Originally posted by: OS
	
	
		
		
			Originally posted by: finbarqs
heh... just take care of them.. All 3rd generation RX-7's are Twin Turbo'ed factory. If you see single turbo's, those are aftermarkets for bigger power. People who blow their seals are people who are ignorant in maintaining their FD's. They probably ignore the engine knocks or even let it over heat. For me, i did the reliability mods such as a new radiator, DP, interncooler, silicone vacuum lines, and ported the engine. (mild street port). I also had the car tuned for a little power, but with safety in mind. 
remember, there are still Turbo 2's out there that has over 170k on the ORIGINAL engine out there. But of course, if i go 3 or 4 rotor, it's gonna probably be naturally aspirated, or a turbo with modest boost (8psi as opposed to my current 12psi)
		
		
	 
a well engineered car shouldn't overheat and knock on it's own though.
		
 
		
	 
Nah, i have a knock sensor... it's usually due to the ignition timing. Yes, there are trade off's when owning a 3rd gen:
1) maintenance. you better maintain this puppy well. Sure it can last when you pound on it, but make sure you know what you are doing.
2) proper upgrades. Proper upgrades require proper installations. DP, hosings, radiators just to name a few. Porting your engine and then getting an ECU will definitely help things a bit. Don't forget to get it tuned. DO NOT go to X/S Engineering. They are NOTORIOUS for blowing engines. They lean out the maps TOOO much.
3) monitor your car after a hard run. Make SURE that it's stays within safe temperatures and your engine is NOT knocking. If your engine IS knocking, alter the ignition timing, as these 3rd gens have tricky timing. usually, swapping a radiator will help it A LOT (from the stock).
4) locate a rotary mechanic around you, if you ever need one.
Though the RX-7's (3rd gens) are great fun to drive with it being lightweight and powerful, they require A LOT of attention. If you treat her well, she will definitely treat you well. Remember, back in 1991, Mazda entered the 24hr Le Mans race and WON with it's 4 rotor NA engine churning out over 600bhp (being only 2.6L the federation later BANNED the rotary engine for having "unfair weight advantages"). After the race, they stripped the Rotary engine apart publically only to find that the engine suffered minor wear after the 24hr period of extreme conditions.
Yes, the rotary engine has proven itself to be reliable in harsh conditions. But maintenance is where it will get you if you want to stay reliable.
for me... having a 3rd gen is worth it 
