I'm pretty new to the rx7 scene as I don't own one yet, but I have been reading everything I can about them before I buy one. You all seem very helpful so I'm asking a few questions. My question is regarding an 86 GLX with 120,000 miles for 1500 US dollars. It has only minor dents, starts easy and runs good even at idle. I test drove it and I love how it handles! There are a few things I am concerned about though.

The car seems to be lacking a lot of power. I asked him about it and he said one of the plug wires was no good. Could this be why theres no power?

Another thing is he said it has a rebuilt motor is there anyway I can tell if it is a rebuild other than compression test?

I saw it smoke once from the tail pipe (not much smoke only a puff). He said it's because the butterfly sticks sometimes and it needs to be cleaned and lubed.

How do I tell if the adjustable suspension works? I pushed the button, but seemed like nothing happened can it be fixed. Does this option adjust the shock pressure ride height or what?



-Sorry about the long post-



Thank you very much for any help you can offer! Ed

 

$1500 doesn't seem to bad for a 2nd gen. As far as the motor rebuild, my policy is if they don't have documentation, assume it hasn't been rebuilt. One plug wire shouldn't cause a huge loss of power, but it is possible. I had a trailing coil out one time and didn't even know until I changed the plugs. If you think that's the problem, go spend $20.00 on new plug wires and tell you want to stick them in there before you buy it. If he is full of it, he'll probably back peddle right there.



The smoke, what color was it? Was it at a shift point? Could be anything to be quite honest with you. If you want, take the car to a mechanic, for a couple bucks he'll take a look at it and tell what kind of shape it's in.



I have no clue on the suspension, did you get a brand name or anything?



No worries on the long post bro, that's what this board is all about!



Hope that helps a little, I'm sure a few others can shed some more light on the situation!

 

Very rarely will a 2nd gen NOT smoke..mine didn't and still doesn't most of the time. As for the rebuild, get documentation of some sort...the suspension CAN be fixed, however, most aftermarket suspension setups will not work w/ the GXL's auto adjust setup...but you can still use it. As for the power, I doubt a plug wire will cause to much trouble...by the sounds of it, if it has original exhuast...its the cats, an Rx7 has three of the lil buggers and they always clog and cause power loss, a hi-flo one can be put on the car and that should help. Also, if the guy lets you, get it compressioned checked, just to be sure. BTW, 1500 isn't a bad price, and if it runs good, then get it. For about another 2000 you can have some bolt ons put on, maybe another rebuild w/ streetport instead...the sevens have endless options...good luck man, and if you need anything else, just let us know!

 

I guess I'm a little late, and I don't know if the original poster is reading this, but here's my take on the AAS.



Most of these cars are over 10 years old. In pretty much all cars that came with AAS, my guess is it doesn't work anymore. If you want to keep the stock AAS, it will be pricey. There's only a few sources for the shocks and they come at a premium. For much cheaper, you can just get rid of the AAS and get a nice set of adjustable shocks and some new springs. Obviously the AAS will not work anymore, but who needs two modes of AAS when you have 4 modes with any decent aftermarket suspension. It will provide WAY more adjustability, and it will handle better as well.



Like Rotaryman said, it's fine for 2nd gens to emit a *puff* of smoke at startup. If it's way more than a puff, it could be a sign that something is wrong.