85 Mazda RX-7 - GSL-SE - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

dj_simo · 04-30-2004, 04:17 PM

My dad has a 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE in pretty poor condition. Its sorta just sinking into the ground where it is sitting. But....there is no frame rust and it needs a good cleaning. The original Rotary engine went to shit about 8 years ago and it hasn't been replaced. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to really make it a mean car after the new engine is installed. Thanks
-SImo

Scorps · 04-30-2004, 04:21 PM

if there is no big ass rust fix up a little maybe drop a used Rotary in it then sell it

I personally like the 95 model the best!

dj_simo · 04-30-2004, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pain Train
if there is no big ass rust fix up a little maybe drop a used Rotary in it then sell it

I personally like the 95 model the best!

I know my dad was planning on dropping a new rotary in it, but when that will happen...I have no clue. he was also thinking of....if he had the money, putting a 450hp in it....but....i think he is overlooking the size of the car. we will see what happens. I don't think he would let me sell it....haven't driven any other models of the RX-7....The new RX-8 looks great though.

Scorps · 04-30-2004, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dj_simo
I know my dad was planning on dropping a new rotary in it, but when that will happen...I have no clue. he was also thinking of....if he had the money, putting a 450hp in it....but....i think he is overlooking the size of the car. we will see what happens. I don't think he would let me sell it....haven't driven any other models of the RX-7....The new RX-8 looks great though.

oh the RX-8's are badass.

but I have seen people drop chevy 350's with the TH350 tranny...and it fits...crazy I say!

dj_simo · 04-30-2004, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pain Train
oh the RX-8's are badass.

but I have seen people drop chevy 350's with the TH350 tranny...and it fits...crazy I say!

Holy hell.....in a rx-7?....im surprised the engine doesn't jump out of the car...insane.
We are possibly gunna drop a 450 or 427 in my 86' Chevy Caprice Classic with dual edelbrock carburetors with progressive linkage,a edelbrock manifold, headers, dumps, and a hood modification for air intake, t-10 tranny, 8 inch rear tires with about 3-4 inches of rubber on 20 or 18 inch rims, new suspension, and probably a whole strengthening and cleaning of the frame and such....but thats a big if....cause thats gunna be hella expensive. Currently there is a 305, single carburetor, rear air-shocks, new front shocks, stock-version tires. Nothin special but it gets me around.

Scorps · 04-30-2004, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dj_simo
Holy hell.....in a rx-7?....im surprised the engine doesn't jump out of the car...insane.
We are possibly gunna drop a 450 or 427 in my 86' Chevy Caprice Classic with dual edelbrock carburetors with progressive linkage,a edelbrock manifold, headers, dumps, and a hood modification for air intake, t-10 tranny, 8 inch rear tires with about 3-4 inches of rubber on 20 or 18 inch rims, new suspension, and probably a whole strengthening and cleaning of the frame and such....but thats a big if....cause thats gunna be hella expensive. Currently there is a 305, single carburetor, rear air-shocks, new front shocks, stock-version tires. Nothin special but it gets me around.

LOL I used to have a 86 Caprice Classic that thing was a peace of junk, the rear frame was cracked because some asshole rear ended the previous owner and just hit the trailer hitch, no damage to the car! but the engine was a 305 and well i had to pump the gas something like 50 times before it would start(choke wa gone), but I don't know why you would want to do that to that model of car?

Get a Cutlass or some other 80's 2 door car!

dj_simo · 04-30-2004, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pain Train
LOL I used to have a 86 Caprice Classic that thing was a peace of junk, the rear frame was cracked because some asshole rear ended the previous owner and just hit the trailer hitch, no damage to the car! but the engine was a 305 and well i had to pump the gas something like 50 times before it would start(choke wa gone), but I don't know why you would want to do that to that model of car?

Get a Cutlass or some other 80's 2 door car!

I got it for free from a friend and its in really great condition. The interior is still original valor, and the model is used quite often as a car made into a lowrider. I just took the tow hitch off, put in the shocks....which was a complete bitch to do....and before I replaced the carb. I had to pump the gas as well. Still do sometimes...on those cold days. I guess its just an idea to do that....I doubt it will ever happen. But its the best car to do it to cause we have it....I dont wanna go out and buy a cutlass or some other 2-door...im a cheap bastard

Scorps · 04-30-2004, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dj_simo
I got it for free from a friend and its in really great condition. The interior is still original valor, and the model is used quite often as a car made into a lowrider. I just took the tow hitch off, put in the shocks....which was a complete bitch to do....and before I replaced the carb. I had to pump the gas as well. Still do sometimes...on those cold days. I guess its just an idea to do that....I doubt it will ever happen. But its the best car to do it to cause we have it....I dont wanna go out and buy a cutlass or some other 2-door...im a cheap bastard

LOL I was thinking of doing up my Caprice but would have cost to much to make the frame strong enough to with stand the power of my 350

I think it would look sweet Lowered about 2 or so inch's, with 18 inch wheels with the low-profile rubber and air-ride, paint it up nice and do a lot of interior work....them big fluffy seats got to go!

dj_simo · 04-30-2004, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pain Train
LOL I was thinking of doing up my Caprice but would have cost to much to make the frame strong enough to with stand the power of my 350

I think it would look sweet Lowered about 2 or so inch's, with 18 inch wheels with the low-profile rubber and air-ride, paint it up nice and do a lot of interior work....them big fluffy seats got to go!

HAHA......yah.....with the shocks in it now, I actually raised it an inch. The old shocks were toast and the thing was riding on springs. Air-ride equipped would be NICE, but I would keep the interior....its just too pristine to take out...and it suits it anyway. I think i need a new tranny though....cause its gettin real sluggish lately.....that sucks

aint it funny how we thread jacked this thread....crap....back to the rx-7.....that thing needs SO much work. The door handles have to be pushed back in because the greese has dried up....bah....the real wheels are locked up as well....frozen in place.

Scorps · 04-30-2004, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dj_simo
HAHA......yah.....with the shocks in it now, I actually raised it an inch. The old shocks were toast and the thing was riding on springs. Air-ride equipped would be NICE, but I would keep the interior....its just too pristine to take out...and it suits it anyway. I think i need a new tranny though....cause its gettin real sluggish lately.....that sucks

aint it funny how we thread jacked this thread....crap....back to the rx-7.....that thing needs SO much work. The door handles have to be pushed back in because the greese has dried up....bah....the real wheels are locked up as well....frozen in place.

Wow that is in bad shape....but thats what happens when a car sits for to long...I bet someone might pay a max of 300 or 500 to take it as is, for a project car!

dj_simo · 04-30-2004, 05:24 PM

actually....i think it is worth more.....we actually had some kids wanting to buy it and my dad was like....how much you willing to pay...and they were like...10grand
so hes like....25Gs....and they left promptly...lol

Scorps · 04-30-2004, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dj_simo
actually....i think it is worth more.....we actually had some kids wanting to buy it and my dad was like....how much you willing to pay...and they were like...10grand
so hes like....25Gs....and they left promptly...lol

holly shit get them back.....that thing is not worth that much even if the engine was running

well maybe with a engine, blowin I would have said "SOLD"

dj_simo · 04-30-2004, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pain Train
holly shit get them back.....that thing is not worth that much even if the engine was running

well maybe with a engine, blowin I would have said "SOLD"

hahaha.....yah.....i probably would have said that too....BUT....they were kids.....and I want the car.

pocon1 · 04-30-2004, 06:30 PM

Threadjack, lets get back on track.

If the body is in good shape, and the tranny is ok, and you have an engine to put into it, it can be a nice car. The engine that came with the car is the 13b. Now this engine is harder to port out than the old 12a engine. A street port on a 12a is supposedly worth about 180 or so hp, which is really good for a car that size. If you are going with the 13b, you may as well see if you can get an imported jdm engine. They did make a turbo for that model in Japan. If a later 13b turbo will fit, an 86-88 model is rated at 182 and the 89-91 is rated at I think 200 hp. Of course, a boost control, fuel cut defencer, and a new chip will add some hp on top.
They are neat engines, and will respond well to exhaust, headers and air intake. They get really noisy if you do this, and they drink a lot of gas for such a small engine. My 86 2nd gen with the same engine as yours gets about 18 mpg with no mods.
The engines are very tough, but they need regular oil checks, about a quart of oil every 1000 miles, and annual coolant and thermostat checks. They burn oil as part of the design process. They are sensitive to overheating. The cooling will not give you any problems, just take care of it. A good engine should last 150 to 200,000 miles.
They are lightweight and have pretty good handling. They also have a distinct look and sound that will seperate you from the pack.

WarWagon · 04-30-2004, 08:05 PM

If its in poor shape, sell it. There are still a lot of people out there DYING to buy the first gens. I got my 83 for free, and granted the car is in outstanding shape inside and out, I've had a TON of people just walk up to me at the gas station or store, and ask "how much? I can have the money today." With all of the little problems that go wrong with them and the expense of replacement parts, I say go for the quick buck and put the money into something useful.

Peryn · 04-30-2004, 09:10 PM

If it needs a new engine anyway, sell it. They are cheap enough, it would be better to get a new one altogether, especially if you plan on dropping in a new motor anyway. The GSL-SE was sweet though, had the 13b instead of the 12a... in those first gens was a pretty sweet ride.

Scorps · 05-02-2004, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WarWagon
If its in poor shape, sell it. There are still a lot of people out there DYING to buy the first gens. I got my 83 for free, and granted the car is in outstanding shape inside and out, I've had a TON of people just walk up to me at the gas station or store, and ask "how much? I can have the money today." With all of the little problems that go wrong with them and the expense of replacement parts, I say go for the quick buck and put the money into something useful.

LOL when my buddy had the Daytona on the road people used to do the same thing...to bad they don't do that anymore

View Poll Results: What do I do with the RX-7
Sell it?	3	25.00%
Junk it?	3	25.00%
Keep it and fix it?	6	50.00%
Voters: 12. You may not vote on this poll

04-30-2004, 04:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
dj_simo Crazy Location: The Woods	85 Mazda RX-7 - GSL-SE My dad has a 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE in pretty poor condition. Its sorta just sinking into the ground where it is sitting. But....there is no frame rust and it needs a good cleaning. The original Rotary engine went to shit about 8 years ago and it hasn't been replaced. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to really make it a mean car after the new engine is installed. Thanks -SImo __________________ .:GOT SIMO:.

04-30-2004, 05:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
dj_simo Crazy Location: The Woods	actually....i think it is worth more.....we actually had some kids wanting to buy it and my dad was like....how much you willing to pay...and they were like...10grand so hes like....25Gs....and they left promptly...lol __________________ .:GOT SIMO:.

04-30-2004, 09:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	If it needs a new engine anyway, sell it. They are cheap enough, it would be better to get a new one altogether, especially if you plan on dropping in a new motor anyway. The GSL-SE was sweet though, had the 13b instead of the 12a... in those first gens was a pretty sweet ride. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

04-30-2004, 04:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	if there is no big ass rust fix up a little maybe drop a used Rotary in it then sell it I personally like the 95 model the best!

04-30-2004, 06:30 PM	#14 (permalink)
pocon1 Banned	Threadjack, lets get back on track. If the body is in good shape, and the tranny is ok, and you have an engine to put into it, it can be a nice car. The engine that came with the car is the 13b. Now this engine is harder to port out than the old 12a engine. A street port on a 12a is supposedly worth about 180 or so hp, which is really good for a car that size. If you are going with the 13b, you may as well see if you can get an imported jdm engine. They did make a turbo for that model in Japan. If a later 13b turbo will fit, an 86-88 model is rated at 182 and the 89-91 is rated at I think 200 hp. Of course, a boost control, fuel cut defencer, and a new chip will add some hp on top. They are neat engines, and will respond well to exhaust, headers and air intake. They get really noisy if you do this, and they drink a lot of gas for such a small engine. My 86 2nd gen with the same engine as yours gets about 18 mpg with no mods. The engines are very tough, but they need regular oil checks, about a quart of oil every 1000 miles, and annual coolant and thermostat checks. They burn oil as part of the design process. They are sensitive to overheating. The cooling will not give you any problems, just take care of it. A good engine should last 150 to 200,000 miles. They are lightweight and have pretty good handling. They also have a distinct look and sound that will seperate you from the pack.

04-30-2004, 08:05 PM	#15 (permalink)
WarWagon Loser	If its in poor shape, sell it. There are still a lot of people out there DYING to buy the first gens. I got my 83 for free, and granted the car is in outstanding shape inside and out, I've had a TON of people just walk up to me at the gas station or store, and ask "how much? I can have the money today." With all of the little problems that go wrong with them and the expense of replacement parts, I say go for the quick buck and put the money into something useful.