Hello everyone,

After selling my FD a number of years ago (Completely Stock), its time for me to start shopping again and look. I have been talking to my friend Ihor (IR Performance) for tips and guidance but also wanted to see what others had to say on what to look for. Mainly looking for motors built by Rotary Performance, Rick Engman, IRP and Banzai. Open to suggestions on others but main concern is what to watch out for since Ive only dealt with Stock FDs.

 

When buying a used FD, or any rotary for that matter, you should get a compression test to see how healthy the motor is. Just because a reputable builder built the engine doesn't mean the engine is good. Once you can confirm the engine is healthy and there are no coolant leaks or issues with coolant seals, then you can start looking at the modifications. People who go single turbo think you can just slap one on and add a PFC and go. Not so. Well you can but you're going to blow up your motor. On a modified car you should be looking for a quality aftermarket ecu, a tune from someone reputable, and modifications that support the upgrade. Get to know what was done to the engine when it was built. Was its ported? What type of port? When you add a bigger turbo or go single, you have to make sure you upgrade your fuel system. Look for quality upgrades. Bigger injectors require more fuel. What type of fuel pump is in it? Will that support the mods? intake is important as well. Was the intercooler upgraded? Cooling system upgraded? There are a hundred things to look for. A quality build will be self evident and the owner will not be afraid to talk about what has been done and will have the receipts to prove it.