I am curious for some of you that have replaced your motor with a ported and polished motor, where is the best bang for the buck? I took my FD to the dealer(only place around with a rotary mechanic) yesterday becuase I was having an serious oil leak issue and they told me the oil pan, oil pressure switch, front motor plate, oil filler neck, amongst a couple of other this are all leaking. He said it was from the prior owner having someone that is not experienced in rotary motors putting the wrong gasket material. So, to shorten things up, it seems that it will cost approx $2000 to fix my current motor. I assume for that much, I might as well replace mine with a ported and polished rebuild from pettit for $3200. If any one else knows of proven motors that are just as cheap, let me know.

:smiley_12

 

The oil pressure sensor and oil filter neck don't require gaskets or sealant. The filler neck has an 0-ring that will leak when if gets old and compressed. Their are lots of posts regarding sealing the oil pan on the 3rd gen. It is a know problem area with the car and leaks most commonly around the motor mounts. Search on this. I think that the leak around the "front motor plate" if not related to the oul pan is atypical. Leaks in this area can often be traced to brittle vent hoses connected to the oil filler.

You will find no support on this board for taking these cars to the dealer for service.
Post to the regional boards and see where others in your area take their cars for service.

Assuming that the only problem with your engine is oil leaks why replace it?
If there are other problems that you can only fix with a replacement and you don't plan on trying to make big power (> 350) a stock ported motor is all you really need. You can get a reman or a new engine from Malloy Mazda once you find someone you trust to do the R&R of the engine.

 

Do not go to the stealership

 

The dealer tech may be right about the competence of the previous rebuilder. But dealers are known for screwing things up much worse for much more money.

It seems like you're putting cost first, so I'd suggest getting a quote from RotaryResurrection.

When shopping for a low-cost motor, I suggest you become very informed as to how the builder keeps their costs down. This is primarily done by using used parts in as many places as is reasonable - so be sure to ask where this is / isn't done, and what specs they hold to. Generally the looser the specs, the lower the cost, and the lower the lifespan.

Dave