I have a few questions about 1997 Mazda RX-7 FD3S engine's;

1. Is it true that when you're buying a second hand RX-7, you have to do a air pressure (bar) test to see if the engine is O.K.?
2. How much does that test cost and what is a good results in bar pressure? I've heard between 9-11 bar.
3. RX-7's have rotary engine's, what are the biggest con's/pro's of such an engine?
4. What other work has to be done to a RX-7 when you buy it second hand?
5. Some people say it's expensive to drive, more expensive then other cars. Is this true? And how much more expensive? Allot? Or just a little?

I'm seriously intrested in buying an FD3S and I would like to know this before I do, and then consider if it's still worth it. Because 1998 Toyota Supra Twin-Turbo's look good too, as does the Nissan Skyline R34.

 

Of course you do not have to do a compression test but is VERY strongly advised. Compression check should run about 1 hour labor or so. Do not know bar specs but here is what I have. Absolute minimum is 690kPa, 7.0kgf/cm2, or 100 psi with at least a 250 rpm crank speed. The compression tester is very unique in that it has to differential between the 3 pressure pulses per rotor housing. Most dealers should have but most aftermarket will not. Biggest pro is great freereving rotory engine that that will push you back into seat on hard accel. Biggest con is also engine in that they are not very reliable for the long term. Parts are also very high. Check a few thru dealer parts and you will see what I mean. New flywheel is almost $500 and turbo is a little over $3000 US. One other problem of note is if vehicle has a good number of miles on it, every rubber vacuum line under the hood is hard and brittle. There are probably 100 little stubby lines that most of time need to be preformed as bulk line will kink. Again, expensive. Don't get me wrong though, the twin turbo is a blast to drive. Opinion from mechanics view is I would not own one unless someone else was paying to repair.

 

Thanks for the information. I already heard it was very expensive to drive, but not that expensive.

Thanks anyway. Maybe i'll go for the Supra instead. I've seen some very cool upgrades for that car.

 

Isn't that really expensive? And will it even fit without having to adjust anything?

 

Yes expensive. You would need to modify just about everything to work. Engine mounts do not line up, will not bolt to existing transmission so would need adapter or custom trans, wire harness and computers not the same, etc, etc. Not trying to scare you away from the RX7 because it is an awesome car to drive. Before you make up your mind see if you can find one to take on a test drive. The Toyota or Nissan may be just as pricey as they are both sports cars. Sports cars and Luxury always tend to be expensive to maintain in virtually any car line.

 

FWIW, there are several Mazda salvage yards across the US. One of them is http://www.mazmart.com in Atlanta, GA. There is another one somewhere in central Texas, but I can't think of the name. Point being, there are sometimes cheaper alternatives to the dealer. Don't forget the aftermarket scene too. Either way, the dealer will be obscenely expensive for most parts. I remember when a friend of mine had a cracked injector on his 300ZX and Nissan was $450 for a new one. The remanufactured one wasn't much better.

 

Sorry, the whole point I was trying to make is that if you drop a v6 engine into the rx7 twin turbo would be the same as putting a Pinto engine in a Ferrari. Won't work and you will be very disappointed in what you get in return.[sm=chairshot.gif]

 

I know a lot of people personally, & on the RX7 forum that have gotten many, many miles out of their rotaries. One thing I have come to notice is that most negative feedback on the question of rotaries is from someone who has heard something from someone else, or have never owned own themselves. I've owned my last "7" for almost 4 years & would never trade it for anything else. (Rotary through & through).

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Nice car TRINI01!!! I think you are very right in that thought. The rotary engine is a mystery to most and anything we don't know we tend to mistrust. I have owned an 81 stock 7 and a 79 that was VERY high performace modified. Was one of the most fun cars to drive I have ever been in. Had to sell as I lived in an emissions restricted area and would not have passed in a billion years. Wish I had it now though as I live in a non-restricted area.[:@] I have known people with first gen 7's though that had alot of miles. One couple had a first gen each and they both had over 300k with original engines. If they are taken car of correctly the rotary can easily outlive a piston engine. Was very happy to see Mazda come out again with the rotory in the 8 and am really looking forward at a chance to drive a SPEED when they come out.

 

i only have answers for number 3 and 5
3. Pro: there are no reciprocating parts, and it is lighter and smaller than normal I-4 cylinder engines. Cons: it heats up quicker

5. before when the Gen. 3 RX7 first came out, it was priced around 37,000 - 42,000, but it was supposed to be a contendor against some Porches and some nice sport cars. but if you get your hands on one, youll be happy you got it...