Long story short, I have an 89' TII that needs a new engine. The one that came with it is more or less scrap. There are a few places around me that have some 13BT's, 13B-RE's, and even a few Renesis motors. My end goal is a stripped weekend car running at least 250whp with, perhaps, more in the future. I'll be taking it to auto-x's and starting into some track days. Assuming they have any in stock that have good compression, which is likely to be the most reliable? Is the Renesis even a choice, I recall something about the TCS system being a PITA? A 90PSI pulse is the minimum I want on a rotor face with 110 or 120 being ideal? Anything in particular to consider with putting an RE or Renesis into an FC? Thanks

 

Your easiest swap will simply be another S5 13BT, which can easily make 250HP with a few simple upgrades (fuel pump, secondary injectors, RTek ECU, exhaust).

Any other engine will require fabrication to install. The Renesis in particular (since you mentioned it) would require a complete standalone EMS, and since the Renesis mounts very low (note the passenger side engine mounts goes around the exhaust manifold) there are a few more challenges associated with installing it.

 

Thanks for the reply Aaron, your Cosmo videos are fun to watch, informative, and were invaluable during the tear down process.

I have a TIG, plasma cutter, steel, and some small amount of experience. I guess my main question revolves around internal engine condition. Can I expect a 13BT to have good and reasonably rebuildable internals if it has good compression? Or for my desired power level would a 13B-RE have a better chance at having good internals and reliability (assuming good compression of course)? Or is it just a crap shoot and one gets lucky?

 

250RWHP really isn't breaking a sweat for any turbo 12A, S4/S5 13BT. RE or REW. Good rebuildable 2nd gen cores are still very easy to find if you go through a reputable j-spec vendor (like Japan2LA). So there really isn't a huge incentive to go to a different engine unless you just want to.

Generally, good compression indicates an engine is likely to be good internally. However that still could mean worn out rotors, scored up housings and worn side plates. You can inspect the general condition of the rotors and much of the housing through the exhaust port.

With your tools and experience it looks like you could mount an RE or REW no problem. Just doesn't seem like it's worth the trouble at that power level and with an abundant source of engines that bolt in.

 

Aaron, do these compression numbers sound good? My jdm tII has 75 and 85psi on both trailing chambers (according to the importer) but the motor has been sitting a while. Should I look for a new motor?