BluSpectre

Heyo! I am looking into a non-running 1988 FC Turbo hard-top as a side/project car, but despite my interest in RX-7s I have no live experience with an RX-7 chassis. I own and daily drive my 2011 RX-8, and I've had my engine replaced and modified so I'm not a complete newbie to rotaries, just the RX-7. I have the book knowledge, compression tester, the spec sheets, owners manual, all the nerd stuff. Just no hands-on experience or specific details to look for when investigating this vehicle. I'll go ahead and just spew what I already know to look for with this test:
-Rats nest (vacuum controlled emissions systems and SSV/Air pump controls), what it looks like and what is commonly removed
-Fuel pulsation damper failures being common on the S4, and a concern for cracking as to prevent fuel fires.
-Common rust spots, such as the floor boards, sills, and wheel wells.
-How the engine should feel and respond to throttle and idle.
-Nominal cranking speeds and compression numbers
-How the interior should look (and that this one was mostly refurbished on the interior, but not the engine bay)

While this is all I know for common RX-7 FC stuff, any additional information for any future references would be nice to help out later on.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

You really hit the nail on the head with what to look for. The non sunroof body us a plus because those commonly fail and are prone to leaks. The rear differential mount will fail and you will have a clunking sound in the rear when engine torque is applied and when it is removed. The exhaust system from the y-pipe back is not one to hold up well either. The rest of the system is pretty good. Shame they removed the rats nest. That can cause quite a few running issues. Keep us posted on whether you get the car or not.

BluSpectre

No no, I don't know if they've removed the rats nest or not and I know some parts help maintain performance such as the SSV. What I'm asking is "What segments are commonly removed and what do they look like in an image?" I have vacuum diagrams. *Edit: IDK why I misunderstood my own post. I have the diagrams and images from other parts of the forums.
The sunroof on this particular FC has been rusted and does indeed leak. I would just seal it up with no intention of maintain a functional sunroof, and cut the rust off and weld a solid sheet.
*TBH my odds of actually purchasing this exact RX-7 for myself are low, but someone from Cali was interested but I was nearby and offered to take pictures and share the details of the vehicle.

BluSpectre

Thank you! I will remember to pay attention to this for future reference whenever I look into getting an FC.

While I'm not likely to buy this exact FC I'm going to inspect this week, I've been considering if an FC Vert NA would be a good "Hoon car". I don't want to damage the paint on my precious RX-8, but damaging an unloved NA FC Vert doesn't seem like to much of a crime.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

The FC vert is a great cruising car. I've seen some modified and while they look ok, they're just not my taste. It's a car you could hoon around in though. They seem to be commonly cheaper than the coupes currently.