Hello all!


I am about to be a proud new owner of an 82 rx7, and I'm happy to take on the new learning experience. It's in rough shape cosmetically... I definitely have my work cut out for me.


I'm here for so many reasons, but as the title states, I may be immediately offending you all. I've always wanted to do an engine swap; it really could have been any car I suppose, but I am in love with the look of this one. And for what it's worth, the 12a is beautiful, but I want to try to find a shred more reliability for my own sake (and yes, I know they can be reliable with the right knowledge, I just don't have it!!).


I know there are many threads on swap options... but few on non rotary ones, and I see that support for swap kits are getting scarce. I was really hoping for some light v6 options?? I'm also hoping someone may be able to give me some good base information on where to look, what to look for, and also any avenues there may be for selling the 12a currently in the car (which actually starts up and goes!) .


Thanks in advance, happy to be here!

 

Welcome to forum. Its a Rota leave it so

 

Ok that’s fair, I realize I’m probably entering a world of die hard rotary fans. So maybe I can become one too! I just want the reliability... are fuel injected 13b engines the way to go for that?

what are some good sources for those?

and again, is there any market for the 12a I have now?

 

Welcome to the forum! The 12A is an exceptionally reliable engine! Once you get it up to par, maintenance is simple and enjoyable and it will run and run well for a long time! Its a car you will be able to get it and drive and enjoy.

At the end of the day its your car and you do what you want. I also urge you to keep it a rotary. Not only because of the balance and the awesome factor of a rotary engine but because these cars are going up in value and if you ever do decide to part with it, you'll get more if it still has the original engine.

Any pictures of the car to share? Do you know any of the car's history?

 

I think you've convinced me for at least now!

I have always liked these engines but for some reason there's a big stigma around the rotary... I can't seem to find any fans in my circle of people.

I'm away from the car for now but I'll be sure to post some photos in the next thread I start (hoping to ask several questions about my cosmetic issues)

Thanks for your response!

 

Glad to hear that you're giving the engine a chance. The older engines seem to run forever if they're maintained properly. Of course there are exceptions where out of nowhere someone will lose an engine randomly regardless of how well they maintain it. Thats a few and far between thing though. Its never happened to me and I've owned nearly 50 RX-7's over the last 22 years.. the engine in my 1980 has over 120k miles and is original. Compression is over 100psi on all faces and the engine runs perfect. 41 year old 12A. Just an amazing engine!

The RX-8 engine is known to be more problematic and the lifespan is very short compared to the older engines. I love the cars and I'll deal with the short lifespan without much issue. I'm restoring another RX-8 for my collection currently.

Will definitely look forward to seeing pictures of the car! This is a great community and we will always be willing to chime in and lend a hand.

 

welcome to the forum. it's ok to post pix in this thread.

 

if you think an engine swapped V6 or V8 car will be more reliable than 12A, your are mistaken. good luck.......