shinobi915

Hey all, I'm new to Austin and I am looking for an engine builder. A couple of days ago, I started my baby (a stock '86 GXL) and had a hard time getting it going. It was very weak upon start up and let out a plume of white smoke. It did have a sweet smell to it. (failed coolant seal? ****!) After a few seconds the smoke disappeared, only a small amount as usual while warming up. Once at temperature, there was no smoke from the exhaust. Other things I noticed included an over filled coolant reservoir. Today I started it up to observe. Although the coolant reservoir was full, I was able to add a good amount of coolant to the radiator and the buzzer finally turned off. I did start the car with the radiator cap off and while cold no froth. Once it started warming up, then some froth but not consistent. Perhaps a result of the thermostat opening and closing? I would rev it and that is usually when the froth appeared. Based on other threads on this site, I do believe I have a failed coolant seal. So I called around looking for an engine builder. I heard about JC Auto and called them, but was told they do very limited work, not rebuilds. Tried another builder in Del Valle, Taylor I think was his last name, but they no longer provide that service either. Called MZM and they want $4500 just to start. I'm new to the rotary world but that seems pricey. Looking for a builder in vicinity that isn't gonna want to raw dog my wallet and does good work. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, limited with rotaries but understand the concept and am meticulous by nature. I would also be interested in participating in the rebuild, especially if it shaves some cost. Other options include another engine all together and attempting to rebuild this one. ( I am hoping the original engine isn't shot as I like that it's stock and all the numbers match, may be worth something someday when our cars are become more rare than they already are.) Anyway, any information would much appreciated.

jstntlvr

I'm on the look out for you and glad to hear from another Austin rotor-head. I am a mechanic and have some rotor contacts in the aria will let you know what I turn up.

Edit: I haven't rebuilt one myself but am willing to do it just have to get the boss to OK it as I am the only tech in the shop with rotor experience. I know you probably want some one that has a few under there belt and not some one doing it the first time.

shinobi915

Thank you! I do appreciate your willingness to help me out. Once I can get a feel for estimated cost, I can compare and see if its more cost effective to just do a swap

jstntlvr

No problem, boss was fine with it so I will PM you an estimate. I haven't found any one around town that dose in house rebuilding but John and Corky's in Round Rock have them sent some place, I don't know were though.

Ryan Ludwig

I know a guy in roundrock and one in killene but havnt felt with him the guy in roundrock was good tho

shinobi915

Cool. pm me his info. I have another dd, so I want to take the opportunity to restore the 7 instead of just an engine swap.

TurbIS

I'm in austin too, looking to pick up another T2 soon.

Ryan Ludwig

I kno a guy in Georgetown tryin to sell one

jstntlvr

I would love to have a TII. Enjoying the hell out of my GXL for now though.
If you know any one in the aria with an engine they aren't using in need of rebuild I will be looking for one actively in a month or so just to build for the practice (Maybe try and find an MG to put it in or build a go cart for my son)

TurbIS

I've been trying to contact that guy for a while now, he never responds to my emails. I was wanting to get more information on it.

Ryan Ludwig

I went and looked at it have you tryed calling him?

TurbIS

No, I haven't. How is the car? Is everything there? I'm not worried about it running as I want to rebuild it and make a few upgrades along the way.

Ryan Ludwig

The car looked fine he has 2 hees trying to sell I don't think he has a driveshaft I'm not a second gen guy so I don't really think they look good but little/ no rust and there's a box of parts that comes with it always a good sign

TurbIS

That is always good. I'm looking for a stock or as close to as possible T2 to rebuild here pretty soon. What color is it, looks like a bronze or silver?

Ryan Ludwig

Yea it's that silver bronze color I saw it at night but it looked stock to me

Ryan Ludwig

Do you know if a stock gslse engine (13B fi) can handle a t11 turbo?

TurbIS

Yeah it can, they have higher compression rotors but all the t2 stuff bolts up for the most part.

thorage327

Got one- pulled the aux port slides and running a dual 50mm throttle body. Blew up 5th gear last night running 11 psi.