So, a guy I work with told me about a FD RX7 for sale with a blown motor. Apparently, the seller works with the brother of the guy that I work with. The seller actually offered the car to the guy that I work with first. He told Paul (the guy I work with) that for 2k, the car is his. Paul told me that he likes 7's, but it is a car that he doesn't know enough about to buy. I told him that im interested. The only problem is the cash. I don't have 2k right now. I'm thinking I can stall the guy till I get taxes back and maybe borrow the rest. What do you guys think?

oh, and I'm up for donations!

-Steakboy

or sell it to me for 3k and profit :)

It's going to take much more than 2K to get it back on the road. Have you thought about those costs??

yes, I have a car to drive now (my 8) and I plan for it to be a project car. I'd love to drop a 20b in it...

-Steakboy

If finding $2000 is going to be such a process, I'd give good thought as to whether you really want to venture down that road.

Just my 2 cents.

Paul.

if you can't please let me have a shot, im ready willing and able to drop 2k on a broken FD

Yeah, a friend of mine that's a BIG gearhead bought an old RX7 - which still ran, just poorly - to make into his weekend racer. Skip ahead a couple years and now he's trying to get rid of it. The thing has been a total money pit and every time he thinks he has it ready to go, something else goes wrong. I'd say definitely put A LOT of thought into that before you commit. It's not going to be cheap or easy.

sounds like youre pretty cash strapped, i wouldnt do it if you cant even easily come up with a a 2k surplus without resorting to tax returns and borrowing money. you are probably still underestimating the true cost of fixing it up and maintaining it. IMHO a bad idea in your particular case. im sure theres better ways to use your money.

I really do understand the costs of fixing it up. Like I said, it will be a project car. I just finished my semester bill for school, that's why I'm strapped. But an opportunity like this isn't presented to you everyday. I haven't even seen an FD in DE before.

-Steakboy

well good luck. if its important to you, sometimes its worth it even if its not financially a smart thing to do.

ooo pics pics pics.

ls1 conversion ftw

ls1 conversion ftw

um, no. that's for damn sure.

-Steakboy

what condition is the rest of the car in?

this thread is useless without pix.

I don't know yet. I'm in the process of getting the guy's number. I'll try to setup a day when I can go and look at the car and possibly take some pics of different things.

For anyone who knows, is there anything in particular that I should look out for on the body that would indicate any sort of major problems? Or any sort of general tips would be greatly appreciated.

and frankly, rust or body work doesn't bother me too much, cause it can be fixed. as long as there's nothing structurally wrong, I should be golden.

-Steakboy

I realize you're aware of the costs for this BUT I still have to question it. (yes, I realize an opportunity like this is rare)

- How much are you willing to spend (in the long run)
- What's your timeframe for this project?

You know your financial situation better than any of us but not having $2K now and wanting to buy a project car that could cost you 10-$20,000 more is setting off red flags for me already... :(

my timeframe is huge for the restoration process. I don't need the car for daily driving, that's what I use my 8 for.

As far as funds go, I'm a little low from paying for school and a few mods for my car. It'll build back up. I am actually toying with the idea of a weekend job for some extra pocket money.

I have my plans for the car in my head right now. I'm willing to spend what it takes when i can to make this car what I want it to be.

I really appreciate all of your worries for the 7. Trust me, I don't want it to sit untouched under a tarp to slowly waste away while I try to earn money for it. A car like that should be on the road. If I feel I cannot afford it, I will let a buddy of mine know about the car and he will get it and bring it back to life.

-Steakboy

Awesome Steakboy, can't wait to see what happens with this. FD's are SO sexy! (too bad I don't fit in them. :( )

Is this it?

http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/gallery/images/nk_wreck_c.jpg

If not, then post a pic! :spank:

that hurts to look at. :(

I told you, I don't have pics of it yet. I havn't even seen the car. Once I get the guy's number I'll setup a time when I can see it and I'll take pics for you guys.

-Steakboy

BUY IT NOWZ!!!!! Or you will regret it years down the road.

For those saying "If its a problem for 2k then dont" and so on.. Trust me its a project car, Steakboy's dad is restoring a old truck so he fully understands what a "Project Car" is and it will take time and wont be driving the thing within a month.

Again Mike do it up man!!!!!!! Find that Cash (i'd loan it if I had it trust me!)

Yeah, a friend of mine that's a BIG gearhead bought an old RX7 - which still ran, just poorly - to make into his weekend racer. Skip ahead a couple years and now he's trying to get rid of it. The thing has been a total money pit and every time he thinks he has it ready to go, something else goes wrong. I'd say definitely put A LOT of thought into that before you commit. It's not going to be cheap or easy.

Sounds like a story I have heard a thousand times, just subsitute RX7 with any any old car. Project cars are a lot like girlfriends they take 3 things - money, time and a whole lot more money.

nice idea of doing a project car i got a fc project car at my house but one advace if you going to get it talk to your gf or your wife about it and you should explain to them how long the car is going to sit there for lol before you buy it or it can lead in to trouble of your family member nagging and nagging about it lol have fun with your project car if you get it lol

Project cars are a lot like girlfriends they take 3 things - money, time and a whole lot more money.

quote of the week!

steak when will you be able to come up with 2k, coz if soon the first national bank of feras may be able to front you a loan.

my cousin's husband has a 95 FD for a weekender, great car, but def a project car. Here's a couple hinters:

1. Have the motor checked out by a rotary shop. Chances are for a blown motor you're looking at $2000 to $4000 for a rebuilt.

2. Have the stock twin turbo system checked out by a rotary shop. Even if the engine is rebuilt perfectly, if one of the turbo's were the original cause of the motor failure all you need is these little buggers to blow your newly rebuilt engine.

3. body paint will be alright, it's nearly a 15 year old car so don't expect new car smells.

4. check the stock oil pan.

5. if it's stick, def remember that the 5th gear syncro was a prominent failure

6. finally check the stock tubing for everything under the hood, or better yet have a shop do it, the coolant system wasn't exactly top notch to begin with.

also i'm jealous, great project car, good luck steak.

I told you, I don't have pics of it yet. I havn't even seen the car. Once I get the guy's number I'll setup a time when I can see it and I'll take pics for you guys.

-Steakboy Just ribbing you :rock:

Let's all donate a $5 dollar bill for the Steakboy!

that hurts to look at. :(OK, here is what Steakboy's final project car will look like:

http://www.srbpower.com/images/gp-sports/G4/mazda/rx7-fd3s/image01.jpg

:rock::rock:

That'd be awesome to have an fd for a project car, but you gotta have the money. A friend of mine is fixing up a '93 fd. Half-bridge ported. He's put so much time and money into. I'm talking at least 10k plus....Needs to get it tuned though. But recently he's been having problems so he needs to take it back to the rotary shop to have it checked out - as well as the 3 or 4 other half-bridge ported 13b's that are all having the same problem (they were all built at the same time). It sucks, but I guess it's common when an fd is your project car. After seeing how much work he's done to one, I highly doubt I'd get one now. But I love seeing them.

Goodluck Steak!

-Cody

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=210812348&dealer_id=55982485&car_year=1993&model=RX7&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=both&distance=75&make=MAZDA&color=&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=03034&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=59

Did someone from this forum buy that? :P

2 grand for the car is a steal, rolling shells go for 7k. However, if you can't afford the 2 grand for it you probably can't afford to build/mod it. FYI I'm up to 35k into mine but I feel it's well worth it b/c there's nothing like driving one, the feel is incredible. Good luck if you purchase, its a badass car

Thanks guys. I'm hearing some good info.

Feras, you would actually loan me the cash to do this? I wouldn't go that route, unless I get really desperate, but that's quite noble of you.

-Steakboy

I have my $5 ready today :)

now I only need 399 more donations...

-Steakboy

It's going to take much more than 2K to get it back on the road. Have you thought about those costs??
I agree if you can't come up with 2k now, it's going to be even harder to come up with all the money to get it running.

im actually in the same boat as you. i already have a 94' Rx-7 that im working on.

ive only had it a little while and there are a millions of things i want to buy and add but im taking it slow over the next couple years.

money can go really fast.

By the time you get around to finishing it you will have changed your mind for other things. Then you will sell it.

If not your girl friend/ wife or new kid will change your mind.

If you can't get your project car up to 80% finished in 3mnths, then...........

Think again. School/Life/Car/House

So many choices over the long run.

Thanks guys. I'm hearing some good info.

Feras, you would actually loan me the cash to do this? I wouldn't go that route, unless I get really desperate, but that's quite noble of you.

-Steakboy
yeah i've met ya you seem allright, plus i know where you live ;).

nah im kidding, if you need the cash i have a good feeling you're good for it, the interest i'd ask for would be access to the finished product ;)

Thanks guys. I'm hearing some good info.

Feras, you would actually loan me the cash to do this? I wouldn't go that route, unless I get really desperate, but that's quite noble of you.

-Steakboy

Dude, I don't want to sound like an ass, but if you can't come up with 2g's by yourself, and easily, you probably shouldn't be buying a second car. You most certainly shouldn't have to utter the words "really desperate" when referring to the purchase of a weekend toy. It's a want, not a need. Not that I'm trying to play daddy here, but it sounds like you need to sit down and do a serious budget.

Dude, I don't want to sound like an ass, but if you can't come up with 2g's by yourself, and easily, you probably shouldn't be buying a second car. You most certainly shouldn't have to utter the words "really desperate" when referring to the purchase of a weekend toy. It's a want, not a need. Not that I'm trying to play daddy here, but it sounds like you need to sit down and do a serious budget.

I could come up with the cash. It's called a bank. a 2k personal loan wouldn't take that much effort to get. But if I have time (and I do, the car isn't sitting out on the road for sale or anything) I will try to get the cash without borrowing. I have tax returns coming in which will be most of the 2k. I was really just worried about getting 2k in time, before it was gone. You know, not everyone has 2k laying around. Especially not a 20 YO college student.

I still haven't gotten the guys number, but I know where the car is. It's about 1 mile down the road from me. I still can't believe I haven't seen the car before.

Feras, you know you'll have access to the car!

-Steakboy

i work at a bank and the smallest personal loan we'd give out is 5k, for 2k you'd be better off getting a line of credit. but the interest on that is compounded daily so it adds up fast. it's not something you'd want to be carrying around for weeks, let alone months.

i'm not trying to discourage you, just letting you know what to expect as far as a bank loan

If you don't buy it get in touch with me because I will. I know you said the motor is blown but what other kind of condition is the car in? Hack Job, rust, etc. Honestly let me know I'd love a second.

If you don't buy it get in touch with me because I will. I know you said the motor is blown but what other kind of condition is the car in? Hack Job, rust, etc. Honestly let me know I'd love a second.

a second! you greedy so and so

^^^ lol!

I have a friend here who's gunna help me with the car who already laid claims if I can't do it. If he decides he can't spare it either (he has a kid on the way) I think feras already laid claims after that. but you can be next in line!

-Steakboy

lol, come on the guys got a kid coming, you know he won't have the time or the money. Tell your friend I'll buy it this week, 2 grand cash, and his problems are gone and then I've got a whole new set :ylsuper:

um, no. that's for damn sure.

-Steakboy
You're right about that...it's gotta be an LS2 :rock:
There's no replacement for displacement :cwm27:

You're right about that...it's gotta be an LS2 :rock:
There's no replacement for displacement :cwm27:

You're right in the sense that the LSX series are really good motors, but outside of the vette, your kidding yourself if you think the other vehicles that those motors came in are any good.

Taking the rotary out of the 7 would be a crime to all humanity. You take it's rotors, you take it's soul.

-Steakboy

Taking the rotary out of the 7 would be a crime to all humanity. You take it's rotors, you take it's soul.

-Steakboy
i agree. your one of the good ones. the cars came with a rotary engine for a reason

keep the 13b-rew! There may be no replacement for displacement- unless you can equal airflow. Hello turbo!

I say do it, but on a few conditions. Check to make sure the frame is straight and not bent at all, and that there is no structural rust. And remember if it is rusting, you need to treat it ASAP- rust is like a bacteria (will, it kind of is. Oxidation) and will contuine to eat away at the oxidized metal unless you remove it all. So factor that in as well....
Also check the 5th gear syncro by playing with the shifter and see how well it goes into 5th. It can be hard to tell without any load on the gearbox, though. Just remember you can always pick up a used FD 5-speed for under $3k if need be.
And since the engine is already blown, you don't need to worry about the inherenit FD cooling problems, brittle hoses, vacuum issues with the sequential twin turbos, etc. You can rebuild it the way YOU want to. A big-ass aluminum radiator should be tops on the list.
RX7store.net has some really good deals on rebuilt engines with your core. They are located in Columbus, OH. I've dealt with them before and they are A+++. Jason (the owner) really knows his stuff. I think a street ported 13b rebuild (with core) is only like $2500.

I'm sure you also know a lot about the FD, so that's it for now. Pounce on this deal before it goes away or you will kick yourself in the butt for years! Remember, if you don't want it later on or it becomes too expensive, you can always sell it- you aren't locked into this deal. Sure, you may loose a few hundred bucks (depending on what you have already dumped into it), but you can sell the car and then the parts seperately and actually recoop a lot of the money you spent. Hell, if you're patient, I bet you could resell the car for over $3k if you wait for the right person who really wants it. Remember that.


Dave

Thanks dave, that's some great info. I know a little about FD's. I have been reading up as much as I can lately. I'm hoping to go 20b someday, but that's pretty expensive. Scratch that, it's really expensive.

-Steakboy

Steakboy - If you buy the car, do not get a motor from Jason at rx7store.net, the amount of motors they've sent out with issues tops the list. Jason can be very good at getting you parts as long as he's got them in stock, if he doesn't, it could be quite the wait. I def agree with you not to take out the rotary. Anyways I honestly don't believe you're financially ready to take on this project. There will always be good FD's around so I would wait until you can really afford it because once you start you won't stop and the money piles up QUICK (I'm not just saying this because I'm interested too, lol). Last year when I rebuilt my car I set aside as solid 12 grand and I ended up needing to spend another 4 or so on "the little stuff" and now this year the cars gotten a good 3+ grand worth of suspension work. If you honestly feel you'll be able to put the time and money in, go for it, because it's a great deal but the amount of hack jobs I see on these cars from people that think they can afford them and really can't really brings down the overall community. I can understand the want for one of these cars being 20 myself, but financially you have to be stable.

- Matt

Trust me matt, when I do something like this, I do it right. And if I can't do it right, I pay someone to. The big money stuff won't come for a while. There's other things I can do in the meantime. Body work is cheap. I'm actually hoping for a small area of rust that needs new metal so my pops can teach me to weld. then again, I could just learn on the 1950 chevy pickup he's restoring.

-Steakboy

Alright good to know. Let me know how things work out.

If you end up needing a motor, give me a call.

Building motors is second nature to us :)

sadness builds today as I found out that during my quest to get a hold of this guy, he sold the car. :spank: This sux. another opportunity like this will prolly never show again.

-Steakboy

I wish I know someone who can sell me a 2K fd ? I will even pay 5 K for it !

sadness builds today as I found out that during my quest to get a hold of this guy, he sold the car. :spank: This sux. another opportunity like this will prolly never show again.

-Steakboy


find out who he sell it to.

Find that guy

Beat him up

take the car.

:P

find out who he sell it to.

Find that guy

Beat him up

take the car.

:P

Actually, it's a black guy who lives in the town that is right against mine. I'm talking like, a few miles away...

-Steakboy

That stinks. Hope you find another!

Did you ever figure out what kind of condition the body was in, or was it presumed to be decent/nice/hacked?

unfortunately no. I never saw the car, and never talked to the guy. maybe I'll try to find the person who bought it and see if they'll take an offer...

-Steakboy

At a minimum, you'll need $3-4K for a new engine. and that's if nothing else goes wrong. I know.....I had a 93 for 8 years....put 2 engines in it....drove it for 150K miles...then sold it to get an 8.

This is how I see it. I see this as an investment. Get that cash and BUY this car, assuming it's in good cosmetic condition. Worry about the costs after you buy it. You can only make a profit anyway off this car if you decide to not invest the time and money into it. You can buy it and resell ig for profit anytime you want, so after you get it then decide about the costs to get it going, and if financially it's in your best interest to pursue getting it going. You have to get this car. I don't care if it has to sit for years before you work on it. It's worth it, so ignore the comments about budgeting and affording it. That's irrelevant to this if it is a good condition car. This is a potential investment just as much as it is a project car. Good luck!! :)

This is how I see it. I see this as an investment. Get that cash and BUY this car, assuming it's in good cosmetic condition. Worry about the costs after you buy it. You can only make a profit anyway off this car if you decide to not invest the time and money into it. You can buy it and resell ig for profit anytime you want, so after you get it then decide about the costs to get it going, and if financially it's in your best interest to pursue getting it going. You have to get this car. I don't care if it has to sit for years before you work on it. It's worth it, so ignore the comments about budgeting and affording it. That's irrelevant to this if it is a good condition car. This is a potential investment just as much as it is a project car. Good luck!! :)

thank you, but the car is gone. I cannot get it.

-Steakboy