I am currently saving to purchase an RX-7 and am looking into studying up on the rotary engine as well as getting all the specifics on the way turbo's work. I currently own an 87 VW Cabrio, so i have absolutely no knowledge on any of these. So i was wondering if you guys could give me links on these subjects. All help is appreciated.

Thanks
BuckNutty

 

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/index.html

 

http://www.monito.com/wankel/dr-wankel.html

http://www.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine.htm

http://www.howstuffworks.com/turbo.htm

 

well, that was a very helpful article, but it sort of reminded me of a question I've always meant to ask, but never got around to asking. Why are the rotary engines so difficult to maintain? They have FAR few moving parts to get fumbled up than a piston engine has, so shouldn't they be ,like, the most maintenance-free cars ever? I know I'm going to get flamed for asking such a stupid question, but I'm really curious. Could it technically be possible (with the right modifications) to have a basically bullet proof engine that never f*cks up?

 

True, the rotary does have less moving parts and is far more simplifed than a boinger.

The thing is, an engine with forced induction is going to have more stress than a N/A engine. Naturally aspirated rotary engines will last a looooong time, just as long as a piston engine(if not longer). By desgn the rotary is capable of a long lifetime, however it needs to be set up properly.

For instance, the FD is renowned for mechanical problems, the reason for this is not the rotary engine but the fact that Mazda used wimpy apex seals, the radiator is too small to handle the heat of the engine and because the twin sequential turbo system is far too complicated.

 

so basically, if I were to get an FD, made the turbos non-sequential to clear out all that crap sequential turbo's require, beef up the Apex seals, and drop in a better radiator, then replaced most of the crappy rubber and plastic stuff in the engine with stronger stuff, I would have an extremely reliable car?

 

Well, yes and no.

Going single would be better than going non-sequential because you'd be getting rid of the stock turbo's, which are just that, "stock". Plus you'd pick up some serious power.

As for the car being extremely reliable.....well there's different contexts of "reliable". Yes, the car would withstand a hell of a beating, but just like any other thing, sometimes parts fail.

Being reliable as a daily driver...yes.

Being reliable as a street driven race car...probably not. I mean it's just like any race car(F1, touring, NASCAR)...they have the BEST parts and are built to withstand a lot, but if you run a car to the edge all the time, of course it's not going to be reliable, I don't care how much you beef it up. It might last a little longer than the other guy, but I'd make sure I had some other form of tranportation as back up.

Just remember, you gotta pay to play. If you want more horsepower you have to sacrifice reliability, like I said, you can beef it up, but there's no 100% promise that it won't blow!

 

what is wrong (or not quite right, I think I should put it) about the stock turbos?


sry about all the stupid questions, I'm very new to this.

 

now, nothing is 'wrong' with the stock turbos BUT they are small (hitachi brand if i remember right) and having two generates a LOT of heat. going single will allow you to get a higher flowing turbo and reduce some under the hood heat. FYI i think single turbo kits are in the $3k range...good luck!

 

oops, I gave the wrong impression. I just plan everything REALLY far ahead. right now I'm just saving up for an FD, and some good reliability mods, so I used this forum to find out what exactly I should do. Don't have one yet, but I will in the next couple of years. Thanx for the info!