Hey all,
I had an '83 RX7 in high school (in '88) and have recently got the urge to buy one again. I found a 1984 GSL-SE that is in great condition...at least the body and interior. It has sat parked in a barn for the last four years and only started occationally. This has me worried about gaskets/seals and the engine in general. Any advise on what to look for to see if it is worth the risk? I get the idea the owner doesn't know what he's got because he is only asking $1500. By the way it has 109K on the original equipment. Any advise to get me back in the swing of things would be great. Thanks!

 

If you get some pics that would help a lot. Welcome to the forum

 

I say the car is worth it if it runs good. In my mind the GSL-SE is very desirable because of the factory 13B engine. If this is going to be a weekend toy, or a once in a while driver I say go for it.

 

It think there is something in the FAQ about what to look for but the most general thing is bin rust.

Remove the bins behind the see and look a the wheel wells.

 

Bin check is a must, fortunately they don't use much salt in most areas of CO. Get underneath it and look it over too, especially where the rear suspension components mount. Since this is a barn find, look for vermin infestation. They can reek havoc on wiring and interior parts with thier nesting and chewing.

As much as you will want to start it, the fuel tank should be drained and fresh fuel supplied. There is a drain plug on the bottom of the tank. When you get it started, look under the dynamic chamber/intake and check for fuel leaks at the injectors and pulsation dampner.

Why did the owner park it in the first place? This will give you a clue to repairs that may need immediate attention. Post back what they say.

 

Nothing! 1st gens last forever!!! Just get it maintianed you'll be fine.

 

Do you ever post anything worthwhile? I see your nonsensical bs all over the forum and have yet to see anything of substance.

Do you need a time out or a break from?

 

Bummer! Too slow!
Thank all of you for the advise. The car sold today while I was at work. I knew I should have went to see it during lunch. I wrote down everything you mentioned to look at for the next RX7 I find. I got the bug bad now. Hopefully I will find something worth while soon so I can pick your collective brains some more.
For trochoid: The owner told me he parked it back in '02 after he and his wife had a kid. He wanted to fix it up to be the kids first car 16 years from now...then reality set in. Not sure if I believe him, but its a good story.

 

You can find nice rx7s every once and a while that are in good running condition and low miles. Check the rx7s for sale section and look on ebay every now and then. Good luck

 

Thanks Twinkletoes, I'll post pic of what I end up buying...hopefully another SE will come along.