To me it sounds like there’s some sort of high pitched whirring noise that isn’t present on other RX7s. Also if anyone notices anything suspicious that I might have missed please let me know.

Link to my Reddit post in case the video isn’t linked correctly:
https://www.reddit.com/r/RX7/comments/12exi2h/does_this_96_fd_sound_normal_to_me_it_seems_like/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iosc ss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1

 

unplug your air pump and see if it goes away. if it doesn't then you'll take the drive belts off and see if it goes away. if it doesn't then you'll be chasing a vacuum related component. it doesn't sound vacuum related but if the first 2 tests yield no clue or result then that's where you'll go next.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! Makes sense, I’ll see what I find.

 

It sounds like the idle speed increased slightly near the beginning of the clip. Was this a cold start? If so, a vacuum leak would be my first suspect. Old rubber vacuum lines may be fine when cold, but can leak after warmup due to the rubber being more pliable with temperature. Using a can of carb cleaner or starting fluid, try spraying it under the Upper Intake Manifold and other areas. If there's a leak, the idle speed will either go up or down noticeably.

 

I had one of the big air pump return hoses come loose. It made a racket. Be careful with those spring clamps!

Also the big air box nipples like to break. Use some dish soap and proper hose puller tools.

It may just be the video, but it almost looks like the AC compressor is sticking a bit.

Maybe sign up for a smoke test.

it will help identify any leaks.

You may have more than one.

Check the gasket at the top of the y-pipe.

(Also, spend five minutes wiping down that engine bay.)

The silencer pipe on the right side (facing) of the air box will be quite noisy if removed. Yours seems to be in place.

 

Also, welcome to RHD ownership.

Post some pics here when yhou are able.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-gene...148527/page13/

Please also be aware of the following:

Starting with Version 4 (your car) Mazda changed the position of the coils. Therefore, if a shop uses the USDM FSM as a guide to reattaching the leads, they could hook them up wrong.

This cost me an engine.