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I am cursed with eloquence. I write and speak like a textbook and therefore sometimes struggle to search terms that other folks would use to describe an issue.
I would like to know if re-builders use Mazda's specs for Rotor Housing Wear or if there is a sort of unspoken convention used when qualifying the condition of used housings.
Also, Mazda's specs would indicate one could reuse a side seal if it is at least .XXX thickness. Is this spec adhered to in the aftermarket or if all side seals are considered expired when the block is opened.
What is the chemical makeup of the plating that Mazda uses on the rotor housings? I have read Chrome, Chromium and a number of others. unfortunately they are all different.... a standard chromate conversion coating, for instance, is a compound of trivalent (or hexavalent) chromium and is among the cheapest plating one can get. Where as decorative Chrome (also Chromium) is a much more expensive process.
There is a serious lack of conformity among rotary "re-builders". You have everything from guys working out of their houses with little to no experience, to full on shops with decades of experience and either could be totally clueless. I would say that most self proclaimed "re-builders" in the rotary world are not what I would consider professionals and a lot of their opinions are no more valid than the average Jiffy Lube techs opinion.
There is a workshop manual for engine assembly that should be followed, but you also have pro level builders who do what they do with little concern as to what Mazda thinks and they (maybe a handful of guys in existence) do not share their secrets.
As for the materials, I do not think a specific make up has ever been provided by Mazda. Either way, refurbishing the OEM parts is basically pointless. You use parts that are in spec, or you buy new ones.
There is a serious lack of conformity among rotary "re-builders". You have everything from guys working out of their houses with little to no experience, to full on shops with decades of experience and either could be totally clueless. I would say that most self proclaimed "re-builders" in the rotary world are not what I would consider professionals and a lot of their opinions are no more valid than the average Jiffy Lube techs opinion.
There is a workshop manual for engine assembly that should be followed, but you also have pro level builders who do what they do with little concern as to what Mazda thinks and they (maybe a handful of guys in existence) do not share their secrets.
As for the materials, I do not think a specific make up has ever been provided by Mazda. Either way, refurbishing the OEM parts is basically pointless. You use parts that are in spec, or you buy new ones.
I have read the workshop manual. The reason for that portion of my query is; Mazda states that chrome flaking shouldn't extend past X arbitrary value from the sides of the housings. As i understand Mazda's Remans are sketchy at best, do they not follow Mazda's specs or are Mazda's Specs sub par when evaluating the condition of a rotor.
I tried searching Rotor Housing Good? and other amalgamations that I thought would make sense, hoping to stumble across anecdotal documentation on go/no-go rotor condition.
When i rebuilt the 13b in my racecar I reused a rotor housing that had small gouges by the exhaust port. nothing incredible but damage non-the-less. That rebuild made over 170 wheel (n/a) and is going strong. (tbh its a race only car so its seen maybe 4 hours of hard operation after break in)
I just picked up an RX8 that needs a rebuild and Im a little hesitant to rebuild with an "aint care," attitude so-to-speak as its a daily driver.
I know i am complicating a relatively simple concern, but I'd like the info regardless. Could you help me with search terms that will turn up Rotor Housing Condition inquiries? this would be easier if i had a picture and said, is this good? but I dont have the car at home yet, much less torn down.
Last edited by Th1nk_f4st; 04-18-2018 at 05:09 PM.
Reason: grammar
I have seen many pics of rotors and housings, and many questions and answers about them.
Imo, you are going down a rabbit hole if you are relying on an internet forum to give you concrete info, especially one that's been around since '03.
MazMart comes to mind as a possible solid reference, other than similar vendors and trusted sources such as that, a PDF of a service manual would be your best bet.
My 2 cents.
Well mazda remans are not known for reliability. Personally I had had an original die at 22k, 1st reman lasted 74k, and the second lasted 27k or so.
And from what I heard from mazmart (reputable builder) the new remans are now coming with new rotor housings, where as in the past they were reusing "in spec" housings.
And take almost everything you know about older 13B's and throw it out the window when thinking about a Renesis.
Thanks 9Krpmrx8; that last bit is quite interesting. Mind Elaborating?
BigCajun To be clear, I would not begin to rely on information from un-vetted sources. It was more of an attempt to collect photos of damaged housings and gauge responses to those photos.
As i understand it; I would be a fool to hope to reuse renesis housings anyway.
I should probably just have Wankel Works rebuild the motor so i dont have to worry about it, but im a glutton for punishment.
Thanks 9Krpmrx8; that last bit is quite interesting. Mind Elaborating?
BigCajun To be clear, I would not begin to rely on information from un-vetted sources. It was more of an attempt to collect photos of damaged housings and gauge responses to those photos.
As i understand it; I would be a fool to hope to reuse renesis housings anyway.
I should probably just have Wankel Works rebuild the motor so i dont have to worry about it, but im a glutton for punishment.
Thus, the rabbit hole comment.
The time you're going to spend searching for pics may be substantial.
If you want, look through this thread of rebuilders.
There's a link in there to a discussion from Rotary Rebuilders about customers expectations when it comes to rebuilds.
You might try contacting some of them for info, pics, etc.
Fwiw, mine is failing and I'm leaning towards buying a reman from Mazda.
I just mean that many RX-7 builders and owners come into the RX-8 and do the same things that worked on older 13B's and they just don't on the Renesis. And for some reason they have not learned anything over the past 15 years because people are still doing "monster ports", bridgeports, machining for RX-7 apex seals, etc. and failing or making less HP than you can on a stock Renesis.
And if Wankle Werks in the place I am thinking of in Miami then I would pass on them as well. But you know what they say about opinions.
Wankel Works is north of Boston, Ma (local to me) and has a stellar reputation in the local motorsports community.
I've seen that too. They way i figure it the Renesis is putting out almost twice the displacement specific horsespower of the 13b NA in the FC. I am aware they come from the factory on the Razor's edge of what the engine can produce. Like i mentioned earlier, no tricks going into this car. Just want a nice, clean Daily that i can still take up to the touge.
To give some context, my current daily is a Mx5 that has been so heavily modified I need a discon steering wheel to get in and out of it. No factory top on the car, just a MASSIVE roll bar and bikini top
I am ready for leather, a sound system to listen to NHPR on and heat/ac (NH winter SUCKED without heat) and something that that starts and goes. Im okay with meticulous maintenance, I equate these cars to an Italian super car (read: Needy, Fragile and extremely fun)
NOT Daily Driver Material my rotary knowledge and experience.
04-18-2018, 04:15 PM
