Hello,

After reading the thread "What were you doing when your engine blew?"

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/what-were-you-doing-when-your-engine-blew-289285/

I starting thinking, my S4 has 200k original miles and hoping to get some wisdom from you guys in regards to....should I just take it in for a rebuild? I'm very new to rotaries (purchased the car 07/15) but I caught the bug running.

I haven't done a compression test (not sure if that would tell me take her in or not) but I have noticed that it is keeping a steady amount of coolant in the reservoir.

S4's in the shop right now for body and after paint I need to make decisions on engine, wheels, and interior. After paint I only have about 2 grand left to work with. Said the wifey. I'll just let her have her moment for now. hehe

Any ideas and help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

 

If it's down on power, burning oil or burning coolant, go for it. Depending on how well it was taken care of, you could have many more miles on the engine. A compression test will tell you how strong the engine is. FSM minimum spec is about 80 psi per chamber, but 100+ psi is ideal. Also, what's wrong with not losing coolant? That means it's not leaking or burning somewhere, which would be a good thing.

 

I should've said it was holding coolant as opposed to not loosing coolant..heheh

I really want to get on the throttle and launch at a green light but I'm really hesitant due to lack of knowledge on how the car was maintained by the previous owner. I do take corners with no hesitation tho...haha

Other than a compression test what other tests should I have done. I'm currently looking into a local mechanic specializing in rotaries so once my car is out of body and paint I will bring it down for him to check out.

Thanks for your reply.

 

With that many miles on the engine, you might want to consider picking up one with fewer miles on it, then having that rebuilt. There's a good chance that at least some of the parts on your current motor will not be useable for a rebuild.

Plus, this lets you keep driving what you've got while the new motor is being built.

But for now, I'd run a can of Seafoam through the gas tank and then enjoy the car...







.

 

if it's running normally I wouldnt rebuild it unless it was necessary ? just enjoy the car for now

 

Thanks for the Seafoam recommendation. I've been reading up on it and people seem to have good results with it. Its definitely on my to do list once I get my 7 back. That and replace plugs and possible getting FI cleaned? I'm not sure how to do this but I will of course research it.

I enjoy this car, even in my sleep! haha

 

Had my FD built wait and save

 

If your ready to drop money on rebuilding it you might as well just drop a TII engine in it. It is possible to keep that in the 2k range, and if not it won't be much more until it is running so I am sure your wife will be ok with it.

Like Kentetsu said trying to rebuild an engine with 200k will yield a lot of unusable parts and you'll end up practically building a "new" engine for like $3k+ that will only have ~145hp

 

just do it

 

rebuilding is pricey...just like funkjaw said, it would be more cost efficient to just get the TII swap

 

Do it now or do it later, being a rotary owner means your going to have to rebuild or replace your motor sooner or later anyways

 

^ so true.

Fortunately for me, I have owned 6 FCs and every single one of them hasn't blown yet and is still being driven by their respective owners.

 

I'm making a engine wish list now. I've been looking at the many JDM websites that ship out of Canada and they have good prices but....never know what your gonna actually get. Looked into Japan2LA (which came highly recommended) but i'll probably wait a bit due to his recent "issue" to die down.

There's a place that's advertising on CL:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/1876544735.html

who give 1 year warranties on all installed engines? I called to get a quote but never got a call back. Probably gonna leave that place alone and go with fellow member recommendations like Rotosport in Santa Clara by Mike.

Would a turbo engine from a S4 be less future headache than a S5 TII? From my research I gather, upgrading the fuel system would be a must and the first thing to do?

Thanks again guys.

 

you done a tune up yet? that makes a big difference