I just bought an 83 RX-7 GSl over the weekend, and driving on the highway, I was accelerating, and suddenly nearly all power cut out. I pulled over and shook pretty violently when idling. I nursed it home, but it took incredibly long to accelerate any amount.

What could possibly be wrong? I'm expecting answers of vacuum hoses or the apex seals, but what might be the difference between the feeling of those problems? I really hope it's not apex seals, as I only just bought it, and replacing them would be more expensive than I bought it for.

 

sounds like your engine let go,sorry to say.
Can you post video?

 

After a failed compression test, I'm preparing for a rebuild. I plan on tackling it myself, and take the rotor housings to a specialist to check. I have the Haynes manual and all the tools required. Aside from replacement parts, what do I need to purchase in preparation? Maybe which rebuild kit is appropriate for this?

 

Take it apart first..THEN compile a list of what you need.
WHY???
so you don't buy stuff you do not need that will sit on a freakin shelf and collect dust into the stone age!
(wanna see my Shed???)

 

So, the rebuild has taken a bit longer than I expected due to getting ahold of tools I need, but the engine is finally apart and I'm looking at parts. The housing with the failed apex seal is clearly scrap, and the other is showing significant signs of wear so I'm looking for a pair of housings. I found a listing on eBay and I was wondering if anyone on here can help tell me if they would work...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-R100-Rx2-Rx3-Rx7-Mazda-12A-Rotor-Housing-Early-Year-Rare-New-Year-Sale-/251777750623?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a9f1f965f&vxp=mtr
As far as I can tell, these would be identical to the housings on my 83 GSL aside from having one extra bolt. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

i personally wouldnt get any engine parts from ebay. have you checked the classifieds here? im sure you can find something on here

 

How about this one?

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...-pair-1064128/

It seems like there is surface rust or something on the chrome. What do I need to look for outside of smooth surface and no flaking?

 

im not much of a engine inspector but id look for the obvious. cracks, excessive rust or rust of any kind for that matter, warping, gouges, ETC. those look pretty good to me. give em a good cleaning and they should do fine. as for the rust i mean if it can be fixed then it shouldn't be a problem. someone correct me if im wrong