My friend's 2nd gen rx-7 recently lost its engine (coolant light came on--he took it into a shop where they told him the motor was gone and they would need to replace it). He's had the car for 18 years and bought it new. His gf doesn't want him to spend anymore money on the car, and is urging him to junk the rx-7 and buy a new car. However, he bought the car brand new and has had it ever since--so it's kind of hard for him to let it go. He's called shops and they have quoted anywhere from 4800-6k for an engine replacement, and he's having a hard time justifying that to his gf. So, I was wondering what his options are? Would it be possible to buy a used rx7 motor with around 50k miles somewhere...I believe his motor let go at 115k miles. I offered to try to help him if he decided to replace the motor himself, but he's not mechanically inclined (and I don't have any experience swapping motors--I can turn a wrench, but I've never swapepd a motor before). So, I thought I would post here and see what options you guys could come up with. I'd hate to see the car go--he says the car is in great shape and I believe him.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Anthony

 

How does a coolant light turning on lead to the engine needing to be replaced? Did they offer any deeper explinations?

In any case there are some good guys around the boards who do rebuilds for a decent price. Maybe even send this question to the 2nd Generation forum and have those cats help in finding out what exactly is wrong with it.

 

Is this a turbo motor or n/a?

Does it consume coolant?

That price quoted is excessive.

 

i agree it is a bit excessive. this is a double posted thread btw.

 

Hmm have you tried checking for leaks? checking seal via running engine with cap off to see if poors out, smoke alot? etc?

You could also run some of the radiotor fix powerder.. if the coolent seal isn't to bad.. it can block it up for a few more thousands miles.

 

Be a good friend and tell him to "JUNK IT" before its too late. RX is a bottomless money-pit. Also, depending on the condition, I offer free towing service.

 

Rebuild the engine and lie about the engine cost to the gf.

 

It don't cost that much for replace the engine. Should be around $3500 for everything. Bring it to a rotary mechanic, it should be cheaper.

 

Try this web page.www.FC3S.org
they have used JDM engiens.and good prices.

 

3500??? 4800??? 6k??? Holy apex seals Batman Where are you guys going for rebuilds??

 

Is it an NA or a Turbo? There's gotta be people around here who have the time and the skill. Where's your friend located? Maybe somone sround him could help with the swap.

 

So, how many people have taken you up on your "free towing service?"

 

damn water seal is killing my FD too. wonder how many miles she'll hold.

 

I agree just junk the car, but before he does it can u give me his # LOL

 

references available after I tow your car.

 

Bong gave me his #. So you have the first dib on that FC.

 

 

just an update: i referred my friend to Ivan...Ivan looked at the car, and he couldn't find any leaks around the block or any signs of seal failure. He did notice the radiator was leaking, and the radiator was replaced by the mazda dealership (on stevens creek blvd) a year ago with a no-name aftermarket, non factory radiator. Ivan is replacing it with a factory stock radiator and will pressure test the cooling system. there is also a slight leak at the water pump, but he doesn't think it is an issue at the moment. he did a thorough check on the car, and found a temp sensor wire unplugged (when the dealer worked on the car last time) and plugged it back in. other minor issues was an exhaust leak at the cat, and some other small stuff i forget. when my friend gets back from out of town, he will find out more about the car and hopefully pick it up in running condition by end of this week.

turns out that my friend took the car to the stevens creek mazda dealership and they were the ones who told him that the engine needed to be replaced. pretty fugged up eh? going from an engine replacement to a radiator replacement is a huge difference. the motor will probably need to be replaced anyways (has 115k miles), but it's n/a and maybe it'll last a bit longer. in any case, just wanted to update you guys.

anthony

 

I am sure the engine is fine! Mine has almost 111k and the engine is almost as good as new!! (125 in both housings last time it was checked.) Maybe if it has over heated though then we may have another story.