Hey All,

Just picked up a '93 RX7, and am still new to the whole rotary thing. I took a look in the searches for a recommended engine idle time to let the car cool down after a long drive or pushing the turbos, but couldn't find anything. Also, might be a stupid question, but when someone the recommended cool down process of the car, is it recommended to let the engine run at idle for a while beforeturning off or to turn the car off, and then turn it to the key position where the fans will come on but the engine will not start (one position away from ignition) and let that run for a while before completely shutting the car off? Any info would be great, thanks.

 

The rule of thumb is As long as you let the car run for approximately 5 minutes on warm up, and then do not boost it upon arrival of your destination for say about 5 minutes or so then your turbos will be cooled off properly.

 

I don't know about the 5 minute warm up.

Basically, the stock thermostat beings to open up around 180F. The stock temp gauge will move to a little lower than the middle around 150F.

It's hard to tell when the car is "ready" without an aftermarket temp gauge. I would suggest waiting until the temp gauge reaches it's normal resting point just below the midway point, and then wait your 5 minute (one song playing in your CD player) before any hard driving.

 

You can also watch your oil pressure gauge (assuming your stock gauge works correctly). Make a note where it is after a long drive (fully warm). When you start your car up it will be higher and gradually fall down to the normal level. It gives you a better idea of when your car is warm than your stock temp gauge will.

As for cool down, the best method is driving easy the last mile or so. Idling and not moving will generate unwanted engine bay heat. Running the fans after shut down will also help (if you have the time to sit there), but it should be fine if you just drive easy before shutting down.

 

In regards to warm up (presuming non-sub zero climate): water temp means very little whereas oil temp means a lot more.

 

Isn't the timing slightly retarted (using the stock ECU) until a certain temp?

 

Yes.

I'm not saying go tear around the circuit - just that it's safe to drive off earlier than people think.

 

I agree.

Mine sits idling for about 20-30 seconds before I'm off. I give it a few seconds for the idle to settle down and then start driving (waiting for that magic 180F mark to hit so my gas foot can rest on the floor ).

 

OK, perfect, so I guess I'll just take it easy on the home stretch before shutdown and run the fans for a bit, maybe also throw in a couple of minutes of idle time before shutdown. Thanks guys, was trying to look everwhere for this info, but couldn't find anything. Thanks again.

 

You know. Ive heard of some people using a remote start alarm as an engine warmer before driving and also as a turbo timer. though the turbo timer part is not as good as the actual thing, it does work. as for remote starting your car, just make sure your car is not in gear. I've seen some of my friends leave their car in gear, and it jumps.. it really jumps.