Mk1 Elford Turbo

[docwra]

Hi there :wave

Im visiting from the 200SX forums (//www.sxoc.com) and have a few questions, if you dont mind answering them

I have recently been offered an Elford Tuboed 84 model RX-7 but Ill behonest and say I know next to nothing about RX-7s (particularly 1984 ones!) :o

Car was in relatively good nick - some rust, but nothing serious and as solid as you like underneath. No major oil leaks etc, the zorst leaks but not badly and it started first time - no service history though. Unfortunately it ran out of juice before I could drive it.

I really need to know what to do about it - on the one hand, I have a very rare car thats prolly worth a sight more than Ill pay for it, but on the other theres an engine I know nothing about, no history of the car and christ only knows what getting spares is like ...........

Is there anything major that will go wrong and cost me loads, how easy is it to get parts,  how fast are they and what are they like to drive - all these usual questions. I looked for a buyers guide etc, but couldnt find much info on these cars, here or anywhere else.

Also, what is it worth??

Why is it when anyone shows me something Japanese with a turbo, my immediate reaction is "Ill buy it!" :rolleyes:

[Don Pamponi]

An Elford turbo should make between 150 - 170bhp depending on the boost.  You could probably squeeze more  if you wanted.

The main concern for you is how many miles has the engine done & has it been rebuilt, if so by whome & how long ago.

A rotary can last up to 90k, but is usually needing a rebuild at 60k.

This is expensive (i am just about to do it to my elford turbo).
Think £1200  for a rebuild.  Ideally you take the car to one of the engine builders and get a compression test done.  I\'d recommend Tim at RXmotors or Carl Hayward, both of whome you can reach through this site.

As to whats its worth, absolutly mint - £4-5K? Maybe.

To drive, well its a classic rwd sports car designed in the 70s, fast, bumpy, great handlind & road holding, but no power steering so a bugger to park.  Fantastic at speed tho.  Over 130 no problem, mine goes off the clock at 130 & is still accellerating hard.  One of the prettiest cars on the road at any price.  Will turn heads where ever you go.

[docwra]

Originally posted by Don Pamponi

This is expensive (i am just about to do it to my elford turbo).
Think £1200  for a rebuild.  Ideally you take the car to one of the engine builders and get a compression test done.  I\'d recommend Tim at RXmotors or Carl Hayward, both of whome you can reach through this site.
 

Nice one

So if I get the compression test done, that should give me some idea of how far off a rebuild it is??

Im getting the car pretty cheap, so dont really want to incur a big rebuild charge - if the above wont tell me is there any way of finding out how long its got to run?? :confused:

[Don Pamponi]

Does it start easily?  Worn engines dont start.  Does it go well?
Look for smoke - could be worn lump or turbo, both £££.

To be honest, of its cheeap ther\'\'s a reason.  Most people try to offload them while its still running but needing a rebuild soon.  I would reckon on it mate.  

Perhaps I\'m too cynical, but I doubt it.

[docwra]

Its starts first time - there was smoke, but it hadnt been started for a while. Ill take it for a proper drive this week I think

Its a mates car - it was bought way back when, used for a bit then garaged for about 8 years. My mate happened across it by chance, offered £500 for it and took it home, but hasnt had the time or money to sort it out. He now needs a fast buck so is flogging it on.

Im thinking of either using it a daily driver or maybe making it a drift car - drifting about is killing my Silvia

I reckon I should drive it and see. If its not conclusive, anyone interested in a RX7 turbo for less than a grand??