Engine out of warranty - How much did it cost you?
 

After 185, 000 miles original engine has finally died. My question is - how much have people had to pay to replace? Reman or Rebuild? Dealership or independent shop for install?

Dealership is quoting me $ 2,199.00 for reman engine, $ 1,350.00 for new Oil Meter Pump (recommending replacement), and $ 1,880.00 in labor.

Total damage is $ 5,900.00 for all with tax. Do I really need to replace the Oil Meter Pump?

Is it just me or is this highway robbery??

I paid $3900.00 for my forced induction build (more than a normal rebuild) from Pineapple Racing, and I installed it myself. You can get a good rebuilt engine (not crappy mazda reman) for around $2500.00 and then have someone put it in for $1,000.00-$1500.00. And unless your OMP is faulty there is no need to replace it. Besides you can get a used one for $250.00-$500.00.

Rob (www.pineappleracing.com)
Charles @BHR (www.blackhaloracing.com)
Rotary Resurrection (www.rotaryresurrection.com)
Rip It! (www.rotaryinspiredperformance.com)
Paul @ mazmart (www.mazmart.com)
Brian Cain (www.bdc.com)
Atkins Rotary, Racing Beat, mazdatrix, etc., etc. etc.

^^^What he said, except:
At 185000miles the rebuild is probably going to cost more as you will need to replace more parts.
A good engine costs around 4000\4500$ from reputable builders, i'm not sure about core return discounts etc.

Yeah my price with pineapple was using a 2008 motor he had on hand. I didn't have my Mazda reman rebuilt again. With your mileage I would use yours as a core and get another one that was rebuilt. You could get a Mazda reman but it's only warrantied if the dealer installs it and every dealer is going to rape you on that.

labor is quoted at $ 1,880.00 - no hours etc. I am finding it hard to believe it would take them that long with all the replacement they have had to do. From all the reading it really seems to be a hit or miss with a reman engine. In searching for a "used" engine the prices asked for engines with low mileage seem to be 2 - 2.5k..

I cannot seem to find anyone in the CT area that is independent AND knows enough about the rotary to be comforable with them.

Any suggestions on how to find a local "guru"? I would love to tackle the removal and installation myself but just do not have the facility or the time to do it.

PM Mazmart here and see how much an engine costs shipped to your door.
Rip It! may be another close option but I never dealt with them so i don't have an opinion.

An engine swap takes 5-6 hours depending on the mechanic's equipment. What brings the cost up is the complete fluid replacement (roughly 8kg of oil, cooling system), AC recharge etc.
Changing the spark plugs and possibly other ignition components may be a good idea and the dealership may know that.

Don't focus on a rotary specialist if you are looking to buy an already built engine. Just find a good, reputable mechanic where you live. It's just an engine replacement we're talking about!

and don't forget to stick a new clutch and pressure plate etc on while it's all out. if you buy at a dealership you get a 3 yr 36K mile warranty, good at any mazda dealership. If you get one from somewhere else you are stuck with that shop, but will probably get a much higher quality engine.

WRONG. The warranty on a Mazda reman installed by the dealer is 12 months or 12,000 miles.