Chris Quaintance

I recently acquired a 2nd generation 1988 RX-7 SE (non-turbo). The car wouldn't idle below 2,000 rpm, smoked badly, and the exhaust got so hot it glowed red. I ran a compression test and discovered zero compression in the rear rotor case. I tore the engine down yesterday and found the rear rotor and rotor housing are scored. What kind of repairs are possible? Gouges appear to be about .020 deep near the port. I have also located a 1986 RX-7 parts car. Here's the big question! Can I swap the rotors and rotor housings from the 86 into the 88? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm an aircraft mechanic, but know next to nothing about these rotary engines. Pretty slick how the engine was designed and how easily it disassembled. Had it apart in about two hours.

HAILERS

Yes. Swap 'em out. There is such a thing as a front rotor housing and a rear rotor housing. Try to use the appropriate one. That's for emission purposes only. If you have no qualms about emissions, then use either in either position. A front rotor housing will have a F embossed on the top, left of centerline and ther rear rotor housing will have a R ...........