No, the carbed first gen is probably the most reliable rx7 built.

 

Imo

 

No, FDs are not engineered well. The heat is VERY excessive and everything is crammed together in the bay. No one buys an FD to granny drive it. They are gonna get driven hard from time to time, and the FD cannot handle that well without reliability mods.


EDIT**
EVERY FD i've seen needs a new wire harness. that is a huge flaw imo

 

I am in the same situation. I am looking for a 1988 convertable and plan on spending alot of time on this forum.

 

Personally don't by a FD for daily driving. Second if you get one PUT THE BEST AFTERMARKET PARTS IN IT, If you buy junk you got junk. You should solve its stock flaws with AM parts, not just to make it a rocket.

 

So buying a 94 FD that needs an engine for a good price would not be a bad investment? How are the imported engines that are on ebay? Should I get a long block or reuse some of the parts that I would have from the old one
? They all say that they are from Japan w about 40-50k on them.

 

If the car is otherwise in good condition and has been well maintained then it likely will be a good investment.

Some are good, some are bad. It's a crapshoot.

 

as far as warm up goes I drive mine very easy until I get to a comfortable level of temp but yes they have to warm up I start mine and let it idle for about a minute and drive it easy I have been driving it this way for a year now and I have had no problems out of mine but defiantly check all fluids regularly

 

if you could compression test it...that would be a good idea aswell

 

NEVER buy a car without doing a compression test

http://rotaryresurrection.com/2ndgen...ion_check.html

 

depends on what is wrong with the car

a rebuild kit including all seals (assuming your rotors and housings are good) is roughly 1000 dollars

Labor can be another 1000

If you need a new housing and rotor another 800 or so (i believe)

If you shot an apex seal you might need a new turbo or turbo rebuild some more $$

Rebuild videos can be bought from mazdatrix.. Rebuilding it yoursel is doable. But if you want it done the right way and you don't feel comfortable.. have it done by a professional