16th Oct 2008, 23:50

Number 1 rotary rule: let it warm up!!! Not when you have time to, but every time.

I use about 2 fl. oz of Royal Purple 2-stroke oil in the gas every time I fill up to aid the oil injection system in keeping the apex seals free. Make sure it's good synthetic stuff that won't leave ash (carbon) when it is used in the combustion area. Also the higher the viscosity of the oil you use, the longer the engine will last, never use cheap oil in a rotary, I personally use Shell Rotella t 15w40 in my 87 GXL. 214k miles and it runs like a champ. No cats, no smog pump, only what emissions stuff it NEEDS to run is what's left on it.

Oh, and everyone with an Rx-7 please -- never lug your car down the road; the faster the engine revs, the happier it is long term. I never drive at under 2500rpm, and have over 200,000 miles to show for it with damn close to brand new compression numbers. So no fifth gear unless you are really hauling ass. Your Mazda will thank you.

3rd Jul 2009, 18:52

Zoom zoom zoom... very interesting comments, thanks. I am considering buying a used 87 RX7 GXL with 58,000 original miles from the original owner. I can see it's been maintained very well. I took it out for a test drive today on the highway and did feel vibration in the steering from the front end and it drifting to the right. I'm thinking alignment and/or brakes. My mechanic will confirm. Other than that she ran smooth... keep you posted... hey zoom zoom.

10th Apr 2010, 19:54

Got a 1987 RX7, and it idles real low, don't know why, but it does. It runs, but as soon you put it in gear and hit the gas, it will take off, but as soon as you let go of the gas, it just shuts off. Sometimes it's hard to start. Any advice would be nice.

23rd Dec 2012, 08:25

I have a 1987 RX too. Having trouble with flooding also. I see it's a major issue with the RX's. I'm going to change the fuel injectors. Hopefully it will stop the flooding. Any advice before I put money into this bad boy? I believe this may cure the problem, but I want to make sure so I can confidently pay for it. Any help?

24th Dec 2012, 23:57

As the former owner of an RX-7, I would recommend these cars as planters or boat anchors. Mine was the second worst car my family ever drove (the worst was a Honda Civic). It was virtually impossible to start, literally had parts falling off as you drove, and was much much slower than my non-turbo 2.2 Dodge Omni. After this car and the Honda, I swore off Japanese cars forever.