bmurphy

First off, let me apologize if I'm the 100th (or more) person to ask this, but I did a brief search for a similar question without much luck.

My 1994 RX-7 is, of course, the best car I've ever driven. I've owned it since 1997, having bought it used with one previous owner, and I've always taken great care of it; having it serviced regularly, keeping the exterior in good shape, etc., and it now has just over 80,000 miles on it. A few weeks ago the engine began to lose compression and a whole bunch of other problems began to appear. Now the engine sounds like a bag of hammers in the laundry machine, so it's time for a new engine and a new turbo (the turbo has it's own problems as well). I live in the Seattle, WA area and was curious what my options are at this point.

Mazda wants about $11,000 for a new (remanufactured) engine and turbo including parts and labor. I've considered Hayes Rotary, but I've heard they are close to going out of business (and they haven't answered my calls with an estimate yet). Also, from the polls it doesn't look like a lot of people are too crazy about Hayes.

I'm looking for suggestions and advice; what are my options and what kind of warranty can I hope to get on the new engine? I'm sure the break-in period on a new engine will be critical, and I'm not one with a lot of experience working on cars. I will be relying completely on the people doing the work, at least for now, and I'd like to see what people think would be my best course of action.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

There are many "good" shops around the country that can rebuild or install a remanufactured engine for much cheaper than the dealer.

No one will agree on one in particular, but there are quite a few to pick from. If it were my money, it would be Pettit Racing:

http://www.pettitracing.com/Frameset.html

The thing about engine warranties is that they only cover a manufacturing defect. So, if you run the car lean and detonate within the timeframe of the warranty, it won't cover it since the engine failed from something OTHER than a rebuild defect.

IMO, I wouldn't worry so much about getting a warranty with the rebuild as much as picking a good rebuilder.

Good luck!

Hamza734

Your best bet would be a "reman" engine. They run about 2.5K any you can get them from numerous sources. Try Gotham Racing: http://www.gothamracing.com/catalog/...roducts_id=737

As for the install, I say do it yourself! Yes, it will take time... but doing your own work is rewarding. If you have a decent set of tools, its very doable. There's a "how-to" video my engine builder put together that'll lead you step-by-step through the engine removal/replacement:
http://rotaryresources.com/modules.p...viewitem&id=37

Break in procedures are as follows: For first 1000 miles, never rev above 4K RPM and as little boost as possible.
Try to vary engine speed as much as possible. Change oil at 500 and 1000 miles. Next 500 miles, OK to rev up to 5K RPM. Next 500, slowly increase to redline. Also, don't be surprised if the car runs rough during the break-in period.

mr g lord focker

As for Hamza734's break in times...seems a bit conservative. My rebuilder at MazdaTrix told me once I hit 1000 miles feel free to get her tuned, wo we're talking redline shifts with high boost. I have heard no boost and not above 4000 RPM for first 500, then moderate boost and not above 5000RPM for second 500, then ***** out there till its dead.
As for rebuild.install price. I would recomend MazdaTrix for your rebuild. However I believe Atkins Rotary is in Washington so that might be easier for you and they do good work. If I were you I would take motor to Atkins Rotary pay them the $2200 or so to rebuild and have a professional remove/install. Labor on install/removal should be about $750 (what I was charged). So if you take your time and check out the market you can probably be back up and running strong with $3k. Ppl might say I'm low-balling it but that's just because they paid more

93BlackFD

i concur

bmurphy

In this instance, do you refer to the rebuilder as the one that installs the engine or the one that supplies the engine? I was under the impression that Mazda remanufactured engines were the best way to go and that local rotary shops would do the install or rebuild if necessary. I just found out that Atkins (I live in WA) can supply the engine (rebuilt by them it seems) for $2600 plus $900 core charge (can someone explain this to me?), but they don't don the install themselves. They recommended Mazdas and More, Maz-tech and Import Auto Repair as shops that would do the install. Atkins offers a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty on their rebuilt engines.

Is this a less than ideal situation? I was thinking it would be best to keep the installation and engine acquisition with the same people, so there is no question where the blame lies (assuming it's not me) if there is work to be done after the rebuild/install.

It sounds to me like Atkins provides rebuilt engines and warranties their engines, but has nothing to do with the actual installation. Anyone have an opinion on this or alternatives for a new engine/turbo in the Puget Sound area of Washington State?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

I would stay away from Atkins:

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=268775

While some people have had good luck this them, that person is local to me so it hits a little closer to home.

Cheap is not necessarily a way to go with these cars. As far as the break-in procedure, listen to the engine rebuilder (if it's different than the installer).

tt2323

let me explain the core charge. They want 2600 + a $900 core charge. What this is, is for the old motor. They would charge 3500 up front assuming a reman is in stock. You would ship them your blown motor, and once they receive that they will refund the $900. So basically if your blown motor is still in the car and you want a new one yesterday You could pay the full $3500, and would get refunded the $900 which they ultimately rebuild..

13Beast REW

On the other side of the spectrum I'm planning on rebuilding my own motor which is suffering from coolant seal failure. After much searching and comparing I've decided that the best overhaul/rebuild kit in terms of cost and quality of parts is the 3rd gen rebuild kit offered buy RotorSports (www.rotorsportsracing.com). I've done 2 FC rebuilds (1 N/A and 1 T2) so the motor part doesn't bug me (its actually an easy process), I'm mainly just concerned with the seq. turbo system on the FD. No matter how many times I look at the hose diagrams or even look at the rats nest under my UIM i just cant ease my mind any. o well. Somebody tell me I'm crazy for considering RotorSports rebuild kit (and have valid reasons for telling me I'm crazy).

13Beast REW

guess i'll take that as a green light on RotorSports...