So I want to buy an RX-7...

[magnumP5]

So I saw a thread on here today and it has seriously made me consider actually trying to sell the P5 and pick up an RX7. I know a *little* about RX7's, mostly the model years and different body styles but the available options and accessories are what elude me. That being said I'm really looking for an FC; I don't really like FD's although I wouldn't turn one down for the right price and I suppose I'd grab an FB if it were in good condition. Also, I don't really care whether it's a TII, N/A coupe or 'vert. So being narrowed down a little more I'm really looking into the '85-'92 year range. I believe '85-'88 were the S4's and the '89-'92 were S5's. I would prefer newer, not only because I like the styling of the S5's a little more but they should come with less miles, wear, etc.

This would become my "fun car" that I would still like to be able to drive to work when I wanted. In other words, I don't want a dyno queen, drag car, track car, etc. If I were to pick one up the only mods I would probably do would be bolt-ons and suspension. So things like intake, exhaust, springs/struts or coilovers and header/light turbo mods depending on N/A or TII. I'm not looking for big power and I can accept the fact that it would likely be slower than my P5. I just want to pick one up in good condition, mod it up tastefully and keep it in good running order. A modern classic if you will.

Now with all that out of the way what would you RX7 gurus suggest? What are things to look for or avoid? What options were available what years and on what trim? I know I should probably be asking this on RX7club but I've heard bad things about that place and besides, I like it here

 

[mazdadude]

The FC is a fun car.

In the US, the FC is 1986-1988 FC Series 4, and from 1989-1991 is the FC Series 5. In the US there is no 92 model.

Turbo2 Models were available from 1987-1991, with most upgrades and improvements made to the 1989 Model.

If you want a Turbo2, 89-91 is the one to get, but they are hard to find in original condition.

The FB can be alot of fun, especially the 1984-1985 GSL-SE.

Don't forget about the RX-8 too.

 

[magnumP5]

^^^ Ah, thanks for the corrections! TII would be nice but I'm not dead set on one - it just depends on what I can find in good condition. I wouldn't mind picking up a FB, but I just figured it'd be really hard to find one in decent condition. There's a black '91 'vert about 50 miles from me that I've been looking at. It's got 80k miles and they're asking for $6k, which seems a little high to me. The mileage worries me as well. I've also found a red '88 'vert with only 22k miles on it a little farther away for $7500 (also a little high, I think). The lower miles is nice, but the older car not so much.

 

[SpooledupRacing]

WOW... awesome... As for the mileage both are low.. 80K is nothing to bat an eye at if it has been maintained..

BOTH seem VERY EXPENSIVE.. they should be completely stock and mint at that price... I bought my 86 base for 1000.00 and my 89 vert for 450.00 both were in good shape (the 86 which is my build car was in almost flawless shape besides interior fade)

do some research and look around.. I wouldn't jump on the first car u see for sure.. especially not for 6K plus!

 

[magnumP5]

Yeah, there are several within my driving range (100 miles) but I'm trying to keep the mileage on these below 100k and unmodified. There are four I am considering looking further into:

'88 'Vert - Red, 22k miles for $7500
'88 'Vert - Red, 82k miles for $3900
'90 Coupe - Black, 120k miles for $3000 (private seller)
'91 'Vert - Black, 80k miles for $6000

The thing that bugs me is that I don't know the trim on any of these. I want to say there was only one trim for the '91 'Vert and that the '90 Coupe is a GXL the others I really have no idea. I'm positive I could talk most, if not all these down. My real problem is going to be selling the P5. While I'm not looking to make a profit, I would like to come away with some money as I would be going from an '02 with 71k miles to a '91 or older car.

So what are some things to look out for? I know when test driving it is important that the car be cold when I start it up to check for cold start issues. Are there typical rust locations or wiring that commonly fails?

EDIT: BTW, can these cars make any respectable power N/A? I know the N/A's were 160 HP/ 145 TQ at the crank but is there anyway to get them around 200 whp?

 

[MS3_KIDD]

me and my dad picked up our 83 GSL for 900 bucks with about 58k on the ticker and it was mechanicly sound, just rust starting to come thru the lower rear section of the doors which is a common thing on these and a peeling clear coat and dent or 2

within a month of getting it we sent it off on a nice 8 thousand doller vacation at KD Rotary and got it tweaked ; ]

 

[Shadow102]

Well there are a lot of options you have here. First things first is your price range. Your right those verts your looking at are over priced even for mint condition. You should be able to find a very good condition s5 na for under 5k mostly in the 3k range even.

If you do decide on a na version stick to the s5 version it had 160hp (s4 only had 145hp), stay with 5lug/4pistons brakes as its going to cost you extra on a 4lug later on (all verts and turbos had 5lugs can't remember the other models that had them though). The end all na rx7 is the 1990/1991 GTUs model this was mazda's showroom stock racer but hard to come by in good condition. If you do go s4 get a gxl as it has a clutch lsd (s5's only had a viscous lsd)

Personally verts are a mixed bag. Yeah you get the top down fun thing however they only ever came power windows and have vert specific regulators, they are heavy, the trunks are a joke for size, and a lot of interior stuff is vert only so it can be hard to come by. If I didn't catch such a smokin deal on my vert I would rather a coupe which I plan on getting one later any way.

A tii can be found bone stock in great condition for around 7-8k and with just exhaust and basic bolts on make great power.

Chassis mileage isn't a huge issue with these and engine mileage on the na isn't too horrible either it really comes down to the care from the previous owner.

Ohh and verts only came in one trim model with only a couple basic option variations but nothing major. Also no verts came with a lsd. (Put a s4 clutch type in my vert and it made the car soooo much better). Unless you get super lucky as well be ready to get your hands dirty there are little things all over these cars to check out just because of age.

 

[SpooledupRacing]

honestly.. all of those prices seem VERY HIGH... and the 3K one is the guy on here (I wouldnt give 3K for that car)

I dont know why the change in state has this effect on people but in MI I can find a clean low mileage (under 100k) T2 for under 4K. I would NEVER spend over 4-5K for ANY FC that is stock... NEVER.. I mean yes its an rx7, yes it may be clean, yes it may be a turbo but STOCK... Its an FC rx7.. the most abundant RX7 out there...

Again I would keep your options open...

DONT buy an RX7 with an auto trans..
Verts are fun.. I loved mine and wish I still had it.. They are slow though and way ALOT more then the coupes

T2 is a nice car.. but in stock form I'm not sure if the extra power is worth the extra headaches if u plan to keep it stock.

S4 is a great car with less problems.. S5 cars are a bit pickier and when the OMP fails (because they all do) it is a PRICEY FIX.. The omp is a VERY pricey part even used and to replace it is easy one u know your way around the engine. But until then the car is undriveable (stuck in limp mode)

4 piston calipers are GREAT.. but in stock form NOT NEEDED.
deff get 5 lug wheels (unless you get an 86 or some rare 87's you will ALWAYS have 5 lugs).

IMO stay away from cars with the stock adjustable suspension.. UNLESS A VERT.. I think all verts had the stock adjustable suspension.

 

[Shadow102]

honestly.. all of those prices seem VERY HIGH... and the 3K one is the guy on here (I wouldnt give 3K for that car)

I dont know why the change in state has this effect on people but in MI I can find a clean low mileage (under 100k) T2 for under 4K. I would NEVER spend over 4-5K for ANY FC that is stock... NEVER.. I mean yes its an rx7, yes it may be clean, yes it may be a turbo but STOCK... Its an FC rx7.. the most abundant RX7 out there...

Again I would keep your options open...

DONT buy an RX7 with an auto trans..
Verts are fun.. I loved mine and wish I still had it.. They are slow though and way ALOT more then the coupes

T2 is a nice car.. but in stock form I'm not sure if the extra power is worth the extra headaches if u plan to keep it stock.

S4 is a great car with less problems.. S5 cars are a bit pickier and when the OMP fails (because they all do) it is a PRICEY FIX.. The omp is a VERY pricey part even used and to replace it is easy one u know your way around the engine. But until then the car is undriveable (stuck in limp mode)

4 piston calipers are GREAT.. but in stock form NOT NEEDED.
deff get 5 lug wheels (unless you get an 86 or some rare 87's you will ALWAYS have 5 lugs).

IMO stay away from cars with the stock adjustable suspension.. UNLESS A VERT.. I think all verts had the stock adjustable suspension.

If the omp goes just more of a reason to premix. And no all verts did not have the active suspension, mine doesn't.

 

[magnumP5]

Great information guys! I've been looking around a little more and I'm probably going to go check out a couple this weekend. I'll probably look at following three:

1) Black '91 'Vert with 80,314 miles listed for $5,995. This is located at a dealership and the suggested retail is $7,650 and $5,350 from KBB and NADA respectively (both assume 'excellent' condition). There are 14 records in CarFax for this one.

2) Black '90 Coupe (unknown trim) with 120,900 miles listed for $3,000. This is a private seller and the car has some mods, which worries me. Fromt the pictures I can see there is an intake, exhaust, steering wheel and pedals but who knows what else. Suggested private sale is $3,165 (GTU) or $3,335 (GXL) and $2,875 (GTU) or $3,150 (GXL) from KBB and NADA respectively. No VIN given

3) Red '88 'Vert with 82,211 miled listed for $3,900. This is also at a dealership and the suggested retail is $6,425 ('89) and $4,837 ('90) from KBB and NADA respectively (both assume excellent condition). CarFax says there are 20 records for this vehicle.

Both 1 and 3 appear to be bone stock (no engine shot of 1). Right now, 1 and 2 catch my eye the most as they are S5's. I'd rather have the Coupe but the modifications and higher mileage worry me. Also, being a private seller I have less of a chance of being able to trade my P5 for some cash. Anyone here have unlimited CarFax and feel like lending a hand?

 

[Shadow102]

I would go with the coupe especially for the price. As far as mods go they really aren't a bad thing for a NA rx7, it also means they drive the car and probably hard as well which is actually a good thing in the rotary world. Also at 120k that's not extremely high mileage, check to see if its ever been rebuilt or anything.

 

[magnumP5]

I have attempted to contact the seller of (2) but I won't be able to do anything until I sell my P5 first, and there is no telling how difficult that will be. I may to see if I can't go take a look at the car tomorrow. However, I will be checking out (3) after work as it's only about 3 miles away.

 

[magnumP5]

So (3) is definitely out. I wouldn't pay $500 for that piece! Rust, missing/broken interior pieces, broken antenna but at least it ran properly, LOL. So far no word from the owner of (2) - I'll try to call again tonight and I'll probably try to go check out (1) tomorrow if possible.

 

[magnumP5]

So (2) is a GTU and the current owner did not do the modifications. The car has also been resprayed (original color) but there are some flaws. Structurally the car is sound but there are some mechanical issues. First off, the owner says there is a dead spot in the throttle position sensor causing the car to stumble at certain engine speeds (he is a mechanic). Second, the A/C has been removed. Now I've never understood removing the A/C (it still gets hot here!) but he says it was done in a manner such that it could be replaced (ie no cut lines). Mods appear to be an intake, exhaust, steering wheel and pedal covers. Current owner also tells me the previous owner replaced the seals in the engine - this makes me think it was overhauled. So, opinions on this one?

 

[Shadow102]

Depends on what seals were replaced. If its the apex seals than yes basically the engine was rebuilt.

A/C pffftttt roll down the windows. The ac system weighs a lot so its usually removed. Typically the powersteering is also removed along with the airpump (usually not the best idea to remove on a s5 though)

The dead spot may not be a tps I know there are other other reasons for mid rpm stumbles. It fairly common and I believe are usually all easy fixes.

 

[magnumP5]

Depends on what seals were replaced. If its the apex seals than yes basically the engine was rebuilt.

A/C pffftttt roll down the windows. The ac system weighs a lot so its usually removed. Typically the powersteering is also removed along with the airpump (usually not the best idea to remove on a s5 though)

The dead spot may not be a tps I know there are other other reasons for mid rpm stumbles. It fairly common and I believe are usually all easy fixes.

Well the reason he thinks it's the TPS is because he measured across it with a multimeter and there is a dead spot. I could probably live without A/C but my whole point was to get a RX7 in good condition and I don't have any intention of turning it into a race car. So more than likely, if I were to pick this up I would be looking to replacing the A/C system (hopefully that isn't too expensive). At least the A/C removal looks like it was a clean job. Also, he did mention the apex seals were replaced and one other but the name eludes me right now. Also, I just remembered - it has a sunroof, something I swore I would never get again. Anything in particular I should know about the GTU trim?

 

[Shadow102]

Well the reason he thinks it's the TPS is because he measured across it with a multimeter and there is a dead spot. I could probably live without A/C but my whole point was to get a RX7 in good condition and I don't have any intention of turning it into a race car. So more than likely, if I were to pick this up I would be looking to replacing the A/C system (hopefully that isn't too expensive). At least the A/C removal looks like it was a clean job. Also, he did mention the apex seals were replaced and one other but the name eludes me right now. Also, I just remembered - it has a sunroof, something I swore I would never get again. Anything in particular I should know about the GTU trim?

Well if you do go with that car lmk I have all of my ac system still sitting here all ready to go. The sunroofs can leak just keep the drain tubes clear. I believe most Gtu models came with sunroofs but I am not positive on all the options they had.

 

[ForceFed]

FD LSx Turbo.

/Thread.

 

[magnumP5]

FD LSx Turbo.

/Thread.

LOL, I don't have $15k for the car, let alone an LSx engine. Besides, I'm looking for rotary smoothness, not power

 

[jmsj578]

LOL, I don't have $15k for the car, let alone an LSx engine. Besides, I'm looking for rotary smoothness, not power

Jokes aside, you can have a V8 RX-7 for less than $10K. In fact, I see them advertised for $5K with a LT1 engine. I had one that cost $10K; and, it had over $20K in mods. Beware of cobbled up installations, though. Of course, that's no worse than finding one with cobbled up mods, no matter the engine. The one I had was nice. The LS6 Miata I have now is like it came from the factory that way.

A buddy of mine just bought a '91 vert for $2K. It has its problems; but, the engine seems OK. Some problems noted: 5lb oil pressure, broken window button, broken hood cable latch handle in dash, two tears in top, one tear in seats, no AC, some rust and a dent. He's got a roller nearby that he thinks he can get for less than $1000. It may be in better physical condition than the one he bought. It does have pieces and parts he can use. We think the oil pressure problem may be a faulty sending unit. It ran flawlessly, he said. He drove it about 140 miles home. I think he will stick with the rotary in his. He wanted something for Sunday drives. It does have an automatic. It's the way he wanted it.