2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

How long do rotartys last?

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Old Jun 25, 2005 | 05:32 PM
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How long do rotartys last?

im considering buying an 86 5spd rx7 (non turbo). i know the non turbo ones arent exactally fast stock... but for $800 thats ok with me. the thing tha worries me is that it has 135k miles on it and i dont have a clue if thats a lot for a rotary powered car. could i get some insight on how many miles 2nd gen rx7s can put on on average?

also, (off topic a bit), what do the stock non turbo rx7s get for 1/4 mile times? .. just curious.

thanx and sorry for the noob questions
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:08 PM
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It all depends on how well it was taken care of, my car probly has 150,000 (my odometer craped out on me) and still runs strong, just be sure to change oil regularly and hope for nothing major to break. Its not unheard of for a stock NA to go 200,000
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:10 PM
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It depends on the treatment of the car.
The NAs can last upwards of 200k miles when they are treated correctly.


Stock NAs run the 1/4 in 16 seconds I believe. You can find a lot if you search on this subject.
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:18 PM
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[QUOTE=EvensOut] could i get some insight on how many miles 2nd gen rx7s can put on on average?

I bought my 88 SE from my aunt back in Feb. It had been sitting in her drive for about two years. I replaced the gas, charged the battery and it started up. Has 223k and still running great. Drove it back to IL from CA and only had to replace a couple of tires (dry rot from sitting, I guess). Needs a little more TLC (new struts, some body dings worked out, etc.) but it gets a lot of comments from folks at the pumps. I say go for it.

good luck
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:22 PM
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135 isnt really that much on an NA if it was a TII you would have to worry. but you should be good to about 180k if the compression is good.
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by EvensOut
the thing tha worries me is that it has 135k miles on it and i dont have a clue if thats a lot for a rotary powered car. could i get some insight on how many miles 2nd gen rx7s can put on on average?
It depends ENTIRELY on maintenance. I've seen S5 NA's in the shop for engine at 60K, while others have gone six times as far.
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Marcus_F
It depends ENTIRELY on maintenance. I've seen S5 NA's in the shop for engine at 60K, while others have gone six times as far.
i would really like to see an NA get to 360K
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:34 PM
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I've heard of 12As getting over 300k miles.
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:51 PM
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I personally know a guy who is the original owner of an 88 vert. He just had the original engine rebuilt at 300k! He said that it still ran well and could have gone on for 50k+.
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by capn
i would really like to see an NA get to 360K
I went 367,000+ on engine number one in this car. It died because of DexCool.

The oil control seals were starting to go, but oil consumption was still reasonable. It was in the 1 quart per 1200 miles range.

Old Jun 25, 2005 | 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Marcus_F
I went 367,000+ on engine number one in this car. It died because of DexCool.

The oil control seals were starting to go, but oil consumption was still reasonable. It was in the 1 quart per 1200 miles range.

can you post a pic of the odometer? and why was dex cool the culprit?
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by capn
can you post a pic of the odometer? and why was dex cool the culprit?
Oh ye of little faith. Ask around. Plenty of people in southern California have seen my car and it currently has over 437,000.

In skipping to the next question - I know the mileage is correct because I bought it in 1991 when it was still under the factory warranty. I have personally put over four hundred thou on it.

Yes, I'll post a picture of the odometer tonight.
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by capn
and why was dex cool the culprit?
Probably because of this lawsuit ( http://www.dexcoolcase.com/ ) where dexcool sludges up and attacks the inerds of the engine.
Old Jun 25, 2005 | 07:49 PM
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Please read the FAQ for FC sticky thread at the top of this section before posting. Commonly asked asked questions (such as the one this thread started with) are covered there.

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