N!CKM00

Hi, this question will probably get some flak but here it us. I have VERY LITTLE automotive experience but I'm willing to learn and listen. I'd like to get a hold of a blown up or close to, stock rx8 and rebuild the engine, is it possible to learn how to rebuild and work on an rx8 with only using forums, Utube, and service manuals. I don't have a garage but I do have a back yard with a gravel parking spot that I could put a portable car port on, making a "garage". I have a decent amount of hand tools and some m12 power tools at my disposal and I can get oem parts at a 20% discount... do yall think it's possible?

Edit: I love what the rx8 can be, the look, and the idea of a rotary, the high reving and "differentness" really draw me in.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Read around the site. Rebuilding your engine isn't really a thing, these cars have all aged enough for big parts of engines to be out of spec. Sure you could throw new seals into a tired engine, and then do it again the next year, and the year after that. And yes you could probably take it apart and put it back together with the info available online. But, if you want a reliable car, get a rebuilt engine from a rotary rebuilder or from Mazda.

spectre6000

How does "rebuilding your engine isn't really a thing" jive with "get a rebuilt engine from a rotary rebuilder or Mazda"? I've rebuilt a lot of engines, and a rotary seems like it should be one of the easier ones... Parts are still pretty available, donors are everywhere and relatively inexpensive, so it's not like you're having to fabricate and machine anything weird or dig through a million old man sheds...

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Of course you can bolt the parts together and call it a day. But once you realize that *your* housings are scored and flaking, you get to choose between spending $1500 on housings or putting together a compromised engine that's not going to last long.
A *reputable* rebuilder rebuilds with the best available parts in his inventory, not just whatever was in the engine bay when he got there. Mazda uses a mix of known good and new parts.
Getting a known good engine is a huge time and headache savings.

If you're rebuilt many engines, you should probably appreciate that every one has its own quirks and things to watch out for.

spectre6000

Yeah, rebuilt many engines means I know it's not that hard, and what makes rebuilding an engine difficult. No available parts, poor quality parts, fragile parts, specialized tools, extreme tolerances/specs, extreme mass, limited clearances/access, and numerous other things. None of which affect these engines. You have to know the tolerances between the seals (just like with any other engine), and torque specs (ditto), torque patterns, etc. If a part is borked all to hell, you don't reuse it all borkulated. All basic stuff. Not quirks, just RTFM and do your homework type stuff. Definitely not "not really a thing".

Let's assume OP isn't a complete idiot. If *your* housings and irons are scored, etc., you don't reuse them. You recondition, find good used, or buy new. The same goes for any engine of any type from any maker and any period. Again, you're not having to machine and fabricate parts from scratch here... These engines aren't THAT special... Pretty basic, engine building 101 level stuff here...

So in short, to the OP, yes, you can absolutely rebuild your engine, and it's silly to say otherwise. It is definitely *easier* to have it rebuilt by someone else. By the time you track down all the parts you need to do it correctly, you may not be saving much money, but that wasn't part of the question.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Like I said, of course you can bolt parts together. If that's the goal, great. My point is that given how old these cars are now, the odds that any part of your engine are reusable are pretty low. Especially if it already has low compression.

So you may as well start building an entirely separate engine out of known good parts, and trade your still assembled engine in as core. It will be cheaper. And at that point you may as well get a complete engine.

Either way, when you're done, there isn't much of *your* engine in there.

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Slawekn1

I think both of you have a valid point but kinda phrase it in a weird way.

To the OP. If you can pick up a good deal with a tired engine thats OK and what I mean by a good deal is you pay for the body and whatever the engine is in it, is "free" meaning you budget another $3.5K for a replacement rebuilt engine. You can then try to rebuild the engine that came with the car yourself, You might get lucky and score an engine that only needs new seals or seals and rotors resurfaced or it might be a total mess and no parts could be suitable to be resued...either way, you learn something and develop your mechanical skills. Win -WIn

But if you go and buy a blown engine car that is $1K-2K cheaper than a running car hoping that you can fix it cheaply in your backyard with just basic tools....oh boy you might want to rethink this approach...hopium is a potent drug..but expensive in the long run LOL

jcbrx8

Nick, It's a valid question for which I'm glad you've received no flak. You came to the right place to inquire. I would ask you what is your ultimate objective?
1. to learn to rebuild a renesis engine
2. to obtain a reasonably reliable running RX8

Those are differing goals.

You specifically asked, "is it possible to learn how to rebuild and work on an rx8..." If your goal is to learn to rebuild a 13b msp ...yes, anything is possible. if you're intent on going thru the hard, often costly, knocks of learning how to rebuild a 13b msp ...in your backyard on a gravel space..., then Spectre has provided good arguments. Just understand from someone who's done both, i.e. self-rebuild (2018), then purchased and installed a reman (2021), - see my build thread if you like starting @ ~post #90; - that it's long, tedious...under the best of circumstances, which your's are not...; and yes rewarding if it turns out well. However, be prepared to do it all again, incurring additional time, $$, frustration; if it does not.

However, if achieving a reasonably reliable running RX8 is your ultimate goal, then I concur 100% and believe Loki has provided sound advice. First time round purchase a roller, or 8 w/ questionable engine. Purchase a remanufactured engine from a *known reputable* builder. Swap the engines yourself. This will save you some $$, and you will gain some experience & learning.

Many things are possible. Question IS what is prudent.

If you haven't check out this similar thread - "Should I Rebuild or Just Leave It?"
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...-leave-273524/

All the best.