3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Weighing engine rebuild options (buying pre-built)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-01-11, 05:07 PM
  #1  
Mission Impossible

Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
ALPSTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Istanbul / Sydney
Posts: 1,353
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
Weighing engine rebuild options (buying pre-built)

Since my engine died recently, I've been trying to figure out the best way to rebuild it to handle my single turbo.

I have two engines; the one in my car (coolant seal damage) and an unknown one that I bought of a friend. The problem is there are no rotary specialists in the country and I don't have time to learn and do it myself.

I was planning to buy the necessary parts and get a reputable shop here to rebuild the engine using the two engines that I have but now I am wondering if it will be better just to buy one from US instead. Only problems would be the shipping cost and import difficulty/customs.

I know a reman is around $2000 and a brand new engine from Mazda is $4500 but not sure how much it would cost for a nicely rebuild street-ported engine from a reputable shop (obviously there'd be no core exchange).

Who would you recommend and how much should I expect to pay? Who keeps their warranty promise? Please share your experiences.

p.s. if you don't want to share your bad experiences in public to avoid arguments please send me a pm so I don't get burnt.
Old 10-01-11, 05:20 PM
  #2  
1.5 Goodfella's Tall

iTrader: (97)
 
Gringo Grande's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Check with DJSeven on the forums. Last I checked he was the least expensive (or close to it) but highest quality seller of pre-built engines. I had a great experience him. There are certainly some other good options to check with based on budget including IRP, Coleman Precision Rotaries and Karack.

I'd suggestion seeing what others say and then interview a few of the most popular.
Old 10-01-11, 05:56 PM
  #3  
Senior Member

 
got_hp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've heard good things about Rotary Rebuild store... They are one of the options I'm considering when I need my first rebuild.

http://www.rotaryrebuildstore.com/pricing.php

Full rebuild w/ street port and NO core charge is $2850 shipped in the US, so you'd just have to find out how much more for shipping to your country. I think that is a very fair price.
Old 10-01-11, 06:28 PM
  #4  
1.5 Goodfella's Tall

iTrader: (97)
 
Gringo Grande's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I may be incorrect but I believe Rotary Rebuild Store is DJ Seven. =)
Old 10-01-11, 06:44 PM
  #5  
Polishing Fiend

iTrader: (139)
 
CrispyRX7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MD
Posts: 3,393
Received 42 Likes on 22 Posts
I just shipped a shortblock to Greece. My location (east coast US) to the airport in Athens - $765.00.
FWIW,
crispy
Old 10-01-11, 10:07 PM
  #6  
Rotary Enthusiast

iTrader: (3)
 
to_slow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: michigan
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Try Chips Motorsports out.. They do some nice rebuilds. Here is a link to a customers rebuild that he did recently https://picasaweb.google.com/1133261...Put5YD8k5qdQA#

There are some people here on the forum that had there engines done buy them, i'm sure some of them might chime in regarding there experiences with them and the quality of there work.

But a the same time there are plenty of re-builders here on the forum that can help you out also .
Old 10-02-11, 07:43 AM
  #7  
Lives on the Forum

iTrader: (126)
 
allrotor93's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 6,703
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by to_slow
Try Chips Motorsports out.. They do some nice rebuilds. Here is a link to a customers rebuild that he did recently https://picasaweb.google.com/1133261...Put5YD8k5qdQA#

There are some people here on the forum that had there engines done buy them, i'm sure some of them might chime in regarding there experiences with them and the quality of there work.

But a the same time there are plenty of re-builders here on the forum that can help you out also .
Are you talking in 3rd person ? Lol
Old 10-02-11, 05:32 PM
  #8  
Sharp Claws

iTrader: (30)
 
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 0
Received 41 Likes on 40 Posts
if the car is in Sydney i'd have to assume you have some local options, saving a chunk of money on shipping.

one of these days i'm going to change my forum name so people know the shop name.

Last edited by RotaryEvolution; 10-02-11 at 05:34 PM.
Old 10-02-11, 07:29 PM
  #9  
Wastegate John

iTrader: (13)
 
RENESISFD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Long Island NY 11746
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Originally Posted by allrotor93
Are you talking in 3rd person ? Lol
I think so. Haha.


John
Old 10-02-11, 08:16 PM
  #10  
Eh

iTrader: (56)
 
djseven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 6,544
Received 333 Likes on 189 Posts
I haven't been doing rebuilds for quite a while for customers due to my son being born and the amount of travel I do for my "real" job. Having said that I will be posting a rebuilt engine for sale on the forum in about a month. It is likely the last one I will build for around a year or so that I Plan to sell. It will have every internal seal, spring, and bearing replaced along with reconditioned rotor housings. Ofcourse, ALS seals as well. Price will be $3500.00 shipped in the 48 states.
It will come with a one year warranty.

With you being out of the country I would recommend you buy from someone in your country. If there was a warranty claim with some here in the US you would have $1500.00 in shipping the engine back and forth at your expense. Just doesn't make sense. I have sold a good deal of engines to Europe and other places but always explain the shipping issue if there was a warranty issue.

Do what you will but buying from someone local is a good way to cover your own *** if something is to happen.
Old 10-03-11, 06:55 AM
  #11  
Rotary Specialists
RX7Club Vendor
iTrader: (11)
 
Banzai-Racing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,825
Received 308 Likes on 180 Posts
We have built engines for people is Europe, Asia, South America, etc. for all of these customers we purchased either a Mazda reman or a JDM core, depending on the customer's budget, then rebuild it to their desired performace level. In either of these situations the price is 2-4 times as much as having it built locally, if there is someone available to do it. However if there is not anyone, then buying a prebuilt engine from the US is an option.
Old 10-03-11, 11:53 AM
  #12  
Sharp Claws

iTrader: (30)
 
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 0
Received 41 Likes on 40 Posts
Originally Posted by djseven
With you being out of the country I would recommend you buy from someone in your country. If there was a warranty claim with some here in the US you would have $1500.00 in shipping the engine back and forth at your expense. Just doesn't make sense. I have sold a good deal of engines to Europe and other places but always explain the shipping issue if there was a warranty issue.

Do what you will but buying from someone local is a good way to cover your own *** if something is to happen.
echo that, which is why i asked where his car is located. it just doesn't make sense to ship an engine half way around the world if you have some local options.
Old 10-03-11, 04:37 PM
  #13  
Mission Impossible

Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
ALPSTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Istanbul / Sydney
Posts: 1,353
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
I am located in Istanbul. If I was still living in Australia, I would already be driving my car instead of posting this; it's a rotary heaven

There are no rotary specialists to rebuild the engine. I can find a place to do it and supervise them or I can do it myself but I don't have the time. I work 6 days a week, I have kids, and I have other hobbies other than the RX7 so it's quite difficult to allocate time for everything let alone an engine rebuild.
Old 10-03-11, 04:56 PM
  #14  
Sharp Claws

iTrader: (30)
 
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 0
Received 41 Likes on 40 Posts
well then it's just a matter of getting a feel for what is going to get you what you are looking for at the best price with reputation to back it up.
Old 10-03-11, 07:05 PM
  #15  
Lives on the Forum

iTrader: (126)
 
allrotor93's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 6,703
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Just make sure you choose a builder that does have some type of warranty...it's pretty obvious what caused the failure if it does fail on you

I personally would snag the $3500 motor from DJ. He built that for his own personal car
Old 10-03-11, 07:31 PM
  #16  
1.5 Goodfella's Tall

iTrader: (97)
 
Gringo Grande's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
To the OP: There a few reputable builders in this thread posting and All Rotor is one of the best vendors on the forum. They are giving you great advice. I'd speak to each of them and a couple that haven't chimed in yet and pick a winner! Good luck!
Old 10-04-11, 03:02 AM
  #17  
Junior Member
 
Onisamu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Washington
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I have a similar issue living out here in Hawaii. I'm still in the U.S. but average cost to ship a jdm core here is 800$ my core is most likely not rebuildable and I can't afford a new engine atm. I need to fix my cooling system and replace my turbos at the same time. Sadly, I am not a millionaire lol. The local Mazda dealer quoted $20k to fix everything. O_o
Old 10-04-11, 10:19 AM
  #18  
Sharp Claws

iTrader: (30)
 
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 0
Received 41 Likes on 40 Posts
Originally Posted by Onisamu
I have a similar issue living out here in Hawaii. I'm still in the U.S. but average cost to ship a jdm core here is 800$ my core is most likely not rebuildable and I can't afford a new engine atm. I need to fix my cooling system and replace my turbos at the same time. Sadly, I am not a millionaire lol. The local Mazda dealer quoted $20k to fix everything. O_o
i'm not sure if Ted is still out that way but worth a shot in your case.

http://fc3spro.com/main.html

disregard the note about 2nd gens, the engines themselves are all similar to build.
Old 10-04-11, 02:51 PM
  #19  
Rotary Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)
 
potatochobit's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Dallas
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ugh- when I lived in hawaii it was cheaper to get things from asia than here in texas
maybe you need to look around and talk to some locals?
Im pretty sure there are companies importing honda salvage clips

FD is probably not a good car to drive to the beach, though
I also hope it doesnt flood where you live
Old 10-04-11, 03:00 PM
  #20  
Lives on the Forum

iTrader: (83)
 
Supernaut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
I'd consider IRP. I have yet to hear anything but praise about their motors. Amazing port work as well. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the choices already mentioned though.
Old 10-04-11, 04:25 PM
  #21  
Mission Impossible

Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
ALPSTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Istanbul / Sydney
Posts: 1,353
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
Like the title says I am weighing all options. Of course what's important at this stage is the price, the delivery time and which parts and brands are used to build the engine.

I don't post much about my car because it's not ready yet but when the time comes anyone I have dealt with will see it'll be a tastefully presented RX7 and a good display of their products. I have been very picky with parts and vendors so far and I'll continue to do so. I believe it'll all pay off in the end.
Old 10-04-11, 05:14 PM
  #22  
Mission Impossible

Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
ALPSTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Istanbul / Sydney
Posts: 1,353
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
Hmmm

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-rx-7-1993-2002-parts-99/13b-shortblock-ported-dowel-pined-0-miles-built-kilo-racing-964210/
Old 10-05-11, 08:03 AM
  #23  
Eh

iTrader: (56)
 
djseven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 6,544
Received 333 Likes on 189 Posts
He never posted pics. While it is great every seal and spring was replaced the largest determining factor in good compression is the quality of the rotor housings used in the build. Get him to send you some pics, other wise it is a great price for an engine built by a great shop.

Also if I remember correctly he had a issue with some parts he sold to another member here on the forum. Dont know the guy personally but do your research and make the decision yourself.

Heard nothing but good things about the shop that built it, but the seller has had some issues here.

Hopefully you got my pm, I just cant meet the time dead line and hate to make a promise I cant keep. Unless you can be patient I suggest you take up some of the other offers in this thread. All good realiable shops.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
07-01-23 04:40 PM
ChrisRX8PR
Single Turbo RX-7's
18
08-21-15 01:56 PM



Quick Reply: Weighing engine rebuild options (buying pre-built)



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:24 PM.