When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My late father owned a Gen 1, a rotary GLC, and a rotary Starlet. My brother owned a 2nd Gen, an RX-4, and a rotary Samurai. Due to the unknown mysteries of life, I have never owned a rotary, even though I have always found myself in awe and fascination with the overlap-ported sound.
Then, last June, my brother had showed up by my place on his new rotary acquisition; a 12A FB Miata! He insisted me to drive it. Aaaaand, that was the bug that stung me hard!
Late last month, my brother and I jumped in my small SUV and bought a 12A FB engine, and the seller threw in a second one for free… and 2 trannies, and again the seller threw in a third one for free. The free engine did not turned and, as expected, it was not in good shape at all when we opened it; chipped chrome on the housings, chipped irons, and pitted rotors due to massive corrosion… But, hey, it was free, so it didn’t hurt me that much. I opened the second engine today, and it looks in way better shape. So, let’s see how it really is after some cleaning.
I am planning on a “big” [to me] swap project, even though I have never done anything similar. I wont say yet in what car I am planning to put the 12A, until I get to the point of needing specific help that pushes me to reveal it. However, I’ll give you some hints to keep the intrigue in all time high! LOL It’s European (left hand drive), small, two-door, convertible and rear-engine.
Yup, rear engine, which is what makes it a “big” swap project to me. The rotary engine will be custom mounted in the front. There will be cutting, welding, mix and matching, and lots of swearing! I will be relying on shop manuals, forums, YouTube, my brother’s experience of owning a few rotary cars, and my mechanically oriented persistence.
Welcome to the forum!! Sounds like you got a really good deal on everything!! I'm interested to see what you're going to out the engine in and look forward to seeing pictures of your progress!!
