the_new_rx7_guy

Does anybody know if Mazda Dealers service 1980 Rx-7's? Like if you need fluids changed, and filters changed, and you don't do it yourself. And do you need specifically Mazda Rx-7 filters, or can you use some other brand for a 1980 Rx-7?

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

I think you will find that most people will tell you to stay away from Mazda dealers. Dealers are good at keeping up to date with their newest cars but terrible at 30 year old cars.

If you can't do those relatively straightforward items yourself, a trusted local mechanic or rotary specialist is your best bet. If you want recommendations, change your Location from Shoreline to something more identifiable.

the_new_rx7_guy

I don't have the resources yet, to do those reletivly straightfoward things, so I will probly have grease monkey do it for me. Could you give me a recommendation, as far as rotary specific maintanence shops, or any other good garages in the local area? FYI Shoreline is just north off Seattle, and south of Everett, in Washington State.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

Changing the oil on an Rx7 is pretty Straight forward.You can get a Capable "friend" or a Mechanic to do it in about 15 minutes.
BUT..and Please,take HEED..If you encounter any Engine related problems and Hand your Car to someone who has NO clue as to how the engine operates,then By all means Get a Knowledgeable Rotary Mechanic/shop or Owner to work on it.
Oil and Filter recommendations: it will start a "thread War"..you will have to Search that out and rely on your own "gut".
Personally I go with DINO Oil(not Synthetic) and Mazda Filters.I figure If I am changing Oil every 3000 miles then it gets Real expensive.
I get what is on Special...Castrol GTX usually.
......
NOTE: Since you are Fairly New to owning an Rx7.May I suggest that you take some Time and Read up on your Car.That was the First thing that I did when I bought my Sec Gen and I am So thankful that there is forum like this one,that has Information at your Fingertips.
The SPECIFIC Sections of the Forum(like 1st Gen Specific,2nd Gen Specific,etc) have Info on what people have encountered,what they have done to alleviate the problem,Pics,and so On.
The Archives Sections in my Opinion are GOLD,as they have the "heart and Soul" of the most common questions asked/solutions,aftermarket Modifications,Specifications of the car and it goes on and On!
anyways.I wish ya Luck.,welcome.,Enjoy,and Rotor on..Cheers Dave/STYX!~

the_new_rx7_guy

Thanks for the reply, yea I have really been researching this car, and just cars in general, like all the systems involved and so forth. I am fairly new to cars in general, and very new to Rx-7's (hence the thread name), but I think Im getting the hang of things. This forum is a gold mine of information, and I am using it as much as possible, and reading articles and what not on the web about it.

FYI, I found this great shop in Bothell, Wa called Bothell import Services, and they specialized in japansese and european cars. It is a small 3 bay shop, that had been around for a while, and the owner even has his own Rx-7! I think Im going to have them repair my car if need be, although they may be expensive. But heck, Rx-7's are expensive to maintain...

red93r1

They can be expensive to maintain if the person working on the car for you doesn't know what they're doing, and most owners seem to stay away from dealers for service work. That said, there are still a few of them out there that have a mechanic that knows the 7 quite well.

If you can get someone aftermarket who specializes in rotaries, thats the preferred route to go. Since you're close to the border, you may even want to check and see if there's a specialty shop in Vancouver, BC. You may be able to take advantage of the exchange rate if its good at the time.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

That sounds promising that the owner has an RX7.

A good rotary mechanic is "worth their weight in gold". They might charge a slightly higher rate than some other shops but they know what they are doing so they can get it done quicker - and in one shot - where other mechanics might be learning about the car on your dime. First thing I did when I thought about buying an FD was find a mechanic that could work on it. Then I bought the car. Not all of us have time, knowledge or skills to work on it. And I have met plenty of people that would be better off NOT touching their own cars...