are 2nd gen engines good in terms of reliability?
i know 3rd gen engines can be as reliable if you look after them right way.
but since i have no rotary experience was just wondering cause lot of 2nd gen owners say they get 200k miles/Km without much engine problems as a 3rd gen engine does. im talking about NA engines.

what makes 2nd gen engine last longer then 3rd gen?

 

The 3rd gen engines are all twin turbo in stock form whereas the 13B found in the 2nd gens were offered in both NA and Turbo models.... the short lifespan you're thinking about is a direct result of using forced induction. In general, the NA engines will last longer than boosted ones.

 

generally speaking, turbocharged engines are going to have a shorter lifespan due to higher thermal loads and what that brings along with it. the FD had certain shortcomings that the T2 did not have, and likewise, the T2 had certain shortcomings that the N/A FCs did not. performance equals heat, and excess heat is hard on an engine. with that said, your engine's life is directly related to the way you treat it.

without going off on a long tirade, if you stick to basic common sense stuff, you should be able to enjoy many, many miles with a Gen II.

1. keep it as cool as you can,
2. make sure the apex seals are always lubricated,
3. when you make performance upgrades, think in terms of a system, not just a part, and
4. be diligent and regular about maintenance (fluid changes, tuneups, etc.).

 

so if i want pure reliability

buy a 3rd gen and bolt a 2nd gen engine into it?

i know bolting a 2nd gen engine will be hard labor but my dad's a mechanic and he worked with 2nd gen before so that wont be a lot of problem.
plus im not loooking for a turbo engine.

 

no!

if you want to get a Gen III, leave the REW in it. just upgrade your cooling system and do what i outlined, and you should be fine. if you get a Gen II, then do what i outlined and you should be fine. please, keep in mind that this doesn't account for how the previous owner has treated it.

 

okies, what if i remove the turbo from gen III?

 

Just swap an LSx motor into the 3rd gen.

(Since you are in Austrailia, I believe holden cars have LS motors in them)

 

nahh i want rotary.
but im not into horsepower

just want a cruiser