This is my first rotary car (fc). And i was wondering if getting up to 7k rpm is as rough and scary it is for me as it is for you. It almost feels like the car is going to blow.(Shaking a good bit) But idk if that's just how a rotary is.

Also i get alot of heat from the gear box. im sure thats not normal.

Im a noob so dont laugh to much at me

 

It's perfectly fine to get up to 7k rpm and redline, just don't stay there for a long duration.

Car shakes cause of the engine, tranny, and differential mounts, as well as the bushings.

Heat from gear box is from the exhaust, and also with the fast rotation there will be heat coming from the tranny as well.

And you should redline the engine once every so often, to clean out the carbon deposits in the engine. That'll keep your rotary happy.

 

As hioctane just said, it may be worn out bushings in any of those areas. The bushings could be old and hard or even broken. It could also be driveshaft balance, pinion angle, etc. Also depends on the speed you were going as you approached the 7k mark.

Regarding the heat from the gearbox, I have had that before. Cam right through the center console and the shifter. Typically that is a problem with the insulation. At least that was my problem. No matter what, there is some heat transferred into the passenger compartment. The insulation and carpet is not that thick.

I have had my '88 FC on the track many times and never felt as you might suggest. Then again, I pretty much knew everything about the state of the car and had/have always watched for any telltale signs of problems. If I drive it a lot, I can usually tell when something is "not quite right." The key is to try to address the issue when first noticed.

Last time I had her on the track, at Reno-Fernley in Nevada, she had over 200k miles and ran great! It's really been too long.


Hopefully any of your issues are minor right now. Just get them fixed and go have fun!

John

 

until your sure what is causing the shaking, drive the car carefully ie. don't 100% from every stop light. If you wanna race a 25 year old car around plan to have replacement parts and towing coverage on your insurance.
Like the above people have said, replace the mounts and bushings along the driveline. Unesessary vibration is going to lose power and eventually the parts will fail.

 

No, reving a rotary to 7k should not be rough or scary at all. It should be relatively uneventful, smoother and more eager to rev than other cars you have driven most likely.

 

I would start at the motor mounts. Got money on the fact that at least the passenger side mount has separated, and possibly the drivers side as well. Then move to the Trans mount, and then the rear end. Something needs attention. These cars are butter smooth, if they are not something is wrong.