1st Car

[Jeager521]

You see, I'm soon to get my first car, with limited funding that is. And I would really like an RX-7 or a Supra. I definitely like the RX-7 much better in looks, but is it going to be a pain in the butt as far as repairs? I plan on buying a wrecked one because my dad does autobody repair. So what do you guys think is the smart decision.

[Marvin]

It's a big pain in the butt. If you don't have a lot of money to waste don't get a RX-7. Why not get a older Ford or Chevy. Back before Japan and China started making everything. Don't buy a wrecked car. No matter how good your Dad is, they are never the same.

Marvin

[Mugen_R]

Originally posted by Marvin
It's a big pain in the butt. If you don't have a lot of money to waste don't get a RX-7. Why not get a older Ford or Chevy. Back before Japan and China started making everything. Don't buy a wrecked car. No matter how good your Dad is, they are never the same.

Marvin

What are you talking about foo??? I buy hit cars all the time.
My last car was a 1998 VW Passat 1.8L Turbo and it's better then it was beofre the accident. You get to know ur car inside and out, and u'll learn more about your car when hit then if you bought it used or from a dealership.

[Marvin]

That was an interesting story. You are supposed to try and help Jeager, not make personal attacks. It's okay to dissagree but convince Jeager that you are right and stop your name calling.

Marvin

[SuperchargedRex]

Unless you have a really solid cash flow, I would warn against an RX-7 as your first car, particularly if you intend to modify it for greater performance. It gets expensive quick. But if you want to keep it stock, and want good handling and decent performance, I'd recommend going with a 2nd generation (86-91) normally aspirated motor, which in my opinion, are the most reliable version of the rotary motor currently in the US. (At least until the RX-8 with the Renisis motor debuts next year.) Keep up with simple maintenance, and the motor is good for 150-200k miles.

[Jeager521]

The other day my dad found an '87 RX-7 that had a blown engine for $250! But I was wondering how hard a rotary engine is to rebuild, and my dad and me can do it, or how expensive it is for a rebuild. Out in the middle of Missouri, it is pretty rare to see an RX-7, so I don't know if anyone around can rebuild one. Thanks for the info so far though!

[Marvin]

That's great Jeager. It is expensive, but starting out for only $250, it just might be a great deal and be just what you wanted.

I see a lot of RX-7's in the wrecking lots that haven't been wrecked, but are there because of the engine and the high cost to have them repaired.

If you get a chance to pickup another one for parts, don't pass it up.

Take a look at atkinsrotary.com You might find the answers to some of you questions. Also search the internet. There is a lot of information about the RX-7's on it.

Good luck Jeager.

Marvin

[Jeager521]

Hey, from the other places I've looked at, Atkin's Rotary seems to be the cheapest for engine prices. I'm a little confused though when the say that the "core" isn't included. What does that mean? Anyway, thanks for the help!

Stefan

[Marvin]

I would think that if your old engine is rebuildable, they will pay you for it and take it off of the price of the new engine.

But you should talk to them to find out so there wont be any surprises. Your Dad could probably be a lot of help getting your new engine.

Marvin

[SuperchargedRex]

The core means that you have to send your old engine back to them. This way, they have something they can rebuild and then re-sell. Because Mazda doesn't make crate motors like Ford or Chevy does, you have to rebuild the old ones we have with new parts.

Atkins is a very reliable shop, you can also check out Mazdatrix or Rotary Performance for parts and service. All three of those shops know what they're doing.

You don't say what year, but based on the price I'm guessing 1st or 2nd gen. To give you an idea of what's involved, here is a link to the 1988 Service Manual The files are large, but well worth it.

Good luck!

[Jeager521]

I think that I put it up there, but maybe not. It's a 1987, which is pretty much like yours, right? I'd really like to possibly find a 3rd gen. though, but that's probably impossible! Thanks for your help, it's been very useful!

Stefan