jmwoody

I used to have an 88, and my only complaint was the automatic transmission, I prefer manual.

I am now in the market for another rx7 and found one locally with apex seal problems... the engine needs to be rebuilt. It is an 85 manual transmission. I do not have a whole lot of experience working with engines, but an very willing to learn and can actually get excited about the possibility of making this car be what I want it to be... but is it worth it? How much $$ am I looking at to rebuild the enging to get it running? Am I looking at an impossible venture for someone with no real background, or is it possible to teach myself? (anyone in/around TN willing to walk me through it lol). I am not concerned with mods or kits, other things that will suck up my money because as long as I can make it run I think I can do all that a little at a time... but realistically how hard will it be to get it running?

Thanks in advance..

Jessica

hanman

I think you are tackling a little larger job than you are ready for. I don't mean this in a bad way, just I think you are biting off more than you can chew.
If you feel comfortable in pulling the engine, and replacing it, you could get a rebuilt in the neighborhood of 2k$. Then, it's just your labor and whatever small things you need to replace the engine (gaskets, fluids, plugs etc.)
But, honestly my recommendation to you would be to find a good condition running first gen and buy it. You will get plenty of practice working on it and you will learn along the way. At some point, if you continue to pursue it, you will have acquired the skills necessary to do anything you would like with it.
Again, I am not trying to be judgemental, just helpful.

jmwoody

I'm not offended at all, thanks for the reply I was thinking that it might be a bit much for me, but have seen a lot of people say it was easy so I wanted to ask. My search continues

Jessica

innertwist

iTrader: (3)

Welcome to the forum.

I think you're a little too quick to brush it off. Forgoing rebuilding for a moment, sourcing a good used 12a isn't nearly so expensive or difficult. Having pulled apart a few in the junkyards, it's appears that many rotary-ignorant mechanics blow off the engine as toast when in fact they just need a carburator rebuild. If the body and interior are straight, and the price is right, I would say go for it. Just don't go for a rebuild, get another engine and put that in if it needs it. Have you had a compression test performed on the the car to check for yourself that the engine it blown?

kymber39845

Like innertwist said, sourcing a good 12a isn't that diffucult. I lucked up and got an entire car on ebay for $256.00. Not everyone can find a deal like that, but I did buy a used engine once for $750.00 including shipping from somewhere across the country. They are not that hard to replace, just make sure you mark everything! It's nice to see there are other women in the south that do what I do! Welcome, and good luck!
Kymber

Man_in_black49464

iTrader: (1)

Engine Rebuild Starts At $850.00 for both rotors and seals.
Just open the box and add labor!

Kentetsu

I don't think she's gonna be back guys...."My search continues "

jmwoody

aww, don't be so quick to brush ME off lol.

The car looks straight, i think it's got a 13b not a 12a, but I don't kow that much about it. I am going to have a look tonight I think, and the price is worth it if it won't take $2-3k just to get it running. What should I look for? he said that the motor does not run, and the apex seals are bad.

I am very interested, and it seems more fun (and cost effective) to get a car with problems... I am a little worried about getting in over my head though. I know several people who do engine work, but not many at all who know much about rotary engines. At least I can use google & ask away here lol.

I'll try to upload a few pics that I have of it, and thanks for the welcome & continued responses

Jessica

Hades12

That is an SE or a swaped car. SE is top of the line in the 1st gen models.

If you have tools and dont mind getting dirty then a 7 is a great car to wrench on. Generaly a running engine swap is the easy way to get one going, but the engine can be built and TN has a lot of resources for getting that done.

That car should part out at 1 - 2K so it is worth picking up. Most likely.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

The FI 13B is a little more involved than a carbed 12A, also a little harder find a used one in good running conditon. Most of the extra work involves the engine externals, the engine build itself is basically the same. With the right tools, info, and time, it's really not that hard. A year or 2 ago, there was a 16 year old kid in the 2nd gen forum that rebuilt his engine and FC from nearly the ground up, even made a vid of the engine rebuild and did a good job of it.

Look the car over well, note any problems with it and check for wheel well rust. Let us know what you find and how much the seller is asking.

bliffle

jm,

We need more info. Plus pictures.

1-how many miles on the car?
2-did you run a CARFAX on it? (worth getting a month subscription when looking around)
3-what's the asking price?
4-is the exterior OK?
5-is the interior OK? Seats ripped? Faded? Dash OK?
6-is there rust in the wheel wells?
7-can you get a compression test?
8-why does the seller say it needs a rebuild? Symptoms?
9-what does the coolant look like?
10-did you drive it? Any unusual noises? Gear whine?