Engine Replacement Options
 

Back in October, the engine in my 04 RX-8 lost compression on the front rotor. The engine had 94k miles when it failed. It failed in my driveway on a cold start luckily. I deflooded it and ran a compression test and tried deflooding it again and there was no hope. So, I started the process of removing the engine and a few thoughts came to mind.

Option one, a rebuild kit from Atkins is about $1500 with shipping. This is the way I would like go as it would keep the engine original to the car and I would enjoy rebuilding the engine. My concern here is that the front housings is wiped out from the apex seal that cracked. This would add another $900 on top of that rebuild cost and would put the cost up to nearly $2500. If both housings are worn and flaked then I would add another $900 to that. And, I would probably replace the rotor bearings as well if there's any wear. The cost of this could potentially be very high.

Option two is a replacement engine form Mazda. I priced the engine out and I can get a reman for around $3500. I would still need an external gasket set however, but the cost would be under $4000... still kinda high, but I suppose having a warranty is nice...

Option three is a used JDM engine from ebay. There are plenty of suppliers that offer engines shipped form around $2000. This is the cheapest way to go, but I'm not sure its the best way. I'd still replace all of the external gaskets and seals and use all of my manifolds and sensors to ensure everything works properly. The downside is that the mileage they list is not guaranteed as they have no idea what the mileage is, and I'm taking a risk that the engine is good and not low on compression or that it doesn't have a bad coolant seal.

What are some thoughts on this?

Option 4 is get an engine from a rebuilder like Pineapple or RotaryResurrection. Feedback round here has been very good.

+1

I had my engine rebuilt by RotaryResurrection a couple years ago and its still running well.
He was very detailed and provided pictures of the tear down which was nice.
I've had good experiences with him and would recommend his service to anyone.

+2. Let a pro do it. Fantastic experience here with RR.

I'm not worried about rebuilding the engine myself. I've been working on cars for 17 years, have had 34 RX-7'S and two RX-8's and I'm a technician at Toyota so I know that rebuilding the engine myself wouldn't be an issue. I could get woth Kevin and see what he would charge as it may not be much more than I'm anticipating to pay anyways. Always a thought so I appreciate the info.

34 RX7's wow!
I'd still suggest leaving it to Kevin if you are already prepared to spend 2500+. His engines are excellent, and come with a warranty.

That was one of my reasons for going through Kevin, what he charges vs the cost of the rebuild kit plus the man hours you'll spend performing the rebuild yourself.
You can go to his website and look through the pricing section.

I have another short block with one rotor that lost compression, which is what I'm going to tear into for a rebuild.
That way I'm not experimenting on my main daily driver.

You sir, are an rx7 connoisseur....

I've been buying RX-7's for the last 17 years in various states of condition. In that 34, I include wrecked 7's that I've bought to strip. I have bought and sold so many over the years because the deal was right. There have only been 15 or so that I've hung onto and driven for a few years. I'm down to two 7's and one 8 currently... I also have a 91 MR2, two Porsche 944's, a 63 Ford Falcon, a 92 Camry SE with a V6 and a 5spd, and a 2015 Toyota Sienna. I have to have the Sienna though as I have 5 kids, lol.

5kids! I have 6.
Fewer cars.
But a bigger van... Chev Express 3500

If I had another kid, I think I would have to get a bigger van, lol. We are now at max capacity, lol.

U decide on an option?

I would think getting a rebuilt engine would b your best bet. new engine from dealer is expensive.