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

Need help deciding on Rebuild or Good Replacement

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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 07:04 PM
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Exclamation Need help deciding on Rebuild or Good Replacement

Ok so here's the deal. I have an 87 TII thats been sittin there long enough and need to fix it. Ive done research and talkd to couple ppl in here and can get a good rebuild at a shop for $1400 plus shippin which would be an extra $300. And i wouldnt kno wat else would have to be fixed other than the engine like the transmission....... This past weekend i just went with ma brother to pick up a black SR for his 240 and the swap is very complete and clean. And they happen to have a Turbo S5 complete swap in the warehouse. The swap is exceptionally clean and complete. Has engine, tranny, ecu, harness, a/c, and even power steering and couple more things. Its basically ready to just swap in. I can get it for $1300 or maybe a little less. The guys are yet to do a compression test but lets say its gud. MY QUESTION IS. If the engine's good, wat kind of compression numbers should i look for?? Would yall take that rebuild or go with the full swap?? I know i would have to change fuel pump and something else in the fuel system. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 07:17 PM
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You need to look at the Engine that you Plan on getting.Do NOT rely on Someone saying that it is Good..the engine is a JDM,and most likely has Sat for a Long time,and will need a Rebuild.The Seals are Usually Crap,and they Will go if you just install it and GO..at the least you should "automatically" rebuild a Warehouse Engine...another thing is the NEW engine is an S5 and Won't just Plug and Play into an S4..I suggest you use the Handy Search feature that the Forum has,as this Particular Subject Pops up more than an Old Guy on Viagara!..(and I see no sense in Typing something that is already taking up Forum Space!)..Take care and I hope that you get the car going,,they are a fun Vehicle.You just have to Remember that Maintenance is the Key with an RX7..take care of the car,and it will give you reliability..Neglect it and it Will show you that it IS Boss!..OH,I would actually Rebuild,and not Bother with getting the S5..that way you don't have to figure wiring Etc..and Compression Wise..at LEAST 100 psi.
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 07:29 PM
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rebuild what you have. You will have to hassle with s5 motor in an s4 chassis stuff, although having a front clip helps. the main things that are superior about the s5 is the stronger rear iron (more important for high horsepower applications), the superior turbo (which you can easily swap onto an s4), and higher compression rotors which have its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

if you had an s5 already I would be more inclined to say go for it, but it's not worth the hassle
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by misterstyx69
You need to look at the Engine that you Plan on getting.Do NOT rely on Someone saying that it is Good..the engine is a JDM,and most likely has Sat for a Long time,and will need a Rebuild.The Seals are Usually Crap,and they Will go if you just install it and GO..at the least you should "automatically" rebuild a Warehouse Engine...another thing is the NEW engine is an S5 and Won't just Plug and Play into an S4..I suggest you use the Handy Search feature that the Forum has,as this Particular Subject Pops up more than an Old Guy on Viagara!..(and I see no sense in Typing something that is already taking up Forum Space!)..Take care and I hope that you get the car going,,they are a fun Vehicle.You just have to Remember that Maintenance is the Key with an RX7..take care of the car,and it will give you reliability..Neglect it and it Will show you that it IS Boss!..OH,I would actually Rebuild,and not Bother with getting the S5..that way you don't have to figure wiring Etc..and Compression Wise..at LEAST 100 psi.
dang now Im intimidated. I think i'll stick to the S4 rebuild since time here is important for me to and i think i shop will take way longer to do the swap than to do a rebuild and plus i feel a lil bit more dependent on the rebuilt engine.. thanks a lot man. do you kno of places doing good rebuilds for GOOD prices a im on a budget so i wana see if i can get a better deal than 1400 for a reliable one
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 02:12 PM
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From: GA
Originally Posted by arghx
rebuild what you have. You will have to hassle with s5 motor in an s4 chassis stuff, although having a front clip helps. the main things that are superior about the s5 is the stronger rear iron (more important for high horsepower applications), the superior turbo (which you can easily swap onto an s4), and higher compression rotors which have its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

if you had an s5 already I would be more inclined to say go for it, but it's not worth the hassle
o ok cool man im doing rebuild than. hey just wanderin hows the swap from the S5 turbo into the S4 turbo engine??
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 02:17 PM
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you need the s5 manifolds, s5 turbo, and bam, done.
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by texFCturboII
you need the s5 manifolds, s5 turbo, and bam, done.
mm... sounds easy enough (i hope). how much dey runnin for? gains?
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 03:06 PM
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No you also need to redo the s5 wiring yourself. Every last connection. Looking at wiring diagrams, cutting and splicing everything. It is not compatible. s5 into s4 is not easy. An s4 turbo engine would be better.

A typical rebuild is $3k. You might be able to get a deal for $2k. Below that there will be compromises. Replacing the housings or anything else beyond the seals will cost extra. Any replacement engine you get will be $1000-$1500 and it'll be a gamble. Often you'll have to rebuild it. I'd either go to a reputable company that does rebuilds and pay the $3k or ask around a lot to see if you can find some guy with a good rep and save some money. If you've got lots of time, an engine hoist, an engine stand, a clean dedicated garage, etc., etc. you could do it yourself too. But the seals will still cost a lot.
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by ericgrau
No you also need to redo the s5 wiring yourself. Every last connection. Looking at wiring diagrams, cutting and splicing everything. It is not compatible. s5 into s4 is not easy. An s4 turbo engine would be better.

A typical rebuild is $3k. You might be able to get a deal for $2k. Below that there will be compromises. Replacing the housings or anything else beyond the seals will cost extra. Any replacement engine you get will be $1000-$1500 and it'll be a gamble. Often you'll have to rebuild it. I'd either go to a reputable company that does rebuilds and pay the $3k or ask around a lot to see if you can find some guy with a good rep and save some money. If you've got lots of time, an engine hoist, an engine stand, a clean dedicated garage, etc., etc. you could do it yourself too. But the seals will still cost a lot.
Ok man thnx a lot for the info. Yea I got this shop where they do them and i know a guy that got it done there and he says they're awsome. Ive only heard good things about them...
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Old Mar 15, 2008 | 02:01 AM
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Rebuilds can be done for well below 2k unless the existing core is trashed.
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Old Mar 15, 2008 | 02:22 PM
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^ best rotaty mechanic in our area. Your in Ga, if you have someone else do the work you should take it up to Morristown, TN.
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Old Mar 15, 2008 | 06:53 PM
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check out rx7world.com its in SC right off of I77. His rebuilds are reasonalble and you wouldnt have to pay for shipping if you dropped/picked it up.
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 10:49 PM
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From: GA
Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection
Rebuilds can be done for well below 2k unless the existing core is trashed.
Oh ok. Where can i get a good one at that price?? Thanks for your help.
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 10:52 PM
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From: GA
Originally Posted by ncfc3s
check out rx7world.com its in SC right off of I77. His rebuilds are reasonalble and you wouldnt have to pay for shipping if you dropped/picked it up.
Oh ok. Yea i checked it out but i have i question idk if you knew if they would pull the engine themselves if i took it to them... ??? Thanks a lot man...
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by pac-man
Oh ok. Where can i get a good one at that price?? Thanks for your help.
Let's just say it's right under your nose, and to the top left of my text post. I am prohibited by the ownership of this forum from saying more than that to promote myself. You could always google my username for more info.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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What he said. ^ I have never heard anyone say anything bad about engines built by "the peoples champ"
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Old Mar 20, 2008 | 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection
Let's just say it's right under your nose, and to the top left of my text post. I am prohibited by the ownership of this forum from saying more than that to promote myself. You could always google my username for more info.
lol. ok man thanks i get it. i THOUGHT i had checked that one out before but it was another shop no yours sorry bout that but yea you'll probably hear from me soon. Hook me up
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