Hi, I was considering buying a 1995 RX7 and was wondering about a few things. Ive done a good amount of research about how the engine works and all that, but haven't found a lot of informative customer reviews.

1. How long, on average, does a well maintained 13B rotary engine last?

2. Would it be possible to do a engine rebuild with just garage tools? or is it necessary to have specialized machinery in order to get all the seals right?

3. What upgrades would you recommend to increase the performance and reliability of the engine?

Thanks guys, Bob

 

https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-rx-7-technical-256/frequently-asked-questions-3rd-generation-rx-7-1992-2002-faq-fd-782404/

I'm also just started here...not have FD yet. But this thread is great to read for newbie like me.

 

Hi Bob

If you take the time to go through the FAQ here and read all the basic postings many of your questions will be answered.

"how reliable is the rx7" is sort of a joke question around here, since it gets asked so much.

To try and give you an idea though I'll touch on a few things for you.

1) There are many instances of stock engines lasting 100k+ miles. Properly maintained of course. The rotary develped it's "unreliable" myth because people don't take the time to learn the engine and try to get more power out of it by throwing lots of cheap mods at it. The rotary engine is not very forgiving when it comes to detonation, so it often lets go when these kinds of things are done. You cannot overheat a rotary, this will also kill it. Most of your success or failure with this car depends on the previous owner and how it was maintained. It's also turbocharged. Any turbo engines life is going to be reduced by the amount of power you want and how many shortcuts you take.

The car is much more complicated than most cars with regards to its twin turbo setup, and takes some time to learn. The first time I opened my hood I know I had the "wtf" expression on my face.

2) Yes you can rebuild your engine yourself, without much in the way of special tools. A 54mm socket, magnetic dial base, calipers, torque wrench is about as exotic as it gets.

3) there is an FAQ dealing with that direct question, but mostly it revolves around the keeping the engine cooler. Precat elimination, stock plastic parts replacement, boost gauge, etc.

If you have another car, enjoy working on your car, like to learn new things, its a great car to have. I've never drove anything that puts a smile on my face like the rx7, and that's a pretty common theme around here too.

 

By choosing a 93-95 RX-7 you will be choosing the least reliable and most expensive of all the modern rotary cars out there. 1st gen, 2nd gen, RX-8s, are all naturally aspirated (or at least running less boost) and therefore much easier on engine life.

Engines typically last 60k between rebuilds unless you've got things loaded out with reliability mods, water injection, etc. Then it's maybe 100k. Engine rebuilds can be DIY but the issue is not the tools. The issue is more whether you want to risk not getting one of the little seals just right and then needing to do the job again. Many good mechanics will pull the engine, strip it down, and pay a rotary shop $1500-2500 to rebuild the short block.

There is much more information loaded in that link including reviews. I recommend you read deeply through that page.

Dave

 

+2 check the FAQ. Lots of good info in there.

 

depends how you drive and if you take care of your engine but should last about 50-60k, the mods i would put on would be some bolt ons,full exhaust with down pipe,after market intakes and intercooler with piping,short shifter,bov

 

I don't know as much about the 13b as the 12a, but there are many people in the first gen section with 100k+ on their first engine. There are a few with 200k. I believe with a responsible owner, good maintenance, mechanical knowledge a 12a can easily get 100k. Like I said a 13b turbo may be a whole different ballgame.

 

just be preapared to spend alot of money on the car and gas. dont listen to people when they say of its flawed or its unreliable. just make sure if you build a motor that its built right or know that the person that built the engine is good. and making sure that you change the oil and plugs every 5000 kilometers.

 

Cheaper to make east hp on a budget.

 

i think thats the best decision you could make .... a fd rx-7 its the best one with the best look and i think that its pretty fast too....

 

but requires more maintenance. most original engines last about 125k before they run into issues but age is now becoming a consideration as well where the rubber seals are getting brittle and hardened and cannot do their job properly anymore regardless of mileage.

so if it's on the original engine it's probably going to need a full overhaul in the near future.

with that comes the rest of the maintenance items like servicing the injectors, replacing the fuel filter, vacuum lines, fuel lines, coolant hoses, checking solenoid operations, repairing the brittle wiring harness, checking voltage to the fuel pump, flushing the radiator, etc, etc, etc.

 

thanks for the info guys.