Engine Rebuilding
#1
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Engine Rebuilding
Help! I am about to embark on something I've never tried before - rebuilding a rotary engine. The phrase "mechanically declined" would best describe my current ability, although I can change a tire and my oil.
The situation: I run PRO-7 in the International Conferenece of Sports Car Clubs (ICSCCC). This class is limited to 1st Gen RX-7s. The rules require all engines to be stock, with a stock intake manifold and carb and a stock exhaust manifold. Porting or other mods are not allowed, although the engine can be blueprinted and balanced. Also carbon seals are permitted.
My goal is to build a bullet-proof engine, maybe not the highest horsepower, but one that will last a couple of seasons (about 4/5 race weekends per year). I have so many questions but here are a few to start:
1. What tools do you recommend as absolutely essential to the rebuild? Any recommendations on an engine stand?
2. Is there a specific tech manual that is recommended?
3. Are there videos or DVDs that review an engine rebuild?
4. There are a number of rebuild kits out there, from stock to racing. I need one that fits the parameters of the rules - any recommendations?
5. This question is very broad - but is there a "good" way of doing the job? I don't mean speed tricks (legal or not) but a methodological way of dismantling and rebuilding the engine?
6. How will I know whether a part (the few there are) is still reusable?
7. Any other advice . . . for example - other threads or comemnts that have been posted.
I know this covers a lot of area but I'm looking forward to teh challenge.
Thanks in advance for all your help!!
The situation: I run PRO-7 in the International Conferenece of Sports Car Clubs (ICSCCC). This class is limited to 1st Gen RX-7s. The rules require all engines to be stock, with a stock intake manifold and carb and a stock exhaust manifold. Porting or other mods are not allowed, although the engine can be blueprinted and balanced. Also carbon seals are permitted.
My goal is to build a bullet-proof engine, maybe not the highest horsepower, but one that will last a couple of seasons (about 4/5 race weekends per year). I have so many questions but here are a few to start:
1. What tools do you recommend as absolutely essential to the rebuild? Any recommendations on an engine stand?
2. Is there a specific tech manual that is recommended?
3. Are there videos or DVDs that review an engine rebuild?
4. There are a number of rebuild kits out there, from stock to racing. I need one that fits the parameters of the rules - any recommendations?
5. This question is very broad - but is there a "good" way of doing the job? I don't mean speed tricks (legal or not) but a methodological way of dismantling and rebuilding the engine?
6. How will I know whether a part (the few there are) is still reusable?
7. Any other advice . . . for example - other threads or comemnts that have been posted.
I know this covers a lot of area but I'm looking forward to teh challenge.
Thanks in advance for all your help!!
#2
Senior Member
Originally Posted by 82rx7wtbracer
1. What tools do you recommend as absolutely essential to the rebuild? Any recommendations on an engine stand?
2. Is there a specific tech manual that is recommended?
3. Are there videos or DVDs that review an engine rebuild?
4. There are a number of rebuild kits out there, from stock to racing. I need one that fits the parameters of the rules - any recommendations?
5. This question is very broad - but is there a "good" way of doing the job? I don't mean speed tricks (legal or not) but a methodological way of dismantling and rebuilding the engine?
6. How will I know whether a part (the few there are) is still reusable?
7. Any other advice . . . for example - other threads or comemnts that have been posted.
2. Is there a specific tech manual that is recommended?
3. Are there videos or DVDs that review an engine rebuild?
4. There are a number of rebuild kits out there, from stock to racing. I need one that fits the parameters of the rules - any recommendations?
5. This question is very broad - but is there a "good" way of doing the job? I don't mean speed tricks (legal or not) but a methodological way of dismantling and rebuilding the engine?
6. How will I know whether a part (the few there are) is still reusable?
7. Any other advice . . . for example - other threads or comemnts that have been posted.
1: Besides normal hand tools (sockets, wrenches, etc.) You will need a high quality set measuring tools to check specs on parts (see list below). I made my own engine adapter that fits to a standard v8 type of engine stand out of a piece of 3" angle iron.
2: The factory service manual for your year car should have a really good illistrated directions.
3: Atkins Rotary sells a 13b rebuild video. It will help you quite a bit. Well worth the money.
4: I bought my kit partially from Mazdamotorsports and the rest from Atkins Rotary. I think Mazdamotorsports will have the carbon seals you need.
5: Label everything and keep your workspace very clean. Get the Atkins rebuild video, the guy does a great job showing you step by step.
6: You will have to measure everything, the FSM will give you the acceptable specs, thus the necessity of the measuring tools (see #1)
7: Take your time and be prepared to spend 2x as much time as you think it should take. And be prepared to spend hours cleaning your old parts. I probably spent 40 hours breaking down and cleaning two engines to get enough good parts to build one good one. Assembly with the video took me only about 3 hours.
I got my measuring tools from ToolParadise.com
(this was some time ago.. I am sure prices have changed)
Code:
6410 $85.46 1 inch Dial Indicator 6429 $49.44 24 In Straight Edge 6628 $43.84 Dial Caliper 0-6 Inch/0-150mm 72-229-104 $89.94 0-4in Micrometer Set.0001Resolution 72-470-006 $58.22 6pc Telescopic Gages 5/16-6
Last edited by CarmonColvin; 10-26-06 at 09:44 PM.
#3
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Hi - I also race an Rx-7 in Conference, although I am in EIP / Group 5. There are several guys who build their own in your neck of the woods I believe. I believe Bert Dilley builds his own and is usually a very friendly guy willing to help. Scott and Mark Hanken have also built their own in the past I believe and are both really nice guys who are usually willing to share just about any info they have. Lots of pro's building them around too, if you want a reliable motor from someone who knows the tricks. The 13b assembly tape available through Atkins is handy, but I don't buy anything from them for customer service reasons. Mazda Motorsports should have most of what you need and if you are registered as a racer their prices are a big help!
#4
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This thread https://www.rx7club.com/pineapple-racing-171/engine-building-thoughts-575631/ will answer questions you don't even know you have yet. Should be mandatory reading for anyone considering a rebuild. Check it out.
#5
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Originally Posted by Boswoj
Hi - I also race an Rx-7 in Conference, although I am in EIP / Group 5. There are several guys who build their own in your neck of the woods I believe. I believe Bert Dilley builds his own and is usually a very friendly guy willing to help. Scott and Mark Hanken have also built their own in the past I believe and are both really nice guys who are usually willing to share just about any info they have. Lots of pro's building them around too, if you want a reliable motor from someone who knows the tricks. The 13b assembly tape available through Atkins is handy, but I don't buy anything from them for customer service reasons. Mazda Motorsports should have most of what you need and if you are registered as a racer their prices are a big help!
One question though: is there a specific kit you would recommend - such as Racing Beat or Mazdatrix - or is one available through MazdaSpeed?
Thanks for your time - see you in Group 5 next year!
#7
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Any Sacramento builders?
Help! I am about to embark on something I've never tried before - rebuilding a rotary
Thanks.
Ted
Shoe String Racing
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#8
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Start with your timing. If that is set correctly, then you might want to try running some Seafoam through the gas tank (1 can to 1/8 tank of gas). With my Sterling carb, I run pretty rich which can cause excessive carbon buildup. I was also experiencing some high end ignition breakup/detonation which the Seafoam cleared up for me within a few minutes. I've always used this product every couple of months or so, and have always felt a huge improvement afterwards. Its definitely worth a shot for the 8 bucks it will cost you. Good luck...