Gators

I just purchased a 1989 RX-7. It has a blown apex. The car has 60,000 miles, was garage kept and owned by a elderly couple. It is immaculate, inside and out - not one dent. I got it for $500.00. Did I get a good deal? This is my first RX-7.

Also, which should I go for - replace the rotary engine or drop in a V-8 with one of Granny's kits? Also, which engine would be in this car? It is a NA engine.

Bauer778

iTrader: (2)

great deal i say just get the engine rebuilt, do not put a V8 in there please keep the rotary

Mr. Gadget

If its an NA engine the NA engine is in the car. Only two choices, NA or Turbo. You will do yourself some good by reading the FAQ's at the top of the board. A wealth of info is in there.

As far as what to do, well your in a rotary forum, so most are going to say rebuild. (Watch for a few flames from the members about 3 feet high).

The V-8 conversion is expensive. You need like everything. With a rebuild, a gasket kit, assorted seals and a used rotor housing or two and you could be back on the road for under a grand (YOU DO ALL OF THE WORK and HAVE ALL OF THE TOOLS). Also have to budget for expendables and common sense stuff, oil antifreeze, Clutch kit, etc.

I did a write-up on a basic budget, this might help you as well.

Budget

apreludem

if you want to find out more about the v8 swap, i advice you to post it in the v8 section so you wont get flamed by some of the rotary die hard fans here.

neofreak

yes, you got a good deal. if it really is immaculate you could sell it for a lot after you replace the engine.

$5k+ around here, easy.

Gators

Let the flamers flame! I joined this forum to seek thought out, proven, advice. It doesn't say much for those who "flame in the name of rotary" for the sake of idealism. I understand the desire of some to keep the RX authentic. Shucks, I want to keep it original. However, I do want to take the most productive path.
With the maintenance issues I wonder what specific reasons any of you would give for keeping the rotary?

So, please give me some intelligentreasons.

To any flamers - bite me!

neofreak

What maintenance issues? No problems encountered whatsoever. Daily Driven FC's, FD's.. five of them total, all basic fluid changes and replacing wear items only.

Mr. Gadget

You know gator your bite me bullshit is offensive. Attitude gets you no-where. As apreludem said, peruse the V8 section, if not, I gave you everything you need to calculate the cost.


As far as intellengent reasons, well, thats up to you - how much are you willing to spend.

I thought that the individuals that warned you about HOW SEROIUS the rotary community is to the integrety of the automobile were doing you a favor.

Gators

Sorry if you were offended. I took the warning as - leave or get flamed. That offended me. I understand that some take this serious, as I do. I wouldn't have posted if I wasn't serious. I simply wanted to hear the "rotary lovers" side. I have no experience with rotaries, so I want to hear both sides and form my own opinion.

As for the maintenance issues. I hear that it is hard to maintain compression and that the seals go out alot. Just like the car I have - it only has 60,000, well maintained miles, and the engine went south.

Mr. Gadget

Your basing failure on mileage alone. Keep in mind the age of the car as well. I went through alot piston cars with a weak engine or trans when looking for a car for my kid. I finally relized a quick rebuild would give hima wonderful car. So, he is in a 7, and loves it. Maintenance for him - standard oil changes and tune-ups as required. - thats it. A fresh engine will do wonders for the car.

As you can see by my aviatar, I like Mustangs as well. Have three of those. I would no sooner think of putting a rotary in a piston engine car. Nor would I put a v8 in a rotary car. If I want a V8, I would just but the approporate car and have done so. Thats my 2 cents, hope it helps you.

Gators

I really don't see why it's such a big deal to some. I could understand it is the cars were very rare and had a unique history. If someone wants to put a V8 in a Mazda, that's their decision. People shouldn't criticize them for it - unless they are paying for it. I think it is an excercise of ones engineering skills to make modifications. Look at Shelby. He put an American V8 into a british golf cart. He created history by doing so. There were some Brits upset about it, but he built a bad-*** car - one that is replcated by many. As for the reliability, there are arguments on both sides. I have talked to many who love the engine and just as many who hate it.

Thanks for the info.

Mr. Gadget

If you want to do it knock your socks off, spend your money, do what you want.

Gators

Oh, don't worry, I will. I do, however, appreciate the dedication of RX lovers. If not for them, we would not have this valuable resource.

I haven't decided which route I will take. I am absorbing as many facts and details from the people in this forum. I have been in many forums; however, this is one of the best I have seen. There is a lot of knowledge here.

Zio

Mate i have a friend who has a s4 n/a very similar to yours, it has done 200000kms and its still going, how do you know that the 60000miles on your car is a real figure, its so easy to swap a dash around and get a lower mileage, also the car may have looked like it was maintained but most likely wasnt, i think rotaries are very reliably and have owned a couple to say that they are if they are maintained and everything is in working order.
If i were you, i would go the 13B turbo route instead of rebuilding your n/a, you will be much happier with the torque and power produced by the 13bt and it wont cost you much more.
V8 in an rx7, have seen it been done and the results were good but not worth the effort and money put into it, it makes the car heavier, diminishes any handling that was available and just ruins that authenticity about rx7s.

Gators

I have decided to go with the rotary. I plan to take it to Kevin Landers. Even though it will be a long haul, I have heard nothing but good.

How much more would the turbo cost vs my NA?

renagade_rotary

if the car is immaculate keep the rotary..im doin my v8 conversion on account of crappy shape car.i plan on getting a vert but you know hotta get the mazda 3 before my senior year

AREITU

I'm part of the "If it's not rotary, it's not an RX7" camp.

That's what I think.

What I would do is get the motor rebuilt to spec by a reputable rebuilder, with some high quality apex and coolant seals. If I'm not mistaken, you have a six-port. You could have the 5th and 6th ports ported out so you could retain driveability and low-end, but have a nice top-end kick.

turbogarrett

iTrader: (1)

maybe 150 rwhp is your idea of "nice top-end kick", not mine.

blackkiller7

hey to some thats Mad faSt Yo!

Gators

I know the car has 60,000 miles on it. I purchased it from an older couple that I have known for years. I wonder if their lack of punching the pedal caused a carbon build up - which in turn caused the engine failure. The car spent more time in the garage than on the road.

I would like to get the car up to around 250 HP. I guess there's no way to do that without going with a turbo or dropping a beefy V-8 in it. Is this correct?

I have spent hours reading the FAQs and other posts on this forum. I can tell you that I was blown away with the info. Too many different opinions, however. I guess you find that everywhere in life. As a newbie to the rotary world I really appreciate all the people who have taken time to post such quality. Thanks to all of you!

thant

Or you could put a box of bottle rockets in the tailpipe and light them for the same top end kick feeling you get from an N/A rotary. 250 HP from a non turbo car will probably be quite a bit of work and money, not to mention the lack of reliability you wil get from using aftermarket parts. An LS1 swap, while quite a bit more expensive, will send you hunting Z06 Corvettes and getting 28 plus MPG (with a six speed). I would either build the stock engine to stock specs and enjoy the car, or do the LS1 swap and love the car.

Gators

Hey thanks thant! I tell you, the LS1 is really tempting and before it is over with, I may just do it. My Dad is part owner of a salvage company and I could get a LS1 pretty cheap. I guess I have been intrigued with making the rotary a demon. Without slapping on a turbo, I would get more out of the V-8. I have read where some have said the the weight and handling are really affected by installing a V-8. I don't believe that. Do you?

Do you have a V8 RX 7?

thant

Yea 2 of them, one FC and an FD. Handling is a minute change, but as reported earlier the car is much better to drive. Fuel mileage doubles with a T56 and 1/4 mile runs around 12.6 @ 113 mphon street tires. If you can hook me up with an LS1 takeout as well, I can walk you through the procedure, if you are interested.

thant

Yea 2 of them, one FC and an FD. Handling is a minute change, but as reported earlier the car is much better to drive. Fuel mileage doubles with a T56 and 1/4 mile runs around 12.6 @ 113 mphon street tires. If you can hook me up with an LS1 takeout as well, I can walk you through the procedure, if you are interested.

Gators

Which trans. is a T56? Is that a 6 speed? That is a good 1/4 mile on a stock LS1. I assume it is stock. Have you done anything to the engine?

I have the complete install on paper. Another guy that I met on a website emailed it to me. He even sent pics. I may be able to help you out anyway. Where do you live and when do you want it? What kind of mileage>