picked up a 81 RX7

[zr240]

Hi all

I picked up a 81 RX7 the other day for Aus$300. Dont know much about them but thought it would complement my collection. The body is in great condition but the engine is not running well.

Ash

[optimaxtech]

The RX7 has a rotary engine. Take a compression check. If the compression is low (under 150psi) the engine internally is worn. The motor does not half a conventional valve train, instead it works with a lobe system with a ceramic lined crankcase. The lobes do have replaceable "tips" which is a rubber type material, yet even replacing these, does not, bring back all the compression due to the worn ceramic. The gen 1 cars were actually first sold to the original owner with a certificate that when taken to the dealer they would install a new engine at like 60k miles. The quality of the gen 2 rotary was much better and some have been known to run well above 150k without a problem, yet they are FI, not carbed. My personal opinion is the carbed engines created too much carbon in the engine and would wear the ceramic and the lobe tips out. I know you can find a bunch of info on the web for these motors, yet I do not know about the availibity of relined/rebuilt engines. When they loose compression they will run like crap. The advantage being they are small and light, it does not take much effort to remove and replace an engine in the gen 1 cars.

[v12horse]

I really like the first generation rx-7's. My parents bought one brand new in 1984. You should post some pics zr240. Nice find and good luck with it.

-Ben

[Gav240z]

I've actually considered all rotors I like the r100 the rx3 and rx4 the seven is ok but I prefer a Z the beauty of a rotor engine though is how simple they look.

I would like to get into them one day. Most likely an Rx4 but the 3 is lighter so I dunno.

:classic:

[zr240]

Thanks for the advice etc. I will post some pics soon.

Dont worry I still love the Zed the best but I think the RX7 has a certain quirkyness about it being a rotory and all.

[Zedrally]

Just think about doing a DazDa conversion!

[optimaxtech]

When I spoke about the "tips" on the lobe, The correct name is the Apex seals. If you happen to replace that motor with a used, I recommend you change the rear main crank seal. They have a history of leaking.

[luiml73]

Come on over, and we'll lead you in the right direction.

few vids

http://www.fullboost.com.au/vidzz/fullBOOST_heathcote_xmas_awremenko.avi

http://home.att.net/~gloria.hay/200...sec_burnout.mpg

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=245440&highlight=vide

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=267241