the aforementioned '83 rx7, its in Fairfax (Va). what should i look for (specifically)? I'm gonna give it a look over, i wont be making any decisions on the spot. I'm gonna look at it, see how it runs, etc and then think about it.

Thanks!

-Ryan

Details on the car:

needs new front rotors and pads and an inspection (easy)
85,371Mi.
Mechanically sound, runs, drives
Original 12A engine
5 Speed manual trans.
4 wheel disc brakes
Original metallic gray paint still ok except for some fading on hood and roof
Damaged right front fender, dent on hood and rear panel
No rust except some surface rust where fender is damaged
Carpet is good
Some interior trim panels are faded
Leather seats, but leather is bad on seat bottoms
Vinyl on upper door panels cracked and chipped
Removable sunroof
Air Conditioning - removed but still have parts.
Cruise Control
Power Windows
Power Mirrors
OEM digital cassette stereo W/graphic equalizer
Nice Mazda RX-7 bra and custom fit car cover

motor is strong, has new plugs and wires,

 

Damn, that's pretty low milage.

it's probably got another 100-150k on it. Never the less. A compression check is in order. Start it cold, make sure it idles nice when cold, and watch for smoke out the tailpipe. A little smoke is expected, but too much, and the water seals may be going. A cooling system pressure check would be suggested as well. Take it for a spin, toss it around some corners (make sure no clunking bushings), take it through all the gears (listening to any grinding), get on the brakes (make sure no warped rotors, or MC going bad).

They are fun little cars, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.
http://www.rx7forum.com
Post on the 1st Gen forum for more info.

-

 

I would see if the apex seals have been replaced. The story I had heard (had a 2nd gen) was that they go somewhere around 80K. Other than that, if it is a pretty good deal, I think you'll like it a good deal. My sister had an '84 and a buddy of mine had an '84 and '85. We all refer to our respective cars very fondly and I for one sure would like to have that ole '86 back now.

 

Where in Fairfax? Who is the seller? I live in Fairfax, so I can come with you to inspect if you want. Let me know if you want to do a compression test or anything like that.

What is the asking price?

Rotors will cost around $150, since the rotor and hub are integral, so bearings will need to be done at the same time.

Things to look for:
1. rear suspension pickups. look behind the rear wheels (take them off) - you will see a triangle shaped bracket, make sure it isn't rusted through.
2. idle. rotaries are supposed to run smoother than 4 bangers. rough idle may indicate bad apex seals. But it might also be bad igntion or carb, so if it's rough, do a compression test.
3. check fuel lines at tank - they are rubber and near the ground on teh driver side.
4. check rear axles for leaking. if it is, do the bearings, which requires a press and puller
5. check rear pumpkin for leaks. they often start to leak. not a biggy, just something to watch for.
6. check radiator and coolant. rotaries HATE (and I mean F@CKIN' HATE) to be overheated. if there are signs of poor maintenance or previous trouble, walk away or start bargaining down.
7. check oil cooler (I think '83 has the water cooled thing under oil filter, so it hould be ok).
8. when driving, car should pull well up to redline. it won't be super fast, but should be a fun pace.

$2000+ should get you a damn near perfect car.

$1500 should get you a car that will pass inspection and emmissions but will have some small flaws.

$500 should get you a good body or a good engine, but not both.

Engine rebuilds are about $2000 (that is if you buy parts and pull motor and pay Bret to do the work). Porting is about $300 more, so may as well for a street car.

Exhausts are expensive for these cars. Unless you buy one of Bret's race exhausts, which will require you to add a muffler.

Best mod - remove pre-cats and replace main cat with high-flo unit.
next best mod - headers
3rd best - high flo intake
carb by Paul Yaw
79-80 intake manifold
remove emmissions also is good if you can get away with it.

 

Thanks for the help guys - you are all awesome.

Al - i asked the seller, he's in herndon off of ffx county parkway. If you want to come out and look it over with me that would be fantastic - if not, i have a great list of things to check out. I dont know why the price is on the low side, i think he's just a motivated seller. He said he bought the car a year or so ago, and hasnt really done anything with it.

edit - the asking price is $850 - if the car is what he says it is, its a good deal, but i'd still like to get the price down some.

Whats the procedure for replacing front rotors? I havnet worked with integral rotor/bearing assy's before.

Thanks again for all the help -

Ryan - who's hoping he just stumbled on a good deal... rotary's -


[Modified by Type-RJ, 10:11 AM 1/10/2002]