Hey guys

Right now I have my rx7 in my brother in laws shop and he is working on it during his spare time. Car starts fine dead cold, and doesn't smoke. What are some good things to get at while I have the car in the shop? My brother in law works on cars but hasn't touched a rotary sooooo I could use some wisdom in getting her reliable.

 

- fresh set of plugs... Wires too if they're old or worn looking. One at a time with a little antiseize on threads.
- change ALL fluids especially coolant which can go acidic over time a be hard on soft seals and bi-metallic engine blocks. Recommend using the stuff labeled for Asian cars with as much distiller water as you can in your climate.
- new belts
- gear oil change in trans and diff to synthetic of proper viscosity.
- check brake pads/shoes (brake fluid was mentioned earlier)
- new air filter

Might be more but you didn't state what year/generation car you have...hint hint

 

Crap! Its an 87 with power windows and the limited slip.

 

Besides the usual maintenance, use this guide:
How To Buy An '86-'92 Non-Turbo RX-7

I recommend that you install new oil filter tower O-rings the next time you change the oil filter. Over time they crack and leak oil on the heater hose, causing it to fail.
https://www.mazdatrix.com/boil2.htm

This is just me, but I really like the Fumoto F-106 oil valve because it lets me drain the oil without tools, and with a low-profile oil pan I don't even need to jack up the car.
Fumoto Engine Oil Drain Valve | Replace Drain Plug for Clean Oil Change

Most of the car is just like any other car of the era. See the 2nd Gen FAQ for common information and links to free online service manuals. The service schedule is in the front of the manual and bolt torque settings are in the back of the manual.

Here are some things that are good to know if you are new to rotary engines:
- Plan on burning about 1 qt of engine oil every 3,000 miles. Engines in bad shape will burn more.
- Rev the engine past 3800rpm on a regular basis so that the secondary fuel injectors don't get clogged. Contrary to popular myth, you do not need to redline the engine in order to do this. Peak power is around 6500rpm.
- Use mufflers and exhaust system components that are rated for rotary engines. Some of the popular piston engine mufflers will melt or get blown apart by the hot, violent exhaust from a rotary engine. Thin-wall pipe will not suppress the noise sufficiently. High-performance non-turbo rotary engines typically run in the 1650-1700F EGT range.
- Do not use piston engine spark plugs. See this link for recommendations:
https://www.mazdatrix.com/ign-2.htm
- Beware of the evil leaking pulsation damper!
https://www.mazdatrix.com/c-pulsation.htm

The 87 has a clutch-type LSD, so you may want to check to make sure it still functions. If not, then the clutches need to be replaced if you want the LSD to function.

One of the few design flaws on your car is the power windows are powered such that the high current goes directly through the switches. This causes them to build up gunk and get burnt-out quickly, it is difficult to clean them without breaking the old brittle plastic, and they are extremely expensive to replace. A common modification is to install relays so that the main power goes through the relay and only a small current goes through the switch.