I have a 1988 convertable RX7with130k miles on it and I was wondering when to rebuild it. Also how and where I could do that.

 

in my opinion i would just maintain it well and the motor will let you know when it is time for a rebuild. if you want to preemptively rebuild i would say 100k if it has been driven semi hard or 150k if it has been a highway queen.

you can find a local builder in your regional forum or in the technical section under "engine builders"

 

if you wait too long you might end up needing housings etc if it blows

 

It's always much much cheaper to rebuild a healthy engine. With the money you'll save on housings, etc you'll have the opportunity to invest in porting & exhaust instead and get much more for your money. My suggestion, go with pineapple sleeves and bridge the 5th & 6th ports while streetporting the rest. Keep the 5&6 port actuators functioning as well. Later on you could add NOS and tie it in so it comes on only after full throttle and full opening of the auxillary ports, here you can bump up the fuel using the nitrous jetting since the factory ecu is limited. Not hard to get 200rwhp with just a 50 shot and be smooth,streetable and reliable.

 

rotor housings don't quite last much longer than 150k guys...at least not ones that i would bother using in a rebuild anyways. the only other thing you may likely damage is a rotor and they are not exactly that expensive.

in any case its good to get to know your local builder and get a feel for if he will try to rip you a new ***, i try to save my customers money not make a quick buck. most n/a engine rebuilds are due to a cracked iron or bad oil seal, both of which the engine will tell you it is time for a rebuild.

 

ehh.... doesnt sound too good. how much would it usualy cost? I know a person who does it for book pricing and is honest...

 

new housings are ~$400 each but it will be like putting a brand new engine back in the car. you can run decent condition used rotor housings for an affordable rebuild if you are on a budget but engine lfe will be reduced.

 

Yeah, they can be had for about 400 each. My rebuild used new housings, and it ran great and strong. You can also generally expect a little more power and a little better gas milage from the better compression you'll get. If you do happen to get new housings, get turbo ones. They don't have the diffuser so they can be ported, plus I think theyre a little cheaper.