I just got a 87 non-turbo 5 speed. The engine has no compression on one "cylinder". There is a guy here in town with an entire turbo engine. He wants $400 for it. I have rebuilt many engines, no rotory engines though, but I am excited to do my first one. My questions are:

How much can I get an engine kit for, hoping the rotors are in good shape?

Should I buy the turbo engine and rebuild it, or rebuild the engine I have and turbo it?

Sorry I'm such a noob here, but thanks in advance for any info

 

I don't have any first-hand rotary experience yet, but I've been trying to get informed for a while for when I DO get one. I'd say get the turbo, it'll be a blast and if the one he's selling has < 100,000 miles and runs decent that sounds like a pretty good deal.

 

you cant just drop the turbo engine into a non turbo car. there is much more that needs to be done. there are a lot of people doing na-turbo swaps around here. search the forum and look around.

 

It's chambers...

 

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/naturbo1.htm

 

I've been reading up on that, the engine comes with all the sensors and ecu. The guy took it out and put in a 400small block chevy. This car is a toy, I have a daily driver, so I have time.

Also, thanks for the correction, I now know they are called chambers... learning something new everyday here.

 

do alot of searching around before you start something like this...and personally i would rebuild tha NA engine get it running and learn alot about the rotary engine and how it works before starting a turbo project.

 

is the turbo and non turbo engine the same "block" or "rotating assembly" other than the manifolds and stuff?

 

No.

 

Sorry, I should have mentioned that. Things like your differential and drive shaft would have to be upgraded to handle the power. It would be a serious undertaking, but if you have the time like you said you do we'd love to see you bring it to life.

 

Buy the turbo engine.