All -

I'm a 3000GT VR-4 owner, but I've always been a fan of the FC and FD's. I recently found a guy who's looking to sell his '93 R1 RX-7. He tells me that the body, paint, and interior are all in excellent shape, but that the engine is blown. He's asking $5000.

How much does a rebuild one these rotary beasts cost? A search in the archives turned up estimates anywhere form $1500 to $4000. What about a new short block? I'm comfortable around an engine bay, but is there anything particularly difficult in the rebuild process that requires more than average mechanical skills? I found reference to a rebuild video in a search of the archives - anybody have more information about that?

My thought is that if the car is truly in great shape (body, paint, interior, transmission), then for $5000 dollars plus the cost of a rebuild I'd have a car worth $15-$20k. Don't know if I'd sell it or keep it, but either way it seems like a real good deal. Is this a realistic scenario, or are there typically a hundred other things that go bad/need replacing at the same time?

Thanks,
- Brian

 

More specs on the R1?
Miles on the chassis?
Oh well doesn't matter. I think $5K is a great deal for an FD w/ blown engine. They usually go for a few grand more.
There are a few options.
You can rebuild the blown engine. A master rebuild kit goes for around $1000. You can do it yourself and same some money.
Or you can get a reman engine for $2K.
If you do everything yourself, you will end up w/ a nice FD that cost less than $10K. A bargain!
If I were you, I'd buy it.

 

I agree, sounds like a great deal. I haven't had to rebuild mine yet but it's at 60K so I'm entering the twilight zone. You should check out Pineapple Racing, they're in Oregan and come highly recommended for engine rebuilds. You can get one from them for around 2000, and put it in yourself since it sounds like you know your way around cars.

I was at SevenStock 5 and the guy from Pineapple Racing gave a lecture on engine rebuilding and I found it very helpful and impressive, I'm planning on using them when it comes to being my turn.

You should get the shop manual, I just replaced my clutch and water pump and it was the way to go.

Also, are you aware that the '93 R1 is very, very stiffly sprung and can be a harsh ride? Sounds like you've done your research but thought I'd mention that in case....

good luck

 

~$2K for a rebuilt motor. Here is a list of other things you should probably do when doing a motor.

Silicone vacuum lines $50
Plugs and wires $50
Clutch, pressure plate and TO bearing $400
Fuel pulsation damper $150
clean and flow injectors $100
Belts and all coolant hoses ~$200
air filter $25
Engine wiring harness gets brittle and can need replacing, ~$500+
Motor mounts ~$200 ea
Turbo rebuild? $700
Intake and exhaust gaskets $200

Very few FDs pull $20K. Realistically your looking at a $12-16K car.

Depending on your parts source and what the car needs your possibly looking at another $2K. I bought a project FD with a blown motor that also needed a tranny, CV boot, AC pump and recharge, ABS sensor, etc. It ended up being quite the project when I was done.

Jeff


Bondobob, 93 R1's aren't stiffly sprung, same springs as other 93s. They do have stiff shocks but lots of people put even stiffer shocks and springs on them...

 

Whatever the case, 5000.00 for a FD with a blown engine is a good price. I was looking awhile back and the cheapest I could find was around 8 grand (plus the cost of shipping)

I say pick the car up and rebuild her back to her former glory.