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definitive answer on engine rebuilders

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Old 02-19-04 | 03:07 PM
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definitive answer on engine rebuilders

Okay, I've searched around and found several reputable FD engine rebuilders. Prices are from $1999 to $2895 for a stock rebuild, and $350 - $500 for mild streetporting. Some specifically say that they also include ALL the gaskets you will need in their pricing, which appears to be about $450 worth of gaskets.

I need to know, from those that have DONE it, who the best 3 suppliers are, and what their engines include or specifically EXCLUDE. The gasket thing is a biggie for me, as I have "been there, done that" before on other projects....it SUCKS to be short one small shitty little component.

Thanks!
Old 02-19-04 | 05:15 PM
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only one i have done is SR Motorsports, and that was a build up not just stock rebuild and that was $4,400 just for the bottem end 99 JDM turbos on the way
Old 02-19-04 | 05:58 PM
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Originally posted by rx7ttlm
only one i have done is SR Motorsports, and that was a build up not just stock rebuild and that was $4,400 just for the bottem end 99 JDM turbos on the way
Must be rough...lol!
Old 02-19-04 | 06:18 PM
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From: Austin Tx
You can do just as good of a rebuild as anyone else. Buy the video from Rotary Aviation, rebuild it yourself with better than OEM parts. Buy new housings and have them sent off to gotham racing for porting. No one will do a better job building your motor than you. Assuming your somewhat intelligent.

Am I assuming to much..

Anyways, get the video. You will learn alot.
Old 02-19-04 | 06:19 PM
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double post
Old 02-19-04 | 06:20 PM
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btw, its a shitload cheeper to do it yourself.
Old 02-19-04 | 06:39 PM
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Originally posted by bee
You can do just as good of a rebuild as anyone else. Buy the video from Rotary Aviation, rebuild it yourself with better than OEM parts. Buy new housings and have them sent off to gotham racing for porting. No one will do a better job building your motor than you. Assuming your somewhat intelligent.

Am I assuming to much..

Anyways, get the video. You will learn alot.
I've rebuilt many, many engines in the last 30+ years. Helped my dad do a complete rebuild of a Buick 455 Wildcat engine when I was about 10, and have never looked back. So yeah, I think I have the "intelligence" AND the experience.
The problem that one runs into with projects like this is potential added expense for special tools. For instance, when I rebuilt a diesel Audi 5 cylinder one time, it took a high dollar torque wrench that cost me over $300 as I had to torque the harmonic balancer to 640 ft./lbs.
I used that torque wrench only that time.
My tool boxes are FILLED with tools that had a special, unique one-time use. Browsing thru the FD factory service manual, it looks like one could possibly need a few more of these special tools to COMPLETELY disassemble and reassemble a 13BREW.

And the biggest advantages with having one done by an established builder are:
a.) the time factor and
b.) the warranty

Throw in that I am getting to the age where I really have started to lose a little bit of that desire to have my hands stained all the time and/or crawl around on the floor, and it makes sense to have someone else do some of the work, such as the rebuild.
Old 02-19-04 | 07:10 PM
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Faster

 
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Gotham Racing. Those guys build a top notch engine, and there are several people on the forums who can act as a reference for their support, service, and product, including myself.

If they are doing the work, they won't nickel and dime you to death on the R&R. They charged me 1 flat fee for everything in my engine bay, including intercooler, clutch, flywheel, new engine, and PFC.

www.GothamRacing.com
Old 02-19-04 | 07:10 PM
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Originally posted by bajaman
I've rebuilt many, many engines in the last 30+ years. Helped my dad do a complete rebuild of a Buick 455 Wildcat engine when I was about 10, and have never looked back. So yeah, I think I have the "intelligence" AND the experience.
The problem that one runs into with projects like this is potential added expense for special tools. For instance, when I rebuilt a diesel Audi 5 cylinder one time, it took a high dollar torque wrench that cost me over $300 as I had to torque the harmonic balancer to 640 ft./lbs.
I used that torque wrench only that time.
My tool boxes are FILLED with tools that had a special, unique one-time use. Browsing thru the FD factory service manual, it looks like one could possibly need a few more of these special tools to COMPLETELY disassemble and reassemble a 13BREW.

And the biggest advantages with having one done by an established builder are:
a.) the time factor and
b.) the warranty

Throw in that I am getting to the age where I really have started to lose a little bit of that desire to have my hands stained all the time and/or crawl around on the floor, and it makes sense to have someone else do some of the work, such as the rebuild.

Very valid reasons. The only thing I would say is that for a rotary rebuild there are only a few special tools that you really need, and most likely you would have most of them. The big ones are the socket to get the flywheel off, and then various dials and gauges to take measurements. You want to go hard core you could buy the rotor bearing puller and a few of specific rotor tools, but in some cases you wont need those. I rebuilt mine with very few rotor specific tools. You would be very suprised with what you can use.

As for rebuilders, I cant help you there.
Old 02-19-04 | 07:11 PM
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gothamracing.com
Old 02-19-04 | 07:26 PM
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bajaman,

We have several guys in the area running Pettit built engines. While their prices are usually higher than most others, their work is top notch. I believe RTS3GEN has a little over 5 years on his Pettit ported and built motor. That car is road raced probably at least 6-7 times a year, hits the drag strip and many scenic drives every year... and it's still pounding out the power. If I were to get a rebuild, Pettit is where my engine (and $$$) would go.
Old 02-19-04 | 07:34 PM
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Thanks for the responses so far, but what about the gasket set question? Keep in mind that I live in the middle of bum-****-Egypt and have to order everything....lol....so that is why it is important to me that when I get my rebuilt block back it is all ready to start putting the auxilliary things on and I want to have ALL the gaskets, every single stinking one of them ready to rock and roll.
Old 02-19-04 | 07:46 PM
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built my own engine

 
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you're no different than anyone else, local mazda dealers do not stock FD parts....we all order
Old 02-19-04 | 08:26 PM
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Originally posted by 93BlackFD
you're no different than anyone else, local mazda dealers do not stock FD parts....we all order

But....but.....but Mommy says I AM special!



So then....thank God for UPS and FedEx, huh?
Old 02-19-04 | 08:31 PM
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Got that right. They don't stock anything at all for the RX-7 in a city of 3/4 million people. I even had to order the windshield moulding which the glass place insisted would be in stock. New Mexico is very hard on windshields.

My Motor was built by Pineapple Racing. No problems yet, and Rob has given nothing but the best customer service possible.
Old 02-19-04 | 09:16 PM
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Originally posted by Rex'sRX
Must be rough...lol!
That was my present for myself when I got back from Al-crapastan, I think I earned it :p lol my 3 Rotor is what I am going to build myself, having the rotor housings lapped and the whole deal cryo'd but that is still a year off. gotta finish my current project. update a 93 base model to 99 spec body and engine, corse with a twist
Old 02-19-04 | 09:18 PM
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Originally posted by rx7ttlm
That was my present for myself when I got back from Al-crapastan, I think I earned it :p lol my 3 Rotor is what I am going to build myself, having the rotor housings lapped and the whole deal cryo'd but that is still a year off. gotta finish my current project. update a 93 base model to 99 spec body and engine, corse with a twist
Glad you made it back safe and sound!



Sounds like you have some cool projects on the drawing board....good luck!
Old 02-19-04 | 10:12 PM
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Originally posted by bajaman
Glad you made it back safe and sound!



Sounds like you have some cool projects on the drawing board....good luck!
well, its going to take a little doing, Tomorrow I get out of the Marine Corps after 5 years of having money for most toys that I wanted. Monday I go back home to finish school. So all my project money will have to be taken away from the food... looks like ramen for the next 3 years lol. With the three rotor, I just gotta sort out the subframe, using that and the auto exe chassis stiffeners is going to be a chore. without moving the steering rack. so I have been doing some work with my trusty laptop and design CAD 3D MAX. and i gotta figure out what the garrett GT turbo is similar to a innovative T80 but i think if i pick the right one i can get better power with less lag with the GT40 but the i think the GT40 in 84 trim and 1.19 A/R is to big, so i am lookin at the 73 trim GT40 with a .94 A/r . well, its thursday night in southern california, i gotta get ready to go have to much fun peace.
Old 02-19-04 | 10:45 PM
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Gene,
Get someone reputable to build you an engine. Make sure they use ALL NEW gaskets and ALL NEW seals and spec out EVERYTHING. Ask questions and also get refrences.

*Gaskets...Some can be reused (exhaust) but never reuse the rubber "o"-rings or copper crush washers. I can give you specifics if you get to the point of ordering them.
Old 02-19-04 | 11:13 PM
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I have nothing but good things to say about Rotorsports Racing in Kannapolis, NC. Bryan there builds all the Diasio (sp?) race engines.
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