Mazda Rotary Club

Cars by Model Type => 3rd generation RX-7's => Topic started by: madonminis on August 27, 2008, 08:14:53 PM

Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: madonminis on August 27, 2008, 08:14:53 PM
Hi people
 
Should hopefully be picking up my rex on saturday, im new to owning one and have gone for a completely standard twin turbo to start me off, any major things i should do or watch out for.  
I will be having a clifford alarm installed next week with a turbo timer and intelistart so i can look after the engine as well as possible (the lazy way)
 
Thanks a lot guys
 
Matt
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: Ada7 on August 27, 2008, 08:23:09 PM
Hello mate and welcome to the club.
If your not used to having a powerful rear wheel driven car just be careful in the wet as they can be a bit tail happy. Also if it is a new inport make sure you\'ve got some good tyres on it, the japanese ones aren\'t always the best.
Saying that have fun and enjoy it :D Lots to learn on here so dont be worried about asking questions :D

Adam
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: Dr-Rotor on August 27, 2008, 08:25:52 PM
Hi there. Welcome?
 
Tell me more about thise (intelistart) thing? If its something that starts your car and lets it idle for a long time to warm it up. Dont bother, You should be just getting in, starting it up and drive it slowely untill its warm.
 
Have fun with your new toy. Get a boost gauge so you can see if your turbos are working properly. If you have any issues just ask.
 
Enjoy!
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: madonminis on August 27, 2008, 08:36:16 PM
yeah thats exactly what the intelistart does, i will still be letting the gearbox and tyres warm up before spanking it, just want to give the engine its best fighting chance to delay the rebuild as long as poss.  Will i need a boost gauge for each turbo, unsure on exactly how they work, first turbo\'d car.
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: Timmy on August 27, 2008, 08:41:04 PM
It\'s not that you need to warm up the gearbox exactly. The car will get heat soaked if you let it warm up standing still. You should warm up and cool down on the move.
I hope it\'s not both your first turbo and first rwd or you could be in for some tricky situations.
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: karl_tate on August 27, 2008, 08:41:42 PM
just one boost gauge. have you had the car fully checked over for known problems??

i wouldnt let the car idle for long after starting, its best like drrotor said to just drive, off boost will little revs to get it warmed up.
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: Dr-Rotor on August 27, 2008, 08:43:47 PM
Nope just one gauge. The turbos spin at the same time. You cant stop turbos from spining. What happens is the boost from the 2nd turbo is vented back into the air box via the pressure release valve. Once the right rpm is reached the valve is closed and you get the 2nd kick in the pants from the 2nd turbo. Usualy around 4000rpm or so.
 
Thats the basic understanding of it all.
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: hairyhoover on August 27, 2008, 08:47:41 PM
also immobolisers can cause ignition porblems on rx7\'s.
 
 the oem loom is quite thick, the wiring on the alarm can be very thin, has been the blame for many engine failures.
 
A good test for a strong engine is to drive it for 10/15mins then turn off and start again. If its hard to start walk away, it could be a sure sign of low comp.
 
Also check the main water pipes dont go hard soon after start up a sign of water seal failure.
 
Small amount of blue smoke when cold is normal should clear up when cold.
 
cheers
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: madonminis on August 27, 2008, 08:53:56 PM
the car is both my first turbo and first rear drive car, wish me lots of luck ha ha
Thanks for all this guys, its really helping, the car itself is in very good nick, 45000 on the clock, totally standard, i did a little homework before buying one, its a 1997 model which has been fun for insurance companys to find.. usless gits.  
The car did start straight up after being run for 15 minutes, the dealer did that to show me the battery was good lol
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: Dr-Rotor on August 27, 2008, 08:54:00 PM
Another way to check if your water seals are gone is to open the radiator filler when the car is cold. Start it, if you see bubels then a seal is broken.
 
Interesting comment about the immoboliser thing. Iv had 1 on my car ever since iv owned it. Dosent seem to affect it at all. Must be the crapy UK alram installers thats the problem...HEHEHE....just kidding.
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: madonminis on August 27, 2008, 08:57:26 PM
i will check that out too, cheers... my alarm will be coming with a lifetime gaurentee, so shouldnt be a problem
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: logicalChimp on August 27, 2008, 10:41:51 PM
prob is - that lifetime guarantee is only for the alarm - not much use if the dodgy wiring stuffs the engine :/
Title: new to rx7\'s
Post by: civicboy28 on August 27, 2008, 10:58:31 PM
my rex is my first turbo rwd car. But I have raced karts since I was little so the whole red LSD feels quite natural. More so than fwd cars!

As long as you concentrait 100% when driving u will be fine. Also I suggest finding a large carpark or empty roundabout to practice sliding the car. As when u hit oil in the wet it does come in handy!