So I got a rx8 04 with 130k. it starts and drives perfect, hot starts also. But the previous owner doesnt know much about it. so I spent the weekend at the junk yard and pulled a 04 6port engine and tranny. and I have taken it apart. so I can start rebuilding it, and wondering if anyone can take a looks at the housing and tell me if they are worth the rebuilt? https://imgur.com/gallery/amllrEv

 

They're not totally trashed, but they're not great either. Hard to tell from the angle, but there might be a coolant jacket breach/kink in one of the irons. Look at the chatter marks on the housings, and what looks like almost worn-through chrome at the edges.

What is your goal? Are you looking to build an engine that lasts a long time, or just a project to tinker with?

If it's the first, you don't build your engine or an engine you found at the junkyard, you buy a known good one from a rebuilder or Mazda.

I'd get your current engine compression tested to see where you stand. It might have been recently replaced.

If you haven't already, read up at rx8help.com for other stuff to watch.

 

Ok. I’m looking to rebuild as I want to track(hped and some autox)it next year. So I don’t want to have a blown engine mid season. The motor that’s in it now on a rotary compression tester said 5.8bars front 5.9 rear average. So I know it’s going to need it. It still hot starts which is good. But I know it will be sooner then later.

 

I’ve had worse numbers and it still ran pretty well. Have fun with the new project though. More power to anyone seeking experience and knowledge for good.