Hey all! I'm new to the SE Reigonal section, figured I'd stop by and see if anyone has any recommendations who/where I could go to in order to get my engine rebuilt. It's starting to go on me at 117k miles and I'm still too new to the area to know who to really trust. I've only been in Panama City, FL for about 4 months time. I appreciate any time/ help on the matter you guys come up with, thanks.

 

Shipping is not that much, I would look into builders nationwide like Pineapple Racing, Mazdatrix, etc.. But for FL, I would say a solid builder is Cam at Pettit Racing. Your also not far from Paul @ Mazmart in GA. Do your homework, look for bad guy threads, and see how mistakes were handled, etc.

 

Yeah I've heard of Pettit Racing in the past, I'll shop around with them and maybe mazmart and see what works best. Thanks 9k lol you have eyes like everywhere on this site.

 

being in northern FL I would recommend Mazmart

 

Yeah I just gave them a call to get a quote. It seems like the best option. I'll shop around a little more though, I appreciate the help guys

 

I will always reccomend Cam at PR.

 

Like Charles mentioned above, another great option that is super well priced is Kevin at Rotary Resurrection. Really awesome prices.

 

Rotary Resurection ,,
what you want done first of all... If I was you I would price all major parts needed 1st so you have an idea what your looking at . Parts are pricey I just did a rebuild recently .over 3 thousand miles perfect from 1st crank .

 

I did attempt to contact Kevin at Rotary Resurrection, his prices definitely are appealing. I have yet to get a response, I figure he has a healthy amount of work on his plate right now - don't want to spam him with messages.

I'm still in the process of shopping around at different places for rebuilds. I've gotten a quote from Mazmart, I intend on contacting BHR soon as well as the others mentioned. I'm trying to make the most informed decision I can when it comes to this.

 

That's good man, do your homework. My personal opinion is to stay away from BDC (Brian D. Cain), he is just not a competent builder. All of the other major builders used here have pretty good reputations.

 

Alright, I'll avoid BDC. Thanks for the heads up. I'll look through the forums and find the rest of the reputable builders. I kind of look forward to doing this lol as sick as it sounds, 4 grand so far is what it's looking like for the complete rebuild. I'm really hoping Kevin comes through soon, his prices are so much better.

 

$4,000.00 is about what I paid at Pineapple for my ported engine with their "stage 2" oil modifications. I had them rebuild a low mileage 2008 engine instead of my old Mazda reman though. Rob was a pleasure to deal with, spent hours answering all my questions, and the transaction went smoothly and quickly despite them being half way across the country. It was such a refreshing experience to deal with someone so professional.

You also need to keep shipping in mind, the shipping on mine was very reasonable price wise compared to the crazy prices I have heard others charge and mine was delivered to my door where as a buddy of mine had to deal with the hassle of renting a truck and picking his up at a freight depo. And his was built in the same state.

Mine arrived like this (perfectly fitted carboard box cover off of course).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9krpmrx8/6100473940/http://www.flickr.com/photos/9krpmrx8/6100473762/

 

I do remember looking at these pictures before, I'm impressed at how clean the engine is. I'll have to look into Pineapple as well now. The wider view I have on this will make it much easier to make a good call when it comes to following through with this, thanks again

 

Yeah it's all about attention to detail IMO. It's like a restaurant, if the bathrooms are always clean then you can be pretty sure the kitchen is pretty damn clean as well. If they have a method and take the time to explain it to you then that is a good sign. If they are vague or insinuate that they have some magic formula for doing things but can't share it with you then walk away.

 

I just spoke with Rob from Pineapple Racing and he is one hell of a good guy. I just called for a quote and he ended up shining a whole bunch of light on all the possible causes for the problems I'm having. Like the rattling noise from the SSV could be uneven compressions, etc. and how to troubleshoot that + confirm/ deny what the underlying problem is.

 

Yeah he is really cool. But you know what that rattling is already. Replace that actuator and the sound and rattling will be gone. problem is a new one only comes with a new SSv assembly. But with your mileage stuff like that is bound to fail, the damn thing has probably opened that SSV a few thousand times.

 

Add a zero or two to that figure lol. I'm just working my way through all the little problems to try and make this thing close to new as humanly possible. First step, new SSV. I don't exactly want to rebuild my engine but I gotta do what I gotta do if it comes to it.

 

Being a rotary owner takes a commitment man, ecspecially when you buy one with a ton of miles on it. If you are not committed and just want to half *** it save money then another vehicle is the smart move. I have seen many try to take on repairs and maintenance haphazardly and in the end most end up angry with a much lighter wallet and then just bitch and blame the car.

 

I'm keeping this car indefinitely. I'll do anything and everything I can for it, the right way. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and every time I drive it just reinforces that sentiment.

 

that's exactly how I feel about mine and that's why I decided to tackle the build myself...after a long journey all is well and I loves me some ported rotary

 

I can't wait until I get to that point!! I don't want to crack her open myself though until I'm a lot more competent working on everything else. The more I learn about the car in a whole and how it all works together, the better understanding I will have when it comes to working on the actual engine, and all else that plays a part in the engine's function, or more appropriately it's malfunctions. At this point in time my engine is likely to start failing before I'm ready to tackle the build myself.

 

well good luck....might as well just rip off the scab though

the RX8 club is an amazing resource!

 

hahah maybe I will, thanks.

 

have a guy down here in PORT SAINT LUCIE, JR fabrications.

 

How is his work? I've never heard of JR Fabrication before. I'll look into it.