ucsdca

I have a few questions about an 88 vert that I test drove. Here they are.

1. While shifting gears, it sticks as it shifts into thrid gear.

2. I noticed a lot of heat coming from under the shift boot as I was holding the shift ****. Is that normal?

3. I also noticed the slight smell of exaust when I was on the side of the car about mid way. Could that be a leak?

Thanks.

downwinddave

1. Sticks in second or will not go into 3rd?
2. Replace inner and outer rubber boot covers.
3. Leak, yes.

do a search:
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/search...der=descending

ucsdca

It has no problem shifting into third, it just sticks a little when doing it.

Icemark

Yeah replace the tranny fluid with a good quality synthetic like Redline MT90 for the 3rd gear thing.

And it sounds like the shifter boots are torn and need replacing. Both the heat and exhaust smell can be from that.

downwinddave

The change when I put in Redline MT 90 was very dramatic.

How is it when you down shift?

ucsdca

The down shift is fine, very smooth for an original clutch on 120k. 3rd is the only gear that has a problem.

Icemark

Won't be the original clutch at 120K unless the previous owners only drove on highways/freeways

1BADRX7

The smell could be from the removal of the cats? Is the exhaust modified?

The heat like mentioned above is from the shifter boots needing replacement(cheap fix).

Change the fluid in the trans and see if that solves it.

How much are you getting the car for?

ucsdca

The car was only driven on the freeway for commute, but the owner before him could have changed the clutch. He was the second owner.

The exaust has no modifications, it looks original, I'm getting the car for 3k.

Icemark

That is a little high (unless you are buying it from a dealer or the body and top are in great condition).

I bought my 88 'vert a year ago January for only $2500, but the paint was rather rough (I spent a couple of weekends buffing) and the interior had some water in it. But I did get a brand new top and the brakes/suspension were perfect.

If you are near the North Bay I would happy to check it out for you.

ucsdca

Thanks for the offer Icemark, but I arranged for Mazda to have a compression test done on it and the guy called me this morning and sais someone payed cash on the spot for it last night. So I guess if he was asking too much, then I am mostly likely better off.