I just got my FD, and Im counting on the motor being blown, so my noob question is, are low mileage JDM's worth the trouble considering rotaries don't have a reputation of lasting very long? Or is that a recipe for disaster and paying double since I will need a rebuild soon after?
Im not trying to be cheap, I just want to get the car running sooner than later, and maybe a year or 2 later I can afford a ported motor with all sorts of upgrades. Ive read a few threads and rebuilds seem to cost double that of what I paid for my supra motor for a full stock rebuild. Then again that was years ago, maybe things changed? I could save up, but I would rather drive it and pay say 1500 or less for a jdm engine if it'll last me at least a couple of years. Also, I figure all the extra sensors and various parts off the JDM motor would be nice for replacements. What do you guys/girls think?

 

JDM motors are a crap shoot. Banzai-Racing had a recent thread with their experiences:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/j-spec-intermediate-housing-failure-726181/
Others will have different experiences.

With regards to rebuilds, it depends on the state of the motor being rebuilt and how much of it is reusable. Prices will vary according to parts costs from $2k - $5k. Best thing you can do is find a good local shop that is will to work with your budget and goals. I read that Lucky 7 Racing in the LA area is a decent place to go for budget rebuilds. Check the WEST subforum and read the sticky with rotary shops to get their contact info.

 

Thanks for the quick response. HOLY crap those pics look terribad. Thanks for the link. Seems like a JDM "low mileage" isn't worth the risk after going through all the trouble of pulling out the motor.
lol I guess I'll be pulling out the motor for a rebuild, and going shopping for a good deal. Ill check out that subforum, thanks again for the good advice

 

I spoke with the previous owner, he says it was just an apex seal that went out, that the mechanic diagnosed it. If this is the case, is it possible for me to tear it apart and simply replace the apex seals? Or are the clearances too tight and I should take it to get rebuilt regardless? I have some 10 years of working at shops here and there, but never did any machining work, never got into assembling small parts like valves and such. If its simple maybe I get it ported while its taken apart.
Also, forgive me if I just dont know how to search correctly, but I cant find the thread for shops in so cal, only the nor cal ones.

 

A broken apex seal requires a complete engine rebuild. There is also a good chance you need a replacement rotor, housing and turbo as these parts all get damaged when an apex seal breaks. Here are pics of mildly damages components that still need to be replaced https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...2&postcount=17

 

I saw your website, and it seems like you guys do a great job, since I don't live very close, how would you guys handle the shipping of the motor to and back?

 

Just email sales@banzai-racing.com and Elaine can help you with shipping quotes and scheduling.