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Complete newb to rotary, what to do?

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Old Jun 5, 2016 | 06:16 PM
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Complete newb to rotary, what to do?

Hey guys, I'm starting to get into cars and possibly owning an Rx7 sometime in the future so I thought that joining this forum and gaining knowledge was the best choice.

What are some things I need to know about the Rx7 and the rotary before I go out and start getting more technical? What are some useful sources I can go to and learn more? T
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Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:21 AM
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You've already joined the most informational site that you can find on the internet so the best advice is to sit back and read up.
The best choice of car is what you want.It's your choice!
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Old Jun 6, 2016 | 12:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Kosack
What are some things I need to know about the Rx7 and the rotary before I go out and start getting more technical?
Well, you don't really need to know anything other than what you need to know for pretty much any other car (fill it with gasoline, use the steering wheel to turn, use the gas pedal to go faster, buckle your seat belt, etc.). It's not like it is some alien spacecraft.

How about you tell us what you are trying to accomplish?
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Old Jun 6, 2016 | 08:55 AM
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Most systems aren't much different (if at all) than traditional cars...with a few exceptions. Whatever model/generation you get be sure to study the FAQs in the appropriate section here and download a copy of the FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL. No it's not a spaceship but its helpful to know how the rotary works and modifications that can be helpful. An easy inexpensive read to get you started...

Street Rotary HP1549: How to Build Maximum Horsepower & Reliability into Mazda's 12a, 13b & Renesis Engines: Mark Warner: 9781557885494: Amazon.com: Books Street Rotary HP1549: How to Build Maximum Horsepower & Reliability into Mazda's 12a, 13b & Renesis Engines: Mark Warner: 9781557885494: Amazon.com: Books
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Old Jun 6, 2016 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Evil Aviator

How about you tell us what you are trying to accomplish?
My goal is to own an Rx7 in the future, a '95 preferably, but I also want to know how to maintain it, what reliability mods I can install in it for it to give me the most time before it costs too much to maintain.
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Old Jun 6, 2016 | 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Kosack
My goal is to own an Rx7 in the future, a '95 preferably, but I also want to know how to maintain it, what reliability mods I can install in it for it to give me the most time before it costs too much to maintain.
OK, just basic stuff then. For the most part, the best way to keep a 3rd Gen reliable is not to screw with it. Just to be honest and up-front, the 3rd Gen RX-7 is the most difficult and expensive RX-7 to maintain.

Probably the best thing to do is read the posts in the 3rd Gen forum, and especially look through the FAQ and Archives. In the FAQ you will find a link to download a factory service manual.
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) - RX7Club.com
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Old Jun 6, 2016 | 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Evil Aviator
OK, just basic stuff then. For the most part, the best way to keep a 3rd Gen reliable is not to screw with it. Just to be honest and up-front, the 3rd Gen RX-7 is the most difficult and expensive RX-7 to maintain.

Probably the best thing to do is read the posts in the 3rd Gen forum, and especially look through the FAQ and Archives. In the FAQ you will find a link to download a factory service manual.
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) - RX7Club.com
Ah I see, thanks for the help! I'll be sure to read more on it.
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 08:58 AM
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Good info. I'm new to FD's also.
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Evil Aviator
OK, just basic stuff then. For the most part, the best way to keep a 3rd Gen reliable is not to screw with it. Just to be honest and up-front, the 3rd Gen RX-7 is the most difficult and expensive RX-7 to maintain.
...
True. If you're buying one to mod into a high hp car to get pats on the back at a dyno day it gets expensive quick. Carefully chosen performance mods with proper supporting mods in moderation is much friendlier on the wallet. The FD is more expensive to purchase, and parts may be more expensive than earlier gens. But that's understandable.
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 04:57 PM
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Just don't accept a "free" RX7 with half an engine swap in like I did. Its probably easier to figure out when all the parts are there.
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Sgtblue
True. If you're buying one to mod into a high hp car to get pats on the back at a dyno day it gets expensive quick. Carefully chosen performance mods with proper supporting mods in moderation is much friendlier on the wallet. The FD is more expensive to purchase, and parts may be more expensive than earlier gens. But that's understandable.
Ah I see, off the top of your head what are some useful websites to visit to look at mods, body kits, etc.?
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 04:05 AM
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As for responsible mods...go through the FAQs in the 3rd Gen. Technical section. Generally speaking, before considering performance modifications supporting mods need to be in place. Those almost always start with cooling.
IMO, I think most members on this forum frown on expensive, ill-fitting and often just plain ugly "body kits". Start talking Veilside or Rocket Bunny and people snicker or just

Last edited by Sgtblue; Jun 8, 2016 at 04:07 AM.
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Sgtblue
As for responsible mods...go through the FAQs in the 3rd Gen. Technical section. Generally speaking, before considering performance modifications supporting mods need to be in place. Those almost always start with cooling.
IMO, I think most members on this forum frown on expensive, ill-fitting and often just plain ugly "body kits". Start talking Veilside or Rocket Bunny and people snicker or just
Yeah I think those body kits are pretty bad, I personally love the look of a 99 spec bumper, side skirts. Tell me, what modifications to the front do I need to do to put a 99 spec front bumper on a 95 fd?
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 07:58 PM
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Off-hand, driving/turn signals; Bumper cover, foam backing; reinforcement; belly pan and front splitter/spoiler. Not certain about wiring loom to the lights. Those might be modified to work or you would need pigtails.

Found this, might help: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...cover-1021843/

Last edited by Sgtblue; Jun 8, 2016 at 08:04 PM.
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