Help for a potential 88-89 323gtx

[ericrapp]

I know next to nothing. About this car. Found an offering on Friday and am looking at Sunday. I need help on what to look for. I am a 07 speed3 owner and and now very excited after reading the cars history and rally purposed design. This might be bull or it could be a gem. Any help would be appreciated. I have read about the crank pulley wobble and thats all I know so far to worry for. Thanks, Eric. Email please as things are happening quick. I would be upset to have this get away if it is the real deal.

 

[88323GT]

Well, I can help with this. (I own 2 of the GT Versions, 2wd Turbos)

The pully wobble is the biggest thing to watch for, pretty much means your in for a new engine.
The GTX is the real deal. Its an awesome car, and quite rare. Things to look for are as fallows:
-Crank Wabble (Obviously)
-Rust! Its a problem sometimes depending on location. Check for pans and rear quarters completely.
-Sunroof is a possible leak problem, if not completly inop(Can be swapped with a 90's BG Protege Electric, or an Escort Powered moonroof very easily).
-Clunky Transmission shifting. If it is a hard shifter or a rough shifter, May need a rebuild.
-Ignition switch. If its the original, it may be a hard one to start, you will hear clicking noise when turning the key, and no start. Its NOT the Starter (Most Likely). Contacts get old and dirty, may need to be replaced.
-Check the Turbo Shaft play if possible. It maybe due for a rebuild.

Mind you this is a 21 year old car, and will come with 21 year old problems. Dont let it turn you away though. When fixed up nice, these are fast and alot of fun.

 

[ericrapp]

Thanks for your help and good information. My meeting is at eleven. The deal sounds alittle shady. But I got some more info online and with your help I feel fairly prepared. Thank you again!

 

[ericrapp]

Hey guy from way west in Oregon! I checked the car out today. It is a project for sure but runs very well and the price is nice. The speed o meter does not work or ebrake. Recent inspection. 80,000. rear quarters very rough and head gasket needs replacement. Suprisingly good interior and roof is working and dry! The car looks like 80k but good all considered. And really is untouched besides maintenance. The fellow really just learned of the rarity but doesn't seem to care about making money, his wife wants it out. He is asking 2000. I am sure he will take less. Like i said it would be a project. Oh yes, it runs smooth as can be. Any thoughts?

 

[D-rock240]

2k sounds like a good deal.

 

[OhSchnapps]

Do it.

 

[88323GT]

2000 for a project is a we bit steep, I would ask him if he would take 1800 first, see how solid he is. Eitherway, it would make a great project.

 

[OhSchnapps]

Oh sure if you can get a lower price, by all means. I meant do it as in buy it regardless.

 

[ericrapp]

I will wait him out abit as he does not want to ship it anywhere. I said I will call him at the end of this week. Thanks folks

 

[Captain KRM P5]

rent a flatbed and deduct the difference of that from what he wants for it

 

[ericrapp]

I am about ten miles away from the car. Iwas thinking of some other folks who might be interested. I would be happy to lead someone to this car if you would like. My world turned a bit Sunday on the way home from talking to the owner, when me, my son, and my Speed3 were rear ended pretty hard at a stop light. Ken I definitely will need a Forge Motorsport decal to replace the one on my busted rear bumper. Price me one of these in blue please. Any one who is interested in the 323 GTX I might be able to help you. By the way folks the Speedster took great care of us. My head restraint is damaged along with the driver seat mount took some damage, but I am going to write a letter to Mazda NA with praise about it. sorry to go off topic and I appreciate all the interest and help on the 323. It is still available as no one around here knows what it is I think. Craigs list, take a look and I can fill in the real details

 

[Captain KRM P5]

the decals are free if you email pat@forgemotorsport.com

 

[ericrapp]

Thanks.

 

[88323GT]

dude, that sucks!
Are you guys alright? How bad off is the MS3? Hope all is ok, and that the cars not totaled. Bummer on the GTX. you would have had alot of fun in that thing. Hope it finds a deserving home.

 

[ericrapp]

The doctor said the boy would be sore a couple weeks. I dropped the car of today and the tech knew what the car is and i feel very comfortable with them. i guess by the time they are done I will flat bed it to my garage to put up for winter. The damage does not look bad at all, and he was amazed at the cars condition all considered. I am very happy that it was not worse. And the gtx, I know you are right about the fun factor and I also wish the little car well. They are even cooler in person than I thought it would be! Thanks for asking about us. I appreciate your help, enthusiasm, and concern. I think i am becoming a Mazda guy!