SaveTheSa

Hey So i just bought a 1979 sa22 that has been sitting since a little before 2015. This is my first big project car and first rotary engine. My goal is to make it a semi reliable street car i can take to to the track and have fun with. The car is having compression issues only building about 30% but has fairly low miles(41k). Based off of the history of this exact engine and the current condition i am assuming that the springs in the seals have gone out. So I plan on taking the engine out and rebuilding it but had some questions. First off what will i need to take it out? Is there anything i should look out for or is it pretty basic? Second off at some point i plan on turboing and street porting it but there are so many options, i wanted to hear what all of your opinions on which ones are best, and the pros/cons. With this being the case what parts do i need to strengthen, do i need to do anything to the transmission, and where should i buy these parts? Would it be better to just buy a 13b and swap that in. Lastly when i take the engine out and rebuild it, should i keep it stock and just replace what needs to be replaced to get it running(possibly with stronger part to handle boost in the future) or would it be best to street port it then> These are the the big questions im having trouble finding answers too. Thank you!

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

first off, welcome aboard. would love to see pics when u can.

by this statement, i get the feeling u have never done mechanical work on a car before? basic set of screw drivers wrenches sockets, mostly metric should do, and some basic know how. then u'll need some way to lift it out like an engine hoist. jack and jack stands. a helping hand never hurts. parts r getting scarce and best to search for parts by part number if u can get it. some threads do have part numbers listed that members have posted. have u even tried to start it? the low compression could just be carbon buildup making a seal stick. put some MMO in it an rotate it around then let it sit for a day or so. if u do end up just pulling and rebuilding it, port it then. racingbeat and mazdatrix sell the rebuild kits. probably can still get them from mazda. the last(and only) engine i built i got seals thru a local racer. i'm willing to bet with the low miles, it can be gotten back up and running/driving. also we have build section if u care to share that process. we love seeing those. good luck man.

DR_Knight

iTrader: (23)

If you’re really wanting to go turbo, look into swapping a 13b turbo engine, t2 trans and custom driveshaft, hacking the trans tunnel to fit the shifter.

my buddy has a s5 t2 engine in a 82 fb and it’s pretty impressive. I’m not sure what rear end he has in his.

And/or look into doing some porting to change the engine powerband. Recommend getting a ride in other rotary car builds to understand the difference before choosing a path.

most of all, set a realistic budget and plan beforehand, potentially building a good foundation then can add exterior mods to enhance.

recommend trying the method mentioned above regarding MMO to loosen the seals. If it works, enjoy the car while planning a build on the side.


part suppliers: mazdatrix, Atkins, racing beat, pineapple racing, goopy, rotary aviation.

SaveTheSa

You would be right this is my first big project. Luckily before i ended up towing the car i made sure to get all the necessary tools and so far havent had any problems. Since receiving the car i completely stripped the interior and have been getting rid of any rust i find in the floor panels. I have tried to start it but no luck, before purchasing the car a mechanic looked at it and tested the compression with a reading of 30%. Stupidly i forgot to put the carb fliter and casing back on after looking at it, and some juniper fell in so i need to take that apart before i can try and start it again. You mentioned mazda trix who were the main brand i was planning on buying the street port template from, but wasnt aware they sold rebuild kits so that pretty cool. Thanks again for all your help

SaveTheSa

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mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

First, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new SA! I would love to see pictures of the car!!

What method were you using to determine compression? A proper compression test is performed with the engine at normal operating temperature and with a rotary compression tester. A piston compression tester may be used with the pressure valve removed but this requires you to watch the gauge spike as the engine makes compression on each rotor chamber.

You may be able to free the engine up with some MMO and it may run fine. If the seals are stuck, sometimes the apex and side seals are so stuck that even removal during a rebuild can be tricky and no amount of MMO or ATF can help. I think its worth a try though.

You will want to go through the fuel system. Remove the gas tank and clean it out and inspect for rust. Replace the fuel level sender if needed. There are good used ones out there but they will be tough to find. Rebuild the carburetor, replace the fuel filter and clean the lines. When these cars sit, they tend to have fuel delivery issues so be thorough.

DR_Knight

iTrader: (23)

I had an engine that sat for years and one rotor was exposed to the environment. The apex seals were stuck in the rotor.

I put MMO into the rotor housing and would hand turn the engine every day or so to soak each seal.

I went through the exhaust ports and tapped on each apex seal with a wooden dowel and that loosened them up.

stuck side and corner seals are another problem, so hopefully the MMO would be enough to loosen them up.

SaveTheSa

Just wondering before i purchase a street port template... Which brand has a good template for THE 12A??? Everywhere i look i can only find them for the 6 ports and 13bs. Is the layout similar enough to use a 13b template? If there is a god 12a template could you link it? Also should i full street port or only half streetport?

DR_Knight

iTrader: (23)

Pineapple racing has the template. Shows for both 12a and 13b first gen rx7’s.

7aull

iTrader: (2)

StS- let me add my welcome here too. Congrats on finding what is hopefully a solid (and not AZ-sun-baked!?) SA. Mileage is impressive and could bode well for the condition of the car, which, yeah - you really need to show us with some PICS!!!
Been in your shoes with one of 2 SAs I had. The 2nd had a damaged 12a (by me, long, dumb story) so I had a choice, fix or roll the car into a ditch somewhere. So basically: nothing to lose but try to do my own rebuild. Damned if it didn't work. And I can assure the audience here, I.Am.No.Mechanic.
So cut to the chase. I live in Sedona too. I have all/some/most of the tools you would need to at least get you well on your way to doing a Build.
I have (eg) the all-important rotary engine-stand adapter (I rented the Stand), etc. etc. - even The World's Best Collection™ of Build videos - all avai if you would like to borrow them.

Regardless - would be nice (??) not to be the Only Guy with an SA in N.AZ, amongst, as you know, a sea of boring Porsches around these parts.

Stu A
80GS
Sedona, AZ