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13BT Reliability after 25 years

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Old 02-04-16, 12:41 PM
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13BT Reliability after 25 years

I'd like to upgrade the power on my 89 convertible. Most of the threads I've seen say to get a 13t because it's a drop in. There are engines available on eBay. I'm just worried that if I buy a used engine that's 25 years old, its going to be shot before I get it.

Would a 13b REW be any better choice (understanding that it presents difficulty in mounting)?

Everyone says a Renesis is less reliable and impossible to make work so that's out.

I don'd want to go piston.

Doug
Old 02-04-16, 12:45 PM
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The JDM importers are not plug and play, think of it as buying a core. It's best normally to get a good used motor from this forum, even though it may be less exciting and higher up front cost. As far as choosing, the 13bt is easy to work on, with available parts and cheap. It's reasonably reliable, but becomes less so as you increase power obviously

Last edited by 7speed; 02-04-16 at 12:47 PM.
Old 02-04-16, 12:55 PM
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you will have to get different motor mounts for the REW engine,and then figure how how to wire it in...etc,etc.
If you stay within the car Series you will minimize headaches.

Also buying a Used engine on Ebay is like shopping for a Mail order bride.
Pics look good but you don't know if it is good until you try it..and guess what? NO Refunds!
Old 02-04-16, 01:04 PM
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I have a newly build streetported s4 tii engine. New housings. Built by Lucky7. 0 miles on it. If you are interested let me know. I also have the wiring harness and ecu. Comes with a Racing beat light flywheel and RPS race clutch.

I can send everything to you for $3400 plus shipping if you are interested.

For pictures. Text me. 310-678-9395
Old 02-04-16, 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by ArmAnirx7
I have a newly build streetported s4 tii engine. New housings. Built by Lucky7. 0 miles on it. If you are interested let me know. I also have the wiring harness and ecu. Comes with a Racing beat light flywheel and RPS race clutch.

I can send everything to you for $3400 plus shipping if you are interested.

For pictures. Text me. 310-678-9395
I was actually browsing around for your ad to post in here as a really good example.
Old 02-04-16, 01:48 PM
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Any jdm block you buy should automatically be considered a core. Even if it does run it most likely will not last very long, as you said they are around 25 years old now. I personally bought a jdm block years ago and it was the worst decision ive ever made. I been seeing more and more people recently trying to sell their complete rebuilt long blocks, it maybe better to go that route. The ad posted in this thread is a good example of a worthy buy.
Old 02-04-16, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 7speed
I was actually browsing around for your ad to post in here as a really good example.
thanks
Old 02-04-16, 02:14 PM
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try to find a s4/5 rx7 turbo motor still in the car and organise with the seller to get it compression tested,
that way you will know for sure its healthy.
Old 02-04-16, 02:52 PM
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Mine is a S5. I'm pretty sure state law won't allow me to install an older engine. Im not sure how they's know.
Old 02-04-16, 03:23 PM
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I'll sell you my whole tii for 5000 lol
Old 02-04-16, 05:52 PM
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i know were a whole turbo II is sitting with 90k miles( supposed 30k on reman) for 2500. old folks dont know what they got. so imma let it mature abit.. its just sitting covered with rotten tires.
Old 02-04-16, 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by lastphaseofthis
i know were a whole turbo II is sitting with 90k miles( supposed 30k on reman) for 2500. old folks dont know what they got. so imma let it mature abit.. its just sitting covered with rotten tires.
Mines only got 84k. And lots of goodies! Lol
Old 02-04-16, 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by iamsisyphus
I don'd want to go piston.
Old 02-05-16, 12:12 AM
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Originally Posted by iamsisyphus
Mine is a S5. I'm pretty sure state law won't allow me to install an older engine. Im not sure how they's know.
hmm..being an 89 it only leave you with going that year or Younger(90,91)..and if you go older you get 86,87,88.
Frankly I can't see them noticing that you have an older S4 TII in the engine bay IF it is being used with the S5 wiring.
Basically it would be an S4 Core and S5 Components and the Only real way they would know is IF they were real Knowledgeable with the differences of an s4 to s5 engine.
Like the spark plug placement difference.
If they LOOK that hard then you got some real dedicated inspectors.
Do they paid that much?

Then again if you are thinking about an REW you would be going to a stand alone and they would definitely notice that!
Old 02-05-16, 06:59 AM
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Originally Posted by misterstyx69
hmm..being an 89 it only leave you with going that year or Younger(90,91)..and if you go older you get 86,87,88.
Frankly I can't see them noticing that you have an older S4 TII in the engine bay IF it is being used with the S5 wiring.
Basically it would be an S4 Core and S5 Components and the Only real way they would know is IF they were real Knowledgeable with the differences of an s4 to s5 engine.
Like the spark plug placement difference.
If they LOOK that hard then you got some real dedicated inspectors.
Do they paid that much?

Then again if you are thinking about an REW you would be going to a stand alone and they would definitely notice that!
I don't see a copper noticing either unless hes messed around with rotarys before.

you could just dummy fit the stock ecu and mount the stand alone somewhere hidden.
Old 02-13-16, 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by sandy_RE
I don't see a copper noticing either unless hes messed around with rotarys before.

you could just dummy fit the stock ecu and mount the stand alone somewhere hidden.
Do you really think they'll go to the work of pulling up the carpet and looking at the ECU to check if it is factory?

Originally Posted by iamsisyphus
Mine is a S5. I'm pretty sure state law won't allow me to install an older engine. Im not sure how they's know.
It might be different in NH, but out here in the wild west you can put whatever year engine you want, you just need to pass the sniffer and have as many cats as your chassis had from the factory.
Old 02-13-16, 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by afpreppie04
Do you really think they'll go to the work of pulling up the carpet and looking at the ECU to check if it is factory?



It might be different in NH, but out here in the wild west you can put whatever year engine you want, you just need to pass the sniffer and have as many cats as your chassis had from the factory.
if they think its not factory they can, just depends on the cop you get and how much they know about cars.
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