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Just picked up an 87 Turbo II this past weekend and looking forward to the journey. Any good local DMV shops in the area specializing in Rotaries? My engine has sat for 19 years, so it needs rebuilt.
Congratulations Zack. I would suggest if you have the space and the inclination that you might want to think about rebuilding it yourself. There's lots of resources on here and if you're looking for big power you likely going to go through multiple engines anyway. Alternatively, there are a couple of very reliable shops that you can send your whole motor to as well. If you don't think that you have interest in fully rebuilding one, this is still another option that can get you more involved with the car and save a little money.
If you are going to a shop to rebuild, (from experience) make sure you not only get a quote beforehand for the work, but fully understand how the costs can balloon as they need to replace more parts. A 'rebuild' may be quoted as ~$3k (or whatever the going rate is now), but if you need to replace the housings (~$1k ea) or other parts the end cost can quickly double or triple. Hopefully all the accessories were left on the car while it sat and it was in a conditioned space so there wasn't much chance for corrosion. Since the motor just sat for a while and didn't actually blow, there is a higher chance of you not needing internal parts more than new seals, but some of the accessories could need to be replaced. 19 years sitting is a long time after all.
Good luck with the car though, it looks like you got a real gem. I love they way these cars looks fully stock.
Check compression before assuming anything. If it seems halfway decent, put in some fresh gas and crank it over. If it starts, replace all your fluids and fuel filter and check all your hoses
Congratulations Zack. I would suggest if you have the space and the inclination that you might want to think about rebuilding it yourself. There's lots of resources on here and if you're looking for big power you likely going to go through multiple engines anyway. Alternatively, there are a couple of very reliable shops that you can send your whole motor to as well. If you don't think that you have interest in fully rebuilding one, this is still another option that can get you more involved with the car and save a little money.
If you are going to a shop to rebuild, (from experience) make sure you not only get a quote beforehand for the work, but fully understand how the costs can balloon as they need to replace more parts. A 'rebuild' may be quoted as ~$3k (or whatever the going rate is now), but if you need to replace the housings (~$1k ea) or other parts the end cost can quickly double or triple. Hopefully all the accessories were left on the car while it sat and it was in a conditioned space so there wasn't much chance for corrosion. Since the motor just sat for a while and didn't actually blow, there is a higher chance of you not needing internal parts more than new seals, but some of the accessories could need to be replaced. 19 years sitting is a long time after all.
Good luck with the car though, it looks like you got a real gem. I love they way these cars looks fully stock.
Ian, it says in the title that he's in Manassas.
Hey thanks, Yeah i think for sure ill be rebuilding myself. Ill just have to work through what/if i need to send out for resurfacing etc? Balancing? I really dont want to be paying for a shops time in assembly( realizing there is much to learn though). I would like to take my time in cleaning and finishing housings etc in paint/powdercoat etc.
The car was in a conditioned garage attached to a SFH, sheets over the paint, some accessories un bolted but "attached". Just looked like the PO had great intentions of doing a nice refresh of everything external then life got in the way.
I have a small list of accessories and items i know need replaced off the bat, i.e. some tension/pulley bearings etc.
The car still has the original owners temp registeration card, dealer documents etc with it, along with some local DC area rotary power newsletters. I am now the 3rd owner.
Originally Posted by TomU
Check compression before assuming anything. If it seems halfway decent, put in some fresh gas and crank it over. If it starts, replace all your fluids and fuel filter and check all your hoses
So much has been pulled already as the PO was going to redoing a bunch of seals at the same time. So the exhaust is fully off, all accessories etc.. At this point I am committed to a rebuild. There is less on then off.
Last edited by ztardivo; Apr 30, 2019 at 01:17 PM.
Reason: words
