DIY-RE 13b DVD REVIEW
12-06-05, 07:04 PM
#26
RX-7 Bad Ass
iTrader: (55)
Yeah, Kevin could totally make an awesome video. Any videographers near Kentucky want to volunteer? 
Dale
Dale
12-06-05, 08:46 PM
#28
Dale, Thanks for sharing your experience on those videos. I was wondering about them when I saw it on the GB section.. At least was the poster worth it??
Kevin, I agree... Maybe I'm getting older and more and more FD owners are getting younger.. You should definitely make a video. I'm sure there are bunch of car/video editors around TN who will help.
Kevin, I agree... Maybe I'm getting older and more and more FD owners are getting younger.. You should definitely make a video. I'm sure there are bunch of car/video editors around TN who will help.
12-07-05, 12:06 PM
#29
RX-7 Bad Ass
iTrader: (55)
I haven't got the poster yet - hopefully that will be here soon.
BTW, I've had people PM'ing me asking where to get Bruce Turrentine's video -
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/overhaul_video.htm
Also, he has an engine remove/replace video, one for the FC, one for the FD -
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/R%20R%20Video.htm
Mind, I haven't watched the rebuild video in YEARS, but I really got a lot from it when I saw it back in the day. I've never seen the R&R video - I need Santa to bring me one.
Dale
BTW, I've had people PM'ing me asking where to get Bruce Turrentine's video -
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/overhaul_video.htm
Also, he has an engine remove/replace video, one for the FC, one for the FD -
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/R%20R%20Video.htm
Mind, I haven't watched the rebuild video in YEARS, but I really got a lot from it when I saw it back in the day. I've never seen the R&R video - I need Santa to bring me one
.Dale
03-08-06, 11:31 PM
#32
Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection
You know, I've thought about this and dismissed it as many times, but if I had someone knowledgeable in these things, with the proper equipment and production channels, I would make a run of videos. One for each model from 86-95. It would focus on rebuilding an existing used engine, not one out of all new in box parts. It would show how to remove the engine, tear it down (while keeping track of where everything goes easily), tear the block down, visual and physical inspection of parts, show what seals are worn versus new, which ones are not, how to decide what is and is not reuseable, the differences in varying stock and aftermarket seals and parts, what stuff to order etc. How to clean all your old engine internals, lay everything out, begin reassembly of the block and accessories, and reinstallation. IT would focus on a stock setup, but note would be made along the way of popular and/or necessary modifications made for power and reliability such as porting, 3mm seals ,emissions removal, simplified sequential, hose job, nonsequential, single turbo, etc.
Sadly, I don't know anyone locally with this expertise or I might just pursue it. Either that, or a manual similar to an fsm or haynes with lots of pics, plus a list of acronyms and terminology and definitions for those that will be used through out the book.
I'm not sure if it would actually be worthwhile given the cheap nature of most rx7 owners, and how everyone wants to be spoon fed every last bit of information. I'd no doubt have people complaining about not being able to understand my southern country accent, too.
I'd also wonder if I might actually be doing more of a dis-service to the community than a help. As with anything, there are those that are not mechanically inclined, but due to reading misinformation or misguided posts on this and other forums on the internet they get the seed of an idea in their head that they can work one one of the more complex engines in any car worldwide with no experience at all. I deal with some of these types all the time. The type that have to ask how to install brake pads, but think that rebuilding a rotary is so simple and not a problem at all. So these people would buy my video/manual and would proceed to screw everything up and then blame it on me.
When you stand back and look at it, comparing the time and investment required versus the investment return and the liability/bashing that comes along with releasing a product publicly, it almost seems not worthwhile to help out.
Sadly, I don't know anyone locally with this expertise or I might just pursue it. Either that, or a manual similar to an fsm or haynes with lots of pics, plus a list of acronyms and terminology and definitions for those that will be used through out the book.
I'm not sure if it would actually be worthwhile given the cheap nature of most rx7 owners, and how everyone wants to be spoon fed every last bit of information. I'd no doubt have people complaining about not being able to understand my southern country accent, too.
I'd also wonder if I might actually be doing more of a dis-service to the community than a help. As with anything, there are those that are not mechanically inclined, but due to reading misinformation or misguided posts on this and other forums on the internet they get the seed of an idea in their head that they can work one one of the more complex engines in any car worldwide with no experience at all. I deal with some of these types all the time. The type that have to ask how to install brake pads, but think that rebuilding a rotary is so simple and not a problem at all. So these people would buy my video/manual and would proceed to screw everything up and then blame it on me.
When you stand back and look at it, comparing the time and investment required versus the investment return and the liability/bashing that comes along with releasing a product publicly, it almost seems not worthwhile to help out.
I'm confident you've got enough clout on this board to at least break even (just a feelng
). I would buy one of your videos (DVD, of course), if you can convince me that it's1. organized (distinct sections, as you've mentioned)
2. relatively thorough (enough for someone who knows basic tooling... whatever that means)
3. has reasonable video quality (again, whatever that means)
4. is < $50
Those are all things you are surely capable of. I don't plan on rebuilding or doing an FD R&R unless someone MUCH more experienced is next to me.... at least on my first try.
If I had some extra money laying around, I'd help you fund this thing if you're interested. Good luck.
03-10-06, 09:27 PM
#33
Perpetual Rebuilder
Originally Posted by DaleClark
I'd give it a 4 out of 10. If you really are interested in building a motor yourself, I'd get the Bruce Turrentine video for $25. It's MUCH cheaper, covers a lot of the same ground, etc. It's a bit rough, but for $25 that's OK by me. For a $100 4 DVD set, I'd expect a lot more.
Dale
Dale
"Yep it is spot on" and then the bonus material...
The posters are nice and very useful but overall I wish I didnt buy it. It was a good safety net but not the comprehensive or even complete instructional video that I expected.
03-26-06, 11:39 AM
#34
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I have just finished watching the video.
I have never rebuilt an engine and have got next to no mechanical experience but i do read alot and i am good at following instructions espeacially when i am being instructed visualy.
Dislikes
I was a bit dissapointed that engine removal and replacement was not covered.
Stripping down the engine was not covered either and the video started with an already stripped down engine.
Likes
The video i found was very clear and could be followed in real time. I actually liked the fact that it wasnt a case of this is how you start it and then you see the end product. It was very useful to see the tasks being carried out in real time.
I finished watching that video feeling relativly confident that i can use the video and put an engine back together. It took a lot of aprehension away about the process.
I have just ordered the rotary aviations r and r video and will be studying that next .
The actual diy re video i would give it 8 out of 10 as it dose do exactly as stated in that it shows you how to rebuild an engine.
It looses marks in that there is room for improvement and an extra dvd showing how to take the engine out strip it down and put it back into the car.
I have never rebuilt an engine and have got next to no mechanical experience but i do read alot and i am good at following instructions espeacially when i am being instructed visualy.
Dislikes
I was a bit dissapointed that engine removal and replacement was not covered.
Stripping down the engine was not covered either and the video started with an already stripped down engine.
Likes
The video i found was very clear and could be followed in real time. I actually liked the fact that it wasnt a case of this is how you start it and then you see the end product. It was very useful to see the tasks being carried out in real time.
I finished watching that video feeling relativly confident that i can use the video and put an engine back together. It took a lot of aprehension away about the process.
I have just ordered the rotary aviations r and r video and will be studying that next .
The actual diy re video i would give it 8 out of 10 as it dose do exactly as stated in that it shows you how to rebuild an engine.
It looses marks in that there is room for improvement and an extra dvd showing how to take the engine out strip it down and put it back into the car.
03-26-06, 12:00 PM
#35
It's unrealistic for them to include removal or teardown information because there are (in north america) 7 different rx-7 models/engine combos to cover, with differences between each that would necessitate different versions for each one. That's a lot of videos to film, and it requires that you work on each of those models...some of which may not be readily available to them.
For instance, in my 2nd gen tech section on my website, I used an 86-88 nonturbo as an example for my removal and then again for my teardown writeups. Though the other FC model engines get removed in the exact same manner, and torn down in a similar manner, I stil had people bitching to me that the writeup didnt tell them exactly which nut to remove because it didnt apply to their specific engine. People want to be spoon fed information, and it's harder to do than you think, to cover 100% of every aspect.
For instance, in my 2nd gen tech section on my website, I used an 86-88 nonturbo as an example for my removal and then again for my teardown writeups. Though the other FC model engines get removed in the exact same manner, and torn down in a similar manner, I stil had people bitching to me that the writeup didnt tell them exactly which nut to remove because it didnt apply to their specific engine. People want to be spoon fed information, and it's harder to do than you think, to cover 100% of every aspect.
03-26-06, 12:11 PM
#36
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Fair comment about the tear down but it would stil be useful to have seen how its done as for a complete novice like me it gives me the oppourtunity to see whats involved in that area.
As i said i think the video is great and will suit me in relation to building the engine back up, but i think taking it appart in the first place should have been covered as it is important in taking the engine appart you are aware of things that could damage the engine further.
For example im sure we are all aware if you drop parts onto a hard floor that isnt going to be good for the engine but for a novice like me whst are the other little mistakes one can make when taking an engine appart.
I will have to watch the dvd backwards to get the teardown worked out, hopefully it should be a matter of doing everything in the reverse order.
As i said i have purchased the rotary aviations video for engine removal and that should act as disc number 0 engine removal and disc number 5 engine replacement.
But excellent vid anyway. Takes all th mystery out of the process.
As i said i think the video is great and will suit me in relation to building the engine back up, but i think taking it appart in the first place should have been covered as it is important in taking the engine appart you are aware of things that could damage the engine further.
For example im sure we are all aware if you drop parts onto a hard floor that isnt going to be good for the engine but for a novice like me whst are the other little mistakes one can make when taking an engine appart.
I will have to watch the dvd backwards to get the teardown worked out, hopefully it should be a matter of doing everything in the reverse order.
As i said i have purchased the rotary aviations video for engine removal and that should act as disc number 0 engine removal and disc number 5 engine replacement.
But excellent vid anyway. Takes all th mystery out of the process.
Last edited by uk_rk7_owner; 03-26-06 at 12:13 PM.
03-26-06, 02:43 PM
#37
****** videos put me to sleep, i also thought about making my own video with more realisitic situations. my only experience was with the Atkins video originally, it put me to sleep TWICE and didn't stress on a few things that are VERY important and require a bit of emphasis.
03-26-06, 03:40 PM
#40
Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection
Maybe they should spice it up a little. If I did a video, I'd do random **** to wake viewers up. I'd slide an apex seal spring into place and look up at the camera and yell BAM! like emeril.
03-26-06, 05:54 PM
#43
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Kevin:
How long would it take to do an engine (stripped) from start to finish? My experience doing instructional photo shoots is that it takes about 3-4 times the normal time due to setting up shooting angles, lighting, documentation, etc.
How long would it take to do an engine (stripped) from start to finish? My experience doing instructional photo shoots is that it takes about 3-4 times the normal time due to setting up shooting angles, lighting, documentation, etc.
03-26-06, 07:10 PM
#44
For me, working on the same project, remove rebuild and reinstall, from start to finish, anywhere from 20-50 hours. For the shortblock itself probably 10-15. That time range depends on the specifics...year/model of engine/car, condition of al the parts and fasteners (rusty northern car or clean southern car), mods done along the way (porting, emissions removal, wastegate porting, nonsequential conversion, etc.), parts getting replaced with new ones that slow progress down a bit (water pumps, vacuum hoses, solenoids, thermostat, fuel injectors, etc.) and other such considerations.
And yeah, your estimate of 3-4 times the actual work time is probably about right. Then, multiply that by at least 3 for the FC turbo, FC na, and FD models that would have to be covered independently (even if you neglect the differences in series 4 and series 5 FC models and don't do specific documentation of those).
Plus you'd have to do additional volumes to cover porting styles and techniques, 3mm seal modification, emissions removal for the various models, etc.
And yeah, your estimate of 3-4 times the actual work time is probably about right. Then, multiply that by at least 3 for the FC turbo, FC na, and FD models that would have to be covered independently (even if you neglect the differences in series 4 and series 5 FC models and don't do specific documentation of those).
Plus you'd have to do additional volumes to cover porting styles and techniques, 3mm seal modification, emissions removal for the various models, etc.
03-28-06, 08:25 PM
#45
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Hmmm. Doing the math for an FD, 15 hours x 3 (FD factor) x 3 hours shooting time and you've got about 3 weeks of shooting tied up in this video, start to finish, without editing time or production time for the DVDs. It doesn't sound like it would be worth the investment. The set of DVDs would have to sell in the $200 range to get your money back.
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