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Opinions on an ‘81 gsl?

Found this car on Craigslist, looks really good but the motor is “blown”. Looking for opinions on the price, whether it is worth it to buy it and rebuild the motor, and just general comments. About all I know about rebuilds is what I’ve learned from a 40 min. video on YouTube (I think by speedacademy) and what I’ve read on this forum, would a rebuild still be feasible? (I also have a friend who is a bit of a gear head as well). Thanks guys. 🙂

biggest thing for me is how long since it last was running/driving. i couldn't go more than a grand, if that much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R4rx7 (Post 12315169)

Looking for opinions on the price, whether it is worth it to buy it and rebuild the motor, and just general comments.

If the car is as solid as it looks from the outside, and no major rust hidden away, then I would say yes. Of course, you should try to negotiate, but given what I've seen some going for these days, that price "may" actually be okay. It really comes down to you, your finances and your plans for it. Also, I'm not convinced it's a GSL. Do you know if the rear brakes are disc or drum? I don't see power windows either. I think this may actually be a GS with a sunroof.

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... would a rebuild still be feasible?

There is no accurate way to tell for sure without pulling the engine apart. Just keep in mind, that there have been many cases where I've heard people sell Rx-7 with supposedly blown motors, only to find something simple that cause a misdiagnosis. It has never happened to me, and I'm not saying that's the case here, but I am saying keep an open mind until you get the car and see what's what.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll think about it, find some more info on rebuilds and decide if I think I'm up to it. From what I've read 180k is above the average life of one of these cars, so even if it is an easy fix a rebuild would most likely be in the near future. I thought that the GS model didn't come with a sunroof, maybe I'm think of the base SA model? thanks again guys.

i'd pay no more then 1000 if the body isnt too rusted. if it is rusted then it's a parts car... 600 at most and that's just bc it has a LSD rear and louvers

I personally think that the condition of the body is more important then the motor to an extent. You seem like you want to get a project and wouldn’t mind digging in to a longer project. The only tough part about that car is that parts for the 12a are getting pretty hard to find. If it’s just seals which could very well be what it is it won’t be bad but if you need to source a housing that might be tricky depending on how many used housing there are around your area.