I've got a 1985 rex with a 12a in it. She runs but doesn't idle well. Runnin the stock holley, not many mods done to it if any (previous owner raced it, i plan to race it but it was leaking oil etc. so i've been cleaning it up).

I want to port it and get an upgraded carb for the port. First thing I need to do though I think is tear down the engine and look at the insides to see if anything is worn or if anything has been done to it. I've never broken down a rotary, what am I getting into, are there seals I will need to replace if I open it up (not like apex seals that could be worn but something like paper seals that will be destroyed when I take apart the irons)?

What kind of money am I lookin at spending to port and upgrade the carb?

It has a racingbeat exhaust (a very very very loud one, RB is cut into the header, can get pics if needed) so I think it's good to go. The fuel pump is upgraded, though I forget the brand, I will get under the car soon and check it out.

I have a Mikuni PH44 that I broke down and replaced broken seals on. It runs on the car but you have to feather the throttle sub 4k RPM or it bogs and dies.

Looking for suggestions and estimates on what they would cost from some people with more experience with rotaries than I. I am very good with my hands and I can CNC cut anything I need so long as its flat cut (plasma/waterjet).

 

1. stock carbie is a Nikki, not a Holley. get a copy FSM and start working on your idle.

2. do more research. it's not overly difficult to build/rebuild an engine, but you don't sound like you're quite there yet. disassembly is easy. cleaning and getting everything to spec is very time consuming. it can also be daunting. if you do adequate prep work, shortblock reassembly doesn't take long.

3. cost of porting will completely depend on who's doing the work. also, what kind of port are you considering? generally speaking you can figure between $300 and $500.

 

I was thinking about some type of aggressive street port. Bridge port doesn't seem like what I want. I would really like to do a p-port but the decreased life and difficulty of install makes me think starting with a street port would be the best option.

You are right, I didn't mean the Holley, I meant a Nikki. It's got a Racing Beat filter on it and I was lookin at the RB site with the holleys which made me think it was that.

I have the FSM, been workin on the idle since I got the car but it's cold natured as hell and doesn't like sub 1200rpm idle.

 

Have 85 gsl with Nikki has idle issues as well, planning on trying a rebuild. Or is changing carb a better path ?

 

you likely have some sort of vacuum leak somewhere. find it, then readjust the mixture as you may have now thrown it off with your previous attempts to fix it.

 

Appreciate the advice and will do. Enjoy this forum and all it offers

 

VID - YouTube

Link goes to a vid I took of the car running. Trying to figure out what this sound is after I shut the engine off. Anyone?