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Just thought I'd mention that since it was Memorial Day. It's hard running a small business, keeping every customer happy, make enough money to pay workers and set aside a bit for retirement, AND rearing a family. I wish the best for Ray and hope he's able to return to supporting the rotary community.
Well, he did go out of his way to do well at his work. He didn't have any employees, did it all with just himself. Yes, running a small business is super difficult. And obviously we (those who had any interaction with him) miss him already, and hope the best for him.
I don't think he is in Business. We were emailing back in forth in December and then he just stopped. I wish he was I am really trying to get my 8checked out.
Has anyone found a good rotary mechanic in central Virginia (I'm in Richmond)? I would also be willing to drive to DC area for bigger repairs. (I'm just about to buy my first 8.)
I've been searching both this forum as well as the RX-7 forum, but all the recommended shops seem to be out of business. The only thing I found was Angel Motorsports in Virginia Beach area, though they specialize on RX-7s, so I'm not sure if it's worth the drive for me…
I can't find much info on them, but what info is out there says they work on RX7s and 8s. They have a number listed, I'll try and reach out to them later today.
I've been limping along doing minor repairs and upgrades myself for the past couple years but I'm getting close to needing some more major repairs and really need to find a decent rotaryhead.
Any success with Rotary Import Performance?
If you live in the DC area, it might worth the drive to JPR Imports near Philadelphia if you need major work done. It's not the most convenient (especially for work that takes more than a day). But since it's one of the most well-known rotary shops in the country, it might be worth it for things like a rebuild.
Unfortunately not. Their number goes to an answering machine for some other company (didn't quite catch the name since the recording was pretty bad). The search continues.
Angel Motorsports does some RX8 stuff, they seem to be more geared to custom order builds and RX7s but I'm taking my 8 there tomorrow to get some issues checked out and possibly getting the engine rebuilt. They are located in Chesapeake
Are you still in business? Your site redirects to Edmunds..
Originally Posted by whitneyautorepair
My name is Ray. I have worked at both Rosenthal Mazda in Arlington and Nissan Mazda in Tyson's and know both Rob and Tory very well. I have 13+ years as a Mazda Master Technician and I may have very well worked on both of your cars in the past. Rob Arrington is a great guy and I always got along with him well. I will not speak badly of Tory in a public forum but I can not speak highly of her. People like her and the ever thirsty dealership drive for money while putting quality and honesty on the back burner changed my career path. I am a very successful Technician but left the dealership life back in September.
I opened my own shop in Fredericksburg Va. I'm a Mazda specialist and offer all the services offered at the dealers and can do so at well below their cost. I also offer Rx7 and Rx8 engine rebuilds and performance upgrades that dealerships do not offer. I can tell you with 100% confidence that your car will receive superior care if you bring your Mazda to me.
I'm a certified Mazda Master Technician and have been working on Rx8s since the first ones got delivered to the dealer back on 2003. I am also an ASE Master Technician with Advanced Engine Performance certification. I have more Rx experience and knowledge than the service advisors ever will. In fact, I willingly still consult privately with technicians at both dealers when they have difficult to diagnose problems.
Skip the service writers next time and give me a chance to impress you, and save your money.
I look forward to working with you, will appreciate your business, and will treat you and your car accordingly.
Ray Whitney
Owner / Master Technician
Whitney Automotive LLC
39 McWhirt Loop Unit 112
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Angel Motorsports does some RX8 stuff, they seem to be more geared to custom order builds and RX7s but I'm taking my 8 there tomorrow to get some issues checked out and possibly getting the engine rebuilt. They are located in Chesapeake
What was your experience with Angel Motorsports, Ericlift? I emailed and called them a couple times about a quote, but didn't get any useful replies. So I figured they're not interested – though I have heard from others too that they took their 8 there… Maybe they only take them when they need extra business or for major things like a rebuilt or custom stuff…
I did some more search on the forums and widened my search radius, and somebody recommended Unique Precision Rotary in MD. I didn't find much information (seems to be a one-man garage shop), but the few reviews I found were positive. Anybody else have any experience with them?
https://www.facebook.com/uprmotorsports
The other alternative I found was RP Performance in Summit point, WV. They are more established but focus more on track-preparation and aren't specialized in rotaries (they are specialized in Mazdas, but looks like they mainly work on Miatas – though they also have experience with RX-7s).
Any thoughts on them?
It was decent. I just had them replace the engine since my compression was so low. Yeah it sometimes takes a while to get in contact with Mike, but they are good guys and a good price. The engine didn't actually end up solving my problems but they were helpful and gave me some of their thoughts on what the issue was. But I needed to transport my car across the state so I couldn't leave it with them so I've been trying to solve it on my own. The quoting process depends on what you want done, if its compression check/engine rebuild/ new engine, that pretty much requires you to make an appointment. If its something else, sometimes they can get you a quote if its an easily recognizable problem, otherwise you'd probably have to take it in. but if its an easily recognizable problem the answer is typically on this forum and the diy usually isn't to much even for novice mechanics
No unfortunately not. We moved a little further north to Massachusetts and I really haven’t found anyone up here either. This is my sons car and he has been away at college for two years in upstate NY. Needless to say he wants a 4x4 now because of all the snow. So I’m contemplating selling the 8. It is solid stock, with a remanufactured engine and many, many new parts. The engine has less than 15k on it now and it has no issues. I have a spare transmission for it and another motor that needs to be rebuilt. I tend to pick up parts if I run across them. I also have a few painted body panels as well. This car has almost zero rust. I waffle between selling it and keeping it just as a hobbie for me. If someone wanted a car to bring back to a perfect restoration this would be a good one.
7andan8, I'm thinking of having RPM rebuild my 2010 RX-8 motor (100k miles, low compression.).
Best of luck Surtur, hope all goes well. I ended up choosing Rotary Resurrection in TN. About 800 miles on the basically new Mazda motor and all is well. My motor that went in for a rebuild was completely shot and not worth the effort, or money, to rebuild.
Best of luck Surtur, hope all goes well. I ended up choosing Rotary Resurrection in TN. About 800 miles on the basically new Mazda motor and all is well. My motor that went in for a rebuild was completely shot and not worth the effort, or money, to rebuild.
If you have opinions on RPM, I'm all ears.
I have specified new housings and I'm hoping the irons are in good shape here are the compression numbers:
Rotor 1: 600/580/590 @250 rpm
Rotor 2: 580/600/580 @250 rpm
Rotary Import Performance?? Nokesville, VA
The search continues.
