First Gen Rx7

Author
Discussion

stedale

Original Poster:

1,124 posts

272 months

Wednesday 28th July 2004
quotequote all
A first generation Rx7 Mk2 has come up for sale locally on ebay . It has low miles (<40k) and a full SH. Looks mint in the pics. should I have a look? (One of fave all time cars). What do I need to know and whats it worth?

Would I be insane to consider one as a daily runner with no garage?

Cheers,

Steve.

IainT

10,040 posts

245 months

Thursday 29th July 2004
quotequote all
Might be worth asking this over on www.Mazdarotaryclub.com as there's a few 1st gen owners who will know whath to look out for.

Iain

stedale

Original Poster:

1,124 posts

272 months

Thursday 29th July 2004
quotequote all
Thanks, will have a look.

tuttle

3,427 posts

244 months

Thursday 29th July 2004
quotequote all
Naturally check out the mazda link above.Also try to get a look at some of the serv/hist docs to see what has been done.Quite a few guys on another Jap forum I use have RX 7's (tho mostly newer models)& general feeling is that the Wankel rotary engine needs a complete rebuild at the 50k mark.I hope this doesnt pee on your fireworks!

stedale

Original Poster:

1,124 posts

272 months

Friday 30th July 2004
quotequote all
tuttle said:
Naturally check out the mazda link above.Also try to get a look at some of the serv/hist docs to see what has been done.Quite a few guys on another Jap forum I use have RX 7's (tho mostly newer models)& general feeling is that the Wankel rotary engine needs a complete rebuild at the 50k mark.I hope this doesnt pee on your fireworks!


This I am aware of, I guess one should factor the cost into the purchase price. The question is what does a rebuild cost; I seem to remember figures like £1.5K being touted.

stedale

Original Poster:

1,124 posts

272 months

Friday 30th July 2004
quotequote all
tuttle said:
Naturally check out the mazda link above.Also try to get a look at some of the serv/hist docs to see what has been done.Quite a few guys on another Jap forum I use have RX 7's (tho mostly newer models)& general feeling is that the Wankel rotary engine needs a complete rebuild at the 50k mark.I hope this doesnt pee on your fireworks!

IainT

10,040 posts

245 months

Friday 30th July 2004
quotequote all
tuttle said:
Quite a few guys on another Jap forum I use have RX 7's (tho mostly newer models)& general feeling is that the Wankel rotary engine needs a complete rebuild at the 50k mark.I hope this doesnt pee on your fireworks!


Not true at all. Partly depends on which one you're talking about. The na rotaries are good for upto 120-150k, turbo ones vary depending on how they've been treated by previous owners.

A well maintained 3rd gen (i.e. the curvy one) will last a long while if looked after - over 80k miles. A 1st gen would expect to see upto 150k before e refresh is needed.

Unfortunately it's a commmon misconception is that they're unreliable.

Lack of maintenance will see early rebuild required, same with any engine. Main culprit with turbo'd engines is overheating - causing water seal failure. On tuned engines running hard can cause tip failure.

Iain

dejoux

772 posts

290 months

Friday 30th July 2004
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They last well IF theyve been cared for well. Unfortunately alot of them havnt by now

The need warmed up and down alot more thoroughly than a piston engine, also once theyre warm they actually benefit from being revved (though in alot of ways a piston motor can be similar to that too)

The turbo ones youve gotta upgrade the fueling if you want to run higher boost but that wont be a problem here.

An NA 12A wouldnt be that expensive to rebuild if it was necessary, its only when you get to the turbos particularly the REW that they get really expensive

Good luck

stedale

Original Poster:

1,124 posts

272 months

Friday 30th July 2004
quotequote all
Thanks all for your help and encouraging insights. Unfortunatley the seller hasn't replied to either of my two "emails". I am beginning to suspect he's trying his luck. I won't by a car without seeing it first and the sale finishes on sunday eves. No bids as yet. Hmmph.

Steve