i need a new 13b for my 1986 rx-7. my friend has one in his car that still running, he wants me to buy that engine and put it in my car. i love my rx-7 and i want to keep for 5 or 10 more years, his engine already had 120K on it. i also want to get a rebuilt from mazda trix, but it cost a lot of money. he is selling the engine for $500 and he said, if he put it in my car, get it running, he will charge me $800. let me know what you think. i don't need my rx-7 right now, i can wait.

 

You'd probably want his engine's compression results before making a firmer decision.

It should work so long as it's the exact same engine and not one from the 88-92 years or from a GTU, GTUs, or sport.

You might want to post this in the 2nd gen section of this website as well where most of the tech gods hang out

 

Your friend wants to sell you a used 13b engine for $500, AND install it for you, for $300? I'd say no. Buy a rebuilt, its not THAT much more.

 

boss, i checked out mazdatrix's web site and they were selling a rebuilt engine from $1500 to $2500, shipping and installation are not included. i told this to my rx-7 expert friend and he said that his engine will last me another 5 to 10 years. i don't really want to give up my car, body and the inside still good, only the engine is messed up. i'm ex air force guy and right now i'm a full time student, don't really need my rx-7 because i have a maxima that i drive, but don't mind to drive my rx-7 to kick some civic or integra's butt. my budget for this might be around $500 to $1500, don't have time to do it myself, i can, but i need to do school work first. what should i do, go for a rebuilt one or a used engine from my friend, or junk my car and buy a running rx-7. i want to keep my rx-7 for a long time, engine and the body.

 

Since you can wait, I would, until I could get a fresh engine. A rotary engine with 120K is sure to have a lot of carbon in it. Who knows if ten minutes after you install it the engine carbon locks on you. Then you are stuck. How can anyone predict an engine will last another 5 or 10 years? If this guy can predict this, then take him to Vegas. That 500 dollar engine has to be a bit tired. Remember, the sweetness of the low price is long forgotten after the bitterness of the poor quality lingers on. Poor quality in this case equals age and mileage. Think about it, you go to buy a used car, does the mileage on the car affect your decision to buy it? It does mine.
If you really want to keep the car, do yourself a favor and get a reman motor of some sort. MANA or other rebuilders. Your up front costs will be higher but in the long run it will probably save you money. It's the safer bet.
I have a 90 vert with a MANA rebuild. So far after 1 year and 14k no problems. Good Luck.

 

Pare,
If you have a hundred bucks take your friend's car to the nearest MAZDA dealer and have it compression tested. That's the only way to tell if the motor is still in good working condition. I myself will go with a rebuild if you want to drive your car for a long time. By the way is your friend the 1st owner?..How did he drive the car??..was OIL CHANGE on time?...This are the things you want to find out before buying his motor. I sometimes dont trust FRIENDS
If you need more help dont hesitate to ask around. There are alot of good people in this forum to help you. You will also notice that there are some pinoys in this forum

 

Since you are at a university, does the university have an automotive tech program? I work at SIU and they have an automotive technology program. If a person is not in a hurry it is a good way to go. The labor is free and the parts are at wholesale.

 

Not Southern Illinois University!?

 

I have an 87 engine in my garage that needs a rebuild......I can rebuild it it for you and I live in Va. Beach....e-mail me.....csrncdt@home.com

 

I would consider the above message. Have him rebuild the motor for you. It might cost you a bit more than what your friend is asking for but atleast you know what has been replaced and what has not. Do you see what im saying???..If your friend doesnt mind installing the motor for your that would be cool
If you want a good motor i highly recommend replacing both rotor housings. Good luck and read the email that i just sent you..

 

Lost your e-mail somehow...Send me another, Thanks..Chris

 

Goto www.atkinsrotary.com, they're rebuild price is only like $1200...

Michael