Okay....

Just finished talking with Rob from Pineapple Racing. Apparently, Mazda is on backorder status for the Rear rotor housings...so he intends on using a front rotor housing as the rear.

He'll plug one hole and create another?

Has anyone ever heard of this before? Is it a usual practice, are there any reliabiliaty concerns?

I'm rather new to this rebuild stuff, so is this a feasible idea? I'm rather concerned, possibly because I don't know any better, but I'm going to end up paying 3000+ buckaroos for the engine rebuild, so I do want it done right.

 

I'm sure Rob knows what he is doing. I've heard nothing but great things about Pineapple Racing. Either way, you'll still get the warranty.

 

I'm not a engine rebuilder, but as you know I've ripped plenty of motors down to the block and I've never noticed a difference.

What exactly is the difference between front and rear housings?

Ask him to save your old housings. If you don't want them I know someone that does.

Jeff

 

I think the rear one may have a nipple on it for the cooling line that goes to the throttle body?

 

I don't think there's any difference between the rotor housings on a REW.

 

I am not sure either but it seems I recall hearing at one time about the egr port being on a different side?

 

there is a difference, although very small. i can't recall what it is (maybe the cooling) - but i'm pretty sure i heard this on Bruce T.'s rebuild video, or read it somewhere - but either way , there is a difference.
as for trusting pineapple, i would. they've been in business too long with a great reputation. that doesn't happen by doing goofy **** with rebuilds.

 

Yeah, it's very noteworthy that they would even tell you about something that 99% would never even be wise to. Most shops would not even bother telling you.

 

the only difference we have found is the air injection ports. they are related to the center housing, so if you put a front rotor housing in the rear you block off air in jection to the rear exhaust port. you need it to be correct if the engine is to pass smog. if rob is drilling the air injection passage to make it work than it should be fine. we have seen this a couple of times usually they are swapped front and rear and the car cannot be made to pass smog

mike

 

That's what I was thinking of; thanks j9fd3s.

 

Just to reinforce, I need to replace my rear rotor housing, and i emailed Bruce T. asking if he had one available. Here is the relevant quote:

"IF IT'S THE REAR YOU NEED, ALL I HAVE TO DO IS TO PLUG A HOLE AND DRILL ANOTHER TO MAKE IT COMPATIBLE FOR THE REAR. "

(sorry for the caps, i just cut and pasted it from the email).