My SE has 105k miles on it. Last year, the previous owner dropped a 60k SE engine in it, and it's been having the typical starting problems. Sure, it runs great once it does start, but I want to ditch the engine. Should I buy a used turbo 88 engine (that tests great)? What will this do and what will this require of me to make it run well? Can the SE even support it? (For example, will the drivetrain, meant for a normal engine, cut through my cabin like a laser beam under the pressure of this new, stronger engine? Will the now great but original transmission be degraded? What will the electrical system need?)

I've read a lot about the resistance difference between the 88 and 86s and I think this might have something to do with my problem. Forgot to mention that the "new" 60k engine in my car now is an 86

Or should I just buy this other totally rebuilt 88 SE engine built from new Mazda parts?

-Colin

 

It will take a lot of work. Try a search on the forum. It can be done, buy you need more than just the T II engine. I would just get a T II or go Ape **** and mod your N/A good luck.

 

It was my [mis]understanding that the Tubro II was just a classification of the new generation of turbos... but was it really another form of turbo completely? (As in, are there two different kinds of 88 turbo?) What's your opinion on the new rebuild of an 88 stock model versus a well treated used turbo?

 

A T II is just the name of the second generation RX-7 (kind of like a Z28) All TII's from 87-91 are basically the same only slight revisions added more horsepower in 89. Since I don't own a Turbo I can't tell you what you should do. Turbos are nice and if you can find one I would say go for it. You can also make your SE fast. When (and if) my engine goes, I'm going to get a street port and may add a Haltech computer. I have limited mods and it still is fun to drive and feels fast (though not nearly as fast as my 3 rd generation).
Non Turbos well not as fast tend to be cheaper to mantain and more realiable as well.