Noob needs opinions
12-17-15, 12:11 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Noob needs opinions
I had a couple things I wanted to get opinions about. I am a noob to the rotary world and the rx7, except I dove into it back in feb 2015 with the FD and the FC (blown trans) in July. Compression on the FD had 90 on both rotors and it was practically stock for a good price so I picked it up. The rotors are now at 85 psi and it has developed 2+ oil leaks which aren’t getting any better. And white smoke on startup, I think it smells sweet, possibly blown water seal?. I also have a down pipe and poly engine mounts ready to go in, with a number of other planned parts to go in. Everything has 93K miles on it, including the engine, its all OG. Three things I have in mind:
• Rebuild what I got: I like to do everything right, so I would buy the entire master rebuild kit around $1500. This will cover all the oil leaks and cover my worry about the water seals. The problem with this is I have never rebuilt a rotary, nor a regular engine. I’m highly confident in my technical abilities, I’d be able to pull and strip all the exterior stuff on the engine, test all sensors exc.. properly, and put it back together, I’m just leery on bearing clearances and what not. Also, parts could be unusable which would give me more of a head ache (I only have the internet to know how to determine if these parts are bad) I do know I can use my FC housings if theyre good
• Rebuild another drivetrain (best option imo): A local shop sells full drivetrains for cheap. The have a 13b-rew with 90psi both rotors for $1650 including the manual trans, engine harness, all sensors, computer, all accessories ei. power steering and water pumps exc.. basically the full drivetrain. This would help me tremendously with extra parts in the event of anything going wrong with mine. This way I know I can get a properly working drivetrain in my FD. It would mean I would have parts for the future, and another possible engine to rebuild. Which raises the question of what is the best way to preserve a rotary for future rebuilds? This route will be double my expense as above as I would use the same rebuild kit, which would be a little painful to my wallet, but It doesn’t sound bad for what I would end up with.
• Put in a professionally rebuilt engine: Addicted performance here on the forum is selling rebuilt engines for 3k or 3.2k with porting. With this option I get an entire engine that I know will work (with warranty) I have the current engine for future rebuilds (which I have my heart set on building a rotary one day). Again, same expense as the last option but this time I have a lot less parts in exchange for an engine I can be sure of.
Now don’t get me wrong, I do feel very confident in rebuilding this myself, but there’s no way around the fact that I’m a noob. I plan on putting a number of modifications on it (stock turbos) which will all be easier with the engine out. I don’t want to put a lot of work onto this engine as is. A lot of things, engine and non engine, need to be fixed, and if im doin it all, the rebuild is goin with it.
Please let know off the top of anyone’s heads what I should be looking out for when pulling/rebuilding my engine. Any parts/sensors that would be just a good idea to go ahead and replace? Any adjustments I should do?, like the throttle..
As this car is approaching antique status (1 more year) it really makes me wonder how far I can go with this. How fast are these engines and all unique FD parts becoming more scarce? I do see 1st gens and what not with new motors and stuff, so im definitely not too worried. Is it enough to wanna have an extra engine sit around for another rebuild later down the line? Or should I but parts as I need? Like 5-10 years from now. Does anyone else think I'm overthinking this? cuz I do lol
My hope is for this car to one day see 3-d printed parts o_O lol. Anybody’s opinions would be greatly appreciated!
• Rebuild what I got: I like to do everything right, so I would buy the entire master rebuild kit around $1500. This will cover all the oil leaks and cover my worry about the water seals. The problem with this is I have never rebuilt a rotary, nor a regular engine. I’m highly confident in my technical abilities, I’d be able to pull and strip all the exterior stuff on the engine, test all sensors exc.. properly, and put it back together, I’m just leery on bearing clearances and what not. Also, parts could be unusable which would give me more of a head ache (I only have the internet to know how to determine if these parts are bad) I do know I can use my FC housings if theyre good
• Rebuild another drivetrain (best option imo): A local shop sells full drivetrains for cheap. The have a 13b-rew with 90psi both rotors for $1650 including the manual trans, engine harness, all sensors, computer, all accessories ei. power steering and water pumps exc.. basically the full drivetrain. This would help me tremendously with extra parts in the event of anything going wrong with mine. This way I know I can get a properly working drivetrain in my FD. It would mean I would have parts for the future, and another possible engine to rebuild. Which raises the question of what is the best way to preserve a rotary for future rebuilds? This route will be double my expense as above as I would use the same rebuild kit, which would be a little painful to my wallet, but It doesn’t sound bad for what I would end up with.
• Put in a professionally rebuilt engine: Addicted performance here on the forum is selling rebuilt engines for 3k or 3.2k with porting. With this option I get an entire engine that I know will work (with warranty) I have the current engine for future rebuilds (which I have my heart set on building a rotary one day). Again, same expense as the last option but this time I have a lot less parts in exchange for an engine I can be sure of.
Now don’t get me wrong, I do feel very confident in rebuilding this myself, but there’s no way around the fact that I’m a noob. I plan on putting a number of modifications on it (stock turbos) which will all be easier with the engine out. I don’t want to put a lot of work onto this engine as is. A lot of things, engine and non engine, need to be fixed, and if im doin it all, the rebuild is goin with it.
Please let know off the top of anyone’s heads what I should be looking out for when pulling/rebuilding my engine. Any parts/sensors that would be just a good idea to go ahead and replace? Any adjustments I should do?, like the throttle..
As this car is approaching antique status (1 more year) it really makes me wonder how far I can go with this. How fast are these engines and all unique FD parts becoming more scarce? I do see 1st gens and what not with new motors and stuff, so im definitely not too worried. Is it enough to wanna have an extra engine sit around for another rebuild later down the line? Or should I but parts as I need? Like 5-10 years from now. Does anyone else think I'm overthinking this? cuz I do lol
My hope is for this car to one day see 3-d printed parts o_O lol. Anybody’s opinions would be greatly appreciated!
12-17-15, 11:32 PM
#2
any engine rebuild cyl or rotary, you won't know what to do until the engine is taken apart. Parts need to be cleaned, inspected , and measured to know if they are reusable. Without measuring tools, I would def think about pulling the engine, and sending it to a reputable shop.
Rotary engines aren't the most reliable and long lasting , but I would also make sure the turbos are still ok. I've had problems with smoking turbos before. Luckily my engine runs off a map sensor and I was able to run my engine without the turbo connected. Your neighbors will hate you though
Rotary engines aren't the most reliable and long lasting , but I would also make sure the turbos are still ok. I've had problems with smoking turbos before. Luckily my engine runs off a map sensor and I was able to run my engine without the turbo connected. Your neighbors will hate you though
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post