Smallz91

So I have a 91 FC thats NA, auto. Fell in love with it the first time I saw it not even knowing what it was. Bought it and started researching and discovering such an amazing legacy. Car was emmaculate to start with. I then made it one of a kind. For a senior project I put about 10k worth paint and body its was killer, and still is. Although that was five years ago....At about 63k original miles...I heard a loud bang and it started running like a lawn mower yet would die when any kind of load was put on the motor. Towed it to the dealership and they said the motor was toast. No compression on the second rotor. Now after so long and that I start researching more with my goal to get it back on the road again soon, I wonder why and how could this be!! obviously the apex seals are gone but....Im just baffled.

hanman

It happens.

camarols6

how much is your rebuild going to cost?

FirstRotaryExp

iTrader: (3)

Its not so much as getting hosed, its just an inevitability. Personnally ive gone through a pair of used motors, the one I bought my 88 NA with and then a cheap one that a V8 swapper was selling. Currently on motor #3 and looking at a proper rebuild in the next year or two.

If you think you have the mechanical know-how and want a project to undertake, there are nunmerous rebuild video's sold by vendors on this site and another (which were not allowed to talk about). New Apex Seals by either OEM Mazda or new seals from other vendors can run from 500-1000 depending on what you are looking for, then you need to get a soft seal kit, sold by same vendors.

Or the other route if you dont want to deal with sourcing parts and such, is to contact engine builders and get estimates. Cheapest rebuild will cost you 1300 + parts that cannot be reused (pm for link to said builder if you choose so) and the cost only goes up with porting and additional parts/labor.

Smallz91

Im thinking in total after its all said and done I will be into it 7-10 grand. The way the car looks doesn't allow it to have another NA engine put in. Im planning on swapping over to a TII set up....or a TT. either way I think Im gunna buy a running TII swap everything over into mine. However I can get engine with harness and ecm and tranny for about 2100 used and then rebuild....you are looking at about 4-5 grand in just that...but since mine was NA and had an auto....I need the clutch linkages and so forth and a TII rear end.

Im def. not a stranger to a wrench and I do have mech. know how. I graduated from Wyotech. Work as an alignment tech at Les Schwab, and have built quite a few rigs.

It took me about 9 months to complete the body work and paint job...which I actually want to do more now which will more then likely require a paint job again...and I have kept it for 7 years so its been an on going project. I have had plans for it but they always end up getting put on the back burner.... its just that Im tired of seeing it just sit there....it needs to see road again.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

To have an engine fail at only 63K is a bit odd. But as others say, sometimes stuff just happens and it's the luck of the draw.

Sounds like you've put a considerable amount of work into it, so take this as an opportunity.