Potential Issues First gen RX-7
12-03-18, 06:09 PM
#1
Can Post Only in New Member Section
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: WA
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Potential Issues First gen RX-7
I’m strongly considering trading my old Subaru GL for a 79 RX-7 with a stick. What should I look out for when I check out the car, and what issues would I potentially be facing down the road?
12-06-18, 06:46 AM
#2
I’m a 3rd Gen owner but I’ll chime in with my .02 and give the thread a bump.
* Ideally you want to get a compression check. I’m guessing on the 12a but probably want to see 90+ or so (psi) even across the three faces as well as front to rear rotor. At minimum check for easy cold and HOT starting.
* No smoking. White smoke (steam) on cold start with a faintly sweet smell is a sign of coolant seal failure. The rough equivalent to a head gasket, but requires complete tear down of the engine. And if it’s been like that for much time, it might also require sourcing new irons/end plates. Obviously blue smoke is oil.
* Aside from the engine, there is little else unique from other cars of that era. So smooth shifting, no noises and good brakes etc.
If you’re told something is an easy and cheap fix but they just haven’t gotten around to doing it, then it’s probably not all that easy or cheap.
And a good read thru the 1st Gen. FAQ sticky at the top of the section might be worthwhile.
Last edited by Sgtblue; 12-06-18 at 06:57 AM.
12-06-18, 09:22 AM
#3
Welcome to the board. 
I'll add a few point to Sgtblue's response (by the way, 90 psi is excellent):
- rust is major issue to assess before you buy. Look underneath the car as thoroughly as you can (rear suspension mount points, anything leading to the floorboard inside), another critical place to check is under the storage bins (you'll need a Philips), if it has a sunroof, check around it.
- you'll want to look at whatever electrical changes were made to the car (aftermarket radio/sound, lights, etc.) and make sure they were done safely, if not cleanly. I'm not saying that should necessarily make-or-break a deal, but it is worth noting. My very first car was an '82 and the previous owner wired up a sound system that he somehow decided it was a good idea to include the fuel pump circuit and the bloody car almost caught fire with me one night on the highway. So, just be aware of anything that looks amiss.
- drive it. Make sure the steering is good and that there are no noises/vibrations coming from the four corners. For steering, a little play is ... well, I won't say normal, but it's kind of normal. However, massive amounts will need immediate attention.
If I think of anything else, I will post it
I'll add a few point to Sgtblue's response (by the way, 90 psi is excellent):
- rust is major issue to assess before you buy. Look underneath the car as thoroughly as you can (rear suspension mount points, anything leading to the floorboard inside), another critical place to check is under the storage bins (you'll need a Philips), if it has a sunroof, check around it.
- you'll want to look at whatever electrical changes were made to the car (aftermarket radio/sound, lights, etc.) and make sure they were done safely, if not cleanly. I'm not saying that should necessarily make-or-break a deal, but it is worth noting. My very first car was an '82 and the previous owner wired up a sound system that he somehow decided it was a good idea to include the fuel pump circuit and the bloody car almost caught fire with me one night on the highway. So, just be aware of anything that looks amiss.
- drive it. Make sure the steering is good and that there are no noises/vibrations coming from the four corners. For steering, a little play is ... well, I won't say normal, but it's kind of normal. However, massive amounts will need immediate attention.
If I think of anything else, I will post it
12-09-18, 01:40 PM
#4
- rust is major issue to assess before you buy. Look underneath the car as thoroughly as you can (rear suspension mount points, anything leading to the floorboard inside), another critical place to check is under the storage bins (you'll need a Philips), if it has a sunroof, check around it.
12-09-18, 02:37 PM
#5
If your Subaru is a daily driver, you might think twice about taking the dive into an unknown first gen. It might check out on the surface, but you won't know for sure until driving it for some time. First gens can be reliable, but I would never have one as my only source of a car. I don't know your situation, so this may not apply.
12-13-18, 05:30 PM
#6
Another first gen owner here.
If you're planning on this being your daily driver, I'd just suggest making sure all the interior is there. Window and door seals and the like are available, but very expensive. Carpet and seat covers are also available, but again pretty pricey.. However, if dash parts, headlight covers, any hvac controls etc are broken or missing you may be searching for a very long time for replacements from a parted out car, there aren't any companies that I know of that still make any replacements for most cosmetic parts.
Check for ease of starting, if you have to hold out the choke to make it run, coolant leaks, what, if any, modifications have been done to the motor or accessories (rat's nest delete, ac compressor,)
Rust is probably number one, especially for holes around the welds in the wheel wells and under the hatch compartments. I had some rusty areas there that let water in and didn't know for weeks....
All that aside, I try to use my FB as my daily as much as I can, but still have a an old Cherokee on the side for when something might come up... You can never really know with these old cars.
If you're planning on this being your daily driver, I'd just suggest making sure all the interior is there. Window and door seals and the like are available, but very expensive. Carpet and seat covers are also available, but again pretty pricey.. However, if dash parts, headlight covers, any hvac controls etc are broken or missing you may be searching for a very long time for replacements from a parted out car, there aren't any companies that I know of that still make any replacements for most cosmetic parts.
Check for ease of starting, if you have to hold out the choke to make it run, coolant leaks, what, if any, modifications have been done to the motor or accessories (rat's nest delete, ac compressor,)
Rust is probably number one, especially for holes around the welds in the wheel wells and under the hatch compartments. I had some rusty areas there that let water in and didn't know for weeks....
All that aside, I try to use my FB as my daily as much as I can, but still have a an old Cherokee on the side for when something might come up... You can never really know with these old cars.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jmkogut
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
23
10-21-08 08:40 PM
RXn407
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
3
02-12-06 08:38 PM