OK I'm new to rx7s and I recently got a 1982 first Gen. with the 12A engine in it. The engine bogs and feels underpowered under 3000rpms. I was told by a mechanic that the carb wasn't giving the engine enough gas. I think it is the carburetor but it's also got an exhaust leak. I bought a carb rebuild kit and I'm planning on rebuild the carb and patching the exhaust leak. when all is said and done, If I can get the engine to run smooth and clean I was considering putting a little performance work into it. Intake exhaust and maybe a performance chip. The cars got 120k miles on it, and I was told the Apex seals go bad at about 100k. Is it worth while to put performance parts on it or em I going to be wasting my time?



Anyone out there that can give me some knowledgeable advice?

 

Well, yes...if taken care of...all Rx7s are reliable. First, I'd fix that carb problem, and the exhaust leak...then, get a compression test done. That should tell you how reliable your motor is. Most naturally aspirated rx7s last way into the 150K+ mileage...its all in how the previous owners cared for the car and how much your willing to do. However, if the motor does prove to be weak, 12As are cheaper to rebuild then most rx7 engines, so you'll be ok...you can do the rebuild yourself for under $500. Look into doing the ATF trick too...its good for high mileage motors..its in the 2nd gen FAQ section...

 

I would make sure your Catalitic converter isn't clogged. I wouldn't removed it, but 81' was the first year that they got rid of the Thermal reactor and went to straight Converters for cleaner air. If you carb is not working properly, Your converter could very well be clogged.

 

I have over 180,000 mile on the first one and it is still running and over 140,000 on the second.

 

Tell you the truth 12As are more reliable than 13Bs.

 

Don't know about that, I have had one 12A and two 13B's, have over 150K on both 13B's

 

Rx7's are good cars either it be a 12a or 13b, if your not into it, and don't

mind getting your hands dirty then the 7 is for you,,if not,buy a honda

 

I just wanted to point out that 12a's don't have a computer (ECU) so there are no performance chips for it. It is carbureted. You should check out the stuff Racing Beat has. Their site is very easy to navigate around and they have a lot of parts and info.



www.racingbeat.com

 

My 82 has 184,000 on the odometer and it runs real nice. Proper maintenance will help the car last longer. Change the oil every 2-3000 miles, and remember to check it often since the engine burns oil to help lubricate it. Check the coolant and let it warm up before driving it hard. Also try not to turn it off before it is warmed up since pieces of carbon can fall down between the Apex seals and cause the engine to carbon lock. I drove an 87 once that had over 200,000 miles on it, and it had been beat on, so you just never know.

 

FYI, I rebuilt one of my carbs just for fun the other day. If its your only one, you might want to think twice about that unless you have some mechanical experience.



Skip the overpriced performance crap for now. With 150k you probably need some brake rotors and other high wear parts pretty badly.



To answer your first question, I'd have to say the 12A engine in the 1st gen is more reliable than all other rotaries, with the exception of the normally aspirated 13B that came out after.