ActionStarCBRXX

I have a 2007 6 speed RX8 with a 6 port engine with 113k miles. It is dying and needs a replacement. It has a stutter around 7500-8500k. The longer the drive (50 minutes vs 20) the more hesitation and surging and poor performance it exhibits. If its a short drive to work (some highway some city) it does great for that 20 minutes. The Inspection sticker is due in May and I have a Cat CEL showing. The car actually drives better with CEL light then without. I often go with the CEL light on, then it goes off for 50 miles or so and comes back on. I did replace the CAT a few months back (Dec 2018). I did replace COILS in the summer of 2018. I already have the radiator upgrade done and replaced the clutch and pressure plate in summer 2018.

I am on a budget constraint and debating the road to go. I love my 8 and plan to keep it for a few years. I really really want to go Turbo, but dont have money for it now. I really want to upgrade to an 09 or newer but dont have the money for it for a few years either or the credit. So I am really looking at a stop gap for 2 years.

I called a local RX8 place in DFW (RX7.COM Performance and Repair Parts for RX-7 and RX-8) here is their break down.
3300 for new/rebuilt engine.
109 gasket kit (intake/exhaust seals)
1600 installation
150 fluids
300 sales tax
-- shone adapter kit installation.
= 5452.
----------------------------
JDM 6 port RX8 with 45-65k miles = 1699 + tax.
JDM is a full longblock, with everything.

When I look at the numbers 1699 vs 3300 it shouldn't be a no brainer... 3300 for 0 miles fresh start. 1699 for 1/2 life or less. But when I add up everything I go.. %^(*& I don't have 5452!

So my next question, is there anyone in DFW area that would help me pull the engine and replace it with the JDM since thats the next biggest expense? I would pay you for your time so that if it was even 1/2 the 1600 for the installation from the new one, then that makes everything more manageable? I am good with my hands, I did the radiator conversion three years ago myself. I am slow and methodical and like to take pictures and clean as I go. But I had a liver transplant (I am 50) and I cant do all that I did before transplant. I get around fine, but I dont have strength and stamina like I did pre transplant.

IF someone has any suggestions on a better way to go or would be willing to help pull and replace for around 800 let me know!

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Well. You may have a clogged cat, which will eventually kill your engine, but you don't have dead engine symptoms. So don't rush into replacing it, or you'll find yourself with a different engine and same symptoms. Also there is no guarantee that a JDM engine is in any better health.

Have you had a compression test and/or do you have difficulty starting the car when warm?
Have you had the cat taken down and examined?