MattZeeTerror

Hey, I just purchased a 93 rx7 with 150,000 miles on it for 5k. It has new turbos but the apex seals are gone. I am curious, what is the cheapest for a engine rebuild, Is that video that walks you through it out yet? I would really like to do it myself if posible to gain the experience. And what would all be needed for the rebuild? Any info appreciated.

RonKMiller

Hmmmm.... well, if you've rebuilt other engines and they ran good you're probably ok taking on a rotary. They are simple but unlike anything else on this planet when it comes to familiarity with moving parts.
You either know what you are doing when you do a rebuild on this engine or you are guessing. Guessing gets REALLY expensive. Since you've only got $5K into the car I would recommend a reman from Mazda for about $2K. (since it has a warranty from Mazda). Spending any more does not make sense unless you are planning on another $5K or so to make a killer engine, and then you are into another $5K for other components to complement it. At 150K miles there are going to be plenty of other expenses to turn it into a reliable vehicle.

dpasseto

check out Http://www.kdrotary.com They've got some good explanations on engine rebuild options. I hear that they do great work too. If I ever need a new engine, I'll go to them.

MattZeeTerror

I am in central florida, know of any reliable rotary people?

MattZeeTerror

If I were to buy a mazda reman engine, how hard would it be to swap engines out? What would I need to do it, and what would be entailed?

RonKMiller

Relatively easy to swap cores - all you do is bolt/unbolt stuff, re-do the rat's nest while you're at it, new rad, hoses, belts, water pump, dp, thermostat, engine mounts, ($$$) replace miscellaneous other parts that you will break during the process. You'll need 2 engine stands, a "cherry picker" (engine hoist) with leveler and several cases of beer which I recommend you drink BEFORE removing the old engine. (With any luck you'll get too damn drunk too even attempt it and call a pro)

You'll need a Mazda shop manual for torque settings, procedures, etc. and a few special tools to make it easier. It all depends on your level of competency if you are a DIY'er. Only you know what you are capable of. Only you can prevent Forest Fires...........Figure a minimum of an extra $2K for the extra parts, shop supplies, tools, etc. to "do it right".

Makes KD Rotary sound pretty attractive, No?
(and all I've ever heard about them is good stuff.)

So, not to bum you out or anything but that $5K ride is getting to be pretty expensive....and that's assuming that your turbos are "new".

oneflytrini

iTrader: (1)

a good reliable rotary shop in flordia......only leaves me with one name.......PETTIT RACING

www.pettitracing.com

RonKMiller

MattZeeTerror

Here is the question then. To have my curent engine (busted apex seals) redone or whatever, how much is it gona cost?

MattZeeTerror

btw, it has brand new turbos on it.

MattZeeTerror

Is there anyone in florida, shop or person who does rebuilds or whatever that isnt gona cost me a arm and a leg?

RonKMiller

Oh ****, I give up. Call Petit. Tell them you don't know **** from shinola and bend over and touch your toes.
Bring KY. BTW, are you a member of the "Y' generation or what?

MattZeeTerror

You cant give a real answer? I heard of a guy in orlando, Just dunno what the shop name is...

RonKMiller

Ok, here's the REAL answer:

Stock: $5K, MINIMUM. Anyone who says they can do it for less is polishing their rocket.

Street Port and other goodies: $7K

Go fast with single turbo: $10K

Fast and Furious: $20K (lasts for one drag and then re-do)

3 rotor: The GNP of Zimbabwe AND Botswanaland.

Oh, your welcome for the advice. Later.

(Gee Ron, thanks for all your help- you're a stand up dude!)

Tim McCreary

WOW for that Kind of money, I will replace ANYBODY'S engine. If people are spending that on a reman mazda install, they got more money than brains.

Last Quote from local mazda dealer was $3200 installed.
KDR Quote for Rebuild and install was:

Remove, Re-install and Rebuild
Stock: $3347.00
W/ Reliability Mods: $3511.00
W/ Mods and Street Porting: $4031.00

Remove, Re-install w/Mazda factory ReManufactured
Price: $3534

I guess KDR must be Polishing their Rocket!!!!!

Reman engine from Malloy Mazda
$1950 plus $1000 core charge plus shipping

Jspec engine Longblock
$1700-2600 pus shipping.

Currently I have my engine removed and waiting for the right engine at the right price. I just saw a J-Spec complete engine sell for $1300, but the person would not ship it and it was a 5 Speed. I need an Auto rear housing motor.

There are other things to consider other than just replacement of the engine. Since your turbos are new, the best thing for you to do is try to get a stock rebuild type motor with reliability mods. If you can pull the motor out yourself (not too difficult), then install the rebuilt one, you can probably do it yourself for $2500. If you have it apart, you must install at a minimum new vacuum hoses while it is apart. Silicone is very good replacement, and Viton is excellent and expensive.

Tim

Want2race

If your apex seal was lost then there is a very good change one of your turbos is dead!

so if they where on the car when the seal went you need new turbos too!

Just something to think about...
Sorry bout the bad news!

MattZeeTerror

The guy I bought it from said that the engine was long gone before the turbos were. He was attempting to fix it peice by peice. These are not turbos that were on car when seal went.

Want2race

good.. @ least you dont need to replace more then you have to..

MattZeeTerror

so if i get a reman engine, thats all I am gona need? no extra gaskets or anything?

Want2race

um.. you will need turbo gaskets.. and probably should do a clutch while the motor is out.. maybe a flywheel and dp...

RonKMiller

$3,500.00? Bullshit. That is the BASE price. I would never dream of putting a "new" engine in without at least: (and no good rebuilder will standby their rebuild unless these items are done)

1.Coring the radiator (why bother trying to make that piece of crap last when you can have a new Fluidyne for $400.00)

2.New belts and hoses, $267.00

3. New water pump. Yes, you can buy a kit
from Mazda to rebuild the guts, but the time involved in labor is not worth it especially with such an important component. $86.00

4. New thermostat. $15.00

5. New engine mounts. Especially at 150K. $470.00

6. Vacuum hose job, and there are ALWAYS a couple of valves that are toasted, and they are $50.00 a piece.
$400.00

7. Water level sensor. $57.00

That brings us to an additional $1695.00 in PARTS alone.

8. and the list goes on when you find other "suspect" components that should be replaced........let's see if my math so far is any good: $3500.00 Plus $1695.00 = $5,195.00.

Like I said, $5K minimum to do it right, and that is without even getting inside the reman to see if the geniuses at Mazduh put it together correctly.

I have brains AND money. And the reason I HAVE money is because I have the skill and training to do my own work as good or better than most so called "rotary specialists" that charge up to $100/hr for their "expertise."
You really OUGHT to do your research
before you spend your hard earned money, 'cause there is NO way a shop can do it right for less. (Unless you are willing to have it grenade in 10K miles like 50% of them do)