Hi,
I have recently come into the situation of being able to own and maintain a 3rd gen RX7. I have always loved them but unfortunatly i know nothing about them! i have read the sticky guides on them but i am still confused (not hard really), still unsure of what model to get?!
I have some questions which i would be very thankful of your help;
1. Apparently all 3rd gens are all twin turbos, assuming the single turbos have all been modified, which would be best to buy, single or twin turbo and why?
2.The guides mainly focus on engine faults, is there any other common areas to look out for ie rust, suspension, electric, steering faults etc?
3.Would you recommend buying a fresh import, or try to find one that has been in the uk a while, or buy a stock uk model?
4. Is there anywhere that you would recommend buying a rx7 from? or anywhere to keep away from?!?!?!
5. If buying an import, what needs to be done to it for it to be road legal in this country?
6.It is recommended that a rotary specialist checks the car out before buying, how much does this cost and who would be best/closest to me to do this? i live in Blackpool, NorthWest England.
7. And last of all, if there is anything else that i should know/be-aware of before buying a 3rd gen rx7 please let me know.
thankyou.
Hi, welcome to the club. Im only up the road in preston !
If you do a search there are always plenty of threads talking about buying the rx7.
It all depends on your budget really. The Twin turbo cars are usually the less modified. The single turbo cars can have alot more hp but they also need alot more attention and the right mods.
The biggest advice i would give is take your time looking for one, don\'t buy a cheapo off fleebay and don\'t buy off impulse.
There is a jap car meet every second monday of the month at j21 off the m6. Its usually listed in the top of the front page.
Shaun
oh and keep away from keighley trade centre !
Shaun
thanks, i was going to go there and have a look, saved me a trip! cheers
my budget is around the 7k mark, the longer it takes me to find 1 the more money i`ll have!!!
Here we go
1 This will depend on what your willing to pay for insurance and what you want out of the car. Single turbos are higher power as a rule and a lot less complicated than stock motors but make sure the fuel side has been upgraded to suit. The twins have faster spool time as a rule slightly less power (still lots) but are a much more complicated system. Plus point they\'re more insurance friendly.
2 I\'ll leave this to one of the fd guys but the main issues normally surround the twin turbo set up.
3 Go for a car with some history unless your buying cheap and budgeting for a rebuild
4 There\'s plenty of good cars on the forum. Stay away from Keighley trade center!
5 Most of the importers will sort out anything that needs to be done and get the car SVA\'d
6 Speak to Pip at WGT there\'s a banner at the top of the page just click on it
7 Might be worth you speaking to Shaun Will he\'s probably as close as anyone to you at Preston ask him nice he\'ll probably give you a run out in his car
Kevin
Beat me to it Shaun!
7k should get you a good one mate. Use this forum as a starting point. Have a look at any cars for sale. Then checkout the user id and see what threads they have put up asking about problems and how they have sorted them on the car, that should give you some idea what has been done to the car. Just a tip.:wave
Quote from: kev-yorksBeat me to it Shaun!
lol, yep can take you out once car is back in one peice, trying to get suspension sorted for IOM. Still awaiting parts !!! Got uprated anti roll bars on order with pip and my new bearings are winging their way from malloy mazda in usa !
Shaun
woohoo!:yes please shaun!!
what is SVA`d?
thanks
SVA=single vehicle approval its similar to a MOT but covers more items imported cars need one before being put on the road in the UK.
Shaun can you save me a sample of the old bearings when you get them out, so i can compare them with the Cosmo ones as they may well be the same. If so it makes parts ID easier when i do my backend bushes.
Kevin
Hey bud...never mind the FD\'s...there are some cool 1st Gen\'s on the market........far less of a prob then the FD\'s....they are period,cool and with the right gear,plenty horses........:cool
No problem kev, will have quite a few ! Baz it could be a while before the cars back in one peice and mines only a twin turbo :p
Im aiming to have it back together with better road holding (well thats the plan) by the end of the month. Hopefully it won\'t be more than 3 weeks before i\'ve fitted the rest of the suspension, swapped over the antiroll bars front and back and had everything re-aligned ! Lots to do in little time.
£7k is a good budget, will get you a good car and hopefully pay for your insurance. I\'d plan getting quotes now and then at least you know what you can drive. Insurance is just as hard as finding a good car !
Shaun
oldone are you in a 1st gen on IOM ?? Will be cool to see what it does on the mountain road. Can\'t wait :)
Shaun
He\'s been busy tweeking the suspension on it Shaun getting it ready.
thanks, it`ll probably be at least a month before i get 1 anyway, got a week in spain 1st! :p and have to sell my current car.. any1 want an audi a4 tdi... nope thought not!
i`m going to go for a twin turbo, stay as standard as i can whilst i learn the basics!!
Quote from: shaunwiloldone are you in a 1st gen on IOM ?? Will be cool to see what it does on the mountain road. Can\'t wait :)
Shaun
Get your shoes polished bro....old school will be there,snorting and farting.:3gears-rh I am even putting in new spark plugs,,heheheheheh:yes
Baz116 I am looking for tdi for everyday use. Audi is great car how much do you want and do you have e mail address!?
Welcome to MRC,
Go for a fresh import thats already been modified in Japan with a single turbo and get it from JapSceneUK!
Thats what I\'ve just done after owning 2 3rd Gens (from 2 supporters of this site) both twins and both a lot of trouble!
Quote from: tomotadahiraBaz116 I am looking for tdi for everyday use. Audi is great car how much do you want and do you have e mail address!?
to be honest mate i haven`t really looked what there going for, i`ll find out and let you know, email add is Baz116@hotmail.com
Hi, thanks for the help so far.
One more question!
i`m going to look at an rx tomorrow, do i need a compression test? if so, wot is it exactly and how is it done? o, and how much would it cost?!?!?!
thanks again!
Baz116,
I live in Blackpool also and have just (well a few months now..) bought a nice twin turbo example.
If you want to pop round and have a look etc gimme a call - 07999 833533 (not too late tho or the missus will be unhappy :Nono! hehe)
Any questions that I MIGHT be able to help with I will.
Cheers.
Agroupuk (edd)
Quote from: agroupukBaz116,
I live in Blackpool also and have just (well a few months now..) bought a nice twin turbo example.
If you want to pop round and have a look etc gimme a call - 07999 833533 (not too late tho or the missus will be unhappy :Nono! hehe)
Any questions that I MIGHT be able to help with I will.
Cheers.
Agroupuk (edd)
Thanks, i have just put a deposit down on a rather nice 1, cant wait to pick it up!!!!!! still have to meet up though! wot colour is yours so i can look out for u?
one more question please!
The rx i have just put a deposit down on is a 3rd gen twin turbo, imported last year on an L plate. it is being re-M.O.T.`d due to a few bulbs, fog light and failed on emissions, running to rich (u could smell the fumes). it does not idol perfect due to this and it is being fixed i.e. fuel being adjusted, is this likely to be hiding a bigger problem? is it something of nothing? just a bit worried about it.thanks
It won\'t be the fueling. Its more like to be that either the bearings in the air pump are shot or it has been disconnected and the cat isn\'t getting to temp at low idle. The fueling can\'t be messed with on idle, the sensor isn\'t used on tick over. This is why the airpump is there.
I\'ve got a straight through system and it really smells strong when it is first fired up. It part of the joy of these cars. Just wait for the back fires on a straight through exhaust !
If the idle is rough and jumpy it could be that you have a boost leak in the rats nest and the car is struggling to sit at the pre-set idle level because its getting intermitant vaccumm.
Anything over 10 years old only needs to have an mot and usually because it is an import the gas levels aren\'t measured, just that it doesn\'t smoke on tick over. Plus it pays to know a goot mot station !
Enjoy, check that it doesn\'t have japanese rubber on (leathal in the wet) and slowly get used to the car. They can bite and arn\'t always driver friendly. Like any big power rwd where the right foot is the traction control.
Oh and enjoy it, I know you will !
Shaun
Quote from: shaunwilIt won\'t be the fueling. Its more like to be that either the bearings in the air pump are shot or it has been disconnected and the cat isn\'t getting to temp at low idle. The fueling can\'t be messed with on idle, the sensor isn\'t used on tick over. This is why the airpump is there.
I\'ve got a straight through system and it really smells strong when it is first fired up. It part of the joy of these cars. Just wait for the back fires on a straight through exhaust !
If the idle is rough and jumpy it could be that you have a boost leak in the rats nest and the car is struggling to sit at the pre-set idle level because its getting intermitant vaccumm.
Anything over 10 years old only needs to have an mot and usually because it is an import the gas levels aren\'t measured, just that it doesn\'t smoke on tick over. Plus it pays to know a goot mot station !
Enjoy, check that it doesn\'t have japanese rubber on (leathal in the wet) and slowly get used to the car. They can bite and arn\'t always driver friendly. Like any big power rwd where the right foot is the traction control.
Oh and enjoy it, I know you will !
Shaun
Its not a big problem is it (if it is 1 of the above)?
should i rethink the car? it is from a dealer with warranty.
pre mot showed that it was over fueling, 2 different things then... hmmmm...
thanks
Baz,
Just a little bit of advice; These cars are awesome and once out in 1 you just want to buy it! Don\'t!!!!
Take your time if this is the first one you have seen. Having said that it sounds like you have commited to buy.
Did you get it compression tested and is it a specialist dealer?
If no to both of these be very careful as if you do buy the wrong one it can cost a fortune!
I know this reply sounds negative but I was looking for ages before deciding on the 1 I have gone for and it has been perfect(so far) where as others had little quirks that the seller brushed off as an eay fix but my question is this.....
If it is such and easy fix would it not be better to fix it before a viewer came?????
If you do end up going for this 1 and it all gets sorted out then I wish you the best of luck with it as they are fantastic cars.
But if you are having any concerns then don\'t buy it! It is a buyers market at the moment and some great cars are going for silly money just look at the for sale section on here.
All the best and happy motoring:wave
Thanks for the advice, the car does seem in a1 order (except for the idol) and the dealer, not specialist in rx7s but deals in all sports cars does give warranty.
I took my mate with me who is a qualified mechanic, although he admits he knows nothing about rotary engines, he said the rest of the car was spot on.
The idol drifted about 150rpm, wasn`t alot but noticable.
The dealer also said it would be sorted when i pick it up but he thought it was due to the over fueling.?
if it is wot shaunwil said, would this be expensive to fix?
hope i haven`t made a boo boo!
thanks again!
Don\'t worry too much about it as long as they are willing to look into the stuff you are talking about. How long is the warrenty for and what does it cover ?
The idle on these car can be interesting anyway when they are running fine. What do you mean by dodgy idle. was the car fired up from cold or hot. What did the idle bounch on ? If its about 1.6k cold and 1k hot on the rev counter then it\'ll be fine ! If it sounds like it is hunting for a given rev then usually there may be a small leak, but it shouldn\'t be anything major.
If the jobs i mentioned needed doing the air pump is an easy one and you can get air pump rebuild kits, mine was knackered when i got mine but i removed the cat and airpump about 6 months after getting the car. All it can do is clog up the cat.
As for the rats nest of vacuumm lines this isn\'t an expensive job in materials but can take a long time to do.
If they are offering a warrenty they must think it is at a good level of quality or they would feel it would cost them too much if something goes wrong.
I\'d just ask what the warrenty covers.
Shaun
Looks a very pretty car, but its got all the normal trade photos that tell you nothing. The idle may be rough because of the work done to it. Its got a large bore exhaust system on and boost controller.
Just make sure they fix these faults before you pick the car up.
When are you going to pick it up ??
Shaun
the warranty covers everything, except day to day wear: tyres, ball joint etc.
covers engine components such as pistons, con rods etc. The is dealer trying to find out if it will cover rotary and if not he said he will try to find a specialist warranty but personally i think that would be expensive.
standard 3 month warranty free but can be extended up to 3yrs at cost.
warranty covers 1st £1000 of claim but can claim as many time as i want during time period.
its a 1994, 45000km when brought into uk last yr, done 3000mile so that just under 33000miles. interior is like new suggesting milage is correct.
can not recall wot the car was idoling between, just remember it wasn`t changing much. sorry (stupid i know)
Quote from: shaunwilLooks a very pretty car, but its got all the normal trade photos that tell you nothing. The idle may be rough because of the work done to it. Its got a large bore exhaust system on and boost controller.
Just make sure they fix these faults before you pick the car up.
When are you going to pick it up ??
Shaun
i`m confused, how do u know that?
hopefully in a week
Baz
Gimme a call and I will offer what scant advice I can. (number on post back a bit hehe)
In answer to your question mines a black one with Mazdaspeed A Spec front bumper. You cant miss it - I dont think theres another one in Blackpool at the moment lol.
Oh and another little bit of advice - I would book the car in with Pip at WGT as soon as possible to get it properly looked over. You cant go wrong if you get a pro to check it first - always good advice.
Agroupuk (Edd)
2nd or 3rd one down on the list in autotrader, wigan sports and prestiege ???
Shaun
Quote from: shaunwil2nd or 3rd one down on the list in autotrader, wigan sports and prestiege ???
Shaun
thats the one!
proper sherlock holmes you are!!! ;)
Well you left enough clues, as said you could ask pip at WGT to check it over if your really worried about it.
Shaun
i`m going to, thanks. just going round to Agroupuk to see wot a good un` is like!
Thanks for all the help guys!
idle problem fixed, problem with the air pump. fixed now and idling spot on. hopefully picking it up wednesday evening!!!!! woo hoo!!! :3gears-rh
Cool - you will have to pop round with it :)
BTW my tracking is now done - all 4 wheels etc - car feels like a different (better) animal.
Where did you get your tracking done ????? Did they sort out the camber ?
Shaun
Quote from: agroupukCool - you will have to pop round with it :)
BTW my tracking is now done - all 4 wheels etc - car feels like a different (better) animal.
i will!
Good, were they tempted to take it for a spin?!?!?!
They did front and back - camber, caster and toe and also total toe (?) and thrust angle. Basically all of it hehe.
ATS in St Annes.
Wasn\'t cheap tho - £120 but it was a new computerised system. Took em 2.5 hours tho and they did leave my lights on with key in the ignition - so the battery flatlined lol.
They didnt take it anywhere - I stood and watched em.
:)
Ooooh unfortunately the guy that did mine toady only had toe-in setup available so its still not right, at least he fixed the parrellism on the rear and it goes nice and straight when i boot it :) He only changed me 40 quid so im not too worried about it !
I work at dudley industries in Lytham so they arn\'t too far away.
Cheers
Shaun
congrats on getting a rex ... more people in the northwest now - we can have our own mini meet :D :D :D
keep your eyes peeled for the next meet :D
Stu
Its worth it Shaun - honestly, it feels SOOOOOOOO much better.
Way better.
Quote from: shaunwilI work at dudley industries in Lytham so they arn\'t too far away.
My girlfriend lives in lytham so u`ll probably see me drivng round with a big grin on my face!!!!!:Giggle
Quote from: grindercongrats on getting a rex ... more people in the northwest now - we can have our own mini meet :D :D :D
keep your eyes peeled for the next meet :D
Stu
thanks, i will do. :cheers
Once again, thanks for all the help guys, i`ll post some pics of my new baby when i get her!!!!!!
Baz