Thoughts on 'eBay' complete engines?
 

Hi guys, I'm in the market for an FD. I don't have a huge budget to work with, so pretty much every one I've found has required some form serious engine work. Whether the has a bad coolant seal, or bad compression, every engine needs to be opened up for one reason or another.

Anyways, now to my question, what do you guys think of the JDM 13B-REW's for sale on eBay? They all have 'low mileage' and some even come with compression tests. The best part is they are reasonably priced.. between $1.5-$2k.

Has anyone gone this route after their stock engine failed? This seems a lot easier and more economical that having your failed engine rebuilt. It's also super easy for me since one of the major importers of these engines is in New Jersey, which means I'd be able to pick up the engine myself, rather than worrying about shipping.

Thanks

it's a total gamble..you get what you get for what you shell out.In parts.
..and if they say Warranty..hahahahahahahahhaha..there IS none..
You would be better off to rebuild what you have either by yourself or have a rebuilder do it for you.
The engines that they claim are low km's are pulled,watersprayed,sit in cruddy shipping containers for God knows how long ..UNTIL some guy on Ebay buys one..
If you think they have a guy saying: "Yep that's another good engine,we'll take that one" on the other side of the world..then sorry..he left..and got replaced by a six year old with a socket set.

There are a few reputable and seasoned professional rebuilders on here and I've seen them chime in on similar threads with this answer; it is not worth even considering. Engines that promise to be tested, guaranteed, etc. more often than not end up having major internal problems which require full rebuilds. The people selling these motors half the time don't know the first thing about a rotary, much less how to test them. So save yourself the trouble of buying a scrap/parts motor and just end up rebuilding what you already have. Especially if you think $1.5-2k is reasonable, spend that money on a rebuild instead of $1.5-2k on a junk motor and then another $1.5-2k rebuilding it.

Thanks for the replies.

I realize that the majority of the motors are crap. Just carefully reading the description will tell you that. Some even say in the fine print they have a bad water seal or bad compression on a particular rotor. I'd also ignore any ad that doesn't at least take the time to include pictures of the actual item being sold.

But some of them seem at least promising, like this one: http://tinyurl.com/kn2oa63 . Everything all sealed up, compression videos.

Has no one had a good experience with these motors?

Ok, another question. What are the other options for getting a complete engine? (If I were to buy a roller with no motor at all, for instance, what would the best course of action for getting a replacement engine?)

Also, Daniel, when you say $2k for a rebuild, are you talking about one done by a professional, or one done by me? While I have confidence I'd be able to complete I rebuild, I really don't have the time or space to do so right now, which is why I'm looking into these complete engines.

There are rebuilders on Forum here and ONE may chime in and speak his opinion..(ahem)..
That's a cute video..they quashed the dancing bears and went straight to the KILL shot..

My question is: How The FARK would you know that is the engine you are getting...you Don't.

A 'few' have has some success with a JDM engine,but Really,when you spend that much money on an unknown,sight unseen engine you are literally tossing money into the wind..do you want to do that?..do you feel Lucky?..
The cost of a rebuild will vary..depending on what you want inside(seals),what parts are salvageable on the old engine and if new parts are needed to fully rebuild.
The rule of thumb is "break it down,then order parts".

So you're saying I'd be better of buying an engine I know has some problems with the intention of rebuilding it, rather than spending more on an engine that might work but probably won't?

im not going to try and convince someone otherwise who seems to be trying to talk themself into a boat anchor. there's already plenty of threads on this very subject, i've dealt with both good and the most horrible Jspecs you could imagine. trip over a dollar to pick up the dime, you can roll the dice and you may get lucky(more like flip a coin, it seems to be about 50/50 with the engines that are left). compression videos also mean nothing when they pump half a gallon of fogging oil into the engine.. the only benefit you have going is you can inspect the engine yourself, but still no guarantee the coolant seals will even be good or last a few months.

I've also thought to go this path and buy an ebay motor for my FC. But just like everybody has said it's one hell of a gamble. Listen to them man dont do this to yourself! You'll be better off buying a reman with warranty. Any body have any experience with a reman gone bad and what was it like?

Warranty process?

I'm not trying to talk myself into anything, just trying to investigate every option. Who wouldn't want to take the cheaper route if it was viable? I see how you may have gotten the wrong meaning from my last post but really I was honestly just asking for clarification.

So what are my other options for starting with no engine at all and ending with a functioning one? (if I end up buying a roller). Is there anyone selling blown engines in need of rebuild at a low cost? What about already rebuilt engines?

Thanks for the help guys

best option is to buy a complete FD, not one missing an engine from a douche who began parting it out and wound up selling it as a rolling shell. if that is your only recourse then go check the Jspecs and pick one that passes a compression test and doesn't dump out a bucket of oil from the exhaust or plug holes while being cranked. you will still have to worry about the coolant seal age. most people who buy a jspec opt to have the engine refreshed before dropping it in, rather than do the job twice since it is a pain on the FD. why is that your best option? because if you plan on installing the engine, you should know how it comes apart first.

You can search the Used Parts section to get an idea of what you are going to pay for a decent engine or a "blown engine"..who knows,there are guys selling already rebuilt engines on the Forum,you just have to look..
RotaryEvolution ..well,he IS a rebuilder,so maybe you should chat with him.

I just don't want to see you funding a sketchy company that sells crap on Ebay and they,in turn, take your hard earned coin.It's bad enough these cars cost plenty to build up.There is no sense in paying out more than you have to.
"Cheap" is not a word associated with these cars,so try to steer clear of that verbage and you will be rockin' in no time.

i am biased, but for good reason. every car at my shop is getting or has gotten a new engine and not by my choice, the engines made the choice. if you want unbiased answers ask in the 3rd gen section which you should be able to post in now. i'm not trying to sound like a smartass either but if you want an FD you will simply have to pay more for what you want... to actually drive it. if you ask 10 people, the majority will say the same thing i have, "do it once, do it right".

Haha I'll do my best. Cheap has become a way of life several months while setting aside cash to buy one of these things. It's gonna be a big change once the cash starts flowing again.

Don't worry about it, I appreciate your opinion. I know buying an FD is not going to be a financially smart decision but honestly I won't have it any other way. It's been a dream of mine to own one as long as I can remember.

Thanks again for your help guys

Strickly from a selfish perspective....go ahead, buy a used imported engine. Helps keep the price of used parts down here in the States.

Speaking from my own experience. Buying any used engine jdm or usdm expect it to be blown. Even if its a full rebuild expect it to have some issues. I did buy my front clip off eBay though. A bunch if random stuff was broker when I first received it. Also the engine was completely shot. Low compression front and rear. They immediately sent me another complete engine. I like eBay better cause you have the chance to deal with a business and with Paypal. I bought my clip from Japanstar in Albany ny. I was very pleased and still have a great engine. Their customer support was the owners cell number. Not a gamble if you understand feedback, eBay and Paypal regulations and rules.

I'm 2 for 2 bad motors .. i'm gonna just out and say .. if I were you I'd stay FAR away from ebay motors , first motor wasnt even the right year it was a series 7 motor .

I'd buy a mazda reman from ray , Or build up your motor

if you lived at a coastal town where they import engines and you can go look inspect , Compression test it yourself .. I'd say do that . BUT from Ebay .. No . I would not .


you MAY find importer that you can inspect test yourself . But even then you wont know if the motor will last for more hten a year or 2 becauseo f a bad coolant seal , or bad oil pump all you will be able to check is COLD compression which when warm you can guarantee it will be lower .

IF you are looking for a long block , like stated above get a longblock with good compression , THEN REBUILD it , freshen up the seals . the apex seals

if you dont need to replace the internals Its actually NOT VERY EXPENSIVE .