newbee question
 

(I searched and searched and i did not find the answer to my question, so please dont tell me to search) I just got a 93 rx-7 (and im loving it!), i used have a turbo built 2000 honda. Yes i made the switch and i dont regret it. My question is if i was to upgrade the turbo, is there anything i have to do/change to the engine so it can handle the new upgrades? I have the fuel system taken care of... so no problems there and my engine is port and polished. Thanks in advanced

Also, do you guys go only for speed or looks or for both?

if you have a fuel sys. you will be ok as long as you have proper engine mangment and cooling sys that can handle it.

In a rotary engine you don't need internal change like forged pistons and conrods. You don't need to change any internals. As long as you've got enough fuel, a well tuned aftermarket ECU you'll be fine. Of course you'll need more than that. Like an IC, radiator, adownpipe would be a good start.

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/upgrades.html
There you'll find tons of info as well asin this forum.

really.... So whats the highest level of psi that the engine can take? So when the engine is overmiled and you want to re-build it, what do you need to change in the engine? This type of engine sounds too good to be true, i dont have to spend thousands of dollars in internals in order for the engine to be able to handle high boost levels, there has to be a catch? right...?
Thanks for the link Racer1

The catch is...
 

Seals. There are oil seals (that keep the oil from getting in/out of the combustion chambers), coolant seals (do the same for the coolant) and apex seals (which separate chambers). Apex seals are the worst, they usually die from detonation caused by bad gas or poor tuning (running lean). They shatter and rip up the turbos and scratch the rotor housings sometimes.

Coolant or Oil seals will eventually die, at 60k or 100k or 10k. If your coolant seals die, you may get lucky and not need any new parts except seals during the rebuild. Those rebuilds only cost $1k or so if you do it all yourself. Most folks get a ported engine and send back their core - this can cost $3k-5k. If someone else does the rebuild (not for the ordinary DIY'er), add labor of $1000 at least.

Upping boost will surely shorten the engine life, how much varies greatly.

Also be real careful about upping boost. Make damn sure the car is running rich - one second of too lean tuning and your engine dies by detonation. Injectors and fuel pumps can't run themselves, so take it to a good rotary tuner when you try to up the boost. Most guys with upgraded fuel systems don't take the boost past 18psi since they don't like constantly rebuilding. Besides, once you make 400hp you'll have trouble putting it through the tires.

Lots of info in the sticky threads and archives - true bliss comes from doing your homework, my man...

Dave

so if the engine was bone stock and was very well maintained, when would it be a good time to rebuild? How long are these engines meant to last for (without modifications)?

There really is no time table for engines. This is why the car can be so frustrating. An engine can last well over 100k or less than 5k miles.

As stated earlier, detonation on rotaries is not the same as on piston engines. Detonation can unseat an apex seal causing damage once it breaks loose.

Check this thread about how easy it can be to detonate and blow a seal:

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...threadid=36263

thanks