I have a pristine '88 RX7 FC Convertible with 5-speed MT but the 2nd engine is now shot. Rather than having another expensive rebuild done, I'm going to replace it with an RX8 Renesis 6-port, as several experienced mechanics (including here) advised it's almost like a direct replacement and the most cost efficient option. Not to mention the power upgrade and parts availability problem with 2nd gen rotarys. Assuming I keep my 5-speed trans and not change to the 6-speed, what should be the reasonable approximate labor time / cost for this swap? (avg $130/hr)

 

That plan doesn’t make sense to me, just throwing out my 2 cents since you’re contemplating spending money, a lot of it.

Not sure why it would be cheaper to install a renesis engine. Mounts, ecu, labor, doesn’t add up cheaper than a rebuild to me. Power upgrade? Buy some carbide cutting bits and an intake and exhaust template from pineapple racing and I bet you’d be there in terms of power.

curious to hear others opinions. Good luck, would be cool though.

 

Sure I've seen one on YouTube about it, but not sure the cost and time it takes. I got a spare rx8 block I'd rebuild an throw in my 88 rx7 vert but no clue on how to do it all haha. Rotary make great mechanics haha at least for me 😅