rotoryspeeddreamz

I recently bought a 94 rx7 knowing it had a few major problems. After a few months I've lost the second turbo. When the second turbo is suppost to kick in the boost guage starts tweekin like the turbo is trying to spool but can't. After taking it to several reputable places a turbo rebuild was recommended. The belts have also been squeeking fairilly loud. The car idle hunts when first started and when idling in traffic for long periods. I recently blew and replaced a couple coolant hoses. I also seem to be losing a lot of oil (not sure if its being burned or lost on the defective turbo). The engine itself has 88k on it.

Considering all this I was wondering the advantages of single turbo swap, should i just rebuild the whole engine, how much it might cost to put a 20b in, any other ideas or recommendations u guys might have would be appreciated.

It should also be noted that my income to spend on this car is limited due to the fact I'm only 17, but I want to take good care of this car and will spend every dollar at my disposal (about $900 a month).

Thanks for your help.

tk5dan

Well 20b is out of the question since you don't have much money (20b swap would be like 30k+ onec installed) Since everything is seeming to go bad i would rebuild the engine. Talk to some reputable shops in your area on what they charge and what seems to fit your needs. Defianately get your motor street ported when doing the rebuild. About going single, it really depends on your own decsion. Since you don't have much money u might want to get something like the BNR's ($1800 i believe). If you go single it will cost you 3000+ alone for the kit and you also need the mods to support it (ecu, IC, bigger injectors, etc...)

shawnk

Here are a few numbers off the top of my head to give you an idea where you are. These are of course just estimates and I am also assuming you do all of the work yourself, that you are buying everything new, already have the tools, and you are doing it the right way (because there are tons of ways to save money if you want to do it wrong).

If you decide to rebuild your turbo - $500.
I have never done this so this is a total guess but I would probably have someone do this for you so add another $250 for labor. With your spendable income I think this is your only option until your engine actually lets go. You will see why below.

If you decide to do a single conversion - $8000
This is about what it cost me to get new turbo, engine management, intercooler, radiator, ignition, fuel pump, injectors, fuel regulator, exhaust, boost controller, and assorted other parts to do it right. Of course you can do it cheaper by shopping around but I would think no more than $750 less if you go new everything. If you are a patient and shrewd shopper you may be able to pickup all of this stuff in close to new condition for about $4800 on the forum but plan on it taking you about 6 months to get everything for the right price.

If you decide to do a 20b conversion - $25000
Again I have never done this but from what I have seen on the forum and what pricing I started adding up when I was slightly considering this project. I think the main thing you would need when doing this project would be no spending limit and wouldnt suggest it to anyone who had more than enough money. This is simply not an option for you, me, and probably 75% of the people on this forum.

The thing that worries me is that your engine is going to go soon (88k is well above average for original engine life). And if you put a new or rebuilt turbo on it if you lose a seal you could damage your turbo. An engine replacement will cost you about $4000.

What I hate to say is that although I would love to have one of these cars at 17 there is no way I could have afforded it. $900 a month desposable income is very strong (more than twice that I have myself for my car) but what you really need is time for you to build up that savings and I dont think your car has the time in it for you to save up the money you need to do anything other than a rebuild and that of course is a short dead end road and you will be back to this same problem again. Sorry I couldnt be more encouraging...maybe someone else will have some options forom their experience that will make it more attainable.

Good luck,

Shawn
www.3rdgenrx7.com

jumprdude

What is it with teenagers wanting and owning a high dollar sports car that requires somewhat high dollar maintenance, and teeters right on the edge of impracticability as a daily driver?

While I appreciate the fact that the FD still has so many people beholden to it, and would welcome you as an enthusiast, I cannot come to grips with the fact that this is not at all a sane choice of a car for a person in your situation.

You asked for general recommendation - here's mine. Take it at face value, or however you will: Sell your FD, buy a used but good condition Honda Civic (they can be had for ~$6k or less) or equivalent econo-commuter car, and put your $900/mo where it should be: in a savings account, where it can provide security for a rainy day, become part of your college fund or at the very least earning the meager amount of interest the bank pays just for it to sit there.

This way you get a car that is more reliable, a lot more practical and cheaper to maintain until such time when your disposable income greatly exceeds what it is now and you have more than a handful of miles of driving experience under your belt. Only then would it make sense to look for something a little more expensive and less compromised.

Responsibility at 17 should be thinking about the future and saving up for it, not going broke trying to prevent your car's engine from blowing.

BTW if you think just taking care of the engine is enough in this car you have another shock coming: suspension bushing start to go out around that mileage as well, and feel free to ask around how much that costs to replace.

[/preach]

tk5dan

Yea, when i first was learning about rx7's i wanted a 20b swap as well. It was for a FC though, my friend told me it would be cheap and easy to do and my car would be crazy fast. Then after acually reading about rx7's i found out how expensive it would be to do the swap. Always easy to spot the noobs when they say they want a 20b and are only 16 with no money

rotoryspeeddreamz

Thanks for the advice but I already have a civic that I use as a daily driver (got a cheap *** one with a rebuilt engine $1500).

I also have a college fund that contains a decent amount of cash. Plus I have earned scholarships because I work hard in school. My mom also works at the collegeboard, which incase you are unaware entitles me to an additional large scholarship ($13000 a semester last time I checked).

My car had also had an aftermarket suspension system on it when I bought it (not sure what kind but it's rock solid) along with a turbo timer, boost guage, exhaust and I added S03 pole position tires (they help compinsate for my lack of driving expierence which I recognize every now and then) and a HKS blow off valve.

I bought this car knowing what I was getting into. I started this thread wanting advice from people who have had similar problems from their cars.

Thanks again for your advice.

skunks

nobody offered the V8 swap??? I know that it has a negative conotation with it but its still another option like it or not...

rx7racer11

why does everyone feel its necessary to play father and "this is how you should spend your money" let him spend it however he wants too

turbojeff

iTrader: (30)

Does the car smoke? You said it was going through a lot of oil. If so that is an indication that the oil seals in the motor are going and/or the turbos are leaking.

Otherwise it doesn't sound like your turbos are bad. The problem lies with the control system.

Turbo rebuilds cost more than $500. Labor $250, way too cheap. Look at least $600-1200 for turbo rebuild, another $200-300 for exhaust gaskets and hoses, and another $500 min for labor. That is if you have a shop do everything. Total ranges $1300-2000.

Don't even think about the 20b, way to expensive and in reality they are just for show and street cruisin. No one seems to have one that actually races it.

Jeff