Hey all I need to rebuild my engine, and I have to possible ways to do it. First off Since I live in Portland I was jsut going to take it to Pineapple racing seeing as I have never rebuilt a rotary before and wanted to have someone to blame it on if it went bad. But I looked ans saw that it would cost me $2000, possibly more if something was wrong.
I am trying to keep on a low budget with the rebuild so that I can fix other stuf fon the car (needs new exhaust, suspension, tires, interior is shot, plus it needs to get through DEQ etc...) So I might jsut buy a different motor and rebuild that myself since my other motor still runs. What so you all think?
-EDIT- The car is a 1987 N/A.

 

If this is not a project sports car, I would say to have it professionally done. It will have a warranty and everything as long as you don't race the car. Rebuilding it yourself isn't difficult, but you won't know what you will need until you get into the block and then you have to order parts, and it generally would take longer. The degree of difficulty also depends on the tools you have available, and your mechanical skills.

 

Do it yourself, it's fun! It'll also give you the excuse to pick up some tools in the process and cost a lot less than $2000. It does take a long time so if you are not in a bind, go for it.

 

i had mine built by company and had nothing but problems with it, doing it myself this time

 

Pineapple is known to be one of THE best rotary engine builders around. I say go with them unless you don't have the money or want to do it yourself for bragging rights.

 

The reason I was thinking of rebuilding it myself is cause I could save a bit of money, and I need to save money because a lot of other things on the car need to be fixed.

 

Get the knowledge, do a rebuild.... Remember this though. Once you open the engine..if something is really bad you might be with out a car for a long time. What I like to do is get a used engine. 150 to 300 dollars. Rebuild that engine and put her in your car. Than sell the engine that was in your car for the same amount that you bought the used one for.

 

It all comes down to what you can afford.
I would just do it myself, but that is because I know what I'm doing and trust myself for sure.

If you don't feel confident enough to do it yourself, or don't have the time to research all the aspects and learn how to do it well and customize it, then if you have the money, you can pay someone to do it.

You are a smart man for considering Pineapple. Definitely one of the top 3 rotary shops in North America.

All comes down to if you have the knowledge/skills to do it yourself (it's not that hard at all) or if you have the extra money to get a Pineapple engine. Probably cost you 50% as much to do it yourself, just an estimate.

 

I have decided that I will jsut buy a core and rebuild it myself. My dad has rebuilt piston engines and has a lot of mechanical knowledge so I think that I will get through this with out any major problems.
And can anyone tell me about videos like the Atikins Rotary Rebuild video, and also tell me if that one is worth the $30.00?

 

I have been considering rebuilding and extra 13B that I have sitting in my garage. Please let me know how your's goes. I have tons of tools and was a foreign car mechanic for many years. I have owned several rotarys but have never attempted a rebuild myself.
It doesn't seem that difficult, but pictures don't tell the whole story. Your war stories would be greatly appreciated as you tackle the job.

 

The video is great, worth every penny IMO. That's the only one out there as far as I know. Oh yeah, shipping will cost you another $7.50. If you convince me you are too poor to afford it, I might make you a copy for a lot less

 

THATS RIGHT! THE ATHKINS VIDEO IS GREAT....I REBUILT MY MOTOR AND IT WASN'T HARD AT ALL..SAVE YOU MONEY , TO BAD YOU DON'T LIVE NEAR OR ELSE I WILL HELP YOU...

 

anyone port their motor using templates before? I am going with a very large street port and am considering shipping my housings and end plates to Austrailia and let R.I.C.E. Racing do it for me, since its his port design

 

Street ports arent overally complicated from what I have seen. Do it yourself

 

I started porting last night and actually ended up doind a streetport on accident. It's super easy with carbide bits.

 

What about the Rotary Aviation Rebuild Video?
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/overhaul_video.htm