What to look for from a mechanic when getting an engine rebuild?
 

Im not sure if this is the most appropriate place for this discussion, but what should I ask a mechanic offering to rebuild my engine? When I asked him for a price and what they do, he replied "Resurface complete motor over haul with aviation apex seals all new side seal." And he says that usually runs $5-6k. They're the only local rotary dealer but they have many good reviews but I'd like more information to ask and maybe talk them down on price.

While im not quite there yet for needing a rebuild I would like to know this kind of information before hand. Is this an appropriate plan of action for a rebuild at that price? And at what point should I do this? The car is currently drivable with just barely failing compression and I'd like to have the cash to pay in full instead of financing, but I also dont want to sit on a problem and create a bigger expense from waiting.

They can tell you all kinds of things, that won't help you determine if your rebuild will work. In general you don't want to rebuild YOUR engine, you want a fresh engine that's already rebuilt by someone with good reputation. There are a few shops that have proven themselves:

Pineapple Racing
Pettit Racing
Rotary Resurrection
Derwin Tuning
Mazda :)

​​​​​There's a longer list of rebuilders somewhere on the forum.
Depending on your location you can choose one close to you and get it shipped to your rotary mechanic for installation.

He quoted $1.5-2k for a engine removal and install. Is that pretty average? I assume there engines start around five grand. Are they really so reputable to be worth around two grand more? Im going to look them up and do some research. Thanks for the reply.

That seems cheap - typically $3500+

If one Googles ''RX8Club Rotary Engine Rebuilders'' the thread is usually there.

I don't know if the interwebz gremlins base it on search history, but it's the 1st thing to pop up when I do it.

I don't think Derwin is there, I'll check it out.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...ilders-265177/

OK, got it.
If I read it right, they list a rebuilt engine for $3200 CAD.
I'm not sure if that's their rebuilt engine or a customer rebuild.

Derwin Performance Rotary Engine Specialists in Canada

What? That's like $2200 usd. That's stupidity cheap. All the other rotary specialists you link start around $5500-6000. Something's up.

Sorry, I assumed it was for a rotary engine, but it just says 'engines'.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...3a62d99d1e.jpg