Rotary Engine Rebuilders
Many of us need rebuilds, and I've spent a good bit of time searching.
I can't seem to find a thread with a substantial number of reputable rebuilders, so I thought I would post the ones I've seen referenced on our forum. Locations and reviews may help new members, and save time for the rest of us. Feel free to add or update as needed. In alphabetical order: Maryville, TN. https://www.addictedperformanceunlimited.com/ Indiana Banzai Racing Home Page Phoenix, AZ. https://black-halo-racing.myshopify.com/ *Member fireishot34 reports BHR no longer does rebuilds. S.E. Michigan https://chipsmotorsports.com/ **TeamRX8 reports issues with this rebuilder, 3/17/2024 Beware Moraine, Ohio https://www.colletti-motorsports.org/ Columbus, OH. http://www.definedautoworks.com/ Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada http://www.derwinperformance.com/ Rogue River, Ore.* http://www.drummondengines.com/ * Member TeamRX8 reports the owner is mostly retired now and is doing selected rebuilds, I'll leave it up for the time being. Laurel, Indiana http://www.eccentricmotorsports.net/ (A member recommends this shop, no mention of rebuilds on the website.) *This link is no longer viable, 3/30/19 TomD_Cincy reports they are still on Facebook. Washington, N.C. (Northeast N.C.) Michael Edwards https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008456653661&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2 Fwww.rx8club.com%2Fredirect-to%2F&_rdr (He's on Facebook, I'm not) Schaumburg, IL. https://www.eliterotaryshop.com/ Some discussion on their competence. See post #100 Sacramento, CA. https://www.haagperformance.com/ New Jersey Services IRPerformance *TeamRX8 found a report of questionable business practices on the RX7Club about IRP. Worth noting, post #164 Los Angeles area http://jandgautomotive.net/ Topeka, KS.* http://jesseprathermotorsports.com/new/ *Website says they build racing engines, a member recommends them. **40th Anniversary RX8 reports Jesse has retired. He recommends Haag Performance in Sacramento, Cali. Blachttp://www.derwinperformance.com/kwood, N.J. http://www.jprimports.com/ Los Angeles https://lucky7racing.net/ Signal Hill, CA.** https://mazdatrix.com/index8.htm A member reports Mazdatrix no longer does rebuilds. Cresson, TX. http://goteammer.com/ (Apparently, this shop builds racing engines, not ordinary rotary rebuilds, I'll leave it in case someone wants to build a RACE CAR.) Update: 7/31/18 A member reports MER doesn't do actual rebuilds. https://goteammer.com/services/rotary-service/ Georgetown, TX http://www.mzmperformance.com/ *Member fruitspunch reports MZM no longer does rebuilds. Huntington Beach, CA http://www.neptunespeed.com/ Edinburg, Tx. OJ Imports *Addendum, 01/13/2022 Post #130 Palm Beach, Fla. Pettit Racing RX-7 & RX-8 Performance *TeamRX8 found a disturbing thread on the RX7Club about a customer having a very bad experience with Pettit including unauthorized repairs and shoddy work that literally damaged the customer's FD. Post #165 *Another member's report of a botched rebuild by Pettit, post #185. Beware. Anaheim, CA.** http://www.racingbeat.com/mazda/performance/about.html ** Racing Beat does not rebuild engines, but is a source for those who decide to DIY. Colorado https://www.respeedshop.com/ RE Speed Shop says they do a limited amount of builds a year. Neosho, MO. (Southwest MO.) http://m.therotarydoctor.net/?url=ht...%2enet%2f#2750 ** Rotary Doctor is listing NEW crate engines installed with a 1 year warranty for $6950 (MT) I didn't check availability. Rebuilds as low as $2700 with (unlikely) good housings, plus $1200 for installation 2 year warranty on new housing rebuilds. Calgary, AB, Canada https://www.rotaryengine.com/ Arizona https://www.rotaryenginegodfatherllc.com/ Garland, Tx.* https://rotaryperformance.com/ **Member fruits punch reports RP no longer rebuilds engines. Westminster, Maryland https://www.rotorpistonmotorsports.com/ Knoxville, Tn. Rotary Resurrection home of the budget rebuild. *See note at bottom for helpful rebuild advice* Kannapolis, NC (Charlotte) http://www.rotorsportsracing.com/ A member mentioned them in a thread and has contacted them, no results yet. St. John, N.B. Canada https://saintjohnengine.com/ **Update** 03/2022 Member Red Line Envy reports the shop burned down and it's unknown if/when they will reopen. Miami, Fla. Turbo Clinic ROTARY 12400 SW 128th St, Miami, FL 33186(786) 897-8324https://g.co/kgs/EiU5tG (I could not find a viable link, they're on Facebook, I'm not) Queens, N.Y. T&R Racing https://www.google.com/search?client...=sh/x/kp/local *NOTE* After revisiting a linked thread and being unsure how to isolate a single post, I'm pointing out Post #79 for excellent advice on expectations for owners from Kevin at Rotary Ressurection. I feel it should be included here instead of buried in the thread. Post #79 https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...-264695/page4/ |
I would suggest people search here and on rx7club.com for each of these before choosing. After 6 years of being boosted I am still thrilled with my Pineapple Racing build and the process was the best I could have wished for.
But, one and IMO the best, would be Darryl Drummond. He built the sealed Renesis engines used in the Star Mazda Formula Race Cars and a buddies Renesis from him made 268HP on the engine dyno. Drummond Engines 541.761.5520 I would also put Pettit, Mazdatrix, and Racing beat on the list even though I decided against each of them based on the interactions I had with them. |
I will also add that people should educate themselves on what is important in engine building, and a lot of the attention to detail you see in piston engine builders does cross over to quality rotary builders. There is also a lot of misinformation regarding what makes power, and what doesn't. For example, the proven high HP drummond engines are not ported.
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
(Post 4817566)
I would suggest people search here and on rx7club.com for each of these before choosing. After 6 years of being boosted I am still thrilled with my Pineapple Racing build and the process was the best I could have wished for.
But, one and IMO the best, would be Darryl Drummond. He built the sealed Renesis engines used in the Star Mazda Formula Race Cars and a buddies Renesis from him made 268HP on the engine dyno. Drummond Engines 541.761.5520 I would also put Pettit, Mazdatrix, and Racing beat on the list even though I decided against each of them based on the interactions I had with them. Several of them have Drummond engines, and the owners rave about them. That puts Drummond high on my list for when my engine inevitably lets go. Drummond has limited bandwidth, however. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...242b02683d.jpg |
I'd like to add Lucky7 Racing in Duarte, CA (Los Angeles metro area)
https://lucky7racing.net/ I did not realize Racing Beat did re-builds. They certainly don't advertise that anywhere. |
Yeah those engines in those cars use a unique header, cable 70mm TB, and a Bosch race ECU IIRC. pretty impressive.
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Originally Posted by Jastreb
(Post 4817601)
I'd like to add Lucky7 Racing in Duarte, CA (Los Angeles metro area)
https://lucky7racing.net/ |
Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
(Post 4817566)
I would also put Pettit, Mazdatrix, and Racing beat on the list even though I decided against each of them based on the interactions I had with them.
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Well they are affiliated with Mazdatrix so maybe they handle all the rebuilds? It was a long time ago when I spoke to them. They were both really vague about what a rebuild of Renesis entailed and they did not recommend turbocharging it and generally spoke bad on the Renesis so I passed.
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
(Post 4817658)
Well they are affiliated with Mazdatrix so maybe they handle all the rebuilds? It was a long time ago when I spoke to them. They were both really vague about what a rebuild of Renesis entailed and they did not recommend turbocharging it and generally spoke bad on the Renesis so I passed.
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
(Post 4817621)
Yeah those engines in those cars use a unique header, cable 70mm TB, and a Bosch race ECU IIRC. pretty impressive.
It was a MoTeC ecu, one of the best. |
Originally Posted by BigCajun
(Post 4817657)
Done, although I didn't see rebuilding mentioned anywhere on Racing Beat's website.
they mainly design and sell products at this point. |
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People who specialize in earlier rotary engines may not be the best choice for a Renesis. It has some of it's own unique peculiarities that require knowledge and experience on how to best address them.
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Originally Posted by Jedi54
(Post 4819350)
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Originally Posted by TeamRX8
(Post 4819356)
People who specialize in earlier rotary engines may not be the best choice for a Renesis. It has some of it's own unique peculiarities that require knowledge and experience on how to best address them.
I did see RX8s on their site. I'm including them for informational purposes, and if anyone has any experiences or opinions about them, that's welcome also. |
Yeah but it's not often he does it.
Last time I was there he was rebuilding a motor and mentioned it's rare he does them because most 8 owners are on a limited budget (aka they're cheap skates) and just opt for a crate motor from Mazda since it's cheaper. You know Yoshi though, he'll do whatever makes the customer happy. side note: feels like just last week we were at his shop and you installed that clutch pedal. Still rock solid all these years later. :) |
Any Midwest shops for the list?
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Originally Posted by Woldy
(Post 4819636)
Any Midwest shops for the list?
One of the reasons for this thread is to get a list of all rebuilders so we can find the best choice for our individual members. |
I've been eyeing these guys for a while as they are not far from me DEFINED AUTOWORKS | Service Repair Upgrades | Performance for Mazda RX7 | RX-7 | RX8
Is there anyone that here that has used them in the past? Quality/service/warranty? |
Originally Posted by boricua13
(Post 4819666)
I've been eyeing these guys for a while as they are not far from me DEFINED AUTOWORKS | Service Repair Upgrades | Performance for Mazda RX7 | RX-7 | RX8
Is there anyone that here that has used them in the past? Quality/service/warranty? |
Originally Posted by boricua13
(Post 4819666)
I've been eyeing these guys for a while as they are not far from me DEFINED AUTOWORKS Service Repair Upgrades Performance for Mazda RX7 RX-7 RX8
Is there anyone that here that has used them in the past? Quality/service/warranty? Added to the list. |
Originally Posted by Charles R. Hill
(Post 4819733)
The closest to MN that might call for at least a little curiosity might be Chip's Motorsports.
Contact Us - chipsmotorsports |
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
(Post 4819826)
As I said before, I'm doing this for informational purposes. People can form their own opinions by reading threads such as the one you posted. If anyone posts about builders, good or bad, this might be a good place to find that out. |
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
(Post 4819826)
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Originally Posted by Charles R. Hill
(Post 4819834)
I am pretty sure Team is insinuating who it is based on why he replied in the first place and where he linked to, but it was mentioned elsewhere on the internet who the builder was/is. From what I have read, we have another situation where the builder's manner of handling things is the greatest point of criticism.
I'm not sure of the situation you're referring to, but I think I know. Like the Good Guy, Bad Guy thread, it would be helpful to know exactly who did what. |
Originally Posted by BigCajun
(Post 4819832)
I didn't see it, did he say who rebuilt the engine in that thread?
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No one is looking for a spoon.
I understood you meant Banzai. You linked the thread. I read the whole thread, he never mentioned the builder,and nothing was pointing at a bad build until thirty-something posts in. |
well that's probably why my reply wasn't intended for you :rolleyes:
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I decided to link this thread as it relates to one of the listed builders, OJ Imports, it's current, and there are some interesting observations in it, particularly Rotary Resurrection's input on customer's expectations and input.
https://www.rx8club.com/good-guy-bad...mports-265160/ This one as well: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...-264695/page3/ |
Expectations management is a critical contributor to happiness.
Have a long conversation with your rebuilder and make sure you understand what to expect after the rebuilt engine is broken in. If possible, get any warranty terms in writing. |
Good thread guys !
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You might add rotarydoctor to your list. He is located in Neosho Missouri, He rebuilt my 8 and it's still running great!
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Originally Posted by rotorhead62
(Post 4820648)
You might add rotarydoctor to your list. He is located in Neosho Missouri, He rebuilt my 8 and it's still running great!
Thanks for that, I wasn't aware of any in Missouri. |
Originally Posted by BigCajun
(Post 4820674)
Done.
Thanks for that, I wasn't aware of any in Missouri. |
Originally Posted by NotAPreppie
(Post 4820676)
The difference between the mobile and desktop websites for The Rotary Doctor are striking...
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Originally Posted by BigCajun
(Post 4820677)
I haz no compooter. :(
(source: I made worse websites for friends' parents when I was 15 years old. My excuse is that I was using Notepad to do them and Internet Explorer hadn't even been invented yet.) |
Originally Posted by NotAPreppie
(Post 4820684)
Less about you and more about the website designed by their friend's 15 year old kid.
(source: I made worse websites for friends' parents when I was 15 years old. My excuse is that I was using Notepad to do them and Internet Explorer hadn't even been invented yet.) Idc about websites, tbh. Customer service is #1. |
FWIW, I just got off the phone with Mazdatrix. The guy I spoke was recommending I just get another Mazda re-man, and said they don't do engine re-builds or installations any more. Maybe he was just trying to get me to go away :dunno:?
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Originally Posted by Jastreb
(Post 4820711)
FWIW, I just got off the phone with Mazdatrix. The guy I spoke was recommending I just get another Mazda re-man, and said they don't do engine re-builds or installations any more. Maybe he was just trying to get me to go away :dunno:?
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Hi, Im new to this forum and trust me, i tried searching in this forum for my answer and cant find it. My question might sound stupid but still need help.
I bought a 2004 231bhp RX8 with low compression. I knew that I will need a new engine. Ive found a supplier of the engine. I arrived and he showed me few engines pointing that few are 231 and others are 192... visually I cant tell a difference. Please answer my following questions: 1.If the seller is not honest and sells me 192bhp, is it possible for me to still put in my car or something wont fit and it be noticeable straight away that something is wrong? Will the ECU and my 6 speed gearbox "work" with 192bhp? 2. Are there any visual differences from outside (I know that one is 4 port and other is 6 port but apparently as far as I know it can be seen when engine is disassembled)? I mean maybe some engravings or any exterior differences? Any help would be much appreciated. |
Originally Posted by priedaine5
(Post 4822848)
Hi, Im new to this forum and trust me, i tried searching in this forum for my answer and cant find it. My question might sound stupid but still need help.
I bought a 2004 231bhp RX8 with low compression. I knew that I will need a new engine. Ive found a supplier of the engine. I arrived and he showed me few engines pointing that few are 231 and others are 192... visually I cant tell a difference. Please answer my following questions: 1.If the seller is not honest and sells me 192bhp, is it possible for me to still put in my car or something wont fit and it be noticeable straight away that something is wrong? Will the ECU and my 6 speed gearbox "work" with 192bhp? 2. Are there any visual differences from outside (I know that one is 4 port and other is 6 port but apparently as far as I know it can be seen when engine is disassembled)? I mean maybe some engravings or any exterior differences? Any help would be much appreciated. These photos can help Six port, extra air intakes are circled https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...e95cbe83d9.jpg Four port https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...292ae57c1a.jpg No extra air intakes |
Originally Posted by priedaine5
(Post 4822848)
Hi, Im new to this forum and trust me, i tried searching in this forum for my answer and cant find it. My question might sound stupid but still need help.
I bought a 2004 231bhp RX8 with low compression. I knew that I will need a new engine. Ive found a supplier of the engine. I arrived and he showed me few engines pointing that few are 231 and others are 192... visually I cant tell a difference. Please answer my following questions: 1.If the seller is not honest and sells me 192bhp, is it possible for me to still put in my car or something wont fit and it be noticeable straight away that something is wrong? Will the ECU and my 6 speed gearbox "work" with 192bhp? 2. Are there any visual differences from outside (I know that one is 4 port and other is 6 port but apparently as far as I know it can be seen when engine is disassembled)? I mean maybe some engravings or any exterior differences? Any help would be much appreciated. It just makes sense, especially if your objective is to just get the car running asap and you're not trying to modify performance. If they are just selling engines and won't guarantee them, I wouldn't do it. You'll probably have fewer problems if you have your existing engine rebuilt. |
Originally Posted by boricua13
(Post 4819666)
I've been eyeing these guys for a while as they are not far from me DEFINED AUTOWORKS | Service Repair Upgrades | Performance for Mazda RX7 | RX-7 | RX8
Is there anyone that here that has used them in the past? Quality/service/warranty? Looks like they have been around for awhile, surely someone has dealt with them on this site... |
Check on the Risky Rotors FB page, there is a guy named Christopher Tak or something that works there.
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Any of you guys have any experience with Banzai in Indiana? They aren't that far from me in Illinois and am thinking about getting them to rebuild my 04. Its got 140,000 miles and starting to get tired
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At a 140k, you're probably looking at replacing almost everything. Banzai Renesis rebuilds start off with a Mazda reman. Given that, I'd just get a Mazda reman.
Also, it says on their website: "Due to the core engine requirement, multiple Rebuild Levels, Apex Seal and Porting options, we only sell Mazda Remanufactured Renesis prebuilt engines." Click on the "Renesis" link on their webpage and it takes you this page with sort of implies that they will just sell you a reman for $5400 (including core). You can get one for $2875 (+$1000 core) from Gossett Mazda in Nashville. https://www.gossettparts.com/oem-par...e-n3h302200rv0 Go down there and pick it up/drop it off yourself and you'll dodge the shipping fee. |
The website says they break the remans down and upgrade the components
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That's only at the "Level 5" rebuild level and it's another $1k on top of their reman price but not shipping and gaskets.
They're tearing apart a reman engine to replace parts that I rarely read about being a problem. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ |
This is a quote from banzais page on the service they offer, if you've never dealt with them or heard how their service is then disregard this post.
"We rebuild your supplied core engine. All engines are completely disassembled and meticulously cleaned using our state of the art Omegasonics Super Pro cleaning equipment. All components are then thoroughly inspected to insure that ever part is within tolerance and meets rebuild specifications. We require that you supply us with a rebuildable core. This means that the main components are not destroyed or worn beyond reuse. If you do not have a core engine you will need a Level 5 Rebuild, currently only available with RX-8 Renesis engines." |
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