I'm going to be purchasing an rx-7 soon. I want to get it completely tested (compression, boost, apex seals, turbos, vacuum hoses, body/frame, etc...) through a good Mazda rotary specialist. Does anyone living in Arkansas know of any shops? Some feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

Why don't you just find a cheap one with a good body which is cheap and then buy a rebuild and new turbos? its much easier to find one of these then to find one with a great engine and pay the same amount for it. The rebuild will also come with warrenty as well as being trouble free for at least 20-40k.

 

skunks,

I've thought of that already. Most fd owners who are selling with a blown motor are asking around 10k. I figure the rebuild from what i've heard would cost about 3k (does that include rebuilding the turbos?). Am I right on that? Anyway, i'm currently scoping out an Rx-7 that is going for about 11k. If the tests come out positive and the engine healthy, don't you think it would be a smarter thing to do? 11k as opposed to 13k? Let me know what you think. I could really use all the advice I can get. Thanks!

ps. How much do new stock turbos cost btw?

 

the rebuild can cost from 2500-5000 depending on what you want done and no that doesn't include rebuilding the turbos. If you can rebuild the turbos (they are in pretty good shape) that will run 700-just over 1000.
new stock turbos cost $3,000
I would also say to find one with a blown motor and good turbos and rebuild the motor. That way you know what was done to the car and it's like your own car.
make sure to read the site about before buying a rx7 you can really get ripped off if you get one that is running and it's not in as good of shape as you thought.
another reason to get one with a blown motor. Also check turbos, tranny, body for rust, title and mileage if you go that route.
Snook

 

There are plenty of FD's for sale these days. It seems to be a buyer's market. If you are willing to travel, you could look at a car that is near a rotary specialist, say in Florida, or near KDR in the northeast. I also think there's someone who knows his stuff in Louisiana, but I forget his name.

 

JConn2299,

The thing is i'm Los Angeles, and the seller is in Little Rock, AR. I need a good specialist/shop so that he/they can have it checked out there and have him/them fax me the report of the inspection. I know it sounds crazy to want that car when it's on the other side of the country. The thing is here in California, most people have the money and resources to maintain their rx-7's and don't want to sell them. So they're really rare to see one with a blown engine even less a good one for sale. So, if anyone know's a good Mazda/rotary specialty shop in Arkansas, please let me know. Thanks!

 

Oh, man, buying a car that's lived its life in California is usually considered a plus (because of the mild weather, etc.) It is here in the Northeast, I'll tell you that. I'm also not convinced you can't find a good RX at a good price in California, but whatever.

If you really want a rotary specialist to check out your car long distance, then Dave at KDR is the man to see.
Start looking for your value car in NJ or eastern PA.
Dave is THE MAN at FD's and he is also completely honest and forthright. (Just put Dave and KDR in the search function and you'll be amazed at the testimonials you'll come up with.)
Anyway.......there are always lots of cars hanging around the shop and usually a few of them are for sale.
Ask him which one he'd buy. Now the hard part......good luck getting him on the phone. You'll have better luck via e-mail.