So I'm about to buy an rx-7...
 

Well guys I think I'm gonna do it, I've been running the idea through my head for the past six months and I think I'm finally gonna go through with it. I'm gonna buy an rx-7!

I've been talking with a real nice guy in Charlotte that has an '83 rx-7 that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for! The only thing I'm not crazy about is the color, but overall that's a minor detail.

My plan is to pick up this rx-7 and sell my current daily driver, my '88 GTI 16v. The GTI has been good to me, the thing is a blast to drive and it has plenty of room for carrying stuff around. However, it has some rust issues that doesn't make it a good base for a car that I plan on pouring a lot of money into when I'm out of school. Besides, the rx-7 is a sports car, the VW is an econo box with sports stuff added on. Plus, I already own a miata, so nice to keep everything Mazda (yes, I've justified this to myself in everyway possible!).

Nothing really to add, just wanted to see if anyone else owned a 1st gen rx-7 or had any comments on them. I'm excited and I feel like I've done my research but I just wanted to get some last minute opinions. I'm planning on driving to Charlotte on Tuesday to see the car :)

The RX7's from the first generation don't have a whole lot of power, so plan on modding it if you plan on getting any serious performance. I'd still get it, being a fan of the rotary engine. Also, make sure you replace the apex seals with newer, wider ones.

just make sure you keep up with the maintenance. I've heard rotaries are very tempermental.

They are argued to be less prone to damage tho coz its got less moving parts. But it does eat more petrol thanks to lower compression etc.

As far as mods, I don't I'm gonna go crazy on it, at least not right now, probbaly just exhaust. The car I'm looking at has the 12A which is about 101 hp I think. But I'm not exaclty a horsepower freak, the current cars I own are a miata with 140hp and a vw with 123hp :)

Is there any specific reason I would want to replace the apex seals while the engine is still running fine? I was thinking that that was more something to keep in mind when it comes time to rebuild. I mean, why go to all the trouble when it all works?

trecool, thanks for the reminder, I plan on being very proactive with this car. :)

I honestly think that the rotary engine is the coolest invention.
I guess I am just wasting space here, as I don't know much about RX-7's, but I do dig the look of them!

I dunno, condoms are pretty cool....

but yeah id like to own a rx8 someday

you can get a lot of information from the guys at www.nopistons.com

they've helped me a lot in my thoughts on getting an RX-8

:lol:

Big day is tomorrow, get to leave work early and drive to Charlotte to check it out. If everything works out I'll be driving back in a beautiful '83 rx-7 and a lighter wallet :)

I'm doing my best to keep my excitement to a reasonable level in case things don't work out, but dammit it's pretty tough :p

Tech,

Thanks for the link to nopistons, I'd been to there a few times a couple months ago when I was looking for well populated rx-7 boards. I'd forgotten that it can be a good resource as well.

1st Gen RX7's are one of the best drifting cars ever made, you should lower it and replace the suspension, and drift it around town!! That is fun to do. By the way if you dont know what drifting is go here: www.driftworks.com

The narrower, weaker apex seals (I think they were plastic) are more prone to failure. During the rebuild is a good time to fix that.

Go to RX7club.com It has a forum just like this. It has been going for years. You'll love it.

Before you mod go to this site. It will take you step by step on what to do. The first mod that people do is the intake and the exhaust together. But you must add more fuel using a differant computer or else the motor pops. Pops a word you will become familar with.
Also this site will tell you where to buy stuff the cheapest (rx7store.com)
Just like this site they like donations - it doesn't run for free.

I have a 320 RWHP Gen 3. Most of the work was done by Pettit. (RX-7 guru). I've owned the car for ten years.

PM me if you need more.

I recently picked up a white 83 for free, as a family had it just sitting around untouched and wanted it out of the yard. Had a MINT interior, but wouldn't start due to a bad clutch.

Anyhoo, its a great little car, and is pretty quick despite its minimal HP #'s. With the first gens or just about ANY rx7, there are two major things. First, make SURE your cooling system is working flawlessly, as these things will overheat the first chance they get. The other thing is change your oil religiously, at least every 3000 miles. If you do a rebuild, yes, upgrade to the newer seals. With the proper maintenance, I've seen rx7's go over 200k without any problems.

i really like the looks of the rx7... and the rotary engine is pretty cool...if i had money i would get one...

Well, I've now got an '83 rx-7 :)

I picked it up tuesday evening from a real nice guy in Charlotte. Car is in really good shape, its just got some cosmetic stuff (cracked dash being the biggest) and some other nagging stuff (squealing belt and some hesitation issues).

I'm pleased though. :D