so I started my 87 na and steam was just pourin out from the hood and exhaust...so I drove it to my pole shed....about a half mile away, and it lost a ton of power...then I shut it off and wouldn't start back up unless I pushed it...have no clue what's up here...can ya guys help me out here? and lemme know what I need to do to fix it and the rough price on it all...thanks a ton guys

 

I sense bad news coming

white smoke?

 

Most likely, it has blown coolant seals, if you're getting steam out of the exhaust. Does the steam smell like maple syrup? If so, that's a dead giveaway that antifreeze is getting into the combustion chamber.
Bad news. You're likely facing a rebuild, or engine replacement.

Personally, faced with the same situation, I would get a replacement engine from ebay (you'd be surprised at the number of engines available there - cheap too) and drop it in.

There is an excellent video available from Bruce Turrentine which really simplifies the engine swap.

- k -

 

Uh-oh. Driving a rotary that's overheating, even a short distance, is BAD news.

 

I agree... coolant seals gone bye bye. but wait for one of the big guys. they will prolly ask questions and give U a concrete answer.
NEver ever drive a rotary in those conditions.. overheat is the death of the rotary :S

 

will an s5 bolt up just like the s4 or do I need the s4?

 

why don't U rebuild ? cheaper and I guess the work is worth it..

 

The S4 and S5 are different enough that you're far better off to stick with an S4 engine.

- k -

 

If there is time and budget, rebuilding can be an interesting and satisfying learning experience. (I plan to rebuild two 13B n/a cores here in my garage this winter.)
However, I like driving my TII too much to leave it parked that long. Engine swap would be my remedy.

- k -

 

WOW i Just had the same experience. i swapped out my N/A for a Tll. i would try rebuilding it, lots of fun there.

 

Time for a rebuild!