I have recently bought a 04 192 rx8, however the engine is no longer in a good way.

The engine is now stripped and I would like some opinions on the condition of the rotor housings so I can best decide what to do next.

I work at a performance car garage so I should have all the tools available and have rebuilt many piston engines but this is my first rotary.

 

With gashes like that and the wear of the chrome on the housings I would say to go ahead and replace them.

 

So just get some second hand or new rotor housings then

 

Don't bother re-using most if not ANY 13B-MSP's Rotor housing. the Chrome layer is thin as **** (DAMN YOU MAZDA!)

and that housing is completely trash, well, you can use it as a good paperweight.

Buy new ones, it's not that expensive.

 

Ohhh right I see, how much are they and is it something I should be buying from Mazda directly or do we have cheaper suppliers of genuine parts?

 

No there is not... Well at least nothing reliable. You gotta pay to play in the rotary world.

The cheapest you can do is get used housings with minimal wear sent off to goopy who will recoat them.

I cannot confirm the new coating will hold or work at all though.

 

Where are you located?

 

I am in Hertfordshire, UK.

As far as I can see the rotors and the rest of the engine is good condition, the only wear/damage I can find is on the housings. Is there anything else I should look out for?

 

Since you're in the UK i'd just purchase 2 OEM Mazda housings and rebuild the engine.
Mazmart (vendor here) may be able to sell them at a decent price. Buying them locally will probably cost more.

I have 2 housings in like new conditions but shipping them from here would be outrageous, buying them new seems like the best option available.

 

I honestly don't see how a housing can have that kind of damage without destroying the rotor face as well.

 

Thanks for the help bse50

I will inspect the rotor faces more carefully for damage but as far as I have seen they look ok. I will deep clean and post pictures to see what you lot think.

 

The first picture shows deep gouges caused by a broken apex seal. You will need new housings and possibly new rotors.

 

Mazda does make the rotor housings, so there is no aftermarket. since they all come out of one factory, the best price is usually jut the fewest middlemen

 

That's what I was just thinking.

And you should also take a good look at the faces of those irons

 

Yea if you notice there are gouges on the housing both before and after the apex

 

No updates as of yet really, been busy at work. Been toying with a few ideas of the cheapest and best way to try and get her going again.

Pricing up the cost of housings, rotars and all the seals + bearings gets a bit costly even when you have a garage to do the work in yourself

 

Have you considered getting a complete engine from Mazmart through your shop? The shop could eat the VAT and you'd get a well rebuilt engine for less than the cost of a complete rebuild