993kgt

I'm buying a used FD with 79k miles on it, the guy is about to install a new engine in it before he sells it and include a 3yr/36k warranty.

He wants $15,995 for it with the new engine and warranty

he also told me that he has yet to install the new engine, and for $1k extra he will make it a 3mm motor

my question to you guys is, is that worth it? If not, what should I argue to him.

-brian

ps. my budget is about $14k, so i'd have to talk him down some as it is

993kgt

i know someone on here will help me....im a newbie but at least i'm converting from a 3k to an FD

T88Kid

the 3mm work depending on who does it may run about 1k with labor and parts.

turbogarrett

iTrader: (1)

if you're planning on modding it, it may be worth it, but you will have a warranty. there are many fast fd's running 2mm seals. see if he can have it streetported instead.

maxcooper

3mm is not as good as than the stock 2mm by most accounts. There are many threads on the topic of "apex seals" so you might want to search. My analysis of what has been written leads me to believe that 2mm is better. But some respected shops like 3mm, and sometimes it just makes sense to go with what the shop recommends.

I would find out exactly what he is offering. If it is a street ported engine that was rebuilt by a shop that prefers 3mm seals, it might be worth something. Get the offer in a form like this:

Option A:
- Mazda Reman

Option B: (+$1000)
- Rotary Xanadu™ rebuild
- 3mm Virgo™ apex seals
- Street port

(I made up the Xanadu and Virgo brand names, but you should find out what shop and brand of parts will be used.)

If the engine will be otherwise the same, but you can pay $1000 to have 3mm seals, don't do it. You might want to ask if the rotors need to be replaced due to the apex seal grooves being out of spec. If they are, I would rather pay $1000 for new rotors and stock or Hurley 2mm seals than to get the rotors milled and have 3mm seals installed.

-Max

993kgt

thanks for the responses! my goal is a 12.5 or so in the 1/4, is this obtainable on 2mm seals?

my mods plan are, in order:

bov
intake
downpipe
chip
catback
intercooler

would this work?

maxcooper

Yes, many of the fastest cars runs 2mm seals. There is no limit of how much power you can make on 2mm versus 3mm seals. There doesn't seem to be a lot of objective data, but one popular forum member that builds a lot of engines has tested both and he is convinced the 2mm make more power. It probably isn't a huge difference, but in the absense of another good reason to choose one way or the other, a little more power might be enough to swing you toward 2mm. Many of the proponents of 3mm claim increased resistance to detonation. This makes intuitive sense, but we don't really have any objective data and I am not sure it is right to trust your intuition here. I have heard of chatter problems and sealing issues with 3mm, which also steers me away.

-Max

993kgt

what about my mod plan? i haven't found any testimonials to the stages of upgrading the FD's

CowsniperRX7

iTrader: (3)

there are plenty of staged upgrade plans here on the forum, just look around. I've found a lot

Leprechaun

2mm seals have less friction, more resistance to wear, and seal better, all of which = more power.

Top of the food chain seals are Hurley 2mm. The only real reason to go with 3mm, is if you are gonna be real expirimental with your tuning and doing wacky stuff. 3mm have better chance of lasting short term under crazy boost and surivivng tuning mistakes.

It's a little trade off, either way you can't really go wrong, as long as it's a top grade seal like Hurley.

Conv.WS6

There are alot of plans here is the summary for you though

Intake, Exhaust (Stock Computer, make sure that you don't go over 10-11 psi) Stock fuel cut

Intercooler Addition makes you run lean because even though you are running only 10-11 psi it's a colder charge therefore more air less fuel.

Non sequential vs Sequential.

Read up on this. I believe that Sequential is alittle harder to dial in for a constant boost level (boost spikes)

I'm running a downpipe, Midpipe, catback with stock intake Non Sequential. the mid pipe normally comes after you have a computer, but my turbos are not performing like new, so I'm still getting 10-11 psi.

Main thing is buy some guages, and don't run lean.
12.5's are easy on a slightly modded rex though. I rana 13.20@109MPH which is solidly in the 12's with only the mods I have now. Good luck. And use the Search feature on this site.

Bill B

iTrader: (1)

Stick with the 2mm, 3mm is not a $1000 upgrade.

Donovan

13.20 is in the 12's??

BOV with that level of mods is not going to do anything for you,save the $
Buy a Down pipe, cat back, ECU ("Chip" is not really an option although many tuners do have "reprogramed" stock ECUs but you can't change them as you change mods) Your intercooler and intake.
3mm apex seals do not cost $1000 and if it's a new motor already you should be OK. I have 3mm seals and they are OK but I wish I had spent the money on porting then just tuned properly, Oh well.

Conv.WS6

Actually a 13.20 with a 109MPH Trap speed on Street tires is easily capable of high twelve passes.
the 13.20 had only a 2.1 60ft on a set of $hitty Goodyear eagles. LOL.....
So yes easily in the 12's Maybe not 12.50's, but 12.80's are within reach. Hell I have a buddy running 12.11@111MPH, so 2 mph difference in Trap, and a good set of drag radials, you might even have a 12.50 slip from at 109MPH trap. Point is, it doesn't take that much to get this car in the 12's. The only problem I have with it or any turbo car, is that it runs alot slower when hot, versus a cold night.

Donovan

It makes sence the way you "esplain" it now. It was in the previous post kind of vague. "I got a 13 second run that is in the 12s"? Hang on... a 13 second run is in .... the 13s I was just chiding you.

Conv.WS6

I see now that I reread the post. LOL Good luck with the 12.50's, That's my goal too on a stock computer Rex. I think some Yoka A032A... blah blah, the sticky autocross tires might help me out a bit.
Anyone know if I put an intercooler, and adjustable Fuel pressure Regulator in to bump up the fuel alittle, if I can get buy with that without having to buy the 1400Apexi computer ?