mrgne

iTrader: (6)

I have a leak on my front rotors coolant seal and am looking at options for a rebuild. I can't do it myself as this happened at a bad time and I just can't make time for the whole rebuild myself so I am looking at some various options that don't include me tearing down the core. I would also like to minimize the down time and keep the costs around 6-7 thousand. Currently it is a stock 13B TT. I don't know the history on it but this engine was supposedly a reman from mazda and it has been to Rotary Performance but I don't know for what. (prolly the reman and an Al AST).

I live about 45 min from Mariah Motorsports so I checked with them and they can do the whole deal for right around 6500 that includes a new clutch and silicone vacuum lines. 6500 no sweat off my brow and have my baby back in 2-3 weeks very nice.

The other option I was looking at was getting an Off the Shelf core from Pettit Racing with one of their clutch kits Initial cost will be 6650 but with a core refund of 1000 brings the final cost around 5650 shipped. I do all the work and hopefully it won't take more than 2-3 weeks even with my schedule, but I get a virtually brand new engine (new rotors, housing and seals) from a place who has a very good reputation and I get to know the 13B that much better. (I don't know if this is a good thing)

The last option I was thinking of was getting an ebay engine and having that rebuilt or perhaps a reman from mazda and then throwing that in. These are the cheapest routes but I really don't like the idea of an unknown engine. I may just end up back here again all that much more quickly.

My personal preference is Pettit.

Any suggestions or input on a course of action would be good. anyone with experience with Mariah or Pettit rebuilds or suggestions about other places (I live in Cali just north of Santa Barbara) or options besides getting rid of the 13b or the FD. Please help otherwise I'm just gonna go for the Pettit and deal with the headaches.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

I like Pettit Racing. However, considering where you live, I can't see the point freighting the motor all the way to the other side of the country. There are many competent rotary engine builders right there in CA to make sending it to Pettit a less than attractive option.

If you are looking for the cheapest option, then do the R&R yourself. Pull the motor and break it down to just a core. Take that to a CA rotary builder and have it rebuilt. Then spend your money on new hoses (coolant, fuel & vacuum) and other items like fuel injector cleaning.

Speeder165

iTrader: (7)

I have a Pettit engine in one of my cars. 55K miles later, still going with a Cartech turbo kit & Haltech EFI. Got no complaints with the engine. Eaten many V8s with it.

purerx7

iTrader: (61)

I have had a street ported petit motor in my car for over two years now, no complaints other then he is very pricey. Actually, I don't know of anyone who charges more then he does, but he goes great work and I always bring my car to him if an issue arises.

FixableUnknown

iTrader: (8)

I went with one of the new engines Malloy is offering. It was around $4000 and I am very happy with it. I was amazed at how quiet the engine was at idle, compared to my old engine. I have about 6000 miles on this engine with a gt35r turbo with no problems.

widebodyseven

iTrader: (17)

Since your in SoCal check this thread out its a list of rotary shops.
The most expensive would be mazdatrix the least is lucky seven racing but they both do good work.
https://www.rx7club.com/west-rx-7-forum-193/official-southern-cal-rotary-shops-865889/

Also if you want to buy a pre-built block and do the install your self which i think is the cheapest way contact djseven he offers rebuilt blocks for a really good price.

mrgne

iTrader: (6)

Thanks everyone for you input

Banzai-Racing

iTrader: (11)

Unless you are familiar with the car and pretty mechanical, you should probably let a shop do the work. We have had many cars trailered to us after owners could not remember where all the parts were supposed to go.

If you feel that you are capable of removing the engine and installing it then you have lots of options.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Actually based on your post, I like the option with Mariah or any other local shop for a "turn-key" rebuild. Drop the car off, and pick it up when done.
Time is an issue, you want to minimize down-time and have no prior experience. You also have the money. I did my own, relying heavily on a friend who'd done several rebuilds. We also have long winters here in the midwest. So down-time wasn't an issue but money was.
Additionally, if you do your homework on shops, you'll have a warranty with someone local. You also won't have to worry about diagnosing boost issues, a poor idle, or any number of other things that typically come up. And finally (worst case) I've heard nothing but good about Pettit, but anything can happen...leaving you to do your own R & R, more freight shipping and more down-time to address.

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

Sgtblue's advice honestly sounds like the best option to me. Especially with the time factor. I would check out all the shops closest to you. Go for a visit, speak to the mechanics and pic the best one for you.