Hey guys looking for opinions I bought a fd that looks like someone back in the 2000's put a lot of money into. Greddy single turbo kit apexi power commander, front mount inter cooler, good stuff like that.... But I bought it with a blown apex seal should I rebuild my motor so I know what was done to the motor (like if it was ported or etc) or buy a rebuilt with a street port?

 

welcome to the board.

my opinion? if the car is as well sorted as you said it is, and if you have the budget, then i would say start fresh and buy a built engine. your core can then either defray some of the cost or sit around and provide future parts if you need it.

 

if you buy an engine just be sure to do your research, there are still plenty of places who will sell you what you don't need, or junk, or even junk for a lot of money.

 

There is a group of us in colorado springs who can rebuild engines. I can get you in contact with someone who might be willing to rebuild it for you if you are interested. I can help you with tuning the car with a powerfc if you want the help.

 

Thanks! I was thinking if I get a rebuilt I would go with either Atkins or Rotary resurrection, Maybe Pettit racing kinda high on my price range though

 

I had pettit rebuild the motor in my fd and I couldn't be any happier. Quick turn around time and great work. You pay for what you get. If you go with pettit you will not be disappointed

 

Do they do any porting? I'm sure that's a dumb question Hahaha

 

they do, Call Cam at 561-844-2258 and he will tell you everything that is done to there motors.

 

I found a guy selling his fresh rebuilt with Atkins rebuild kit and street port with tranny for 1500 he can't get it key start but can get it push started.... I thought of getting that too might be a good steal or a damn huge headache

 

sounds like a gamble to me. You don't know the condition of the housings, rotors, bearings, etc. It could be a good deal and it could also be not a good deal. If a deal sounds to good to be true it usually is. I would definitely get compression test performed on that motor.

 

Oh yeah definitely will not buy without a video of compression test

 

Just wanted to see if I could upload a pic

 

The way I see it is that sooner or later, whether you buy a fresh motor or rebuild yours, you will still end up tearing your blown motor apart to see what the damage was. If it was me, I would tear your motor down first and assess the damage before buying a rebuilt one. But, I take pride on doing everything I possibly can with my own two hands, rather than throw money at someone else for a build or repair.


Like some of the other guys here said, buying a "rebuilt" motor or "recently rebuilt" could be a gamble. Unless you saw it rebuilt, even seeing it run might not be a good indication that it is a solid motor. If you take your own motor apart, see the damage, then bring it to someone for a rebuild, you can safely know you are getting a fresh start.


Plus if you open your own motor up first and see that the blown seal wrecked the housing or face plate or a rotor, at least you gave it a chance to save yourself some money.


Basically, tearing it down will cost only your time and effort, and it could save you some money. Plus, who doesn't like taking things apart?

 

and i've seen plenty of people who thought they were saving money by building their own engines as well, who really only wound up pissing away a grand on a rebuild kit to destroy it by improperly building their engine.

you must have time and patience to do an engine the first time, you must also have common sense and a bit of luck as well.

not that it isn't possible, plenty of people do it but i disagree that everyone will get it right the first time without any issues.

 

Absolutely. I in no way have anything against doing a professional rebuild or having others perform work if it is above your own skill level. There is a LOT that can go wrong and a lot to **** up easily. A simple online DIY or even one of the nicer rebuild DVDs are not enough to be able to intelligently and properly diagnose and rebuild your motor alone.


However, the guy you might have rebuilding your engine had to start somewhere. Do your research and ask yourself if you can confidently take on the challenge of a rebuild with your skill and comfort level. If you are unsure of an answer, let the professionals do it. Bonus points if you can be there for even some of the rebuild to see your motor all opened up, see how it is done.


If it's your baby and you don't wanna screw around and take the risk of learning how to rebuild your own engines, have a pro do it.

 

Yeah kinda what I was thinking, I work at a body shop so I get a decent discount on parts if I need a housing or what not. Plus I know what's really in it and the quality of the internals. So I guess it changes to what kit should I get. I know it's a beaten to death question, goopy Atkins rotary avation or even pineapple (don't hear much about them but have been around for ages)

 

That much I don't know personally. I would see if you can find a member here who has rebuilt a few before. In the meantime, I will ask our tuner (SMG Racing) and see what brand he uses.

 

i doubt a body shop will be able to get you much of a discount. OE parts are a pretty penny for rebuild kits.

 

I work at a shop only meaning I get 30% off of list prices, I'm sure they are not cheap you put rx7 in anything and the price jumps 100% haha

 

i'm with RotaryEvolution on this. i doubt your shop discount will get you anything. if i'm wrong, it won't be the first or last time.

as for rebuild kits and such, OEM is probably your best move. it keeps everything even keel, meaning everything is designed to work together and wear together at a more predictable (for lack of a better word) rate. once you start throwing aftermarket stuff in the mix, then you start playing the game of give and take and sometimes it will work for you, but sometimes it won't.