Chronotriggerjm

Hello all, This is my first official post to this site lol, I just recently bought a 1984 RX-7 with about 90k miles on it, this car has been driven like a virgin the whole way too, but anywho more to the point. I've heard that from anywhere between 100-130 thousand miles I'll need to do an engine rebuild, however, I was thinking instead of doing an engine rebuild, I'll spend some money and put in a different engine, a friend of mine says that this year and model came stock with 13B's, my current is a 12A...

My questions is... Is there any specific type of 13B? And where might I be able to purchase this engine ^^; I'm assuming install would be via a mechanic but the engine itself is what I'm concerned with... if anyone here knows I'd be much indebted Thanks again for your help!

Rogue_Wulff

Properly maintained, the 1st gen RX7 is known for lasting 200-300K. Guess that kills the "need a rebuild soon" theory........

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Very true for the 12As. Properly maintained, no overheating and oil changes every 3k miles, piece of cake. I even have a friend that's pushing 170 k mi. on his S4 TII, that one dispells a few myths too.

RX-7sol

True true... I had a 82 GSL that was pushing 170 to 180K when I sold it and it was still strong enough to out run a 91 240SX and a fully SOHC V-TEC CRX... so the 12A defently kills that 130K rebuild myth.... but if you still want to go with the 13B yes the GSL-SE did come with the 13B stock... its called the 13B RE-EGI.... or you could go with the 2nd Gen 13B.... you can find them anywhere from like Ebay to Corksport.com

CHEF_EG_1

I'm selling a j-bridgeport 13B with 3K miles on it, if you're interested. http://peoria.craigslist.org/pts/180075956.html

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Do you plan on meeting CA emissions, or is this a track only car? I see in your other post you are asking for RE parts, so to clear things up, the 1st gen GSL-SE model came with an RE-EGI, which is not the same as the RE engine you were asking for parts for, The RE is a later turbo engine that was not imported to the States. While some of the RE parts will fit on the SE engine, it requires a quite a bit of modifications and there are simpler ways to go the turbo route if that is your direction.

To further help you and provide you with the correct info and parts needed, you should do several things. Read the FAQ sticky at the beginning of this forum and familiarize youself with the various models. If you are looking to turbo, the 2nd gen section has a similiar sticky. Does the car need to be CARB legal, turbo, what will it's usage be, your budget, hp goals, 1/4 mile times, etc.

Summer school is in session, do your homework. Btw, I made this same comment to a new member this week and he got all pissy and an had attitude, broke several forum rules, which you should read, and he was banned before he had a chance to start a 2nd thread.

Like kind engine swaps are pretty straight forward as it in most cars. Going from carb to FI is an entirely different process. Look around, browse, search, build a good knowledge foundation, starting with the basics. They are free, just like a Geico quote mate. When you have an idea of what you want, start a thread and run it by us. We will be more than happy to advise and point you in the right direction.

steve84GS TII

That sounds like fun engine,if he can get it around CA smog...

The GSL-SE 13B engine would be a relatively easy swap into your car,youd gain 30HP and a fair amount of torque.The 13B-EGI is known to last as long as the 12A,but since it was only built for two years,they can sometimes be hard to locate.The 2nd gen 13B is very similar and easier to track down since they were unchanged from 86-late 88.But there would be a little more fab work involved because the 2nd gen engine is made for a 2nd gen car.The mounts,front cover and oilpan would have to be changed and the wiring would be less "plug and play".
The primary hurdle,regardless of what engine you choose, is that youd be switching from carburation to EFI.There would be some re-wiring and youd have to switch the fuel pump and fuel tank,or make mods to your existing tank.Its not impossible at all,but it would entail more than just "swapping" one engine for another.

I agree with the previous posts,a well cared for 12A will keep going and going,well into 200K miles....as is the case with most non-turbo rotaries from the late 70's to now.The 83-85 12A oil coolers are kinda scetchy,but regular oil changes and cooling system maintenence will keep even the beehive oil cooler equipped 12A engines,running for a LONG time....

Chronotriggerjm

Sweet thanks again for all the input guys I will read up a bit more on this site, I was just unfamiliar with the location and whereabouts of that kind of information on this site so I'm glad ya'll pointed me in the right direction ^^

Kentetsu

204,000 miles on my untouched motor, and I still take it racing every weekend. My theory is that you have to treat a rotary rather severely to make it last. Now, I don't mean skip oil changes and stuff like that, just don't be afraid of the redline. The redline is your friend. If you drive a rotary easy all the time, then it will surely die an early death. These motors were made to do only one thing really well, and that's racing. You need to give it the high rpms to keep the apex seals moving freely and prevent carbon buildup. I also feed her some Seafoam every six months or so (one can to 1/8 tank of gas, then drive it like you stole it). Just remember that they need their excercise or they die young. Enjoy your car, the engine is probably the last thing that you will have to worry about.

DJAngelicon

Like Kentetsu said, I did exacly what he said on my old 81 GS and trust me I did drove it like I stole it. LOL! was one of the best fun time I had but he is right. It will clear your engine and it dosen't hurt to redline it every once in a while. I am planning to do the same soon to my 84 GS just to make sure my 12A none re-built still holding strong at 121K would continue that way.

Mazda12AGS

JUST DON"T LET IT OVERHEAT. That is how I lost my first motor. I replaced it and the new motor sees 8 grand pulls often and never gives me any trouble.