Any 3rd gen RX-7 owners here?

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: KokomoGST
Let's see... unmentioned problems are _extreme_ sensitivity to heat and detonation (you knock and your apex seals fscked!)

The engine is very prone to overheat mainly due to the twin turbo design, that's why Peter Farrell and other Mazda tuners all suggested going to a less cramped and less scrunched single turbo config. NA rotaries didn't have nearly as much problem with grenading themselves...

You can prolly pick one up for around 17k if you do some shopping Desslok. They handle AWESOME and make a great weekend car. As a daily driver if you decide to mod it, it prolly wouldn't last as long as a comparably modded Evo/STi. Every single person I know that has owned a FD3S RX7 has blown their apex seals at one time. Most of them know their $h1t, but big booty boost + rotaries are hard to keep reliable.

overheat is a rotary in general problem... although yes, the 3rd gen engine bay is a little more cramped than my 2nd gen's... NA's didn't bust as much cuz there's no boost to turn up, no boost creep, and less tuning... in general, na's run really rich...

 

[Desslok]

Originally posted by: KokomoGST
Let's see... unmentioned problems are _extreme_ sensitivity to heat and detonation (you knock and your apex seals fscked!) The engine is very prone to overheat mainly due to the twin turbo design, that's why Peter Farrell and other Mazda tuners all suggested going to a less cramped and less scrunched single turbo config. NA rotaries didn't have nearly as much problem with grenading themselves... You can prolly pick one up for around 17k if you do some shopping Desslok. They handle AWESOME and make a great weekend car. As a daily driver if you decide to mod it, it prolly wouldn't last as long as a comparably modded Evo/STi. Every single person I know that has owned a FD3S RX7 has blown their apex seals at one time. Most of them know their $h1t, but big booty boost + rotaries are hard to keep reliable.

Thanks again guys I will see if there is a 7 around here I can sit in and see if it is uncomfortable.

If you start out with a twin turbo can you go to a single? I imagine you will have to reprogram or replace the ECU among other things(aka spendy)

I am mainly looking for a play car that I can tinker with and have fun working on. Just FYI I just finshed helping a guy rebuild a 69 Land Cruiser. I know my way around a wrench and I am not afraid of jumping into a project.

 

[gregshin]

dayam you live in new mexico? uhm...you better have an aftermarket/upgraded radiator and fan to keep those rotaries COOL

 

[Imported]

I've always wanted an FD RX-7.. So damn sexaaay..

 

[gregshin]

check out this SEXAY black THREE rotor RX-7

DAMN SEXAY

 

[KokomoGST]

Originally posted by: Desslok

Thanks again guys I will see if there is a 7 around here I can sit in and see if it is uncomfortable.

If you start out with a twin turbo can you go to a single? I imagine you will have to reprogram or replace the ECU among other things(aka spendy)

I am mainly looking for a play car that I can tinker with and have fun working on. Just FYI I just finshed helping a guy rebuild a 69 Land Cruiser. I know my way around a wrench and I am not afraid of jumping into a project.

Actually, since all FD RX7s are twin from factory, you'll need to pay for the new turbo, plumbing, intercooler (ideally), and either reprogrammed ECU or some fuel computer along with fuel control (upgraded fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, mebbe fuel rail).

Since it's a project car you prolly don't give a crap about fuel consumption so you can run rich and help keep temps down even though that does rob you of some power. But all those parts for a single turbo do get pricey. There are other cars out there that can take big booty boost on stock internals and are also fun to work on, but if you don't mind, FD is a great "hobby" car.

silmunk's got it down on getting that downpipe. Moving those hot cats away from the engine helps a lot not to mention improving downstream exhaust flow which improves your spool if you go with big diameter all the way back. I dunno the emissions laws in NM but I'm guessing you won't get into too much trouble with a dirty engine. Even then you can prolly find some "inspection friendly" garages so you can run pig rich.

 

[toant103]

Originally posted by: Desslok
I am looking at maybe getting one. Any advice or good sites telling the pros and cons of these beautiful cars?

Thanks

Rotary engine, you need to drive it like you stole it.

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: Desslok

Originally posted by: KokomoGST
Let's see... unmentioned problems are _extreme_ sensitivity to heat and detonation (you knock and your apex seals fscked!) The engine is very prone to overheat mainly due to the twin turbo design, that's why Peter Farrell and other Mazda tuners all suggested going to a less cramped and less scrunched single turbo config. NA rotaries didn't have nearly as much problem with grenading themselves... You can prolly pick one up for around 17k if you do some shopping Desslok. They handle AWESOME and make a great weekend car. As a daily driver if you decide to mod it, it prolly wouldn't last as long as a comparably modded Evo/STi. Every single person I know that has owned a FD3S RX7 has blown their apex seals at one time. Most of them know their $h1t, but big booty boost + rotaries are hard to keep reliable.

Thanks again guys I will see if there is a 7 around here I can sit in and see if it is uncomfortable.

If you start out with a twin turbo can you go to a single? I imagine you will have to reprogram or replace the ECU among other things(aka spendy)

I am mainly looking for a play car that I can tinker with and have fun working on. Just FYI I just finshed helping a guy rebuild a 69 Land Cruiser. I know my way around a wrench and I am not afraid of jumping into a project.

going single turbo is not cheap... but what some people have done is run both turbos at the same time, rather than in sequential mode... i forgot the benefits tho...

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: gregshin
check out this SEXAY black THREE rotor RX-7

DAMN SEXAY

how 'bout these bad boys?

pic 1
pic 2
pic 3[/quote]

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: slikmunks

Originally posted by: Desslok

Originally posted by: KokomoGST
Let's see... unmentioned problems are _extreme_ sensitivity to heat and detonation (you knock and your apex seals fscked!) The engine is very prone to overheat mainly due to the twin turbo design, that's why Peter Farrell and other Mazda tuners all suggested going to a less cramped and less scrunched single turbo config. NA rotaries didn't have nearly as much problem with grenading themselves... You can prolly pick one up for around 17k if you do some shopping Desslok. They handle AWESOME and make a great weekend car. As a daily driver if you decide to mod it, it prolly wouldn't last as long as a comparably modded Evo/STi. Every single person I know that has owned a FD3S RX7 has blown their apex seals at one time. Most of them know their $h1t, but big booty boost + rotaries are hard to keep reliable.

Thanks again guys I will see if there is a 7 around here I can sit in and see if it is uncomfortable.

If you start out with a twin turbo can you go to a single? I imagine you will have to reprogram or replace the ECU among other things(aka spendy)

I am mainly looking for a play car that I can tinker with and have fun working on. Just FYI I just finshed helping a guy rebuild a 69 Land Cruiser. I know my way around a wrench and I am not afraid of jumping into a project.

going single turbo is not cheap... but what some people have done is run both turbos at the same time, rather than in sequential mode... i forgot the benefits tho...

Interesting. Do many people do that? I only know the one person with the T72... it has enough go for me

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: Spac3d

Originally posted by: slikmunks

Originally posted by: Desslok

Originally posted by: KokomoGST
Let's see... unmentioned problems are _extreme_ sensitivity to heat and detonation (you knock and your apex seals fscked!) The engine is very prone to overheat mainly due to the twin turbo design, that's why Peter Farrell and other Mazda tuners all suggested going to a less cramped and less scrunched single turbo config. NA rotaries didn't have nearly as much problem with grenading themselves... You can prolly pick one up for around 17k if you do some shopping Desslok. They handle AWESOME and make a great weekend car. As a daily driver if you decide to mod it, it prolly wouldn't last as long as a comparably modded Evo/STi. Every single person I know that has owned a FD3S RX7 has blown their apex seals at one time. Most of them know their $h1t, but big booty boost + rotaries are hard to keep reliable.

Thanks again guys I will see if there is a 7 around here I can sit in and see if it is uncomfortable.

If you start out with a twin turbo can you go to a single? I imagine you will have to reprogram or replace the ECU among other things(aka spendy)

I am mainly looking for a play car that I can tinker with and have fun working on. Just FYI I just finshed helping a guy rebuild a 69 Land Cruiser. I know my way around a wrench and I am not afraid of jumping into a project.

going single turbo is not cheap... but what some people have done is run both turbos at the same time, rather than in sequential mode... i forgot the benefits tho...

Interesting. Do many people do that? I only know the one person with the T72... it has enough go for me

i know there were slight performance gains, but i think it was done to reduce the # of vacuum hoses or something... more of a reliability that has added go rather than added go that has some reliability...

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: Desslok
Has anyone rebuilt the 7's engine? What are the ball park est's?

Around $2-3K i think... if you don't port it... but you might as well since its already open. You could buy Mazda remans from RX7 stores online also. Good luck finding one... there's one for sale with 10,000k+ miles... but they want $20k for a 10 year old car... plus KBB has it for $16k in good condition i think. you're not gonna find that many in good condition... those rotaries need more TLC than piston engines.

EDIT: Go to RX7Club.com for more info...

<--- FD fan

I wouldn't have a problem giving the RX-7 TLC
It would be pretty enjoyable if you ask me..

Me neither... i'm still saving... but the time i'm done i hope there's still some left that hasn't been trashed and abused by spoiled teeny boppers who saw the ghey and the curious...

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: Desslok
Has anyone rebuilt the 7's engine? What are the ball park est's?

Around $2-3K i think... if you don't port it... but you might as well since its already open. You could buy Mazda remans from RX7 stores online also. Good luck finding one... there's one for sale with 10,000k+ miles... but they want $20k for a 10 year old car... plus KBB has it for $16k in good condition i think. you're not gonna find that many in good condition... those rotaries need more TLC than piston engines.

EDIT: Go to RX7Club.com for more info...

<--- FD fan

I wouldn't have a problem giving the RX-7 TLC
It would be pretty enjoyable if you ask me..

Me neither... i'm still saving... but the time i'm done i hope there's still some left that hasn't been trashed and abused by spoiled teeny boppers who saw the ghey and the curious...

i used to think like that... but then... if they go and blow the engines, assuming everything else is in good working order... they'd be looking to sell quick... i'll go to them, tell them how much it is to rebuild (+ streetport, of course) and bargain the price down... get a good car, put in a fresh engine, be good to go!!

 

[KokomoGST]

Originally posted by: slikmunks

Originally posted by: Spac3d

Originally posted by: slikmunks
going single turbo is not cheap... but what some people have done is run both turbos at the same time, rather than in sequential mode... i forgot the benefits tho...

Interesting. Do many people do that? I only know the one person with the T72... it has enough go for me

i know there were slight performance gains, but i think it was done to reduce the # of vacuum hoses or something... more of a reliability that has added go rather than added go that has some reliability...

Going with a parallel twin config does reduce some of the complexities of the sequential system and all the standard benefits from being able to choose your turbos. However, you still have two turbines/manis/etc that are holding heat in the engine bay.

Going with a big single turbo means you'll not be boosting if you're just putting around, but you could choose to go with a smaller single with a ~50 trim compressor and have your decent spool and power too. Port work on your engine can help that too, higher rpm power is good to keep heat buildup from toasting the engine.

Yeah, the NM situation prolly means upgraded radiator and cooling fan. You'll prolly want to try to find an R1 or R2 for it's added oil cooler or add one yourself. Leaky O-rings can happen too mainly due to heat. Sport Compact Car has a buyers guide for FD RX7s in their March 2003 issue, worth a read. Their August 2002 issue also has some good info on O-Ring failure... my subscription stopped recently but their Project RX7 articles give you a good idea of what can ge done.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: slikmunks

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: Desslok
Has anyone rebuilt the 7's engine? What are the ball park est's?

Around $2-3K i think... if you don't port it... but you might as well since its already open. You could buy Mazda remans from RX7 stores online also. Good luck finding one... there's one for sale with 10,000k+ miles... but they want $20k for a 10 year old car... plus KBB has it for $16k in good condition i think. you're not gonna find that many in good condition... those rotaries need more TLC than piston engines.

EDIT: Go to RX7Club.com for more info...

<--- FD fan

I wouldn't have a problem giving the RX-7 TLC
It would be pretty enjoyable if you ask me..

Me neither... i'm still saving... but the time i'm done i hope there's still some left that hasn't been trashed and abused by spoiled teeny boppers who saw the ghey and the curious...

i used to think like that... but then... if they go and blow the engines, assuming everything else is in good working order... they'd be looking to sell quick... i'll go to them, tell them how much it is to rebuild (+ streetport, of course) and bargain the price down... get a good car, put in a fresh engine, be good to go!!

true... chances are i'll be doing a rebuild anyway... but i would like the whole car as pristine as i can get it... and if they did blow the engine... chances are they punished that car hard.

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: slikmunks

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: Desslok
Has anyone rebuilt the 7's engine? What are the ball park est's?

Around $2-3K i think... if you don't port it... but you might as well since its already open. You could buy Mazda remans from RX7 stores online also. Good luck finding one... there's one for sale with 10,000k+ miles... but they want $20k for a 10 year old car... plus KBB has it for $16k in good condition i think. you're not gonna find that many in good condition... those rotaries need more TLC than piston engines.

EDIT: Go to RX7Club.com for more info...

<--- FD fan

I wouldn't have a problem giving the RX-7 TLC
It would be pretty enjoyable if you ask me..

Me neither... i'm still saving... but the time i'm done i hope there's still some left that hasn't been trashed and abused by spoiled teeny boppers who saw the ghey and the curious...

i used to think like that... but then... if they go and blow the engines, assuming everything else is in good working order... they'd be looking to sell quick... i'll go to them, tell them how much it is to rebuild (+ streetport, of course) and bargain the price down... get a good car, put in a fresh engine, be good to go!!

true... chances are i'll be doing a rebuild anyway... but i would like the whole car as pristine as i can get it... and if they did blow the engine... chances are they punished that car hard.

you'd be surprised... sometimes people don't know their cars, and they just have carbon lock on their seals from not pushing the engine every once in a while... a little atf, a little smoke, some new plugs and you're good to go... if you're REALLY lucky...

 

[Marshallj]

Originally posted by: Elemental007
They have more pussy power than just about anything in the sub-$30K market. But they are always breaking down.

It always amuzes me when people say crap like that. You buy a car for enjoyment, not to pick up women. If a carwhore wanted you solely for your car, would you really want someone as shallow as that?

 

[Marshallj]

Originally posted by: Eli
Generally, The more power a given engine design develops.. the faster it wears out.

Apex seals being the main wear component in a rotary.

They're very reliable when they aren't pumping massive HP out.

If by "very reliable" you mean a stock 3rd gen RX-7 having a 60k mile life expectancy, then it's very reliable.

Even in stock form, 3rd gen engines have very short life expectancies. The older 2nd gens and especially the NA 2nd gens were very durable, but the 3rd gens had no such reliability.

 

[Marshallj]

Originally posted by: Desslok
I am looking at maybe getting one. Any advice or good sites telling the pros and cons of these beautiful cars?

Thanks

Tip #1- Do not ask Anandtech members for car advice

Tip #2- Do not ask Anandtech members for relationship advice.

Seriously, they wont hesitate to give you an answer, even if they've never even seen or heard about what you're asking about. The funniest is when someone gives relationship advice then admits in another thread that he's a 15 year old virgin.

Ps- there are some who are legit, but you can't tell by looking at the avatar. On here, a doctor looks the same as a 15 year old kid who's playing doctor on the net.

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: Marshallj

Originally posted by: Eli
Generally, The more power a given engine design develops.. the faster it wears out.

Apex seals being the main wear component in a rotary.

They're very reliable when they aren't pumping massive HP out.

If by "very reliable" you mean a stock 3rd gen RX-7 having a 60k mile life expectancy, then it's very reliable.

Even in stock form, 3rd gen engines have very short life expectancies. The older 2nd gens and especially the NA 2nd gens were very durable, but the 3rd gens had no such reliability.

i know a lot of peole with pretty stock 3rd gens (reliability mods done) that go well over 90k... some up to 110k miles or more... of course... stock + reliability mods includes elminiating or upgrading the ast, a downpipe, silicon hoses, oil changes every 2500 mi, more if you drive aggressively, etc... you also have to understand that a lot of people buy the car b/c it looks nice, and they don't know how to take care of it... then they go to a mazda dealer, and mazda dealers almost always never know what they're doing with a rotary, and you can be looking at something like carbon lock as grounds for a rebuild *rolls eyes*. I hate to break it to you, but there wasn't exactly too much of a difference between the 13b-rew, 13b-t and the 13b, sure, slight differences, but basically very similar. it's the way they were driven, and the way they were taken care of. n/a lasted longer cuz they run less power, meaning less hp, meaning less wear and tear. 3rd gens have their problems, but 60k life expectancy? stop exaggerating. and it's not like a blown engine is the end of the world. it's a 4000 job to get it done right with a port job.

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: Marshallj

Originally posted by: Desslok
I am looking at maybe getting one. Any advice or good sites telling the pros and cons of these beautiful cars?

Thanks

Tip #1- Do not ask Anandtech members for car advice

Tip #2- Do not ask Anandtech members for relationship advice.

Seriously, they wont hesitate to give you an answer, even if they've never even seen or heard about what you're asking about. The funniest is when someone gives relationship advice then admits in another thread that he's a 15 year old virgin.

Ps- there are some who are legit, but you can't tell by looking at the avatar. On here, a doctor looks the same as a 15 year old kid who's playing doctor on the net.

he asked for sites too, not just advice, we gave www.rx7club.com/forums - he asked for advice, those of who do know a little chimed in with what they had or what they knew

 

[slikmunks]

Originally posted by: Marshallj

Originally posted by: Elemental007
They have more pussy power than just about anything in the sub-$30K market. But they are always breaking down.

It always amuzes me when people say crap like that. You buy a car for enjoyment, not to pick up women. If a carwhore wanted you solely for your car, would you really want someone as shallow as that?

no, but if it gets you 2nd & 3rd looks, why not? maybe she doesn't want you solely for your car, maybe she's a car person as well... maybe she'll happen to see you better the 2nd or 3rd time.... and if it does land you some pussy, unless you're looking to get in a relationship, who cares if she wants you for your car? it's not like she's gonna get your car... most she'll get is a ride.

 

[slikmunks]

oh, and btw... pics from a run i made with about 40 other rx7 junkies in socal this past saturday

and

other pictures of rx7's in case you peoples are intersted

 

[Marshallj]

Originally posted by: slikmunks
3rd gens have their problems, but 60k life expectancy? stop exaggerating. and it's not like a blown engine is the end of the world. it's a 4000 job to get it done right with a port job.

I'm not exaggerating. I've read in the 3rd gen FAQ which was compiled by RX-7 owners will a hell of a lot more experience than you. And you don't even own a 3rd gen.

 

[Marshallj]

Originally posted by: slikmunks
3rd gens have their problems, but 60k life expectancy? stop exaggerating. and it's not like a blown engine is the end of the world. it's a 4000 job to get it done right with a port job.

I'm not exaggerating. I've read in the 3rd gen FAQ which was compiled by RX-7 owners.