FD RX-7 Questions

[06GTO]

I am new to the Mazda Rotary scene, I’ve had several imports over the years, but not a Mazda, there may be an opportunity for me to buy a 1995 RX7, the car has been sitting for 10+ years. I actually looked at this car about five years ago and talked to the owner, and at that point it had been sitting for many years. But the body look good interior look pretty good. I doubt the car runs.

My question is, if I were able to purchase it, what kind of nightmarish things may I run into. Obviously, I know that the entire fuel system, breaking system, probably electrical system, all of that’s gonna have to be gone through, but some of the more experienced people may be able to chime in and help me.

Thank you.

 

[SparkYellow]

Congrats on getting close to owning a FD! If you don't get any meaningful response here in a day or two, let me know. There are a couple of other places to check.

 

[06GTO]

Will do Spark, thanks

 

[SparkYellow]

For all my 1st Gen. questions, I go to rx7club. Their 3rd gen. section will give you a pretty good sense of the kinds of challenges they face and what solutions are available. There are many groups for FDs but I am not sure which one is best.. The vibes/demographics are slightly different.

Sometimes I read the comments on BAT listings for owner insights.

 

[Antoine]

First of all, welcome @06GTO!

Note our Rotary Forum was quite active in the past and we currently have 91 pages of threads going back years...Just searching and browsing those will give you some idea.

Rotary Mazda Forum

mazdas247.com

Rotary Mazdas have quite the reputation but it's just that they require care and proper maintenance. If a Rotary Mazda was "mistreated", yeah you could be in for some serious repairs.

If there is a local specialist with a great reputation (I wouldn't settle for just anyone or someone claiming to have the capacity)...I would have the car checked out at first if possible...If you have no experience with rotary engines/Mazdas and plan to work on it yourself, that could present serious challenges especially with the later gen FD (I'd imagine vs the earlier simpler gens).

If you have the budget and can find a quality specialist that's trustworthy, I would seriously consider that route...I think another reason rotary Mazdas receive a bad rep is people think they can work on it themselves and while some can, others likely botch things and then blame the engine/car (sadly).

Side note...If it's been sitting forever, one thing (of many things probably) that will need to be replaced are all the vacuum lines that relate to the sequential twin-turbo system which is notorious for being like a "rats nest".

Keep us updated if you can!