Would you buy a NONrunning rx7?
08-02-12, 01:53 PM
#1
Would you buy a NONrunning rx7?
ok so i've been wanting to buy a project that i can keep for awhile. i want something unique, something that not many others have. i wanna get back into the car scene and start going to more shows, meets, etc. i've been keeping an eye out for either an rx7, supra, 911, or other cars that have endless possibilities for modifications.
recently i was searching my local craigslist and found a 93 rx7 with 100k. from the pics i could tell the car already had some modifications. i could see the front bumper was aftermarket and it had a fmic as well. i contacted the guy about the car and found out that the car had been sitting about a year. he's the second owner and has had the car a few years. he was in the process of going single turbo with a t3t4 when he was called to go to afghanistan. once he returned he went through a divorce and just never finished the car. the intercooler piping isn't completed and it doesn't have the exhaust on either. the starter is also thought to be shot as well. on the plus side it does have a new t3t4, manifold, hks boost controller, and turbo timer.
i asked if the service recalls were done and he said he thought the previous owner had them done and he thinks he still has the papers. he said he ran about 14lbs of boost on the old twins. approximately 2 years ago all house seals and inner seals were replaced. the car basically just sat while the car was apart. i'm not sure yet if it sat outside or garaged and i'm also not sure if it's assembled or disassembled. i'm going to check out the car this afternoon i think. i'm just alittle undecided about buying a car that isn't running.
the asking price is $5500. i'm really not sure how much i wanna pay for the car yet. i'm also unsure of my plans with the car. i would like to get the rotary going and enjoy it on one had but, on the other i'd like to swap the engine for something newer and maybe more reliable. the thought of swapping the engine to me is alittle disheartening. i really do wanna see what all the rotary talk is about.
if you guys were in my position what would you do? i do like the rx7's looks and really the whole uniqueness of the car. i'd be great to have something that isn't seen everyday. what would you be comfotable paying for the car? i've read robinette's guide on buying an rx7 but this situation is alittle different. what else should i be aware of when looking at the car? i'd really appreciate some input on the situation. any input, comments, or questions are welcomed.
recently i was searching my local craigslist and found a 93 rx7 with 100k. from the pics i could tell the car already had some modifications. i could see the front bumper was aftermarket and it had a fmic as well. i contacted the guy about the car and found out that the car had been sitting about a year. he's the second owner and has had the car a few years. he was in the process of going single turbo with a t3t4 when he was called to go to afghanistan. once he returned he went through a divorce and just never finished the car. the intercooler piping isn't completed and it doesn't have the exhaust on either. the starter is also thought to be shot as well. on the plus side it does have a new t3t4, manifold, hks boost controller, and turbo timer.
i asked if the service recalls were done and he said he thought the previous owner had them done and he thinks he still has the papers. he said he ran about 14lbs of boost on the old twins. approximately 2 years ago all house seals and inner seals were replaced. the car basically just sat while the car was apart. i'm not sure yet if it sat outside or garaged and i'm also not sure if it's assembled or disassembled. i'm going to check out the car this afternoon i think. i'm just alittle undecided about buying a car that isn't running.
the asking price is $5500. i'm really not sure how much i wanna pay for the car yet. i'm also unsure of my plans with the car. i would like to get the rotary going and enjoy it on one had but, on the other i'd like to swap the engine for something newer and maybe more reliable. the thought of swapping the engine to me is alittle disheartening. i really do wanna see what all the rotary talk is about.
if you guys were in my position what would you do? i do like the rx7's looks and really the whole uniqueness of the car. i'd be great to have something that isn't seen everyday. what would you be comfotable paying for the car? i've read robinette's guide on buying an rx7 but this situation is alittle different. what else should i be aware of when looking at the car? i'd really appreciate some input on the situation. any input, comments, or questions are welcomed.
08-02-12, 09:19 PM
#2
ok alittle update. i went and checked out the car this afternoon. it was parked outside under a tree and it was starting to get dark but, i looked at as much as i could. the single turbo was already installed. the manifold appeared to be a dc sports manifold with a t3t4 turbo. the turbo spun freely with no shaft play. it was capped on the end still. never been ran.
the plumbing for the intercooler and exhaust need to be complete. a front mount intercooler had already been installed and an hks turbo timer and boost controller had been wired in as well.
all in all the car looked to be in good shape. the body is in good condition with no major dents or dings. i'm not sure about the engine because i didn't hear it run but, again, i was told it ran fine before going to single turbo. would it be possible to start the car without the ic and exhaust being hooked up? seems like it'd just be loud and i wouldn't be able to hear the engine anyway. again, i'd like someone elses input on the whole situation.
the plumbing for the intercooler and exhaust need to be complete. a front mount intercooler had already been installed and an hks turbo timer and boost controller had been wired in as well.
all in all the car looked to be in good shape. the body is in good condition with no major dents or dings. i'm not sure about the engine because i didn't hear it run but, again, i was told it ran fine before going to single turbo. would it be possible to start the car without the ic and exhaust being hooked up? seems like it'd just be loud and i wouldn't be able to hear the engine anyway. again, i'd like someone elses input on the whole situation.
08-02-12, 09:22 PM
#3
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If the car isn't running, then in my opinion, that's a lot for an FD.
If the car is "fine", and you are unsure of the condition of the motor, be prepared to spend at least $2000 on a rebuild.
If the car is "fine", and you are unsure of the condition of the motor, be prepared to spend at least $2000 on a rebuild.
08-03-12, 04:23 PM
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As someone also looking to get an rx-7 in the upcoming months, I too am interested in the advice of the rest of the forum. As someone also looking, I also want to know how much money were you willing to pay before you found this offer? I personally don't think I could really entertain the offer if it was over 3500, and that's looking at the FC model( No idea on pricing for the FD style). Then again, I'm looking for a basic car with little to no mods that I can fix up myself.
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08-03-12, 07:54 PM
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I would certainly buy a non-running RX-7 if I liked it, but I would consider it a bunch of used parts rather than a whole car. The price sounds about right, although my FD knowledge is pretty weak.
Keep in mind that the current owner does not really know what he is doing, so there may be things that he "fixed" incorrectly. A T3/T4 is not really an upgrade for that car unless the turbo is a GT35R, so you would probably want to sell the turbo and manifold and replace it with a full T4 or rebuilt OEM twins. If you use rebuilt OEM twins or a modern water-cooled aftermarket turbo then you can sell the turbo timer. You will want to get an aftermarket fuel computer if you use anything other than the OEM twins, as the stock engine computer is a speed-density type that does not appreciate significant changes in the engine's output.
Yes, stick with the FC model. You can get one in decent shape for about $1,000. I wouldn't stress over the year or trim, but try to avoid the dreaded automatic transmission. The FD model is for people who have more money to blow on their hobby.
08-04-12, 09:07 PM
#9
i'd really like to use the rotary for awhile and get to know it pretty well but, i always have the option of an engine swap if i want more reliablility. the LS motor is always a choice. the 2JZ is also a popular swap choice if i wanted to do a swap.
to be honest, i didn't really have an amount set. i've just kinda had my eyes open for a project. something different.
when i meant meets, i just meant meets in general. doesn't have to be car specific. i like being around many different types of cars and seeing and learning about other makes and models.
as far as the porsches go, i really like the rauh welt team of porsches. not many of the wide bodied porsches here in the U.S. i really wanna build a car for form and function.
one of the reasons i feel the car would be a good buy is because it comes with all the stock parts. it isn't modified too much to where i could either return to stock or modify using the supplied parts along with a few others after i learn more about the proper way to go about modifying. it's a good base to learn with and a good starting point. i even think i could sell off parts i don't need in the process of modifying.
either way i just think i need to go ahead and get the car at the lowest possible price and go from there. just put it in the garage, start cleaning, sort out all the parts that are there and then go from there. i would probably return the car to stock and familiarize myself with the setup before beginning anything else. i really like the WTAC cars and the bare bonedness of them. nothing needed except the essentials. gotta love it.
As someone also looking to get an rx-7 in the upcoming months, I too am interested in the advice of the rest of the forum. As someone also looking, I also want to know how much money were you willing to pay before you found this offer? I personally don't think I could really entertain the offer if it was over 3500, and that's looking at the FC model( No idea on pricing for the FD style). Then again, I'm looking for a basic car with little to no mods that I can fix up myself.
For meets/shows, a 911 may be a better choice because there are more clubs and events in the USA, although the RX-7 would be more unique. FYI the Porsche meets usually involve rich people and upper-class activities like wine and cheese tasting, while rotary events mostly involve working-class and middle-class people who prefer BBQ and beer. The Porsche owners are usually a wealth of book knowledge about the history of their cars, while rotary car owners are usually technically savvy and like to work on their cars themselves. If you get a Supra then you will most likely find yourself with a lot of young Toyota and Honda drifters drooling over your car. You may want to choose a car based on which group you think you would like best.
I would certainly buy a non-running RX-7 if I liked it, but I would consider it a bunch of used parts rather than a whole car. The price sounds about right, although my FD knowledge is pretty weak.
Keep in mind that the current owner does not really know what he is doing, so there may be things that he "fixed" incorrectly. A T3/T4 is not really an upgrade for that car unless the turbo is a GT35R, so you would probably want to sell the turbo and manifold and replace it with a full T4 or rebuilt OEM twins. If you use rebuilt OEM twins or a modern water-cooled aftermarket turbo then you can sell the turbo timer. You will want to get an aftermarket fuel computer if you use anything other than the OEM twins, as the stock engine computer is a speed-density type that does not appreciate significant changes in the engine's output.
Yes, stick with the FC model. You can get one in decent shape for about $1,000. I wouldn't stress over the year or trim, but try to avoid the dreaded automatic transmission. The FD model is for people who have more money to blow on their hobby.
I would certainly buy a non-running RX-7 if I liked it, but I would consider it a bunch of used parts rather than a whole car. The price sounds about right, although my FD knowledge is pretty weak.
Keep in mind that the current owner does not really know what he is doing, so there may be things that he "fixed" incorrectly. A T3/T4 is not really an upgrade for that car unless the turbo is a GT35R, so you would probably want to sell the turbo and manifold and replace it with a full T4 or rebuilt OEM twins. If you use rebuilt OEM twins or a modern water-cooled aftermarket turbo then you can sell the turbo timer. You will want to get an aftermarket fuel computer if you use anything other than the OEM twins, as the stock engine computer is a speed-density type that does not appreciate significant changes in the engine's output.
Yes, stick with the FC model. You can get one in decent shape for about $1,000. I wouldn't stress over the year or trim, but try to avoid the dreaded automatic transmission. The FD model is for people who have more money to blow on their hobby.
as far as the porsches go, i really like the rauh welt team of porsches. not many of the wide bodied porsches here in the U.S. i really wanna build a car for form and function.
one of the reasons i feel the car would be a good buy is because it comes with all the stock parts. it isn't modified too much to where i could either return to stock or modify using the supplied parts along with a few others after i learn more about the proper way to go about modifying. it's a good base to learn with and a good starting point. i even think i could sell off parts i don't need in the process of modifying.
either way i just think i need to go ahead and get the car at the lowest possible price and go from there. just put it in the garage, start cleaning, sort out all the parts that are there and then go from there. i would probably return the car to stock and familiarize myself with the setup before beginning anything else. i really like the WTAC cars and the bare bonedness of them. nothing needed except the essentials. gotta love it.
08-04-12, 09:31 PM
#10
I bought a rolling shell for 4200.. I'd probably buy that car for 5500 but he FD was my dream car so that was worth a couple grand LOL ..
check the compression look at how to do it and check the compression to see if the motor is good . if it is then finishing the IC and exhaust is easy ..
what computer is he running I didnt read anything about that.
check the compression look at how to do it and check the compression to see if the motor is good . if it is then finishing the IC and exhaust is easy ..
what computer is he running I didnt read anything about that.
08-05-12, 12:56 PM
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OP, I am interested in knowing if you took the plunge on the RX-7 yet or even intend to.
As for you Evil Aviator.... Decent, for 1,000? I don't know where you're looking, but I am truly impressed. Most I see online are 3k+ and I haven't seen any locally yet.
As for you Evil Aviator.... Decent, for 1,000? I don't know where you're looking, but I am truly impressed. Most I see online are 3k+ and I haven't seen any locally yet.
08-05-12, 03:51 PM
#13
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I bought my 88 convertible for $1,000 a few years ago. It needed a new top, battery, one tire, and a few minor fixes, so it is what I would call "decent" rather than "good". I drove it over 1,100 miles round trip from St. Louis to DGRR for four years now with no problems. It was advertised in the classified section of this forum for several months with no buyers, so it's not like I am somebody special. I found several other good deals in the classified section last year, but I decided that I have enough cars. Just keep looking and you will find them.
08-05-12, 10:50 PM
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Non running is fine, as long as you have a FSM, (Not Haynes) and some technical know how and last but not least maybe a friend or 2 that have previous experience with that year car..
In my case my son bought an 84 GSL not running, we bolted on a Mikuni 44PHH put on a Header and good exhaust, it runs fine now... We did find it killed a coil, which explained the rough running.. Thanx for the help Alex
Now there is an 86 GX in the drive way for me, paid 200.00 for it.. It runs, took a total rebush of the shifter to work decent, now we just have to get rid of that 14 yr old gas
If you do purchase that car, have fun, get it running, then go and drive it !
In my case my son bought an 84 GSL not running, we bolted on a Mikuni 44PHH put on a Header and good exhaust, it runs fine now... We did find it killed a coil, which explained the rough running.. Thanx for the help Alex
Now there is an 86 GX in the drive way for me, paid 200.00 for it.. It runs, took a total rebush of the shifter to work decent, now we just have to get rid of that 14 yr old gas
If you do purchase that car, have fun, get it running, then go and drive it !
08-06-12, 07:16 PM
#19
tomorrow i'm gonna go by the bank and see how much a loan would be for alittle more than the asking price so if i do decide to get the car i'll be preapproved and also know i have alittle extra cash to get the car running again. i'm really thinking about returning it to stock and getting the car in great shape until i can decide what route i wanna go. i'm sure there are some bushings and hoses that need to be replaced on the car.
i'm thinking i could sell off some of the parts i don't need when i decide what route to go. i also wanna learn to weld so i can do as much of the work myself. i'll definitely keep everyone posted on what i do within the next few days.
well i figured i could always do an ls or another swap if i'm unhappy with the rotary engine but, i really wanna focus on the rotary engine first
i really wanna get the car but, i don't want to get in over my head. i need a project/toy i can put some time into and enjoy and have fun with. i'm thinking i'll just get the car and take it slow.
08-06-12, 10:48 PM
#20
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You should fill this out before getting any loans:
http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igs...rdit&GnavID=42
08-06-12, 10:58 PM
#21
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Loan? For a non-running project/toy that you can't afford? Seriously? Oh hell no!
You should fill this out before getting any loans:
http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igs...rdit&GnavID=42
You should fill this out before getting any loans:
http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igs...rdit&GnavID=42
08-07-12, 02:10 AM
#22
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The big thing with Haynes is they are British, a lot of the information is for British/European models less stringent emissions, less wiring are some of the differences....
08-07-12, 10:51 AM
#23
Loan? For a non-running project/toy that you can't afford? Seriously? Oh hell no!
You should fill this out before getting any loans:
http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igs...rdit&GnavID=42
You should fill this out before getting any loans:
http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igs...rdit&GnavID=42
i'd rather take out a loan then take the $5k outta my savings, IRA, or 401k. i understand where you're coming from but, i'm 26 and just had my first home built 2 years ago. i'm tired of working and not living. i just feel like i should enjoy my life and do something i enjoy.
i've sacrificed enough for awhile. it's time to enjoy myself. i hear all these financial shows and talk about investing and the future and all. i think that's a great idea but, you've gotta enjoy your life NOW. you can't just plan for the future and sit at home doing nothing so that 40 years from now you'll have financial independence.
that i didn't know.
