VS8

iTrader: (4)

yes i did read it...and i still plan to do it...this is not my daily driver so i am not worried

mysql101

This guy seemed to do a decent job

[embed]IDgJZA0aI5E[/embed]

Donald.Clabaugh

Go for it.
Im about too, soon to be starting a 1st gen restoration/upgrade. Finally found a usable 91' series 5 13b non turbo to work with, 500$. Its gonna be my first rebuild / I found alot of videos on the internet that give you step by step. Honestly I don't think you will have a problem if you are detail oriented person. I agree that if you mess one little thing up your screwed. BUT if you make sure you do step by step, I think you will be fine. Just be careful, create a map of the way things go when your taking them apart in your head or on paper for that matter. Let me know how it goes.

ugabuga

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I remember reading about someone on here who would do a rebuild if you send him the engine (he was somewhere in texas I think).

Is that one of those guys mentioned in this post? I was thinking of rebuilding it myself but I don't have much time these days and I already have it out of the car.

Thanks in advance.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

If you are looking for a good builder give these guys a call or send them a message:

Rob @ Pineapple Racing

Charles@blackhaloracing.com

Rotary Resurrection

Paul @ MAZMART - The Largest Mazda Parts Store

Cam @ Pettit Racing

There are no builders in Texas I would recommend for you.

ugabuga

thank you. Good info. I'd even say worth a sticky.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

No problem. The problem with recommendations is that they are based on opinions and don't always come from a good place. Most builders will have success stories so if you want a feel for a builder you have to research their failures and see how they handled those because I think that speaks for who they really are.

beeker100

I too will be tackling a rebuild on my 2005. Anyone know of a good shop around Louisville, ky? My hope is to do the engine pull and tear down myself and have all the machined surfaces checked by someone who knows rotaries.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Your closest option is Rotary Resurrection, eastern TN.

ugabuga

I can now vouch for Kevin @ rotary resurrection. Great guy, did excellent work and documented each step and sent me high res pics, as well as worked with me to figure out the cheapest possible shipping.

I've had the engine for almost a year now and no problems whatsoever.

Eldorian

I am also considering Rotary Resurrection. Unless anyone knows any good builders near St. Louis, MO?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

There are only 4 builders in the US with a consistently positive reputation on the forums:

Mazmart - Atlanta GA
Black Halo Racing - Phoenix AZ
Pettit - Palm Beach FL
Rotary Resurrection - Knoxville TN

Eldorian

Mazmart no longer does builds. I called them up last week.

hufflepuff

Anyone used Banzai Racing? Their process of documentation seems legit; I'm surprised they aren't on the list...

lastphaseofthis

banzai should be on that list.. i'll add
IR Performance-Jersey
Banzai-north indiana.
mazdatrix, cali.
atkins..?
racing beat.. cali

Zachary Verge

Super old post but if i were to do an apex seal replacement im wonder what kit would be best and this video has a good explanation of how to do it besides finding a shop to resurface the housing and rotars

Loki

iTrader: (1)

It's a good video except they gloss over the most critical and error-prone part: cutting and clearancing the seals! If you insist on DIY, you're going to need to need a much more detailed guide. And a source of good big parts like housings. Seriously, it's faster/cheaper/more reliable to have a rebuilder do it.

Zachary Verge

I can see it being more reliable but I doubt it would be cheaper, it would probably run an extra grand in labor

https://www.mazdatrix.com/8engine2.htm
This website has a kit for the internal's for 1500ish and ive found the seals for a little under 200 and any sort of shop rebuild usually costs 4000+

I also kind of bought it with the intent of getting in to the mechanics of it, and its not my daily so I wont be in a hurry

That being said do you have any recommendations on a better video of how to cover cutting them to the right size

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Yeah my buddy is happy with his Drummond build so far and I am more than happy with my Pineapple Racing build after 40,000 miles at 8-10psi. Rotary Performance in Garland Texas and OJ imports in south Texas both have good reputations as well.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

There is hope for RX-8 owners after all, we just have to ensure it is the legitimate businesses that are being promoted and not the unscrupulous ones.

I am glad you are getting back to engine building man, I remember when I was in need you were just swamped with work.

auraflame30

So...buy a blown RX-8 and rebuild for $3-4k, reasonably possible?
#keepinthethreadalive

I do have piston experience, not so much rotary.

auraflame30

Did you ever rebuild? How did it go?

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

His last post was in 10/14, so I wouldn't wait for a response.

NotAPreppie

You'd be better off just getting a Mazda reman. Piston engine experience is almost meaningless with a rotary and most first-timers end up rebuilding again in a few thousand miles (often less).

If you can get a good condition roller with a blown motor for <$1000 (unlikely but possible) then you can put a Mazda reman into yourself it for ~$2.9k. Another $750 for shipping, core return shipping, seals, fluids, coils/plugs/wires,

$4650. Car probably won't be worth that much to sell but if you want an '8, you'll have one.

neb-rx-8

Quick question I am rebuilding my 13b manual rx 8 would the rotor housings for the automatics be interchangeable