im getting my license here in a couple of months...and rx-7's have grabbed my attention....ive been doing tons of research on them....and ive found an 86 n/a no turbo on craigslist for a little under 1000.no problems except the owner says "coolant overflows into coolant tank"after idling?he also says when idling the temp gauge goes red.hes flushed the radiator and put in a new thermostat...as well as replaced the cap.this could be an easy fix...or it could also mean i would need a rebuild...its kinda risky....just wondering if anyone has experienced the same problem and found a solution....really looking forward to a rotary.
Thanks,
G.Magers.

 

That sounds like rebuild time.

 

The engine is toast when the temp goes into the red. You can still buy the car if everything else checks out OK, but keep in mind that the engine will cost $1,200-$7,000 to rebuild. Also, a non-turbo FC RX-7 with a blown engine usually sells for about $300.

 

^i agree. take into consideration how much MORE money that u'll need to put in it just to get it driveable just to find out it needs trans or rearend work. don't be so quick to jump into the first, what seems to be a deal, to come along.

 

so it couldnt just be the water pump?its so risky....and i dont wanna drop 1 grand on something that will turn into 5 or 6 grand...haha.good things come to those that wait.

 

also the guy replaced the cap and t stat.can a mechanic tell if it needs a rebuild versus something like a new water pump?not that i dont trust you guys, but could a mechanic tell me if i needa rebuild versus a single part replcaement?....but the seller didnt give a big description of the problem...so i dont have much to work with.

 

well how far u willing to take it to get a rotary mechanic to check it out? anyone close that u call will tell u they no nothing about them.

 

It needs to be rebuilt, end of the story. If you want to buy an RX7 be very very patient and find the right car. Otherwise you will end up with the car you want and expenses you don't.

 

Just wait keep looking I just picked up a fc 87 turbo 2 for 300 the guy didn't know how to fix it turns out it's a fuel adjuster because he added a walbro 255 and needs new oil lines that's it. Keep looking and you will be happy. I looked at 3 diffrent states before I found one.

 

how were you able to find the turbo for 300?im just asking where you found it...ebay...craigslist...etc

 

Go 1st gen