it drive it for a while then pass it along

The engine has a blown coolant seal which means a Rebuild.
Depending on how good you are with tools and tolerances(specs for engine) you can do it for under a Grand.From there the price just goes up.
You could also seek out a replacement engine( IN the classifieds though,NOT in this section..rules.).

I would plan on $1,200 minimum to rebuild the engine. If enough parts are bad, then it could cost up to $8,000, in which case you would be better off buying another used engine. Unfortunately, you will not know how bad the engine is until you take it apart. The below link is a good checklist to gauge how many other things are wrong with the car:
How To Buy An '86-'92 Non-Turbo RX-7

I think that $400 is a fair price for an 87 GXL with a good body and bad engine. Other than the gas mileage it is a very practical car because it has a huge trunk for a 2-seater and the normal maintenance is rather inexpensive for a sports car, it is fun to drive, and it is pretty safe when compared to other cars of its era. Whether or not you want to buy it is up to you, but if it has an automatic transmission then run away.

These are the most common websites for engine rebuild kits and rebuild videos:
Atkins Rotary - Rx7 | Rx8 | Mazda | Rotary | Engine | Parts
MAZDATRIX for Mazda RX7, RX8, Rotary Engine Parts and Accessories
Racing Beat - Mazda Performance Specialists
http://www.rotaryaviation.com

it is a 5 speed.....guess I'll take a shot at. also found out it has the racing beat exhaust kit on it.

sounds like a good deal to me, hopefully you dont need rotor housings

That's the top of the line for street catbacks. :icon_tup: