I'm trying to get back into a rotary after selling my FC about 6 years back. No RX8 for me, too much $$$, but an 1st gen RX-7 I can afford. Now onto why i put this in the tech garage...

I found a 84 gsl-se with a good body but the guy says it runs poorly and may need new oil seals. How hard are these to change (asuming im not affraid to take apart the engine)?

Would I be better off getting the 83 RX-7 I found with still a good body with no oil leaks (this guy said it was "only running on 2 cylinders" ) could this one just need some new spark plugs and distributor cap or coil packs (not sure exactly wht it takes)

Anyways, any sugjestions would be helpful. I've read so much about rotaries now I'm ready to get my hands dirty :p

Thanks a ton

P.S. I would have taken this over to the RX-7 club but I just like you guys so much more :o

 

"Running on two cylinders" about says it all...
Seller know nothing about rotary...
Go find a 7 with dual turbo's and no cylinders

 

Man...i'd love an FD but at 24 yrs old the ins would kill me! Plus...I want a car to "learn" to work on (i.e engine rebuild, port job etc). If I can pick up a first gen for $400 when I break the **** out of it I won't be out $18,000

 

I guess my real question is how difficult is it to change out oil seals in a 13b? Assuming I have the tools and the motivation (not nessicarily the know how)?

 

I'm assuming it's not a leaky oil line or oil pan gasket since you said the cars running poorly. Oil seals on a 13b are the same as a 12a (on the sides of the rotors). It needs a rebuild. Engine has to be taken out/disasembled and the oil seals replaced.

So it depends on what you want to do. Do you want a car that has better suspension/handling/LSD and more power (after the rebuild) and will cost you more money in the end, or do you want to spend less on the 83 and have slower 12a (carbed) car with not as good suspension and possibly not and LSD in it (depends on the model).

Keep in mind, I'm talking stock vs stock in the above paragraph.


FYI: I used to have a GSL-SE and a 84GS, 84GSL, etc.. & I'm from the Rx-7club.

 

1st Gens look better than 2nd Gens. Just get a Haynes manual and tear it down. You'll end up paying for parts, but at least you'll look good.

 

Thank you! I'm glad 8 owners agree with me. I've owned 4 first gens and loved them to death (my 85 is my beater car)! I know Atkins Rotary sell 13b rebuild videos. Never seen one but give em a call and ask.

FS

 

The atkins rebuild video is good. The haynes manual sucks (as always). It'll get you by on the basics, but invest your money in a workshop manual for the Rx-7 if you plan on doing a rebuild. It'll be money well spent.
Personally I'd try and get the GSL-SE for cheap and drop a rebuilt engine (keg) in.

 

I think you can even find PDF versions of the workshop manual somewhere on the internet... But I didn't tell you this!

FS

 

Thanks for all the tips every one. I do tink I want the Gsl-se. I'd want to get most familiar with the 13b first anyways considering its is WAY more than the 12a. Plus the beefier rear-end in the gsl-se is a bonus too. Thanks again...even you RX-7 Club guys