Help! Brand New owner of a 94 RX-7
06-15-19, 08:57 AM
#1
Junior Member
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Help! Brand New owner of a 94 RX-7
A few days ago I just purchased a 1994 RX-7 with 116,000 miles bone stock that has been garage kept, never driven in rain or snow and well serviced it’s entire life. I just have a few questions regarding general maintenance and where to go to get a rebuild if I eventually need one down the line.
1. To start this car has been serviced by the same mechanic at a mazda dealer for 15 years. I would like to service it myself but I have never really worked much on cars before and was hoping this car would be my project car for the rest of my life and is where I could get my start working on cars (because I know this car will need A LOT of work later down the road.) So I would just like to know what you guys do for routine maintenance, and if there’s anything I should replace now for reliability because it’s 25 years old.
2. It’s inevitable that later down the road this will eventually need a rebuild and I was wondering where I go to get it rebuilt. I’ve heard negative things about getting it rebuilt at a mazda dealership so i’m trying to avoid that. Does anyone know of any good RX-7 specialists in the CT/southern NY area? Or just any recommendations for what I would do to get it rebuilt.
3. Just any tips you guys have for me as a brand new member of owning a rotary would be very much welcome
1. To start this car has been serviced by the same mechanic at a mazda dealer for 15 years. I would like to service it myself but I have never really worked much on cars before and was hoping this car would be my project car for the rest of my life and is where I could get my start working on cars (because I know this car will need A LOT of work later down the road.) So I would just like to know what you guys do for routine maintenance, and if there’s anything I should replace now for reliability because it’s 25 years old.
2. It’s inevitable that later down the road this will eventually need a rebuild and I was wondering where I go to get it rebuilt. I’ve heard negative things about getting it rebuilt at a mazda dealership so i’m trying to avoid that. Does anyone know of any good RX-7 specialists in the CT/southern NY area? Or just any recommendations for what I would do to get it rebuilt.
3. Just any tips you guys have for me as a brand new member of owning a rotary would be very much welcome
06-15-19, 02:34 PM
#2
welcome to the board.
1. get a copy of your reference materials. you should be able to download a free copy at: Foxed.ca - that should be your first move. next you will want to obtain a copy of the tuneup schedules (fluids, filters, etc.). i will allow the actual FD owners to come in and fill in the details and nuances of life with your new car, but i can give you some of the broad strokes. follow the schedules and make common sense inspections (a calendar or notebook dedicated to the car is great idea) and repairs.
https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-r...faq-fd-782404/
a. the oil and cooling systems are paramount to engine life. you will want to be diligent with your maintenance and monitoring of them first and foremost. there are some modifications that are highly recommended for both systems that you will want to look into.
b. next you will want address the vacuum and turbocharger systems as that is the heart of engine performance and potential failures. you mentioned the car has been maintained, i would assume that means records, too. if i am incorrect or there is ANY doubts on your part, address it now.
2. At the risk of speaking out of turn, I'm not even sure if dealers do rebuilds. i hear conflicting info on whether or not you can still get NEW shortblocks from the dealers, but it's certainly worth looking into. nevertheless, for rebuilds you're probably looking at private vendors whether local or out of town. where in CT are you? i know a few trusted places in NJ if you're close enough to the Tri-State area/hub. I may also know a couple in NY (the Bronx and Long Island), but it's been a while, so they may or may not still be around.
3. Enjoy it! They really are not as fragile as people like to say they are, but they can be very unforgiving if they are neglected or you don't think before you do certain things. As I said before, there are some nuances to the FD, but i don't have them committed to memory, so experienced owners will have to fill you in them. the last bit that i will leave with you is: use the board. it's a great resource and there are some great guys (and i would imagine gals) here that are smart, responsible and willing to help whenever and wherever they can.
good luck and i hope to see you around here.
1. get a copy of your reference materials. you should be able to download a free copy at: Foxed.ca - that should be your first move. next you will want to obtain a copy of the tuneup schedules (fluids, filters, etc.). i will allow the actual FD owners to come in and fill in the details and nuances of life with your new car, but i can give you some of the broad strokes. follow the schedules and make common sense inspections (a calendar or notebook dedicated to the car is great idea) and repairs.
https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-r...faq-fd-782404/
a. the oil and cooling systems are paramount to engine life. you will want to be diligent with your maintenance and monitoring of them first and foremost. there are some modifications that are highly recommended for both systems that you will want to look into.
b. next you will want address the vacuum and turbocharger systems as that is the heart of engine performance and potential failures. you mentioned the car has been maintained, i would assume that means records, too. if i am incorrect or there is ANY doubts on your part, address it now.
2. At the risk of speaking out of turn, I'm not even sure if dealers do rebuilds. i hear conflicting info on whether or not you can still get NEW shortblocks from the dealers, but it's certainly worth looking into. nevertheless, for rebuilds you're probably looking at private vendors whether local or out of town. where in CT are you? i know a few trusted places in NJ if you're close enough to the Tri-State area/hub. I may also know a couple in NY (the Bronx and Long Island), but it's been a while, so they may or may not still be around.
3. Enjoy it! They really are not as fragile as people like to say they are, but they can be very unforgiving if they are neglected or you don't think before you do certain things. As I said before, there are some nuances to the FD, but i don't have them committed to memory, so experienced owners will have to fill you in them. the last bit that i will leave with you is: use the board. it's a great resource and there are some great guys (and i would imagine gals) here that are smart, responsible and willing to help whenever and wherever they can.
good luck and i hope to see you around here.
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Wavedash (06-15-19)
06-15-19, 06:03 PM
#3
here's a thread you may find helpful: https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-r...rform-1136751/
06-15-19, 07:20 PM
#4
If you’re not an experience DIY’er try to network with other owner’s in your area. Even in fly-over country I’ve met a lot of nice guys that were really helpful to me years ago as a new owner. And we’re still friends 15 or 16 years later. Just be honest about what you don’t know, find out what their favorite brand in cold drinks are and you might be surprised how helpful they’ll be.
Not familiar with your area. But check the regional section of the forum for shop recommendations. I do know that these guys are in NJ and are forum sponsors https://www.irperformance.com/
I second getting a copy of the Factory Service Manual. Either a hard copy if it comes up for sale somewhere or download a copy for free. Then as time allows open the hood. When you see a part or component you can’t identify, go to the FSM and read about it.
Go slow, read ALL the FAQ sticky’s over a few nights and weekends. Learn the search function in the 3rd Gen Tech section.
Not familiar with your area. But check the regional section of the forum for shop recommendations. I do know that these guys are in NJ and are forum sponsors https://www.irperformance.com/
I second getting a copy of the Factory Service Manual. Either a hard copy if it comes up for sale somewhere or download a copy for free. Then as time allows open the hood. When you see a part or component you can’t identify, go to the FSM and read about it.
Go slow, read ALL the FAQ sticky’s over a few nights and weekends. Learn the search function in the 3rd Gen Tech section.
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