Hi gang,
I'm looking at buying a 10th AE with performance upgrades. It is in another state, so I will be buying on the owner-supplied information and pictures. Since all my experience with the RX is on stock systems, I'm hoping folks here can shed some light and help me decide if this is a good car.

It has a "Microtech ECU", of which I know nothing. (I am working through the threads a search produced as I write this)

The engine is Atkins rebuilt with "Streetported and polished Motor with Milled down rotor"

Also has upgraded clutch, injectors, exhaust, ignition and fuel system.

I thought I read a thread here on this car, but can't find it on a second search.

Suggestions on how to get comfortable with buying this? (the plan would be to fly out and drive it home).

Thanks!

- k -

 

If the mods are what you reference and nothing more, I would feel pretty comfortable. From what I've heard Atkins has quality rebuilds and exhaust and fuel upgrades are common. Only concern I would have is ignition system, only because I dont understand them well enough.

 

Hey, thanks for your input. Since my post, I've learned that the ECU is a Microtech LTX-12s which seems to be a pretty good one.
I suspect I'll have a lot of learning to to, but what the heck. I'm a computer nerd by profession, so learning new crap is what I do for a living.

- k -

 

as long as its tuned properly it should be fine. hard to say...

 

A new car is a big investment. Are you sure you can't check it out in person? You still check all the normal stuff. Or maybe pay a mechanic who lives over there. If it's tuned too aggressively and the motor hasn't blown yet, you can always retune it. IMO pay someone to start out and be really conservative (richer than needed) when tuning; a wrong setting is an easy way to pop a motor. All it takes is one strong ping and it might not happen until a few months or so after you tune. i.e., outside conditions might change vs. the time you tuned it.

As for the upgrades they sound pretty solid and in theory should give strong reliable performance. I've heard mixed opinions on Atkins but if the motor has lasted a while without blowing then I'd think it would continue to the full lifespan. I don't know what "milled down rotor" means. If it means for 3mm apex seals IIRC those don't last as long but they're fine. If it means lightened rotors then that's even better. On that upgrade list a ported wastegate seems strangely absent, but maybe he just forgot to mention it. Just make sure you don't have boost creep (psi slowly rising too high). But again if it hasn't popped the motor yet, then no damage has been done and you can fix things.

 

Eric,
Thanks for your detailed reply. It's really not practical for me to see the car in person - 10hr drive away, and unfortunately I know no one there.
The owner tells me that it is currently tuned rich and wants to have his mechanic tune it before I take it on the road trip.
I asked about the milled rotor and that's all the description available. Atkins did the rebuild and 'milled rotors' is the line item description. I'd like to think that the Atkins guys wouldn't 'downgrade' to a less reliable apex seal.
The missing ported wastegate may be from ending the project early. This has been his project car and I understand that financials are forcing the sale.

So, would you be willing to drive a car with this description on a 700 mile road trip? just interested in an opinion

- k -

 

You should get a copy of the sales receipt on the Atkins engine and speak to Atkins directly if you want clear answers on what was done to the motor.

 

I would.
Highway miles are the easiest work your car will ever do.

Assuming it starts and runs well when you get there, it should be fine.



Yes, I'm an optimist.

Edit: Where is this car located?

 

Gotta love an optimist. it's in Montana

 

Good idea. THX!

- k -