dirtyred2009

Hello

I am not going to ask specifics.....or any real advice.

Bottom line.....my engine (2000 FD3S), front rotor failed compression.

I am considering attempting a rebuild on my own, using a rebuild kit and video.

I am not a mechanic.....but I am mechanically inclined.

I have access to all the tools and a rental garage for working.

Bottom line:

Being a novice at this sort of thing, do you think I can do it? Or am I wasting my time to even try?

Thats all I wanna know.

I have read many articles and blogs about beginners doing this succesfully on their own. I wanna know how realistic that is.

*RX007*

iTrader: (4)

I'm doing this my self, I also am not a mechanic professorially, I wanted to take on the project so I could get an intimate knowledge of these cars. So far its nothing extremely difficult, you just need the proper tools, an instructional video, the forum, and patience. Check out my thread, may be of some use to you, Good luck!

Amberbeer

Don't do it unless you have lots of cash or can get an experienced rotary specialist assist.

You could do it for sure and it may come out perfectly. Is it worth taking the chance it wont? You will learn more working with someone with knowledge on the subject and may avoid a lot headaches down the road.

K-Tune

iTrader: (26)

I recommend having a rotary professional on hand to look over your shoulder during the engine assembly process.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

Read through Mahjik's experience as you contemplate
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/when-engines-break-pics-411874/

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

"Do you think I can do it?" is a very difficult question to answer not knowing just how mechanically inclined you are.

Like others have mentioned, it is always best to have a rotary mechanic available for questions should you run into any issues. But the videos available are pretty good (I used one) and make sure you have the FSM on hand to reference as well. Between those, you at least have 99% of the information you need.

Do LOTS of research before you purchase a rebuild kit (really i'll help you, BUY OEM MAZDA except for the water seals and get those from Pineapple Racing). If you think spending a few hundred dollars less on a rebuild kit is worth it, you do not have the commitment and attention to detail required to build your motor.

I just did my first rebuild having never done one either. The biggest two things I learned while reviewing the rebuild process was 1) Take your time and 2) Attention to detail. Do NOT take any shortcuts and measure everything more than once. It really is not that difficult of a build, but compromises (even by 0.001") will result in issues later. Build it once, and build it right. If you mess something up (even just barely) throw it away and order a new one. Example, I tossed 3 side seals that were 0.001" farther than I wanted but still technically in spec according to the FSM. BUT I read on here what quality builders like those clearances to be and stuck to those. My engine turned out well, has great compression and has not had one issue since installation.

If this is a car you depend on for transportation, then just have a well-known engine builder put the motor together for you. If not, you will be too tempted to get in a hurry and make compromises.

Also, if you do not have all the tools required to do this, then just pay someone b/c the tools will put you into the same cost as paying a builder.

The rotary engine gets the bad reputation it has from poor builds, poor tuning, and improper care. Don't let yourself become part of the stereotype of unreliability.

*RX007*

iTrader: (4)

Great Post^ are the pineapple water seals really good? haven't found too much information on them...

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

Most reputable builders on here utilize them. The OEM coolant seals are terrible, but the upside is all the other OEM parts for a build are great. There should be a lot of feedback on here about the pineapple seals, or you could always pm some of the veterans and builders on here.

*RX007*

iTrader: (4)

We are talking about the HD water seals correct?

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Compared to a high performance piston engine build, there are basically no expensive specialty tools needed to rebuild a rotary engine unless you are pressing bearings in. You might use a dial indicator + magnetic base, a cheap micrometer set, and some feeler gauges. You could definitely do a build with just feeler guages to measure clearances and endplay on the eshaft. Often a visual inspection will be enough to tell you whether your housings and irons are good or not. If they're bad, often you'll be able to see it without measuring anything. Then you have some assembly lubricants and basic cleaning tools and solvents.

Usually on a high performance piston engine build you have to get the cylinder walls honed, then you need expensive micrometers to measure piston-to-wall clearances and bearing clearances. Then you might have to order oversize pistons and bearings to get everything in spec. There are also valve jobs and possibly degreeing cam(s) depending on the build. You don't have to directly deal with that stuff on a rotary.

dirtyred2009

Lots of good information. Slowly my confidence is building.

I am located in Tokyo, and only have 3 months left here (unfortunately) so the timing of this sucks. It almost guarantees that I cannot sell it.

Most Americans OVER HERE will not touch it. And its hard to transfer my car over from me to a Japanese citizen.

I am in a pickle.

Some people told me to jus junk it. I have a problem with that! But since I cannot import back to the states.....looking kind of dark right now.....and limited my options.

So......I am strongly considering a rebuild. STRONGLY.

GodSquadMandrake

Dirtyred2009 maybe we can help eachother out. I'm in Tokyo too. I'll send you a PM.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

If you are leaving in three months what's the point? You might not even have it running in 3 months

dirtyred2009

I found some people on yahoo auctions.........doing over hauls 150,000 yen. 100,000 parts....all brand new.

http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d110109960

The point is......to recoup some of the money I spent on the vehicle that I spent. Hard to do that with a non-working engine. And avoid junking it. This car was running so damn good..........for a while.

Right?

We already talked to them....sounds good....actually.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Well how much is a roller in this condition worth in Japan? You are not going to rebuild the engine yourself, get the car running, and sell it for a decent amount of money in three months.

dirtyred2009

For a year 2000 in this condition anywhere from 15K to 25K...rolling.

And...by the way.....when I set my mind to something.......determination will help me accomplish all.

Trust me....once I commit.......it all or nothing.

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

I agree but if the OP does not have an engine hoist, engine stand, micrometers, dial indicator, feeler gauges, dead blow hammer, torque wrenches, odd sized sockets (flywheel comes to mind), assembly lubes, oil cans, solvents, sealants, etc. That all adds up pretty quickly. Thus quickly trimming the amount of money between paying a professional and DIY. I don't know the prices of those tools in Japan but even here in the states picking up most of that stuff at Harbor freight would be several hundred dollars. That is all I was saying. And since he lives on base, I did not think he would have much place to store all that. Then again, now that I think about it, the garage on most AF bases is pretty well equipped and he may not have to buy anything at all...



Yup

twinsinside

iTrader: (34)

As long as you don't plan on any other mods just have a shop in japan do the rebuild, if the prices you quoted above are accurate. That price probably assumes you can re-use your irons, eshaft, rotors and housings though. How much mileage was on the engine?

I mean if you can spend $2-$3k and sell it for $15k it's worthwhile to do.

Since you're on a military base you probably have access to an auto hobby shop of some sort. Take the car in, pull the engine and break it down to inspect the damage. If everythings ok have a shop rebuild the shortblock in a week or two, reassemble the longblock and stick the sucker back in.

As long as you're not making any mods you shouldn't need much tuning, assuming your old tune was good.

GodSquadMandrake

I am almost positive he means 150,000 yen to 250,000 yen. The only RX7's I have seen close to $15-25,000 were at a dealership called GTNet. They have one small location that is packed with these kinds of rare cars. Spirit R, Bathurst R, some with as little as 8,000 kilometers and they are all cleaner and in better condition than they came off the production line. These cars were around 2,000,000 yen on the high end which is about $24,000 at today's exchange rate of 84.18. Around 2009 the exchange rate was 121 so that means that if you are spending USD here, everything is 40% more expensive. The up side to that for dirtyred is, even if he sells the car for 40% less than what he spent on it, he's breaking after he sends that JPY back to his American bank account.

So yeah if dirtyred wants to do the rebuild the Yakota auto hobby center has all the tools, I can lend a hand, the trick would just be selling it once it's done.

dirtyred2009

Go to this website, and check the prices.

http://exchange.goo-net.com/

Search a 2000 Maxda RX7

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Um that's cool and all but when you build an engine there are many things outside of your control such as waiting for parts and tools. Determination has little to do with it because determination doesn't put additional days on the calendar. With such a limited time frame you are setting yourself up for a rushed (by first-time DIY standards) build with a potential for a lot of problems. You still have to sell the car after you get it running.

If you run out of time you are going to have the worst of both worlds... a pile of parts and a full car to sell, or a car that is put together but is still a basketcase and not worth the extra money you put in to rebuild it.

dirtyred2009

Yeah.......many things to consider.......

I know.......

I will keep you all posted.

Worse case.........I will be taking a lot of 99spec parts with me to the states.

GodSquadMandrake

Goo Exchange is for exporting only. These are only cars that dealerships are willing to export and the prices are set as such. This does not reflect real market value.

I have access to the all Japan auto auction system and I can see every car auctioned in Japan. Just today there were 64 FD3S RX7's auctioned, and 26 were 2000-2002 MY's. Here are the results:

GodSquadMandrake

The price in blue was the starting price, the price in grey is what it actually sold for. It's a little complicated, but this should give you an idea for the prices.

dirtyred2009

OK........are you authorized to buy also?

Any engines being sold there?

Mayb I should buy a engine from there or a whole car??