Hi there my name is Luis and I'm from Vancouver BC (Canada). I'm interested in a project car and I have short listed the first gen RX-7 (preferably 83-85 either 12A or 13B doesn't matter). I was wondering how difficult are these rotary engines to work on compared with piston engines, and how is the part availability. Also what are some things I should look out for when test driving these cars. I am pretty mechanically and electrically (have some experience with cars/motorcycles) but I'm totally new to rotaries.





Any feedback is appreciated,



Luis

 

Welcome to nopistons! I'm moving this to the 1st gen section, you'll get more replies there.

 

Welcome. Rotaries are a snap. Especially a stripped down 13b w/ a carb. There is not too much in the way.



What are you looking to build? SCCA? Drag?

 

Thanks for the reply, I'm actually looking for a restoration project with maybe a street port later on (nothing too crazy performance wise as I'd like to get collector plates eventually). I've decided on an 84-85 GSL-SE although I may still look at a 12A depending on what's available. How easily available/affordable are the engine parts?

 

never had to look for engine parts for a gsl-se engine. actually i think ive only built 1.



well like with most parts of these cars, mazda has it, and wants a decent amount of money for it, so most people look for used first

 

SE's are nice I one a sweet one. But my personal opinion i think that the 6 port 13b is a bastaed motor. 12a's are cheapear to build and way more fun. Get a base model no sunroof no power windows less problems. Do you have to do emmisson tests in canada or is it exempt after so many years. If you don't ripp off all that smogg shitt get a full racin beat exghaust and a performance clutch!! Oh yeah what do you mean by collector plates?

 

I actually ended up getting an '83 GX and oh my god is it fun to drive (and not too bad on the wallet since I talked the guy down from $1200 to $500). It has 30K (km) on a rebuilt engine and a new radiator and a there is an issue I'll be posting about in a new topic. In BC we do have to get emmissions done every 2 years (unless the car is brand new in which case the car is exempt for the 1st 7 years). By collector plates I mean a car that has been restored to stock condition (including factory radio) and is at least 25 years old (insurance becomes much cheaper since it obtains collector status and you become exempt from emmissions testing). The downside is that it cannot be used as a daily driver and you must have another vehicle insured in your name.



Cheers,



Luis

 

kick *** glad to hear u bought a 12A car!!!! Are u going to register it as a classic or what ever? What I'm getting at is porting a 12A that still has emmissions would probably suck or at least not live up to its full potential. Too restrictive!!!

 

So long as you install a high-flow catalytic converter (from Catco or Bonez) the emissions don't rob too much horsepower.