i need your opinion about this guys! my rx-7, 1986 gxl, it has 150k on it, overheats all the time, changed almost everything except engine. my rx-7 friend of mine said that seal inside the engine might be broken, so changing the engine will resolve the problem. well, he has an engine, 13b, running, has 120k, he said that he will install it for me for $800, including taking the old engine and putting his engine. should i buy his engine and let him install it, or junk the car and buy another rx-7. my rx-7 is in good shape other than the engine. i also ask him if the compression on his engine is good, he said it was good. i want to keep this car running for 5 or 10 more years. mazdatrix is selling a rebuilt one for about $1500 to $2000, can't afford that much right now. let me know what should i do. i have another car that i'm driving, so i don't need this car right away. also, i want to kick some civic and integra's butt when i get my car, and that is why i am keeping my rx-7.

 

First see if the engine is actually bad, or just another smaller issue. Remove the coolant cap and fill it with water as high as you can. Crank the car over. IF water shoots out like a guyser, you need a new engine. IF the water stays calm, your internal seals are good. Other things to check: all hoses(the heater core firewall hoses, and the small throttle body hoses), water pump, thermostat, radiator cap and radiator.

That said, I wouldnt pay that much for a used engine. Installation is a 4 hour job in the right fcility if you know what youre doing, or about a day if you dont. I would never pay over $500 for a used engine.