ok-im looking to get a 3gen rx7 and everyone keeps telling me im going to have to get the engine rebuilt if it has more than 75,000 miles. is this true? some have told me rotary's are harder to work on than reg engine and some have told me theyre easier. id like to hear input from someone who actually knows.



thanks for any help-is tehre any web pages that explain the basics-i just read the howstuffworks.com info about rotarys and would like to learn some specifics about rx7s

 

it all depends how well the car was kept. they can last up to 130k miles before needing a rebuild. it would be best if you have a local rotary mechanic as they work differently than any other car. if you start with a solid car you should be fine.

 

Here are a couple of things to look for when buying a 3rd gen..



60K - 80K is the warning zone.. what you need to do first.. is a compression check.. That is always first!! I'd consider readings of all 7 and up across the board.. getting 6s is questionable and anything lower than that means the motor is getting tired...



Also, check for oil leaks and coolant leaks.. If possible, bring a mechanical boost gauge and check what you vacuum readings are. Look for 15 and up.



Drive the car.. test out all the gears especially 5th.. the 5th gear syncro is a weak point and are prone to fail from one hard mis shift.



Listen for knocking in the rear suspension.. knocking means your rear bushings are bad.



do these checks.. if you really still want the car.. at least you can use these tips to lower the price..



Hope this helps..

 

Find a good shop close to where you live. We might can help you on that.

 

:newlaugh:

 

my FD made it to 111,000 miles but died after a police chase...it saved my butt one more time before it gave up.

the prev. owner was a woman and she babied the car so I got lucky with mine I bought it with 80k on it.

 

Oh...and no the hell way is a rotary harder to work on. It has a fraction of the part of a boinger.