Magic Spinning Triangles - are they in my future?

I'd be quite pleased with oil consumption of one quart over 5000 miles.

Road and Track RX-7 used car classic article.

These engines often need rebuilding after only 50,000 or 60,000 miles because the aluminum engine housing warps and/or seals fail and allow coolant to enter the rotor chambers.

Lots of RX-8s are over 100K now, but an ungodly number had engines replaced at well under that number. We can't agree that rotaries are fragile? I love rotaries. I still contemplate buying an RX8. But I'd go into it with my eyes open.

In reply to Otto Maddox:

Frankly, I've never heard of rotary housings warping unless the engine was overheated or otherwise abused. That's not to say it's never happened. YMMV.

In reply to Otto Maddox:

It should be noted that that article is on the third gen RX-7. They are twin turbo and have known coolant issues. Not many motors seemed to make it past 100,000 in that model.

I have never had a turbo rotary but in my experience non turbo rotaries are very reliable. I have/had six rotary first gens including one with 28X,XXX miles on the original motor that was still running when sold. My first was at 22X,XXX miles when the coolant seals started to go. My current GSL-SE had 200,000 when I had it rebuilt. The housings, rotors and side plates were usable and it was only pulled to be streetported. That rebuilt motor only lasted approx. 15,000 miles when something external (never found) went through it wiping out the side seals. Several friend have had 1st gens as well. Zero motor failures and all over 150,000.

I also had a 1979 that the oil control seals were going at 130,000. Still runs but needs a quart of oil between changes. Smokes like an old honda over 4,500 rpm runs out very well. In fact Debbies son is getting it back on the road now.

I like rotaries but realize their limitations. Non turbo it is hard to make good power. 150 - 200 rwhp is all that is reasonable. Gas mileage sucks. I am no fanboi, our Lemons car is an 83 RX-7 with a 302. I am putting a LS1 in my GSL-SE. However my 79 is staying stock with the 12A. I would love another stock GSL-SE just to drive and certainly wouldnt be scared of any non turbo rotary.