I am in Cedar Park, TX, just north and west of Austin. My son's RX8 has been in my garage for about a year. It has compression issues and likely needs a rebuild. I don't trust the dealer ... general principle ... but I don't know where to go to speak with a qualified mechanic. I was thinking ... maybe I should just have a regular engine dropped in so having the car worked on would not be so exotic or require a search. I'm looking for advice, guidance, recommendations. The car is fine, previously owned by an enthusiast who took very good care of it. Thanks

 

If it's an automatic it's probably not worth the trouble.
If by a regular engine you mean a piston engine, that's a bigger job than a rebuild.

 

There are several rebuilders in TX.
Idk how close they are to you.
One of them has a sketchy history.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...ilders-265177/

 

thanks ... going through the list .. nothing very close, yet. it is a stick .. first owner drove it at rallies and such .. he put in some features to improve performance. quite a nice car ... just a problem to find someone qualified to work on it

 

if you are just swapping a reman engine any normal shop can do it or you can diy

 

A reman engine is the cheapest way to go. There are builders such as Kevin at Rotary Resurrection over in TN that will ship one to you. The engines are not terrible to install. The biggest part is cleaning the lower intake manifold properly. I'm sure if you hit up the regional forums here you may find a few guys locally that would be willing to give you a hand doing the engine swap.

 

I think I may have found an option, MZM Performance, 642 County Road 234, Georgetown, Texas. Our Shop and https://www.facebook.com/MZM-Perform...6945646008708/ anyone ever hear anything good or not good about this shop?

Attn: Big Cajun: found a place in Georgetown, TX .. just north of Austin ... excellent and recent testimonial from an RX7 owner http://www.mzmperformance.com/customer-testimonials

would be a good addition to your list http://www.mzmperformance.com

 

Done, thank you very much.