914 at the cross roads Options

[PotterPorsche]

My brother purchased another 914 project. It currently has a mazda non turbo rotary conversion. It is currently not running, but apparently it ran in SCCA. It also has a radiator kit plumbed to the front. I have been reviewing his options:

Option 1: Spend money on the rotary to determine the health of the engine. Decide the cost to repair the rotary and figure out the wiring.

Option 2 :He still has a type iv 71mmx 101mm long block. Determine cost of repair or rebuild, figure out what's missing, and get it back on the street.

Option 3: convert to 4 cylinder Subaru wrx engine. determine the cost

Option 4: convert to 6 cylinder Subaru ez30d engine. determine the cost.

Looking for input from forum members who have any one of these options 1-4, with pros' and con's.

Also for option 3-4 what real world cost are? what should be considered? Ball park on how many hours these conversions typically take?

[Mike Bellis]

You won't get a whole lot of support for the rotary. I like it, but I had several. There is a guy on Craig's List in Napa that will rebuild for $800. He post on CL all the time.

Seems like most people are scared of a rotary engine... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[PotterPorsche]

You won't get a whole lot of support for the rotary. I like it, but I had several. There is a guy on Craig's List in Napa that will rebuild for $800. He post on CL all the time.

Seems like most people are scared of a rotary engine... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Mike from your experience was there any major gotcha's that could have been avoided? I read your thread very impressive. What kinda hp does a rotary 13b produce non turbo?

[Mike Bellis]

You won't get a whole lot of support for the rotary. I like it, but I had several. There is a guy on Craig's List in Napa that will rebuild for $800. He post on CL all the time.

Seems like most people are scared of a rotary engine... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Mike from your experience was there any major gotcha's that could have been avoided? I read your thread very impressive. What kinda hp does a rotary 13b produce non turbo?

With a set of headers and no smog, you should have around 165hp from a 13B.

Make sure it doesn't overheat. Too mush heat will expand the sandwich engine and cause major oil leaks. This equals rebuild.

Make sure the oil injection is working. The rotary injects oil to keep the apex seals lubricated. This seals the combustion just like a set of piston rings.

Don't ever let it detonate (ping). This will destroy the apex seal and require a rebuild to fix.

Most auto parts stores do not carry any rotary parts. Many cannot order them either. You will be able to find spark plugs and oil. That's about it. You will need to get parts from places like Atkins Rotary. They sell on their website and have good customer service.