I have a 2006 Mazda rx8. Was driving it on the freeway when I heard a loud pop in the engine bay and started rolling a ton of smoke. When started (if it starts) the rpms jump all over the place. The car shakes and feels super weird. Usually dies. Anyone have an idea if that is the apex seals or something else? And if so any places that will fix that for cheap?

 

if you broke an apex seal you would have taken out the housing and probably the irons. you dont just replace apex seals. the whole motor will need a complete tear down to see whats reusable and whats not. you can buy a core from mazda or contact an builder. i would start by making sure thats what you need tho

 

I was thinking about that too. Every shop I call they quote me around 3k plus to do the work so I’ve been looking around. Hopefully I can get it up and running sometime soon.

 

You have to at least do a proper compression test to be sure. It could be for other reasons too.

 

Don't accept just any ole shop who thinks they can work on a rotary and quote over the phone. Most places have never seen one and will make mistakes. The best course of action here, if it really is the engine core and not something else, is to replace the engine entirely with a rebuilt one from a known rebuilder (or Mazda). It will be more than 3k but you'll be up and running AND not have to do this again.

 

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Get one. Rotary-specific, not some mook with a spark plug adapter connected to a pressure gauge with some rubber hose.

 

If you have done a rotary-specific compression test and other diagnosis to know your engine is gone, then here is a list of rotary rebuilders compiled by member BigCajun:

Here is a great reputable rotary rebuilders list compiled by member BigCajun:

Indiana
Banzai Racing Home Page

Phoenix, AZ.
https://black-halo-racing.myshopify.com/

S.E. Michigan
https://chipsmotorsports.com/

Moraine, Ohio
https://www.colletti-motorsports.org/

Columbus, OH.
DEFINED AUTOWORKS | Service Repair Upgrades | Performance for Mazda RX7 | RX-7 | RX8

Rogue River, Ore.
Drummond Engines 541.761.5520

Laurel, Indiana
Home
(A member recommends this shop, no mention of rebuilds on the website.)

New Jersey
Services IRPerformance

Los Angeles area
http://jandgautomotive.net/

Blackwood, 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.
Mazda Race Car Specialists · Motorsport Enterprises Racing
(Apparently, this shop builds racing engines, not ordinary rotary rebuilds, I'll leave it in case someone wants to build a RACE CAR.)

Huntington Beach, CA
NepTune SPEED - Home

Edinburg, Tx.
OJ Imports

Palm Beach, Fla.
Pettit Racing
http://shop.pettitracing.com/


Portland, Ore.
Pineapple Racing
http://www.pineappleracing.com/


Anaheim, CA.**
Racing Beat LLC. -- About Us
** Racing Beat does not rebuild engines, but is a source for those who decide to DIY.

Neosho, MO.
(Southwest MO.)
http://m.therotarydoctor.net/?url=ht...%2enet%2f#2750

Garland, Tx.
https://rotaryperformance.com/