Taller apex seals in Rx8 rotors - is this common yet?
 

Hi all

Engine is a 6 port with HKS turbo kit fitted and the (stock) apex seals have bent, most likely tune related. While the engine is apart I'm thinking it's worth deepening the rotor slots to accept earlier Mazda 2mm seals (along with earlier corner seals of course). It's easy enough to do and I figure it will add a bit more a of a safety buffer to the re-tune it's going to get. I feel the taller seals will handle more heat before they distort.

I'm just wondering if this is a common mod yet, and if there's anything I'm overlooking. I can't see a problem with the earlier seals and the RENESIS ports, nor with housing surface compatibility.

While I'm at it, has anyone tried closing up the side seal clearances significantly? I know zero side seal to corner seal clearance works well in pre-RENESIS engines, but they don't have the side ex port to take into consideration. The stock clearance seems excessive, surely half that amount would be satisfactory...

just put them in backwards, they should bend back straight

I haven't seen a need for it yet . Buy the stock size goopy seals on our site and call it a day. They are in stock ready to ship.

http://www.turblown.net/store/index.php?productID=260

I'm guessing Goopy seals are like other un-breakable seals and will bend before the factory Mazda seals will? I'm also guessing housing chrome life is reduced somewhat?

good question and I am also interested in the answer.
OD

These aren't like the PTS seals that bend real easy. The manufacturers don't claim they are unbreakable. They are just extremely hard to break. They aren't rough on the housings like RA seals. I was one of the first guys to figure that out, as I was using them within months of their release around 8 years ago iircc.

Ok, that sounds promising. How do they compare to the Als seals?

So its sounds like 40K miles can be done---all other stuff being ok.
I may be the 1st Goopy low compression renesis engine?--not that means anything.
OD

Very similar, we are also an ALS dealer and have been for some time. They don't make a drop in Rx-8 seal however.

Are the Goopy better than Atkins cryo treated RX-8 seals ? I may be interested in the Goopy for a rebuild.

Goopy are going to have a much better chance at surviving detonation that the Atkins. Atkins are a good alternative to OEM for n/a Rx-8s. From what Josh told we were the first to try the Atkins too.

Goopy are the best seals for the buck for turbo Rx-8s, hands down.

Yeap, Turblown has it right. Goopy is great!

I've just started dealing with Johnathan recently and his seals are affordable and compareable to ALS.


I have modified RX-8 rotors to accept older 13B (taller) apex seals for a N/A road race engine. I used a method called EDM wire cutting, much more precise than using a mill.

can i use goopy apex selas in N/a engine...

Why don't you call Goopy and ask :dunno:

Have had Esmeril seals in for a couple of yrs and they have withstood a LOT (have over 35000 boosted miles on them) see link.https://www.rx8club.com/major-horsep...od-bad-195598/.
However they recently suffered another "event" and now I believe one might be bent (engine is still running fine under boost but not so good starting and at idle + vacuum is down). Currently looking at installing ALS seals (for the rx7) in the next rebuild i do because I believe they will be even more durable.

Yes - common practice .

I know of two RX8 engines with the taller RX7 seals in the Renesis rotors, both are running fine.

mine is doing very well--21 vacuum at idle--live in Ga

You get better vac in GA ? :p:

barometric pressure affects the vacuum readings--ta da!

/\ so you have the taller rx7 ALS seals in yours OD ?

Several world class engine builders have been doing it almost since the Renesis came out

Elliott never sees a need for anything until the problem is staring him in the face, lol

Yep Brettus I am running the taller Rx7 apex seals in mine. Pettit did it.

How many using ceramic seals. I know they are expensive however, are they worth the money or will a stronger than OEM setup be ok for FI engine

I may be mistaken but:...

Ceramic benefits are less warping due to heat, and less wear. NOT that they are stronger.

Not saying that abnormal wear and heat ruin compression, but I am pretty sure ceramics do not add any protection against catastrophic engine events; more of a long term protection against wear and tear.

The best would be the Renesis rotors, cut to accept the RX7 seals, with ceramic taller seals....