1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

12A Rebuild - Should I Continue?

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Old Jun 17, 2007 | 11:55 PM
  #1  
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12A Rebuild - Should I Continue?

Hey guys,

Haven't posted in awhile, been working on other things.

Just tore into my 82 RX-7 12A and everything seemed fine, that is, until I pulled the rear rotor out and started cleaning it.

First off, when I started removing the side seals, one snapped. Figured, no biggie I can replaced that one.

Started removing the Apex seals (which I already purchased new ones) and noticed that I only had 2, not 3.

The kid I bought the car from told me he may have blown a seal (did he mean obliterate?)

I started to clean the rotor and noticed that there were a few deep gouges in the rotor I have attached 3 pictures so I can get some advise on continuing with how is or just abandon this project.

I have invested in a complete engine rebuild kit, Apex seals, carb rebuild kit, have set aside $300.00 worth of custom paint, new seats, etc. Over $1500 and counting I just don't want to keep shelling out bucks on this.

Should I keep going or should I just cut my losses and part it (junk it)?

Any advice (offers) would be greatly appreciated!

John







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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 12:03 AM
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FCKing1995's Avatar
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Well needless to say, the rotor and housing are paper weights now. I guess it depends on how much you have to spend. If its just that one rotor and housing you can have them replaced for maybe as little as $300 or if you buy new as much as $600ish. If you already have the rebuild kit and other junk done to it, its going to cost you more to scrap the project than it probably would just to continue and forge ahead.

Is that side housing scarred up or is that just the lighting. If its gone that even more $ to add to the total
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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 07:32 AM
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Latin270's Avatar
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From: Allentown, PA - Paterson, NJ
get a matching rotor (or close to it) and a good housing ($75 to $150) and you should be good to go providing the the irons are in good shape. Good luck!
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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 09:27 AM
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Have you thought about stepping up to a 13b? It may seem like tossing the baby out with the bathwater, but at this point it may be the best course of action
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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 09:40 AM
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where abouts in oregon are ya
i have plenty of 12a parts maybe you could come by and buy a housing and rotor off me or 2 or 3 lol
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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 05:57 PM
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From: Oregon
I am located in Dallas, (Oregon that is), Close to Salem.
I haven't gone past the removal of the rear rotor as of yet, but just out of curiousity approx how much would you charge for a rotor and housing? Possibly 2 sets?
Thanks.
John
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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 06:08 PM
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As bad as the housing and rotor is, spec out all 4 bearings and the e-shaft too for damage. Pay particular attention to checking for 'roundness'. If there's any doubt, replace the bearings.

Chris is a good guy to deal with. I think you will be very happy dealing with him once you get past his Aussie accent. lol
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Old Jun 21, 2007 | 11:18 PM
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From: Oregon
Cool Have to quit

Well Guys,

I have thought about it long and hard, it breaks my heart to do this.

I have decided to part with my RX7, funds and too many other projects have taken precidence over this.

The car no longer has the motor in it.

I am willing to part the car.

Has engine torn down partially.

Transmission still in vehicle.



Have a new set of Apex Seals for the 12A still in package.

Have a complete rebuild kit for the engine.

New carb kit in package.

New racing seats, will not go with this car unless the price is right.

Custom pedals for brake, gas and clutch.

Car has custum Magnaflow exhaust system in car. Have receipts from previous owner.

Even have a gallon of custum deep green paint with metal flake.




The pics here are from before I started working on it, the hood is currently off for access and the original seats are gone.

Too many other things to list here.


Will only sell al together if the price is right, otherwise you guys can let me know if you are interested in anything else.
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Old Jun 21, 2007 | 11:35 PM
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From: omaha
i have 2 12As and bolth rear rotors are done, i found a web sight that has them for cheap you need to specify( i suck at spelling) wich rotor you need,
http://www.rx7heaven.com/miva_frame.htm
i also sugest the RA super seals from this sight the are boasting high boost, besides i fugure any engine internal made for an aircraft will work wonders on the road,
http://rotaryaviation.com/3_mm_apex_seals.htm
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Old Jun 21, 2007 | 11:37 PM
  #10  
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From: omaha
also unuseable rotors make great ashtrays if you smoke
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Old Jun 22, 2007 | 01:15 AM
  #11  
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From: Oregon
Apex Seals

I know about RealWorld, that is the place I bought the Apex seals from.


Is a very nice company to deal with.
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Old Jun 22, 2007 | 03:32 AM
  #12  
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From: Longmont Co.
You need to go find a good running smoker, Check compression and rebuild that. They can be had cheap all day long.
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Old Jun 22, 2007 | 06:22 AM
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From: St Joe MO
Continue, you're too far along to quit now and don't have that far to go. You'll regret it in the end. Get with blyfly, Chris, he'll set you up with the parts you and give you some encouragement. He has lots of projects going, you might find some inspiration from him.
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Old Jun 22, 2007 | 03:44 PM
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From: Oregon
Thumbs up I Surrender

Alright Trochoid you've convinced me.

I will go ahead and persevere on this project, I just need to not want to hurry up and be done with it.

I've worked on it for almost a year and am just getting anxious with it.

I just have to quit
and get one item at a time to continue.

Thanks for the encouragement.
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Old Jun 22, 2007 | 05:08 PM
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From: St Joe MO
NP, I can easily understand the time. frustration and cost factors. After 3+ years, I still have major mods that I want to do on the widebody. Gather cash, then gather parts, then find the time to do the work. It gets done eventually.
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Old Jun 23, 2007 | 05:55 AM
  #16  
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rx7drifter
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From: mesa az
yes keep going. when i found out that i had to replace the 12a in my 83 i wanted to get rid of it to. but my friend told me to keep it. and i am greatful he did. it has a HEALTHY 310k 12a in it. i just need to get the radiator fixed (top tank blew) (from 91 n/a 13b). also need to get timing right! any help on that would be good. but anyways keep her the more 1st gens on the road the better. show mazda they &^&^ up but discontinueing the 7 was a mistake!!!
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