Just got a first gen rx7, what to look at?
 

I just purchased my first generation rx7. 1984 GSL-SE. It's a soldier I can tell you that much. What should I begin with? What I mean is, what is a step-by-step all around check I can do? Example 1) tps, 2) tire pressure... and etc. If there is a generic one for 1st gen rx7's I'd love it.

Thank you,
Andrew T

How mechanically inclined are you?
Do you have experience working on cars?

I have done a bit of work on previous cars, but not much that I can call myself a mechanic. I know the fundamentals really, just throw me different things and I will try my best. Thank you.

Compression test the engine, drain and flush all fluids, replace all filters, check all belts and their tension. I know the GSL-SE was the only first gen with a 13b instead of 12a so you might be able to use info from the second gen 13b on your 13b.

Thanks for the reply. One thing is that my window on the passenger side only goes up half way then it feels like it is being tugged by something and it doesn't go up anymore. Any idea on that? We've just got new synthetic oil put in. Mind Train 83' Exhaust, fit perfectly. The idling is around 500rpm on neutral. Catalytic Converter has been removed. The AC was also removed as a weight reduction, or it didn't work. Backfires here and there, seems to be running well so far. Going to just keep it for a couple months and get either a new rx7 or another car. Just want to make it presentable for anybody who wants to purchase it for now.

The window could be slipping of the track halfway but I can't be sure. Sounds like a pretty nice car, first gens aren't bad they just need a lot of work, time, and money invested like all rx-7s lol

I love the car, quite speedy. Wish I could get the "WHIP LASH" like I do with my neighbors modified Mazda protege speed. Not really the best when it comes to cars so thus the reason why I will be selling it soon. Would I need to remove the door, and door panel to check why it is causing the window to go up halfway or is there an easier way?

I never drove a first gen. before but I'm sure its pretty quick, it's the lightest of all Rx-7's. Well here's a car to start learning about cars lol. I am rebuilding my second gen from the ground up and I never have done work like this before and I think its turning out pretty good. I had 0 experience points on everything besides wiring and body work. What state do you live in? If your near PA I might be interested in the car once you decide to sell it. You would have to take the door panel off but it shouldn't be that hard. If you look at the home page of this site there will be a section specifically for first gens and there should be a link somewhere to download the factory service manual. That will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know

www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=782426

Theres the link to the first gen section bro

Thanks for the reply Cab, also when accelerating it makes a squeaky sound... other than that I believe it's pretty mint. Well the occasional rust as well. I live in Toronto, Canada, quite far from you sadly.

no problem. the squeaking is probably just a belt you just have to find out what one it is. just put the car in neutral and have someone start rev the car up slowly until the squeaking starts and try to find out which one or check the tension on the belts. that sucks you live so far away though

Ah, thanks Cab going to do that tomorrow. I know sucks, I'm sorry. It's such a cute little car but I know it'll become a money pit and money is what I do not have right now. Going to probably get a Civic later, something reliable and I can tune up myself, being 17 I'm just a sponge for knowledge.

Yep no problem man. Lol you don't have to be sorry that you live in another country then me, its cool. I'll admit that Rx-7s are most definitely a money pit! Civics arent too bad but just make sure it's v-tec if you want any power out of it. I was about 18 when I got my first Rx-7 and I'm 21 now and I'm rebuilding my second Rx-7. In all honesty I just learned all the knowledge I know about these cars within the past 2 or 3 years and I still have tons to learn. I love my Rx-7 lol.

Ive read not to use synthetic oils in rotary motors unless its a really nice one, like dont use havoline, castrol etc. and that royal purple is ok. You might want to read up on this your self, but I think synthetic is bad.

andrew,
remove the synthetic oil as soon as possible, it will cause oil leaks because it is thinner than conventional oils. go to a dino oil for best results and engine longevity. BTW welcome to the first generation of the rx7. plan on spend lots of money and driving one of the most exciting cars produced by mazda at the time. engine and exhast modifications will wake the monster within, have fun with it and visit here often for any questions or help. welcome to the world of the rotary

Joe

Alright guys quick update.

I lied just a little about the synthetic oil. I think I was meaning to say as a question if it would be better to put that type of oil in the car. As seeing the negatives on it, guess I wont haha. Let me rephrase my question on the squeakiness. When I accelerate it makes a weird like vibrating, squeaky type noise. I can't even explain it properly aha. Any idea on that? Other than that, the window does not go more than half way and the driver side door was caught by the wind and made it terribly un-alligned, I will be driving and there will be some air coming through the cracks of the driver side door right into my face! Not cool. But all-in-all it's a mint car, it would sometime drop the idle very very fast when I hold the clutch down and it'd go to 400-500rpm and it would scare me (PLEASE DONT TURN OFF, WHILE I MAKE THIS TURN) aha.

Just to add on, Yeah I work at an Oil Can Henry's and my boss was telling me when working on Rotary's conventional is the only way to go and not to run any oil system cleaners.

Yeah, alright thanks. Also, if anybody knows how to answer my previous post above, please let me know.