1992 MAZDA RX-7

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Loss of compression (low power, rough idle), Heavy blue smoke on deceleration, Failed compression test (below 6.5 kg/cm² per rotor face)

Fix: Complete rotary rebuild required: new apex seals, side seals, corner seals, bearings, and housings resurfaced if scored. Requires specialized rotary shop. 20-30 labor hours minimum. Many owners opt for street-port or mild upgrades during rebuild.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Lack of power above 4,500 RPM (secondary turbo not engaging), Check engine light with boost control codes, Actuator rattle or vacuum leaks, Turbo wastegate rattle or stuck actuators

Fix: Complex sequential system uses solenoids, actuators, and vacuum lines that crack or fail. Diagnosing which component (pre-control solenoid, turbo control solenoid, actuators) requires boost testing. Many owners delete sequential system for single-turbo simplicity. 4-8 hours diagnostic and repair.

Estimated cost: $800-2,500

Symptoms: Water temperature exceeding 200°F in traffic or spirited driving, Warped or cracked housings from heat cycling, Coolant seal failure (mixing coolant and oil), AST (Air Separation Tank) cracking or leaking

Fix: Factory cooling is marginal. Requires radiator upgrade (Koyo, CSF), AST replacement, fresh coolant, and thermostat verification. Many add oil coolers and undertray ducting. Preventive upgrades take 6-10 hours. Coolant seal failure forces full rebuild.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling at stops, Boost spikes or underboost conditions, Emissions system codes (air pump, EGR issues), Erratic turbo behavior

Fix: Dozens of vacuum lines become brittle and crack, especially in engine bay heat. Complete vacuum line replacement with silicone upgrades recommended. Requires methodical diagram work. 4-6 hours to replace all suspect lines.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking on shifts or throttle transitions, Excessive driveline movement, Vibration at highway speeds, Difficulty engaging gears smoothly

Fix: Rubber mounts fatigue and tear, especially on hard-driven or modified cars. Replace transmission mount and rear subframe bushings together. Upgraded polyurethane bushings common. 3-5 hours on a lift.

Estimated cost: $500-900

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Lean running conditions, detonation risk, Hard starting or stumbling under boost, Fuel pressure drops below spec (38 psi base), Poor idle quality, misfires

Fix: Primary and secondary fuel pumps fail; injectors clog from heat. Requires in-tank pump replacement and injector cleaning/replacement. Fuel filter changes often neglected. 4-6 hours for pump and injector service.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Vague steering feel or wander, Uneven tire wear, Excessive play in front end during inspection

Fix: Control arm bushings, tension rod bushings, and ball joints wear. Full front-end refresh recommended as preventive measure. 6-8 hours to replace all bushings and ball joints with alignment.

Estimated cost: $1,000-1,800