RX-7 (SA/FB)

1978-1985 / Coupe / Japan

All RX-7 (SA/FB) problems All workshop issues

Minor Rust

Lower Quarter Panel Corrosion

Symptoms

Rust bubbles and perforation along the lower edges of the rear quarter panels. Paint may appear bubbled or lumpy, indicating filler over rust underneath.

Cause

Water enters the quarter panel area through seams and drain holes, sits inside the double-skin panels, and corrodes from the inside out. The lower edges are the first to show because gravity draws moisture downward.

Fix

Quarter panel replacement or repair.

Genuine RX-3 quarter panels are extremely rare and command premium prices when they surface.

Repair involves cutting out rusted metal, fabricating patches, and welding.

Cost: $2,000-5,000 per side for quality repair work.

A genuine quarter panel can cost $3,000-8,000 if you can find one.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $2,000-5,000 per side$3,000-8,000

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// More RX-7 (SA/FB) problems

Other known issues

Minor Rust

Inner Guard Corrosion

The front inner guards corrode from trapped mud, moisture, and road debris. Rust perforates the inner guard panels, weakening the structural support for the front suspension mounts.

Minor Rust

Floor Pan Corrosion

The floor pans rust from underneath, often hidden by carpets and sound deadening. In severe cases, you can see the road through the floor. The floor provides structural rigidity to the unibody, perforated floors compromise the car's integrity.

Minor Rust

Windscreen Channel Corrosion

Rust develops in the channel where the windscreen sits, hidden by the windscreen rubber seal. Often only visible as small rust spots at the edges of the windscreen. The rust is invariably far worse once the windscreen is removed.

Minor Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Apex Seal Wear and Failure

Gradual loss of compression, reduced power output, difficulty starting (especially when hot), increased oil consumption, and eventually the engine won't sustain combustion. In catastrophic failure, a broken apex seal fragment can score the rotor housing surface, requiring housing replacement.

Minor Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Rotor Housing Scoring

Deep scratches or grooves in the chrome or Nikasil coating of the rotor housing inner surface. Reduces compression even with new apex seals. Visible during engine disassembly.

Common Engine, Rotary-Specific Issues

Oil Metering Pump Failure

The engine receives insufficient oil for apex seal lubrication. The apex seals run dry, wear accelerates dramatically, and catastrophic engine failure follows. There may be no warning, the engine simply starts losing compression faster than normal.

View all 15 RX-7 (SA/FB) problems