I got this '87 RX-7 for free - and everything looks in good shape ... I've done a compression test, and one rotor shows ZERO COMPRESSION. The cars runs (no power) and everything else - mechanically and cosmetically is very clean.

My question is: replace or rebuild? I've never rebuilt a rotary - i know little about them - but I'm mechanically experienced enough not to be afraid. I'm more concerned with saving money. So let's hear it! What would you do? How much do you think she'll cost?

 

Ouch, I'd say that normally sucks, but hey, you got it for free. How'd you swing that deal?

 

if you didn't get any manuals with the car, get your hands on them before a rebuild attempt...lots of vendors with all the parts you'll ever need- do a search function for vendors...good luck...

 

I say replace.

I jumped into my first rebuild project and didn't have a clue about what I got myself into. I figured it out, but in hindsight it would have been better to do it this waY;

Get a nice street ported motor from K.Landers (Member on this forum). His motors are very reasonably priced.

You spend a little bit more, but not nearly as much if you fubar your rebuild.

Then just don't turn in your core.....So while you have a nice new and powerful motor, you can take the time to rebuild the other one at your leizure and learn about it.
put the extra one back together and you are totally set as far as reliability. That's what I'm going to do from now on. By the end of july I'll have a back up motors for my s5 and s4.

#note Most streetports don't pass meissions.

 

You could also get the atkins rebuild video that they sell (19 bucks or so) Then you can see what the whole proceedure is like. Most rotary professionals charge at least 20 hours for rebuilds....So if it takes them 20 hours, how long do you think it will take you?

 

also, is it a n/a or a turbo? if it is an n/a i would replace it with a turbo, even if it is not i would do like mobius said and just replace and then learn about the rotary on the "junk" engine, and if you learn well you can make it a "backup" engine

 

What's the average cost of a new N/A engine? I really like the idea of having alot of time to work on the old engine, and if one was really to screw it up, you could always make one of those rotor housing fish tanks.

 

The nice thing is that I don't have any time restrictions for this car. If it takes me six months to rebuild - so be it.

What do you think about this ATF trick? Do you think there's hope if one rotor shows ZERO compression that it might come alive with the ATF? Perhaps it's wishful thinking.

And being that there's no compression on the one side... if the apex seals are broken, will the housing have to be replaced???

 

probably...rotor housings, if the seals broke loose and had a party in there...side housings are questionable, you're just gonna have to tear it down to find out...