Hello, I'm new here and to the RX-7, It's my second Mazda, I have a lightly modded (intake, exhaust, struts, springs, swaybar, etc.) 2002 Protege5 that is my daily driver and autox car. My RX-7 is an Ocean Blue Metallic 1985 GSL with a 12A and automatic. I wasn't actively looking for an RX-7 when I discovered this by accident, I was told that it had a bad motor and had been parked for 10 months, so I went to go look at it not expecting much. It doesn't run. The oil and coolant are fine but how do I check if the apex seals are gone? The body has very little rust, I was blown away by the shape of the body, it does have some slight front end damage, the hood and driver's side fender. I'm not sure of my plans yet, other than staying NA and changing it over to a 5-speed and competing in autox.

 

The Apex seals are on the "Apex" of the turn of each rotor. The tips of the triangle if you may...



The only REAL way to check their rigidity is to crack open that motor and inspect them yourself, however, low compression will be evidence of weak seals.



If the car's been down for that long, I would just tear that motor open and post the Rotors on the wall for decoration!



Then order a nice 13b-T and get ready to fly (oh, and yea change it to 5spd!)...



Welcome to the best forum evar!

 

I like your FD. I've been searching and finding as much info as I can on a 5-speed swap. I'm going to doa compression test and try get it running in the spring when it warms up. (-30 C with the wind chill today) As for a turbo, I think I'm going to stay N/A. I just have to decide between a 12A or 13B.

 

go 13b just keep your front cover from the 12a, youll need it on the 13b so it mounts in.

 

have you ever driven a turbo'd 13B? I've had an NA S4, and now an FD, and once you go boost, you dont wanna go back...except for 26B

 

A compression check will tell you if the seals are "gone". OR, 1st pour a bit of ATF or motor oil down her throat (the carb) & turn the engine by hand to lube the seals before you try to start it. Have a fully charged batery. If it does ok, you are good to go for a while.