2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

newb, any tips??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-31-08, 04:10 PM
  #26  
Nissan guy lost....
 
Sillyvia13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thumbs up

Originally Posted by VacavilleFC
they run better on lower octane gas
really?
interesting...
why is that?

as for OP.
you seem to be one of the smartest 16 yr olds. I have ever heard speak...
tell your parents GOOD JOB!
lol...
you seem to have gotten a nice car..53xxx wow...

as for any car bro...
you should be able to stop fast before going fast...
IMHO...
do your brakes...
pads and rotors if need be...X drilled and slotted go aong way.
Wheels and tires...wider wheels and bigger rubber...always a plus for going and stopping...
suspension upgrades...the sturts and sway...struts ion ebay will do...CHEAP and no need to spend $125 bucks on a cusco strut bar when the china one does same thing and saves you 112!
I am not going to comment on power upgrades...you should learn car first...the way it responds to your imputs...and get to know it...
the nonce you do upgrade power you can handle car better...
autox does alot to teach you...plus there pro drivers often at them...pick there brains.
GL>
Old 03-31-08, 10:29 PM
  #27  
Interfooler
Thread Starter
 
hockeynightincanada's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: spring hill, tn
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
well, thanks for the compliment, i definatly don't think im all that smart... i just kinda peice together what my friends talk about and now im actually able to get into the conversations, i think most of what i know is due to my friend josh's 240 ALWAYS needing something to "run perfect" lol... i think he just does too much at once, messes more then one thing up and tries to find one solution, he definatly doesn't cut corners but he takes bites bigger then his chops can handle... soon enough i'll hopefully be working on a car. or should i say THE car since i have my heart set on a rx7... i think most of it is my dad had an 83rx7 and i want to continue the saga into the second generation... if it proves to cost too much money selling it isn't an option and rx7 is something i want to toy around with when im older.
well my dad had to run higher octane in his
and the guy im buying the 7 from puts supreme in on every 3rd trip to the station
im just wondering as far as gas goes is there middle ground for octane?
or is it a matter of high or low
to me the lternating high and low just seems... like cutting corners when it should be one or the other.
also the passenger window doesn't work from the passenger side, only the driver side, the guy said comething about cleaning the contacts... right/wrong?// how to do that/// i know rx7 interior is brittle(for lack of better word) so how careful do i have to be exactly when taking of door panels and such and such.
as for when i get it the first things im doing is...
1-complete fluid change
2-making sure brakes are safe
3-upgrading brakes/suspension(unless suspension has been done(not sure)
4-driving it for fun
5-taking it to the strip
6-practising "fun" driving
7-making it look good(painting it black, maybe carbon fiber hood, maybe keep the turbo hood)
8-making it faster

also my friends were talking about a viper break conversion, or other brake conversions... just wondering is that too big of a project for me right now, or would it be a fun and safe project.
what are some idea's to make the car really stand out, or in other words make it talk more then it walks, or in some other words make it look sick)
i think i'll keep it stock under the hood for awhile, and see how the engine holds up to my heavy foot
but it'll be my baby and i want to treat it right.
Old 03-31-08, 10:47 PM
  #28  
Wankel? Who's That?

 
Neo_Drift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Riverton, UT, USA
Posts: 143
Received 24 Likes on 20 Posts
Originally Posted by VacavilleFC
they run better on lower octane gas
i, as well, am curious as to why lower octane is better... is there proof behind this?
because i always put high octane in my car... i always thought it kind of needed it.
Old 03-31-08, 11:30 PM
  #29  
drift city
iTrader: (1)
 
AreExSevenProject's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i run mine on regular gas. High octane is ****** spendy :[ and i heard it actually hurts the engine...not sure though...
Old 04-01-08, 01:41 AM
  #30  
lolwut

iTrader: (38)
 
DaoNhatHai's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by hockeynightincanada
hmm, another thing, do rx7's need the higher octane gas? or are they fine with regular unleaded??? and if it does what are the effects of running regular gas?
It's fine on 87.
Old 04-01-08, 01:51 AM
  #31  
lolwut

iTrader: (38)
 
DaoNhatHai's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by hockeynightincanada
well, thanks for the compliment, i definatly don't think im all that smart... i just kinda peice together what my friends talk about and now im actually able to get into the conversations, i think most of what i know is due to my friend josh's 240 ALWAYS needing something to "run perfect" lol... i think he just does too much at once, messes more then one thing up and tries to find one solution, he definatly doesn't cut corners but he takes bites bigger then his chops can handle... soon enough i'll hopefully be working on a car. or should i say THE car since i have my heart set on a rx7... i think most of it is my dad had an 83rx7 and i want to continue the saga into the second generation... if it proves to cost too much money selling it isn't an option and rx7 is something i want to toy around with when im older.
well my dad had to run higher octane in his
and the guy im buying the 7 from puts supreme in on every 3rd trip to the station
im just wondering as far as gas goes is there middle ground for octane?
or is it a matter of high or low
to me the lternating high and low just seems... like cutting corners when it should be one or the other.
also the passenger window doesn't work from the passenger side, only the driver side, the guy said comething about cleaning the contacts... right/wrong?// how to do that/// i know rx7 interior is brittle(for lack of better word) so how careful do i have to be exactly when taking of door panels and such and such.
as for when i get it the first things im doing is...
1-complete fluid change
2-making sure brakes are safe
3-upgrading brakes/suspension(unless suspension has been done(not sure)
4-driving it for fun
5-taking it to the strip
6-practising "fun" driving
7-making it look good(painting it black, maybe carbon fiber hood, maybe keep the turbo hood)
8-making it faster

also my friends were talking about a viper break conversion, or other brake conversions... just wondering is that too big of a project for me right now, or would it be a fun and safe project.
what are some idea's to make the car really stand out, or in other words make it talk more then it walks, or in some other words make it look sick)
i think i'll keep it stock under the hood for awhile, and see how the engine holds up to my heavy foot
but it'll be my baby and i want to treat it right.
-As far as interior goes, do not try and take it apart unless you have to or don't care.
-If you're not making more power, you do not need better brakes, they are able to support a bit of horse, same goes with the transmission.
-It never hurts to upgrade suspension, start with replacing you links checked for shot bushings or replace all your bushings entirely with a kit available for around $100.
-Power windows in RX-7's are a headache sometimes, they either don't work, work very slowly, or get stuck half way or whatever. Also, door skins/panels are usually not brittle. It's the plastic pillar peices and dash vents that break all the time.
-The flash to pass (clear lense below head lights) are harder then it looks to remove. They usualy break at the screw or just crack. Then again, if those are your intentions or you don't care, all means.
Old 04-01-08, 01:54 AM
  #32  
lolwut

iTrader: (38)
 
DaoNhatHai's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't see why you would run higher octane on an N/A. They're beneficial for turbo aplication.
Old 04-01-08, 07:21 AM
  #33  
Interfooler
Thread Starter
 
hockeynightincanada's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: spring hill, tn
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
as of right now, im trying to keep my intentions easy, thats why i asked... but i guess thats sound advice, don't do it unless i need to or don't care... well my first car i've wanted since i could remember... maybe care too much? and need to, i guess that makes sense, i guess. lol
alright
so i have a pretty good idea of what im in for
couldn't be any worse then my buddy's 240 lol
im ready
and nothing i heard changed my mind
thanks alot
so if anyone has some random tips to give me, by all means
but other then that i think most of my questions are out.

here's a reward for helping me
whats the best time you've had with your rx7? funny story? picking up chicks? whatever it is just write it down here and let me know lol, i'll let you dwell on that feeling one more time and you can quit with the headache im giving you all... or just write about something i unno but i think i've asked all my questions

thanks ALOT everyone i really appreciate it... i'll treat her right, or as right as my knowledge lets me... and if i need help i'll come here, most people's problems seem to get solved on one thread or another.
Old 04-01-08, 12:29 PM
  #34  
drift city
iTrader: (1)
 
AreExSevenProject's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
my best time would be smoking a lotus on lancaster :]] that was funn
Old 04-01-08, 04:39 PM
  #35  
Interfooler
Thread Starter
 
hockeynightincanada's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: spring hill, tn
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hmmm, my best time would be test driving the stick rx7 for the first time, first time driving stick... and not stalling lol
Old 04-01-08, 05:04 PM
  #36  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
VacavilleFC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Vacaville Ca
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
dude your 16 you don't need a sports car, you will most likely wreck it. go buy a honda or a geo, nothing personal, i just don't think any kid under 20 needs a sports car
Old 04-01-08, 06:17 PM
  #37  
Umm Brap Brap

 
mylove=88rxseven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Jaffrey, NH
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do it up my first car was a seven I loved it so much I will ever buy another car ever.
RX7s for life.
dont listen to people who tell you not to buy it. its just an N/A they are not really all that fast.
just do all the maintence and you will be fine that is were i messed up on my first 7 i failed to do any of the maintence and blew the motor.
I agree with everyone else. After you do all the maintence stuff do the brakes and suspension that way when you start to do engine stuff you wont have to worry about them.
Luke-
Old 04-01-08, 09:30 PM
  #38  
Parts collector
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (4)
 
No_love_for_pistons's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Dallas
Posts: 657
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Oh wow man, reminds me of when I was 16 driving around an early 70s VW Super Beetle. My friend says "Hey man, come check out my new RX7." I can remeber to this day what it was like when he push that gas peddle down. A rush came over me and I've wanted one ever since. Finally after school I managed to find a T2 with under 53K miles.
Just give it love man and it will love you back. But its a diff kind of love.....like dating a hot girl who has emotional issues that spring out of nowhere......
Old 04-01-08, 11:10 PM
  #39  
drift city
iTrader: (1)
 
AreExSevenProject's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
im 18 and have one...
they are great..
I love them...
I like my N/a i dont trust myself with a T II though lol
Old 04-01-08, 11:17 PM
  #40  
lolwut

iTrader: (38)
 
DaoNhatHai's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by VacavilleFC
dude your 16 you don't need a sports car, you will most likely wreck it. go buy a honda or a geo, nothing personal, i just don't think any kid under 20 needs a sports car
That's kind of a dumb thing to say, what is your reasoning? Being young, I think most would opt for a sports car.
Old 04-02-08, 01:24 AM
  #41  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: California & Florida
Posts: 674
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I would say to start, stop & shift smoothly - Don't be hard on the car by doing burnouts & donuts & hard launches - pushing the car to it's limits on roads you don't know very well is a leading cause of accidents....

Don't let your friends drive it.... Don't leave the keys in it or laying around... If you put a mad stereo in it be prepared to have it stolen. Friday nights out with your buddies will be trouble - be prepared for stupid things to happen.

Having said all that I would definitely recommend running the RPM's to redline often as this helps keep the engine clean & working properly.. just listen for the tach alarm that goes off right before redline. If you baby the engine you will kill it prematurely. The stock alternator will probably die when you put in a big stereo - upgrade to an S6 100 amp unit.

Save your lunch money for a new complete exhaust system... it won't be long until you burn out what's in there now - & put in something of good quality... Cheap exhaust components won't last very long. Don't skimp on safety related items like brakes & tires & lights.

Remember you are in a little car & most people won't see you... especially big trucks that don't know your behind them - drive defensively like no one can actually see you coming or will react properly like slowing or stoping or signaling a turn, beware of people using cell phones or texting or anything else that will distract them from driving properly.

Most stupid stuff happens because someone else isn't paying proper attention while driving - expect them to do stupid stuff like change lanes right into you or brake for a turn without signaling or a million other stupid things. Don't get distracted - don't answer the phone or fight with your girlfriend or dig around around looking for something 'cause that's when some idiot will pull right out in front of you. A co-pilot can be handy for helping out with stuff like phones, stereos, maps ect. especially in high traffic areas.

The more radical your ride the more attention the police will give it - that loud exhaust, thumping stereo & squeeling tires is a giant sign that reads "I'm probably breaking a law of somekind & I dare you to find out what it is!!"

Sorry if I sound like a parent... I'm not, but yours should have told you most of this stuff... it may well save your life, your friends and your car. Have fun & be reasonably safe.

Ramses666
Old 04-02-08, 04:20 AM
  #42  
Full Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Dr-Zine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Alot of good advice has come out in this thread. I would like to stress a few of them.

The above poster mentioned redlining in it. This is something good to do driving down a 40 mph road redlining in second gear. As was stated this helps keep the internals clean. Your Apex seals is your number one engine killer. Those seals are at the corners of the rotors. They seal the width of the combustion camber and can get stuck from carbon build up. You will have to get a rebuild if it gets too bad. Redlining your engine helps in burning em up. This applies to the side seals as well. Something you will see often on the forums is people telling others to do compression checks. Compression tests will tell you the state of your apex and side seals. Your buddies will know how to do the test, except you dont check a single value. You hold down the release button and watch for bounces. 3 even bounces of 85ish+ on each rotor is good, but 85ish is somewhat low but still fine.

Next is your pulsation dampener. It is on the end of the primary fuel rail. Thats the lower one under the intake. On the S4s, 1986-1988, they will eventualy start to leak gas into the engine bay. I'm not talking about just a gas smell. I'm talking about a pool of gas collecting on the top of your engine block! It WILL catch fire at some point and it WILL destroy your engine. Just be mindfull of this. If you smell gas ANYWHERE around your car check it! Now I'm sure there are plenty of people with S4s who has never had theirs fail, but I have had it happen to me and have seen horror show pictures of countless others.

One last thing, starting and stopping your car. NEVER turn off the car before it has fully warmed up. This is the number one reason why so many people will tell you not to let anyone use your car. IF you turn the engine off while it is still warming up, there is a very good chance it will flood. Flooding an RX-7 for the first time will be like pulling teeth. These car DO NOT unflood themselves. They will also flood if you crank the car over for a long period of time with out starting. Keep that in mind. So basicly you flood the car. You think it will be fine if you let it sit for a bit. You end up trying to start it again and it wont start, you have now worsened it. The FAQ has lots of unflooding procedures. Read up! The basic thing to do will be this. Your car flood for some reason. First thing to do is pop the hood. Pull the EGI fuse, this disables the fuel system. Get back in your car and crank the engine over while holding the pedal to the floor. Do this for a few seconds then put the fuse back in and try to start it again. If it wasnt too bad the car will fire up and spit out a lot of smoke for a second or two. If it doesnt you have to do a few more things. I wont list it out here, but like I said it all in the faq.

That is all. Welcome to the world of rotors.
Old 04-11-08, 12:17 PM
  #43  
Junior Member

 
Randomandy12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
all in all I would say keep this car do all the maintenance, keep it good.

And instead of putting the money into this one for aftermarket parts save the money and buy yourself an S5 TII. They're more expensive and rare but when your ready for more power and better brakes and suspension it's all there and you won't have molested the N/A that you have. On top of that you'll have two RX7's. What better joy could there be. This might take a few years but thats perfect for a young driver to learn the discipline and fortitude needed to own one of these cars. After all they are collectibles, and will be worth more than someone might appreciate today (in terms of money and sentimental value). I would also think that a TII would handle the upgrades that you would want to do a lot easier. Looking back on the few cars that I've owned the worst thing I've done was to hack them up. good luck and godspeed.

I only wish I could give a story of my TII but it's been in the shop since I've had it.
Old 04-12-08, 12:31 AM
  #44  
drift city
iTrader: (1)
 
AreExSevenProject's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
my N/A beat my friends Turbo II...
eat that one up
N/A's all the wayyyyy
Old 04-15-08, 02:04 AM
  #45  
Junior Member

 
Kujoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Calgary,AB
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Late reply. Get a fuel pump kill switch put in case your car floods. On my first 84 GSL-SE, dealer installed it and it worked like a charm.
Old 04-15-08, 02:18 AM
  #46  
Senior Member

iTrader: (10)
 
red_dragon's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 628
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by AreExSevenProject
my N/A beat my friends Turbo II...
eat that one up
N/A's all the wayyyyy
I have both. Both are damn fun to drive. In the N/A there's no need to sit around and wait for the turbo to kick in. And it revs higher. =) But the rush of the turbo boost is tons of fun too.
Old 11-11-08, 03:22 PM
  #47  
Rotary Girl
 
Rotormnky330's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cary
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
learn your car

thanks for this thread! It has helped me a bit to get started on my own car! It is my first car as well so I am in the same boat with you bud, not to mention my entire househould hates my 7 and feel like I am a freaking crazy person because i want to work on, i enjoy messing with it, and oh yeah I'm a girl with a tool box.

So dude keep on truckin' just don't get over confident, i have run over some nasty curbs that way! Take it slow and learn your car. This is not just a run of the mill car it has personality. Learn to deal with it. It will "tell" you what to do after a while.

Good luck!! I look foward to mabye seeing some pics of your car and some things you have done!!


****oh gracious! didn't realize how old this thread is!!!****

Last edited by Rotormnky330; 11-11-08 at 03:23 PM. Reason: ADHD
Old 11-11-08, 03:30 PM
  #48  
Rotary Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)
 
shika805's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
A rotary girl huh? nice... are you hot? jk....

keep up the good work guys (and gals)...
Old 11-11-08, 05:37 PM
  #49  
Senior Member
 
jmkogut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Washington
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
87 Octane is fine for an N/A, you will get NO performance increase, and sometimes you'll experience a performance loss when using high octane fuel. The high octane fuel is used in turbo applications to prevent detonation and has no other benefits.

I'm not sure why you resurrected this thread, but hey, it's been a few months. How's it going OP? We rarely get updates from people starting the "Oh I just got an RX-7" thread.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
93FD510
New Member RX-7 Technical
2
10-01-15 02:00 PM
Rotafuzz
New Member RX-7 Technical
3
09-30-15 09:55 AM



Quick Reply: newb, any tips??



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:18 PM.