How can I tell if the motor is original?
 

Hi All:

I'm about to go look at a 93 RX-7 at a dealer. It's got 90k original miles and as usual, the dealer does not have any maintenance records for it.

Is there a stamping on the body of the car somewhere that has the serial number of the original engine?

If this thing is still running on the original engine and turbos, I'll be much more wary of buying it. The dealer has agreed to allow a local rotary specialist (Rick's Rotary) to inspect it and give it a compression test.

Thanks,
Sonny

check the mileage. If its over 30K its a reman or rebuild. If its under 30K there is a 90 pct chance its a reman or rebuild.

There is a sticker/stamp of some sort that tells what it is. its on the front housing of the engine behind the altenator. you might have to dig, but its worth a shot.

There really is no way to tell. The engine does have an identification number on it however it will NOT match the VIN number.

I believe Mazda does have a "maintanence history" database which might have early recall work reported (which may have a VIN & engine ID numbers listed to match up). If this does exist, that would be the only way to know for sure.

one easy way to know if it's a mazda reman and not original is to check the oil pan. they put a sticker on it that says mazda reman. the stickers hold up pretty well too. mine has 30k northeast miles on it and is still easily readable. of course if it was rebuilt by someone other than mazda, then what they said.

Not even remotely true. Lay off the drugs.

Yeah what the hell are you talking about? Over 30k it must have a reman in it?

There is an engine number next to the alternator but I am not sure how you connect it to the VIN. I've never really looked at it before. Maybe running a CarFax report would help.

there is a little plate on the front cover, right behind the pressure tank/crank angle sensors, it has a engine serial # and build date if its a reman.

Thanks for the help, guys! I'll let you know what I find.

Thanks,
sonny