Wankle worth the while?: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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May 28, 2008 12:42 a.m. Nomad New Reader

Poor attempt at rhyming.... :omg:

So I'm just thinking about random project car ideas, sub $1000 buy in with $1000 more to put into some refresh and stripping it down and selling parts off.

So I'm a beginner engine rebuilder, only done head refurb so far on a BMW M42 but am willing to rebuild an engine for the fun of it/project aspect.

How hard is the rotary to work on? I know it's a different animal but does it take a unique skillset/big wallet and unique tools to freshen up a wankel?

Should I stick with pistons as a beginner?

BTW, my first passion would be miata, but I started thinking of old RX-7. Maybe I'll do a RXV8?
May 28, 2008 12:47 a.m. joshx99 New Reader

Spec rx7 is dirt cheap compared to other classes.
May 28, 2008 1:49 a.m. Osterkraut New Reader

Rotaries are easy to rebuild. They sound cool. They rev. Like crazy.
May 28, 2008 7:21 a.m. bluej Reader

Osterkraut wrote: Rotaries are easy to rebuild. They sound cool. They rev. Like crazy.

lalalalallaalaaaa not listening..... crap, maybe i am. :twisted:
May 28, 2008 7:26 a.m. Jensenman SuperDork

You can pick them up dirt cheap because people are scared to death of them. Hint: get something with a 13B, the supply of 12A stuff is drying up.

Easy to rebuild, rev like crazy, sound cool, compact, what's not to like? :nice:
May 28, 2008 10:11 a.m. belteshazzar Dork

I bought a mild 350 and 700r4 for $550 total that's what:twisted:
May 28, 2008 10:21 a.m. Chris_V SuperDork

it's a good thing they (rotaries) are easy to rebuild, 'cause you'll have to do it a lot, especially if you are rebuilding it yourself with low priced parts... :twisted:

And especially if you, while having it apart and in front of you, realize just how easy it is to port it "just a little bit, nothing crazy..."

And definitely, never ever look at this page: remember, I warned you
May 28, 2008 1:23 p.m. Jensenman SuperDork

Chris_V wrote: it's a good thing they (rotaries) are easy to rebuild, 'cause you'll have to do it a lot, especially if you are rebuilding it yourself with low priced parts... :twisted:

And especially if you, while having it apart and in front of you, realize just how easy it is to port it "just a little bit, nothing crazy..."

And definitely, never ever look at this page: remember, I warned you

You just HAD to link that page, didn't you? :evil: Now I'm gonna be hunting another 13B.
May 28, 2008 1:46 p.m. Gearhead_42 HalfDork

Dang it, now you made me go order the last internal bits I wanted for my 4 port 13b

There go the rest of my evenings this month...

:twisted:

Edit: Anybody recommend a good (easy to obtain) lapping medium? I've got the glass, just need the abrasive...