know anything about rx7 gxl's?

[kyleN20]

there is a nice looking rx-7 gxl for sale with 152k for 2500 obo, i know nothing about them, anyone?

[RX7guy]

Ask me anything. What year is the one you are looking at?

[kick7ca]

www.rx7club.com

Go to second generation FAQ, that will answer alot of your questions like "what did a gxl come with?"

Overall, I think they are excellent sports cars. Light, near 50/50 weight, smooth revving rotary, excellent brakes and steering, no body roll, parts aren't too bad either.

I'd check to see if the motor has been rebuilt, if it hasn't, set aside some money, it could require a rebuild. Rotaries run better and better and then they blow. If it has been rebuilt, ask by who. If rebuilt by Mazda, then it's OK, anyone else your throwing the dice. Overall they are very reliable though.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Great cars, the motor is a completely differant world.

Like was pointed out earlier, 152K is pretty high for a rotary motor, likely been replaced, if not you'll need a new motor soon.

[Reckless_Kelly]

When you start the car, if there is ANY smoke immediately apparent, then either the oil pump is mis-calibrated (common, not hard to reset or replace), or the secondary injectors are leaking (very common, PITA to replace). Obviously, blue smoke means oil, black smoke means fuel. When you drive it, there should be decent tourque below 4k, and then it should feel likeit "comes on cam" and starts pulling harder after that, if it doesn't have this "second wind", then the "thermal reactor" is most likely clogged with carbon and not opening the last two ports (it'a 6 port 13B motor). This is easy to bypass by safety wiring the ports open (you lose a little on the bottom end), but can be VERY EXPENSIVE to properly repair. Have the suspension checked out very thoroughly, sway bar bushings are quick to go bad, and the rear suspension bushings wear out quickly (causing very twitchy at the limit handling). The GXL should have an aluminium hood, "Turbo" mirrors, 5 lug wheels (15 or 16 depending on the year), 4 piston fron brake calipers, a sunroof, and electronic sport suspension (best to ditch this in favor of some Tokico or Koni shocks and Eibach springs.

As Bob mentioned, 152k is high mileage for a motor, if the owner can't show reciepts for a new motor, assum that it has not been replaced and plan for $2-3k for a new motor (depending on how fast you want to go), becuse you can spend that to rebuild the one you've got and still have a motor that doesn't run (thier tricky lttle SOBs, despite only having 3 moving parts internally). If the motor has been replaced with a used motor, unless he can verify how many miles were on it when he put it in, and how many are on it now (they realistically good for 100,000 miles), plan on putting a new one in soon. These motor like to be driven hard, the oil injector only puts a few drops in per day when driving like a sane individual, but you can use a quart every 3,000miles if you drive it hard (the more oil it uses, not leaks, the more lube is getting to the rotor housings).

One trick I used in my old motor was to run half a pint of Castrol brake fluid in every tank. Don't use synthetic, use the cheapo dot 3 Castrol brand, this provides additional lubrication to the apex seals and rotor housings, plus it helps to clean the intake ports and combution chambers.

[Karyn]

As a Daily driver of an '87 RX-7 GXL with 219K on the original motor, I am amaized at some of the misinformation being given here.
152K on a rotary isn't that hard to accomplish without a rebuild as long as the motor was taken care of, ie...frequent oil changes, occassionally taking it to redline, & never overheating the motor.
Rotaries love the rpms and in fact will carbon up badly if babied. Hense the redline runs mentioned above.
As far as rebuilders, that is a hit and miss subject, even the reputable rebuilders have bad days. Check either RX7CLUB.com or NOPISTONS.com for info on rebuilders/rotary shops in your region. Both websites have extensive info on the cars and regional clubs.
The GXL was only offered on the 2nd generation of RX-7's, '86-'92.
As far as options for the GXL check out this link.
http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=249616

[Ausmpower]

Brake fluid in the fuel?????
Didn't you like your injectors, fuel pump, Silicone oil control ring seals or Fuel pressure regulator????

Stupid comment!!

If the motor blows a 'puff' of smoke when cold that is fine as they ALL blow a small amount when started. if it smokes badly at idle the oil control ring seals are on thier way out period (check hot after 5 mins idling).

Be sure to start it from stone cold before you buy it and pass on it if it isn't smooth at idle when cold (a stumble may be a sign of stuck apex seals).

Check for coolant bubbling in the radiator (housing water seals leak eventually) after a brisk drive.

make sure it has proper coolant, the construction of a rotary is very conducive to it becoming a battery when filled with plain water (Rusty coloured water? WALK AWAY!)

NEVER use synthetic oil in a rotor.

I too have had a few mazda's (16 actually!) all rotaries. My last was S2 rx-7 13b turbo, extend port, Wolf 3d, front mount IC, T04 hybrid turbo, giving 460 hp at the treads @ 25 psi, not bad for a daily driver!!

[Tiger]

Got an 88 with 120K miles selling for less than that...

[RX7guy]

The GXL should have an aluminium hood, "Turbo" mirrors, 5 lug wheels (15 or 16 depending on the year), 4 piston fron brake calipers, a sunroof, and electronic sport suspension (best to ditch this in favor of some Tokico or Koni shocks and Eibach springs.
One trick I used in my old motor was to run half a pint of Castrol brake fluid in every tank. Don't use synthetic, use the cheapo dot 3 Castrol brand, this provides additional lubrication to the apex seals and rotor housings, plus it helps to clean the intake ports and combution chambers.

The GXL did not come with an aluminum hood or "turbo" mirrors. And WTF brake fluid??? Are you sure you don't mean 2-cycle oil? I have the oil metering pump removed on my TurboII, so I run 2-cycle oil in the gas. I have been into to RX-7's for 6 years and NEVER heard of brake fluid in the gas, that doesn't make any sense.

Ausmpower- It has been proven that synthetic oil is ok to use as long as it's a high-end synthetic like Redline, Royal Purple, ect.

Otherwise pretty good comments from everyone. 152k miles on a non-turbo is not something to worry about as long as it has been properly maintained. A few months ago I sold my 85 RX-7 with 165k miles on it, still running strong.

KyleN20-Tell us what year the car is. Because if it's a series 4 (86-88) it might only be worth about $2000, a series 5 (89-91) will go for a little more.

[Ausmpower]

Synthetic oil hardens the oil control ring 'o'rings'....... ask me how I know.....
Not to mention the premature failure of the oil injection vacuum pumps on the rotor housings (diagphrams harden).

Properly maintained I.E: Warmed up & cooled down, oil changes every 5-8000 Km, Cooling system flushed, good quality oil etc.

Yes I used to use redline.......

I also removed the metering pumps on all my turbo rotors and used redline smokeless synthetic 2 stroke premixed with the fuel @ around 150:1.... Never got chatter marks or apex seal dramas pushing 550 hp @ 8000 rpm on 110 avgas for the drags (best was 11.3 1/4 mile on street tyres).

[kick7ca]

Start the car, if it fires immediatly, it has good compression and the motor is fine. If it turns over and turns over and finally catches, walk away. Some smoke at start up is normal.

If the motor is good, it will continue to be so long as a) the oil metering pump is functioning or b) you pre-mix 2 stoke oil with your gas (not brake fluid!).

The rest of your evaluation should be like any other car.

[RX7guy]

Ahh well, I'm not gonna argue about the oil. That's just what I heard and read. I use dino oil myself anyway.

I've got a little project in the works, hybrid TO4B/stock turbine, Microtech, and stuff. Want to get 330-350hp @ 15psi on pump gas.

[kick7ca]

Ahh well, I'm not gonna argue about the oil. That's just what I heard and read. I use dino oil myself anyway.

Low ash 2 stroke oil leaves nothing behind after it burns, plus it mixes well with gasoline.

[RX7guy]

Low ash 2 stroke oil leaves nothing behind after it burns, plus it mixes well with gasoline.

Yeah I know. I was replying to Ausmpower about the synthetic engine oil.

[Ausmpower]

Ah No stress here RX7guy!!

Are you going to use an LTX8 ??

If so I strongly reccomend a Greddy ProfecB as your boost controller if you can find one...... They work exceptionally well on the turbo rotors!

Boost comes on quick at low rpm and stays rock solid to redline.

Is your 13b internally stock?

I'm guessing so with the 15 psi you're planning to run (get a good front mount intercooler).....Good luck, I miss my rotaries!!

[RX7guy]

I am currently running an LT8, medium streetport, 10-12psi stock turbo. She puts down about 240hp right now.

[kyleN20]

are you in MI though?

[fkong777]

I had 4 FC RX7 before.
Important.

Start the car when it is cold.. if it starts correct without effort then the engine is good. Fuel Injected rotary can go 200k miles

Open the oil filler cap and see if there is any butter type substance.. Thats water in the oil.. Walk away..

$2500 is a lot.. If it is really clean then it may be worth it.

Also the Auto tranny on FC is crap. stay away if it is auto.

a 87-88 GXL will have luxury type seat.. some even with leather. GXL will have LSD

[kick7ca]

Open the oil filler cap and see if there is any butter type substance.. Thats water in the oil.. Walk away..

Condensation inside the oil filler cap is normal.

[kyleN20]

ok ok, its a 1987 rx7 gxl, 152k, and i havent talked to the guy about the engine yet, but when he called out of curriosity he told me it was well mantained. i went by and snaped some pics and they will be posted in 5 mins
thanks all

kyle

[kyleN20]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0609.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0608.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0606.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0605.jpg

[kyleN20]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0604.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0601.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0600.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0599.jpg

[kyleN20]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0598.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/kylen20/DSCF0597.jpg

[kyleN20]

no intrest of info post pics

[RX7guy]

That is the same color as the 86 GXL I had 5-6 years ago. It doesn't look too bad. Body looks straight, interior looks good. That rust will need to be fixed though. If everything is good mechanically it will make a good car, but I wouldn't pay $2500 for it.

[kyleN20]

what would you pay for it?

[RX7guy]

what would you pay for it?

$2000 or not much more than that.

[kyleN20]

how much more fun is a turbo ride? i assume youv drivin both, ohh and this is a 2+2 car, is that rare at all

[fkong777]

how much more fun is a turbo ride? i assume youv drivin both, ohh and this is a 2+2 car, is that rare at all

I had 2 turbo fc before a 88 10AE and a 90.. day night difference in fun factor compare to NA.. but you will have a hard time finding a Turbo. All the hardcore FC guys will snap up a Turbo once it is on the market. Very rare to find a stock Turbo..

88+ turboII's would be great. 89-91 turboIIs are the bomb.. 86-87 turboII dont have powersteering.

You may look into 89-91 convert. More fun than a normal NA.

I had a 88 convt at one time too...:D

[RX7guy]

how much more fun is a turbo ride? i assume youv drivin both, ohh and this is a 2+2 car, is that rare at all

The turbo is way more fun, but there are trade offs. The turbo takes more maintenance, less gas milage, and generally speaking less reliable. I say less reliable because anything that makes more power is going to put additional stress on the parts, like any other car it will be reliable if you take proper care of it.

The 86 GXL I had 6 years ago was just like the one you are looking at. It had the 2+2 seating, I guess it is a little rare. Of course I didn't know that at the time. The back seats are so small that they are not really functional, a full size adult will not fit in there. The GXL will obviously be slower, but it is still a fun car to drive. You can rev the **** out of a non-turbo and not even worry about it.

I have a 87 turbo now, it's highly modified and it's a money pit. It's a lot of fun. But....

I recommend that if you are serious about getting into RX-7's, your first rotary should be a non-turbo. That way you can learn all about the rotary engine and how to properly maintain it first. Then once you've learned all about rotaries, go buy a turbo RX-7, because it's a different ball game.

http://www.performancefreaks.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=1700

[RX7guy]

88+ turboII's would be great. 89-91 turboIIs are the bomb.. 86-87 turboII dont have powersteering.

You may look into 89-91 convert. More fun than a normal NA.


Power steering was an option on the 86-87's. Mine doesn't have it and I prefer it that way.

The vert's are the heavier (slower) than the coupes.

[kyleN20]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=203332170&dealer_id=57963154&car_year=1989&model=RX7&num_records=&bkms=1150930736292&lang=en&isp=y&start_year=1981&mod_bookmark_id=null&certified=&search_type=used&distance=300&make=MAZDA&min_price=1&address=48381&advanced=&end_year=2007&max_price=4500&cardist=300
?

[RX7guy]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=203332170&dealer_id=57963154&car_year=1989&model=RX7&num_records=&bkms=1150930736292&lang=en&isp=y&start_year=1981&mod_bookmark_id=null&certified=&search_type=used&distance=300&make=MAZDA&min_price=1&address=48381&advanced=&end_year=2007&max_price=4500&cardist=300
?

That right there is a good deal on a series 5 TurboII. It's not in the best shape, but for that price it's not bad. Those are getting rare and in good condition could go for 3-5 grand.