Considering an S13 and looking for info

[Projectr13b]

I've recently decided my current project isn't suitable for what I want to do with a car, so I'm going to finish a few things on it and buy a new car. I'm looking for something to use at drift and auto-x events, but that I can also commute in if I choose to.

I've owned 5 RX-7s in the past and decided to try going a different route due to the increasing costs of stock 7s. I tried looking at 86's, but aftermarket parts seem to be a bit more expensive and I'm afraid I won't be able to find one with a solid body to start with. So now I'm looking for an S13.

-Is the KA a decent motor? (looking for peoples opinions on using the stock engine for drifting/autox)

-Any common issues I should look for when buying? (wiring, rust, mechanical or other issues) Searched, but didn't come accross in buyer's guide or FAQ on purchasing.

I'll be cruising the forum and other sites trying to get more info while I finish my current project, but it seems like the right car to buy for the price. Thanks for any info you guys can give me!

[Walperstyle]

A project car shouldn't be a daily driver. The rest of your questions are vague. Parts will cost as much as you let them. I've owned 3 hatches and now a coupe. They feel the same.

[josephin510]

Buy a real car. Then buy a 240.

[alexanderig]

Thread title says it all. Why is everyone so anti search ? You came on the wrong forum to be spoon fed sorry to tell you

[Projectr13b]

I should have specified this car will not be a daily driver. I have a DD already.

Saying drive daily was a bad choice of words. Obviously after I start changing out suspesion and the seat and stripping interior the ride quality will be much worse, but If I can find a decent car, I'll probably commute in it some or take it out a few time a week while I save up money to start modding it.

Sorry if the questions seem vague. I'll try to edit them to hopefully add some clarity to them.

[leonkehoe]

A list of things to look out for when you go to view one, some are generic but many are specific:


Accident damage?
Previous owner(s)?
Service history?
Modifications?
Last service, MOT?
Rust?
Under spoiler
Chassis rails
Sills
Rear inner arches
Front inner strut tops
Floor pan under foot-wells
Under boot carpet
Big ends? (any knocking)
Turbo (smoke?)
Recent work?
Headlight motors (rise at same speed?)
How long have you owned it?
Interior condition (burns, tears, leather?)
Turbo gaskets (last changed?)?
Frequency of oil changes (every 6000 miles)
Fuel pump (changed recently?)?
Cambelt (changed recently?)
Compression test (had one done?)
Catalyst (does it have one?)
Aircon (got it?)
1200rpm cold (idle)
800-900rpm warm (idle)
Boost @ 3000rpm (up until 6000rpm)
Check brake discs (warped, pitted?)
Check heaters
Show me the welding (recently done)
The rust (on turrets)
Milky cap?
Listen for DET
Squeeze rad pipes to check for pressure
Oil in water?
Was the head skimmed?
Uneven tyre wear?
Check inner wings for any sign of welding, bending, repairing
Fan should cut in and out
Consistency of paint
Look under the car for kinks in exhaust/chassis
Gaps between panels should be consistent
Lift carpets to check for rust/repair work
Hand brake not sticking
Give the wheels a good tug left/right up/down
Check the front seats are fitted properly
Steering sounds ok
Check gears go in and come out smoothly
Bounce on each strut and listen for unusual noise

Also ask why it's for sale and what the owner used it for.

[Projectr13b]

A list of things to look out for when you go to view one, some are generic but many are specific:


Accident damage?
Previous owner(s)?
Service history?
Modifications?
Last service, MOT?
Rust?
Under spoiler
Chassis rails
Sills
Rear inner arches
Front inner strut tops
Floor pan under foot-wells
Under boot carpet
Big ends? (any knocking)
Turbo (smoke?)
Recent work?
Headlight motors (rise at same speed?)
How long have you owned it?
Interior condition (burns, tears, leather?)
Turbo gaskets (last changed?)?
Frequency of oil changes (every 6000 miles)
Fuel pump (changed recently?)?
Cambelt (changed recently?)
Compression test (had one done?)
UK model?
Catalyst (being an early model, does it have one?)
Aircon (got it?)
1200rpm cold (idle)
800-900rpm warm (idle)
Boost @ 3000rpm (up until 6000rpm)
Check brake discs (warped, pitted?)
Check heaters
Show me the welding (recently done)
The rust (on turrets)
Milky cap?
Listen for DET
Squeeze rad pipes to check for pressure
Oil in water?
Was the head skimmed?
Uneven tyre wear?
Check inner wings for any sign of welding, bending, repairing
Fan should cut in and out
Consistency of paint
Look under the car for kinks in exhaust/chassis
Gaps between panels should be consistent
Lift carpets to check for rust/repair work
Hand brake not sticking
Give the wheels a good tug left/right up/down
Check the front seats are fitted properly
Steering sounds ok
Check gears go in and come out smoothly
Bounce on each strut and listen for unusual noise

Also ask why it's for sale and what the owner used it for.

Great advice. Thank you

[MidwestMyriad]

I've owned 5 RX-7s in the past

Pics or it didn't happen

[Kingtal0n]

I recommend you remove the KA and install an SR20- it doesnt matter which one.
Basically, a stock KA is a great reliable engine that you can daily drive and get good fuel economy... so is any other stock SR20- but they also come with an additional 100 horsepower... or more.

[Projectr13b]

Pics or it didn't happen

lol I've got pics, but I can't get to them from work right now :doh:

I recommend you remove the KA and install an SR20- it doesnt matter which one.
Basically, a stock KA is a great reliable engine that you can daily drive and get good fuel economy... so is any other stock SR20- but they also come with an additional 100 horsepower... or more.

Awesome. SR definently seems the way to go. Haven't really looked into the differences in them or pricing or anything. but it is my eventually plan to do a swap.

[sil80d]

You should get an isetta! Fuck 240s

[iamthewinner]

search these guys will eat u alive.

[Projectr13b]

You should get an isetta! Fuck 240s

I agree. I'd go through half the tires drifting. Better get to bimmerforums and see if I can pick one up.