All these engines keep blowing? time for a wankel swap!!!
Things didn’t go so well during our Daytona outing with the ChumpCar World Series presented by RVA Graphics & Wraps: Less than 10 laps in, a coolant line ruptured, leading to an overheated engine.
The final diagnosis? That engine is toast. Yay, us.
We looked at our possible solutions. We could find another used engine, but the newest one out there is now 20 years old. Yes, we could throw one under the hood and call it done. And then will it again blow 10 laps in? Once you figure in all of the other expenses to race–like transportation, lodging, food and everyone’s time–it seemed like a risky proposition.
So we’re building a new engine. And by “new” we pretty much mean a stock rebuild. The car is now down at Treasure Coast Miata. They specialize in used Miata parts as well as Miata race prep. They also offer rebuilt cylinder heads and short blocks, allowing us to start with clean assemblies fitted with fresh bits.
More to come on the engine rebuild once we get started.
No one likes Miatas more than Grassroots Motorsports–and trust us, we did the research. Print and digital subscriptions start at just $10. Such a deal.
All these engines keep blowing? time for a wankel swap!!!
fidelity101 wrote: All these engines keep blowing? time for a wankel swap!!!
With a turbo!
In reply to David S. Wallens:
lets just take this one step at a time...
David S. Wallens wrote:fidelity101 wrote: All these engines keep blowing? time for a wankel swap!!!With a turbo!
I'm no professional - but as far as I'm aware that's considered the industry standard for reliability. You should consider Twin turbos - this roughly doubles the reliability of any one car.
Do I hear "quad turbos?"
1.8 NB2 VVT swap... 
Needs more MZR.
Really, the plan is to get it back together. The car was fast (and reliable) at Lemons. Then we had some issues. If we can get back to our 193 horsepower at the wheels with fresh stuff and no leaks, then we should be golden. The major plan: run a ton of laps and have some fun.
True, though, MZR would be fun. Next time.
Coulda had a V8... (Still could...)
Rotary + turbo... awesome! What could possibly go wrong? Besides, I hear it's been done before.
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