Literally every time I hear people talk online (or write articles) about rotary engine reliability for the RX7/8, the first thing they say is how unreliable it is because Apex seals fail.

Now, I understand why this happens on modded/boosted engines, but how prevalent is it really for a stock engine?

I rebuilt at 96K because of a coolant seal failure. Had some wear on the housings, but zero issues with Apex seals.

 

percentage-wise? i wouldn't be able to tell you.

generally speaking, your apexes are going to last unless you are truly misfortunate/unlucky or you're in the habit of (knowingly or not) playing with fire. they are not fond of extreme heat or shock-loads. period. my guess is if you had a way to suss through the research going into those articles, then you'd probably find the majority to be complaints from a lot of guys/gals who put too much air or boost through their engine without understanding how to do so correctly, then sharing their experience without objectivity.

stock engines will last just fine if they are maintained - and this includes making sure there is enough oil getting into the chambers (ie - fully functional MOP with or without premix).

 

Completely stock power levels, robust cooling system (basically stock and in good working order early model cooling and upgraded/not compromised FD) and good upkeep? I'm of the opinion that most people would see 150kish on average - potentially a little less on an FD with the brick of twin turbos under the hood.

 

+1 in a stock FD usually the coolant seals fail. second most popular way to kill it is if something traumatic happens, like if the metal thing falls off the battery box and jams the fan.

we used to call the mid pipe the apex seal removal tool

 

Ok, thx for the replies. Pretty much confirmed what I had thought.