“Spinny Dorito” 1988 Mazda RX-7 FC Turbo II Project
Mazda has a long history with wacky engines. Their first car, the R360 introduced in 1960, was powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled V-twin engine displacing just 356cc. It was moderately successful and they wanted to expand on that moderate success with something bigger, better, faster, and more expensive. Enter the Cosmo. One thing led to another, and Mazda found their niche making relatively lightweight but potent cars powered by the Wankel rotary engine. This Mazda RX-7 is an evolution of that line of rotary-powered Mazdas and can be found here on eBay.
Earning the nickname “Spinny Dorito” because of the shape of the engine, the RX-7 became wildly popular in drifting and street racing scenes because of its relatively light weight and ability to be modified. Rotary engines are rev-happy, and short of some bad apex seals, have the potential to be more reliable than piston-driven engines, due to the fact that they only really have one moving part. Having said all that, this Dorito no longer spins and will need a rebuild. I’d be willing to guess that the apex seals are probably bad, and it looks like there’s evidence of some oil splatter by the intake manifold.
Inside looks decent, if a bit rough around the edges. The plastic is okay, all of the trim bits are present. The seats will need to be reupholstered, the carpet could use a good cleaning, the steering wheel has some wear on the rim, and the dashboard looks to be separating a bit from the gauge cluster. It’s a project car, and once you walk into it with that mindset, it’s not as bad as it seems.
This is the only image that gives any sort of glimpse at the undercarriage. There’s not much that can be discerned from this, but the seller might be open to providing a different picture if you ask. I would ask. Rust is always a concern. The rest of the car is far from perfect, but after a paint job, it’s a good base for the new owner to act out their own fantasy of being the White Comet of Akagi. At every show you bring it to, though, you’re going to have to explain to people how rotary engines work. That’s why you buy a rotary Mazda: to explain to people how rotary engines work. Have I told you how rotary engines work yet? Of course, you could swap in an LS, which is a well-documented process, but then why not just get a Corvette? Keep what makes it special and let that Dorito spin.
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Comments
“Spinny Dorito” now that’s a new one to me.
Car is pretty beat. Once the (choke) engine is spinning on it’s own still plenty of work needs to be done and more money to spend. Body paint interior and common wear chassis items.
Clearly this poor FC has had the usual fate. I would want to see the underbody these are known for rust. But again I think I would pay more for a running driver first. I read the ad and the seller is clear he doesn’t want a trade. Looks like he has enough cars.
I believe I would accept a 20 somethings kids running driving Civic that gets 40 mpg that I could easily sell to someone who is stressed at putting gas in their Jeep or 4X4 with Bro wheels and payments and be done.
It is not just the apex seals that cause a engine failure, there are many reasons. Carbon that is built up can come loose and take out a good seal, they tend to run hot and if they get to hot it can ruin coolant and oil seals and O rings. Since the OMP injects a small amount of oil into the engine, if you do not change it often enough the dirty oil wears out the chrome on the engine housings. It should be changed every 2500 miles. Clogged cat, weak coils can also cause engine failure and hard start issues and over heat.
The shape of the engine? The rotary is roughly oval in cross-section, but with straight sides. The rotors (the “spinny” bits) are triangular. So Doritos refers to the rotors not the engine itself.
Clearly sensible, unlike the writeup.
The Chevy LS engine is the best thing that ever happened to RX-7’s. The aluminum block versions do not change the overall weight or weight distribution of the car.
Sorry B302 an LS isn’t the cure all to every engine issue.
I agree 100% ! But if you want a reliable and quick RX-7 it is the best all around solution. Would I recommend the swap in a low mileage good condition Third Gen, No. For most others, yes, if my customer wants to drive the car often or daily. I think the FD’s (third gen) are one of the best looking and handling front engined cars ever made. And no, I do not own an LS powered vehicle at this time, but as an engineer I must give credit to the design.
This seems like a scary purchase any way you look at it.
These were and are still great looking cars
I personally only drive topless so finding a perfect one is hard and getting an LS engine in it is another pain
I prefer the size of these better than the corvette but i gree with the writer ;its better to get a corvette cause getting decent labor at a decent price is near impossible now and i have never spent more money on a car than the resale value
Do you wear a heavy gold necklace to complement driving topless?
Only, if it turns you off !
Ahah
Only if it turns you OFF
way to ruff for the current price…whew
Buy It Now Price:US $3,749.00
Item location:
Haslet, Texas