Inexpensive rotary short blocks?? Need a new motor...
#1
Born-again Rotor-Head
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: georgia
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Inexpensive rotary short blocks?? Need a new motor...
Ok, I posted another thread before I was told that I have low compression... now that I do they want to charge me 850 bucks for a motor that is a used long block, which would mean an awful lot of unnecessary replacement parts that I dont need i.e. intake and exhaust manifolds, throttle body, blah blah blah. I just want the short block, rotor housing, rotors and crankshaft. Anyone have any ideas? Remanufactures? I remember when I was in the shop I did a replacement with a short block, cost 350 or 400 with the core exchanged for a NEW motor...someone please lead me in the right direction! I'm in middle georgia if that helps too...Thanks!
#2
Lives on the Forum
iTrader: (8)
There are basically no NEW rotary engines for rx7s out there. IF you go to mazda, you get a reman...a rebuild with used part content. Most all shops also offer similar rebuilds, including myself. A man could assemble a shortblock from all new parts, but it would cost over 4 grand plus labor...mazda parts are EXPENSIVE. This is why everyone rebuilds/refreshes.
I am in east Tn and could probably help you out for $1000-1500 depending on the status of your core. I do not sell engines, it's more like a service I offer to perform on your core, and exact cost depends on the condition of the internals.
I am in east Tn and could probably help you out for $1000-1500 depending on the status of your core. I do not sell engines, it's more like a service I offer to perform on your core, and exact cost depends on the condition of the internals.
#4
Born-again Rotor-Head
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: georgia
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
13b... I didn't mean NEW like NEW NEW, obviously...I meant remanufactured, but I know there was a place to get a crate short block rotary DELIVERED for less than 1000...I can get a salvage motor for 850, I KNOW we couldn't have paid more than 500 for the short block that time, it was in the 99-00 years, so over 6 or 7 years ago but still, anyone have any sitting around? I can get it rebuilt around here...
#5
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
www.rx7world.com
They will sell you the motor and charge you the core until yours is returned to them. Don't know if they can get you anywhere near the $1K price you mentioned, but they might be as close as anyone here. Located in South Carolina so not too far away, might save shipping costs if you can get there.
They will sell you the motor and charge you the core until yours is returned to them. Don't know if they can get you anywhere near the $1K price you mentioned, but they might be as close as anyone here. Located in South Carolina so not too far away, might save shipping costs if you can get there.
#6
Lives on the Forum
iTrader: (8)
absolutely, positively not. If you're going to be this cheap about it, go ahead and sell the rx7 and pick up an 88 chevy truck, for which you CAN get a crate block for a grand or something.
Rebuilt rotaries have NEVER sold for much cheaper than now...I doubt that in 1993 rebuilt rotaries went for any less than 1800 bucks.
I am the absolute cheapest source of rebuilds in north america, save for some local buddies who know enough and might help a friend out for a case of beer or a date with your sister or something. Even for the grand I charge, shipping is NOT included, nor is core charge.
You're expecting a lot of a builder to meet your terms. Good condition core parts for the cheapest/most common version of rotary are still worth 2 or 300 bucks used. The basic miniumum seals for a refresh/rebuild are $450-500. Shipping one way for a shortblock is generally $100-200 depending on location. Somewhere in there, the builder is looking to make $3-500 for their labor, equipment, materials, and warranty program.
Do the math and explain to me how you think this is going to work out?
Bottom line, you are mistaken, no doubt about it. You should either adjust your budget or change your expectations.
Rebuilt rotaries have NEVER sold for much cheaper than now...I doubt that in 1993 rebuilt rotaries went for any less than 1800 bucks.
I am the absolute cheapest source of rebuilds in north america, save for some local buddies who know enough and might help a friend out for a case of beer or a date with your sister or something. Even for the grand I charge, shipping is NOT included, nor is core charge.
You're expecting a lot of a builder to meet your terms. Good condition core parts for the cheapest/most common version of rotary are still worth 2 or 300 bucks used. The basic miniumum seals for a refresh/rebuild are $450-500. Shipping one way for a shortblock is generally $100-200 depending on location. Somewhere in there, the builder is looking to make $3-500 for their labor, equipment, materials, and warranty program.
Do the math and explain to me how you think this is going to work out?
Bottom line, you are mistaken, no doubt about it. You should either adjust your budget or change your expectations.
#7
Lives on the Forum
iTrader: (8)
Also, junkyard/used motors are usually not the way to go unless you just want to get the car running again and sell it.
Back years ago I started out buying rx7s and fixing/reselling them. OF course I found myself needing motors all the time. Not only do junkyards want real money for their old used motors, but they've usually sat for several months or years without being started or even turned. This is a big NO NO for rotaries. The seals tend to degrade and stick when the engine sits, so it can ruin in a short time if not started.
I used to get engines and put them in and have them last a month or a week before letting go again...when you force sticky seals to move again by putting a junkyard motor back into service, the (already worn, weak) seals tend to break fairly soon after. You also suffer from weaker compression since the seals do not move as freely.
There were a few times that I got blown engines right out of the junkyard.
I've bought a few cars locally that people blew up, bought a junkyard motor for, and had IT blow up within a few days as well, and then got pissed off and sold me the whole car for little of nothing. The last such incident was a college girl with a 91 NA, it blew up and she bought a junkyard motor locally and paid to have it installed on top of that. Apparently during the swap her exhaust (stock original rusty) broke so she went to the exhaust shop to have it redone to get the car quieter. Apparently by the time she got there the car blew up again, but she figured it had something to do with a clogged pipe or something so she went ahead and had the new exhaust done at the shop...the car never ran properly again and she had to get it towed home and then sold it to me.
Back years ago I started out buying rx7s and fixing/reselling them. OF course I found myself needing motors all the time. Not only do junkyards want real money for their old used motors, but they've usually sat for several months or years without being started or even turned. This is a big NO NO for rotaries. The seals tend to degrade and stick when the engine sits, so it can ruin in a short time if not started.
I used to get engines and put them in and have them last a month or a week before letting go again...when you force sticky seals to move again by putting a junkyard motor back into service, the (already worn, weak) seals tend to break fairly soon after. You also suffer from weaker compression since the seals do not move as freely.
There were a few times that I got blown engines right out of the junkyard.
I've bought a few cars locally that people blew up, bought a junkyard motor for, and had IT blow up within a few days as well, and then got pissed off and sold me the whole car for little of nothing. The last such incident was a college girl with a 91 NA, it blew up and she bought a junkyard motor locally and paid to have it installed on top of that. Apparently during the swap her exhaust (stock original rusty) broke so she went to the exhaust shop to have it redone to get the car quieter. Apparently by the time she got there the car blew up again, but she figured it had something to do with a clogged pipe or something so she went ahead and had the new exhaust done at the shop...the car never ran properly again and she had to get it towed home and then sold it to me.
Trending Topics
#10
Lives on the Forum
iTrader: (8)
Bullshit. You can get a USED JSPEC JAPANESE JUNKYARD engine and trans for 1600. See above notes about letting a rotary engine sit unturned. Figure that the car sat in japan for 6-12 months before getting the motor pulled, conservatively. Then figure another 1-3 months waiting for enough engines to fill a container. Then 1-2 months on the boat, in customs, etc. Then how many months on the importer's dock, and/or in their warehouse before you buy it? Then how long before you can put it in. Add all that up for me.
And all jspec engines were turbo from 86+...for those in the US with nonturbo cars, the swap is not always easy.
BUt hey...you seem to know everything, so why don't you show us how it is done? I will look for your post in a few months about "got a jspec installed, won't run, mechanic says low compression" or "how do I mate the turbo transmission to the nonturbo driveshaft"?
And all jspec engines were turbo from 86+...for those in the US with nonturbo cars, the swap is not always easy.
BUt hey...you seem to know everything, so why don't you show us how it is done? I will look for your post in a few months about "got a jspec installed, won't run, mechanic says low compression" or "how do I mate the turbo transmission to the nonturbo driveshaft"?
#11
DOWNSTAIRS MIXUP
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Lampasas, TX
Posts: 2,723
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
^luna, You really oughta listen to this guy. He's trying to save you lots of heartache.
BTW, Resurrection, I'll probably be hitting you up within the next year or so for a rebuild.
BTW, Resurrection, I'll probably be hitting you up within the next year or so for a rebuild.
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been looking for a newer rotary for less then 3400+ with porting and what not... impossible to find even a nice rebuilt engine even online for less then 2 grand.... unless the jspec ebay motors. Jspec motors suck as is, i've done a swap with one in a honda prelude... engine blew 10k miles later! so its not JUST rotaries... just get a fresh re-man or do it yourself. RotaryResurrection I wouldn't mine asking you about your services on a rebuilding of a 13b from/for my 87' turboII. Hit me up if you have a chance. Would be much appreciated.
#14
(blank)
iTrader: (1)
Listen to the good people...
From personal experience, do your research and you'll agree, if you want any kind of reliability people start running away...be careful.
Usually, when you start asking for written warranties, stories begin to change.
I can get an S5 JDM TII long-block engine (with turbo, intake, etc.) and tranny for $750 CAN locally here in Toronto, obviously used. When I start asking for a simple warranty that says motor has compression, as is, all I get is bullshit...."they've been tested, etc.". Not willing to give any paperwork. See what I mean? At that price, I'd bite and rebuild it myself, but these guys won't even guarantee that the motor isn't junk in the first place. Not really your situation, but just FYI.
From personal experience, do your research and you'll agree, if you want any kind of reliability people start running away...be careful.
Usually, when you start asking for written warranties, stories begin to change.
I can get an S5 JDM TII long-block engine (with turbo, intake, etc.) and tranny for $750 CAN locally here in Toronto, obviously used. When I start asking for a simple warranty that says motor has compression, as is, all I get is bullshit...."they've been tested, etc.". Not willing to give any paperwork. See what I mean? At that price, I'd bite and rebuild it myself, but these guys won't even guarantee that the motor isn't junk in the first place. Not really your situation, but just FYI.
#15
Seduced by the DARK SIDE
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Orange Park FL (near Jax)
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
I ran a Japan salvage engine for a year in 2004.
I lived about 30 minutes from RotaryWorks back when he was still in business.
He had 10 engines in stock at the time, and I got to pick the best looking one for $1200.
It's still running in another guy's car.
Those day are gone now.
Kevin at RotaryResurrection.com is a straight up guy and he knows what he's talking about..
-Bill
I lived about 30 minutes from RotaryWorks back when he was still in business.
He had 10 engines in stock at the time, and I got to pick the best looking one for $1200.
It's still running in another guy's car.
Those day are gone now.
Kevin at RotaryResurrection.com is a straight up guy and he knows what he's talking about..
-Bill
Last edited by SureShot; 08-20-07 at 10:07 AM.
#16
Born-again Rotor-Head
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: georgia
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
he may know what he's talking about but he is flat out rude in the first place, not very professional if he's going to say I'm a liar.. I HAVE been doing my research, I KNOW these engines are hard to find, but I can get a reman short block with a 12k mile warranty for 1100. So rotary ressurection, you may be respected by these guys but you give me no respect I've none for you, and no business either unless you change the way you speak to someone. You want to try to insult me by telling me I'm cheap, I'm not cheap I'm BROKE...you haven't even given any details on what kind of warranty you offer if any, and like I say, it would take too long to rebuild my motor and get it back to me, I need my car back in the next month or so. There are people closer than tennessee anyhow, **** if I wanted MY motor rebuilt I would do it myself. That's why I want to trade out, charge a core price to swap with another shortblock rotary. I can't even trust that this 160k mile motor has good housings considering I don't know for sure what the failure was. I will know by this week exactly the state of my motor, but there's no point in spending 1000 to 1500 plus two way shipping when I can get the job done for that without you, I don't know you but you seem rude. If you want my business you have to offer me more incentive than this because to date rx7world has been nothing but nice.
#18
I only have 1.3liters
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Manchester, TN
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lets just say that most J-Spec motors don't last long. You will find a few good stories, but most bad. I happened to luck out on mine so far. I got an JDM S4 TII and Trans and they both work fine. The trans is a little rough on the second gear synchro, but besides that fine. I have run the motor up to 14psi of boost and have taken it to the drag strip a half dozen times, besides normal spirited street driving. I think I lucked out because the engine came out of an automatic and the manual trans is from another car. I believe I am by far the exception to the rule. Most others I have spoke to who got motors from the same company had bad seals when they got them. Kevin (RotaryResurrection) is very well respected and is considered the go to man for rebuilds. He may have been a little harsh, but he is pretty accurate on his advice. Good J-spec motors do happen, but I wouldn't bank too much on it. If your cash is really tight, you still would be better to go with a little more expensive rebuild that will last than to get a bad J-spec and then have it rebuilt. I got lucky and I had another car to drive in case the engine was bad. Good luck luna.
#20
Born-again Rotor-Head
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: georgia
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's why i'm looking for a rebuilt motor, i never mentioned getting a jspec motor, thats what rotary ressurrection assumed i meant by "new", when I meant reman
#22
Passing life by
Reman = around 3,000$ + as Kevin stated he actually just went ahead and gave you the benefit of the doubt and put together the cheapest you can get a motor for a JDM happens to be that and which is still way past the ball park in price you wanted one for.
#24
Born-again Rotor-Head
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: georgia
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts