1. Understand how the engine and rotary works 2. Use stock pump to put oil into the pump or premix it (premix if the stock pump doesn't work) 3. Let the car warm up before driving (let the choke pull itself in) 4. Don't let it get too hot (if the temperature gauge goes up too much, let off) 5. Add a higher flow cooling system 5. In the winter, don't crank it too much with the gas on 6. When you turn it on during winter let it run for awhile 7. Don't hold it over the redline 8. Take it easy on rain and snow 9. Go to an open parking lot and feel how the back end kicks out to put it back in line
My GF had an rx-7 and she filled it with nothing but amsoil dominator synthetic 2 stroke oil and had the stock oil injector. Thats some good oil for the 2 stroke rotaries. She turned up the OMP some more to achiev total loss burnoff lubrication.
I just got a 1989 Mazda RX7 GTU about a week ago, and I love that goddamn thing to death. It has gotten me out of my lowest and saddest point of my life I was in the last couple of months. :)
another good tip is to just read read read! learn all about the engine and understand how it works. compression checks are good too. also if you have to shut the car down before it's warmed up, in order not to flood it, rev it up and hold the rpms for a second and turn the key off while revved. this will get rid of the excess fuel at cold idle and keeps the plugs from fouling. Zach. you need to start getting paid by Idemitsu. I swear you always have that quart of oil with you.
Reach no, I've had it going on 2 years on the original engine. The person I got it from is my best friend and he is friends with the original owner. The engine has never been replaced
only bought an rx7 to drift it, premixed on the rotary for several seasons, everything ran fine when i pulled it for a v8, no regrets either. rotary engine is very reliable as long as your pre-mix everytime you fill up...it'll never give you low end torque though.
I've been researching rotary engines because I'm buying an RX 8, and this is so far one of the ONLY well done videos that really explains what I need to know. Thank you man!
@@QuincyStick Nope, got a automatic Hyundai Veloster lol. Still love the RX 8, but I don't have the funds, time, or handy skills to own one haha! But hey, maybe one day :)
1InfinityShade - 12A's, if they're taken care of, can go forever. Make sure you check the compression if you can. Mine has her all original 12A at 158K miles and she's still going strong.
All of your videos are so informative. The way you explain things is so easy to understand. I've always had a soft spot for these engines. Their bad reliability reputation is NOT deserved. They have TONS of HP and with that amazing sound and high revs owners tend to drastically abuse these engines causing things to fail over time. Like you say, treat them good and they will treat you the same. Also, A good tip for all older carbureted or direct injectes engines can benefit from some 2 stroke oil here and there if you use lower grade fuel. Their internals were not designed to run on ethanol blend gasoline and older diesels had the benefit of higher lubricity in the diesel back then.
A 2 rotor should preform like a 6 cylinder, but incredibly small and high revving. Fuel economy more like a lower end muscle car, and with comparable power.
+Some Weeb. The Renesis only made about 180whp. Thats 20whp less than a F20C. Wheel torque would be around 130ftlbs or less. Thats mid to high level 4cyl performance and you'd have to drive it like a grandma just to see 20mpg. Most had side seal failures before 100k mi and very few make it to 200k mi. There's a reason why rotaries died. They suck at almost everything they do. Trust me, Ive owned a few
+Some Weeb there were lawsuits for the defective side seals on the early rx-8's (2004-2008). topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/24261-mazda-hit-rx-8-engine-defect-class-action-lawsuit/ This was just one of several lawsuits on the rx-8. I know there was another one for HP claims. Before the car was released I remember Mazda ads claiming 280hp, then it was released at 247hp, which then dropped to 238hp and then they got sued and had to drop it to 212hp or something like that. Mazda was offering free scheduled maintenance to those who kept the car or had to buy the car back from disgruntled customers, Ive also heard they were offering up to $7k in cash returns for those who kept them but I can't confirm that: ezinearticles.com/?Mazda-RX8-Horsepower-Controversy&id=47018
Nice review! My first two cars were 1st gen RX-7s, a 12A and 13B. I loved the choke on the 12A, but eventually (and after years of hard driving) it would easily vapor lock. The poor car was abused by then and I sold it for parts for $400. I replaced it a 13A GSL-SE, which was like driving a luxury sports car. What a beautiful, fun car! I ended up selling it with 174k miles on it. To this day it’s sitting in a garage waiting to be restored, and it still starts I'm told.
so just to summarize, premix is key, let it warm up and try not to over redline it...make sure to redline it often & if it doesn't want to crank then just leave it for a while before trying again as to not flood it? anything else. Great video, thanks please do more tips for new rotary owners!!
What's up Lexington! I'm planning to drop an offer on an RX-8 tomorrow. I was an Rx-7 owner for 7 years, (and Lexingtonian since birth). Thanks for the refreshing video realness!
Looking at picking up an SA or FB. My biggest concern is oiling lol. It's mainly going to be an autocross toy so I might just premix. 225/45 RE71Rs on 15x7 wheels with BC coils should be a ton of fun.
if you just bought an RX-7 or anything with a rotary engine if you haven't already found the local mechanic that specializes in rotary engines do so take it there first find out what's what RX7 community is fairly small and most places there is not usually too many mechanics so it's very easy to find out who did the previous work if you know where to look. that way if you don't do the work you can find the qualified guy you can learn lots from them you ever have any problems you know who to ask plus they'll know where to get parts cuz if you go to a place that doesn't usually stock RX-7 parts it becomes a special-order item they had to bring in so it's going to cost you double and if you go to a local Mazda dealership it's also going to be very expensive
Do yourself a favour don't buy an RX-8 or any rotary vehicle unless you have deep pockets. RX-8 their junk and you usually have to replace the motor straightaway motor and transmission easily going to be 12 ,000 and that's for a basic stock replacement like it would be from the dealership. That's not aftermarket anything in the way of performance do your research to make sure there a local garage in your area works on rotary engines otherwise you going to pay a premium for mechanic
That moment when you have NO INTEREST AT ALL in buying a car with a rotary, but you stop by a video just to see what its like. I like to explore different areas of the automotive world. Like motorcycles, trucks, go karts (lol), sports cars, drag/rally/autocross. Just about everything lol. I don't really like looking at super cars because they seem to be lame and have no character in my eyes. Maybe someday if I'm somewhat making a good living I'll get me a rotary car.
I recently picked up a 82 FB. Been doing a bit of work on it and I need to replace the oil cooler, but I'm really hyped about it. I've been learning a lot over the last couple of months about rotaries and just cars in general but I have a ways to go.
Love your videos homie. I've got a '79 my dad picked up the year I was born (we e-mailed!) and I love your enthusiasm for the flaming Doritos! Pretty sure my baby needs a rebuild after ~40 years and ~130k on the clock. It's in storage meow so out of sight out of mind. But I miss 'er!
Currently got my eyes on a '79 RX7. Supposedly 74k miles, not sure what specific engine it has but pretty sure it's a 12A, with idling issues. Looks to be quite the project, but fun as well.
I daily my black RX8 and run a 3 inch 100 cel catalytic converter so I can premix as well, engine is 135k so far no issues. I drove a RX8 with a decat and the smell was terrible, something I couldn't live with. The high flow cat though is a great option and allows to use premix
I'm pretty close to buying an 86 FC Cabrio. Haven't talked with the guy much past meeting him so I have not seen the condition of the upholstery, soft top, etc. But if I can get it for less than the $5k he's asking, I'd be more than happy to rebuild the engine, have the car resprayed, etc just to have my little NA rotary convertible.
It’s kinda hard taking care a car with a rotary engine on Arizona because during the summer it gets hot as hell here and I’ve been thing getting a rx8 with low mileage
Man! I love your videos, I don't see your videos on other cars, just videos based on rx7 and Rotary engines, as I am a very big rotary fan! The way u explain things about the rotary engine in such an easy manner and provide so much knowledge, no one else does it like this man! Amazing content! Keep making rotary videos, Hail rotary!.......
i got my eyes on a 12a FB i really want to get my hands on a rotary/platform before they all are priced out of reach. I remember seeing this with the 911/s over the last 15 years, as well as the 240z.
So I’m currently building a 1991 fc rx-7 and I do have a couple questions about it, this is my first rotary engine ever. 1. When I start the car how long should I wait till the engine is warm enough? I’ve read forums that say 15 minutes, 30 in the cold. I live in California considering it doesn’t get too cold should I apply the 30 minutes? 2. What oil should I use for the engine? Many forums have said use thick oil like 10w 30, since it is thick it will benefit the rotary. If I put thick oil in should I premix? 3. If I do premix do I put the whole quart in the gas tank then the gas? Should I even put premix if I’m using thick oil? I apologize if these questions seem stupid I really want to keep my engine strong and healthy. If anyone can give me their opinion or advice it would be much appreciated, thank you.
Number one tip on driving a rotary engine. Make sure its fully warmed and thermostat is open before revving it much over 2000 rpm. I have seen these engines last 400K miles.
Just got an Rx8. 40th edition...at 50K miles. The machine is a beast but it does eat gas like kandy. But its a bad ass kar. Knt say no to that. Nice Vid.
I have a fuel cut off switch on my 88fc. Flip it off to run the line out of pressure, flip back on when cranking and fires up every single time. Been running that set up for 2 years, also is a anti theft switch too.
@@sandervanderkammen9230 every comment there you are, dude stop obsessing over me. Not into guys. You are the only troll that hits every single rotory video. If you hate them so much why do you spend your life commenting useless opinions? You have as much credibility as Kim Jong-un. Nobody care what you think anymore. Move on. Get a life. You've been called out as a troll and everyone sees it now.
Still loving my 2007 Mazda RX-8. How long will it last? I have no idea but I have loved driving it for years and had the same amount of issues as my old Corolla so it's not too bad
doktorbimmer if you treat it like a piston engine it will die on you. If you treat it like an actual rotary it will run as long if not longer than most piston engines. You dont see 2 stroke engine owners treating the engines like 4 strokes. Also quit typing in only bold headass
doktorbimmer over the subject of the FC and rotarys in general, they're just a different approach to the normal four stroke engine with suck, squeeze, bang, blow. The rotary has four power cycles which are technically the same as strokes, but in terminology its important, otherwise confusing. If you would just put some effort in a research, you will quickly understand how the rotary works and at the same time why we can't directly compare these to piston engines due to the major difference in design, and due to that design why it's so moneydraining to maintain if not taken care of, as performance engine it really can't beat piston engines today though, but a racer used to win a world Championship in LeMans with a mazda rotary engine. Nowadays having a rotary engine would be a fun challenge or great idea for a project car. To be able to drive the already getting rare mazda rotory in an rx-7 is a unique experience unlike the more reliable and conventional piston engine. I'm 16 and live in europe, so I've never actually owned a car, let alone a rotary, but I'm saving up for getting an rx-7 fd3s due to the challernge, fun and unique experience, as well as the pride I would bear driving a rx-7 with a rotary. Also the driving experience is different too, as explained in this video, you can't use like your normal engine.
Heh funnily i wont be buying my first rotary but returning to life one of my relatives old ones! Went out to see family and spotted in the back of the abandoned old home of one of my relative a Mazda rx2. So i wanna go bring it back, as its pretty good nick, and nearly unused, beign a 72 model and driven two years before something happened and now its, back there.
@@sandervanderkammen9230 why not? not like those things come around often. and its in frankly good state after going to see it. Untouched, all the chrome and glass is there after 45 years is pretty good. As well as being clean inside the engine.
I wish there were more rotary cars around. I really want a rotary but I'm not really interested in an RX8 and RX7s are either ragged to death or made of solid gold. I wish they'd made rotary Miatas or something like an MR2 competitor.
even with the issues, i would buy one in a heartbeat considering how easy it is to work on. What kills it for me is the crappy fuel consumption, if i could get 30hwy/25ish city i would give in and buy one even with all the extra care needed, but my Tundra gets better MPG than the RX8... :/
I love rotaries but stepped up to an LS, which if you do some further research uses as much fuel as a Rotary, that a German man designed and put in a Mercedes C111 concept car.
rule #1 take the car to a mazda dealer and have it compression checked. 80+ is a fresh rebuild, 70+ is good condition, 60+ may need rebuilt soon (10-20k miles) 59 or less rebuild asap to prevent serious damage.
Austin Rogers if you got 115 you must have done overall compression for the rotor. to get a proper reading the dial should be pulsing and give you 3 readings for each side of the rotor. which is the most accurate way to see if a rotary is healthy.
8.6bar or 860kPa is the standard for when the car leaves the factory. 6.8bar or 680kPa is the minimum for a good running engine. That being said, if the starter is 2kW (N3H1-A or N3Z1) it will still start the car even at below 4bar or 400kPa. The car will die when the engine warms up though.
quick tip dont use synthetic oils at the time of the rx7 synthetic oils were still several years off the design of the rotary at a time when synthetic oils were not available equals the rotary not being compatible with synthetic oils main reason oil jets and the apex seals apparently don't like it.. but rotarys are fun and can be an amazing experience if you know how it works and treat it accordingly my first sports car was a 1988 convertible with the BBS RIM package and on the move adaptive suspension tunning which allowed you to adjust the suspension firmness on the fly a thing unheard of in the 80s they were so advance fot the time damn sure my 88 convertible had a pioneer Cd player from the factory a Cd player in the 80s wow very advanced cars for the time shift light and buzzer when to shit damn a miss my rx7
Mazda for life... fast and fun. I have a 79 glc station wagon 12A and I have never have problem with the engine and I have a nissan datsun 1200 with the 13B turbo alcohol 1180hp and it bust ass and believe me 6.90 on a 13B its fast... V8 drivers get scared every time a rotary car gets to the line 😈😈😈
hey dude nice video i have a RX8 secend engine .i buy it so not i destroy lol . The last owner was a woman. I start the engine he is cold and then he has 1500-1800rpm wait a minute, than i roll on and drive slowly never more than 3500rpm Then after approximately 6-8 km I give full throttle. When I stop I turn briefly to 3500rpm and pull the ignition off.and i look all 2 days water and oil.only mazda delixia ultra 5w30.and i never drive short times.its taht okay for the rotory?greeting from switzerland.
WHY? You have to be monumentally stupid like this fool to pour the WRONG OIL down the WRONG FILLER HOLE. Wankel engines are inherently unreliable and there is no snake oil or voodoo spells that will make them more reliable.
I'm about to get a 85 rx7 with a 12a n/a 5speed from my grandfather and I'm pretty excited but there's a few problems with it that I can't figure out. 1st problem is it runs better with the choke on but when the choke is off it runs worse. when fully warmed up and the choke is off I slightly rev the engine and it stumbles but then revs fine. 2nd problem is when I'm driving it has no power/get up when I'm giving it normal throttle any thing below 3/4 throttle and cruising around below 4000 rpm but when I floor it 3/4 throttle or to the floor and the rpms are higher than 4000 rpm it has all the power in the world. Iv never worked on a rotary so I have no ida what it could be. I have checked for vac leaks replaced cap rotor plugs wires and fuel filter also ran carb treatment that you add to gas and nothing seamed to help. I'm hopping you can give me some suggestions I can try and solve my problem thanks in advance.
Really appreciate the informative video. I have a 12a and have put a-lot of time and money. Still learning. I dont think I am currently getting any fire. I cranked it on a cold day like you were saying and letting it run and then I get a little gas and I stopped. I think I had fouled the plugs, so I cleaned them up and put a new set in as well. Still not able to catch. Any insight on what I should do at this point? Also, I checked another video and it referred to checking the voltage on the coil right now. I don’t think I’m getting proper voltage to the coils. Thanks for your time and energy. I will research some of your other videos or if you have one to refer me to please. Good day. John
Hey im about to get one, but im currently with my grandparents in college and there neighborhood is like a retirement place. I really am not even supposed to be here over a month lol. The Rx-7 I found is straight piped without a cat... I heard its unhealthy to low rev it. Does that mean I have to piss everyone off with my high revving strolls in and out the hood? Lol serious replies please.
No, you should shift right at 3k or a little past 3k. (at least until you're out of the neighborhood) I did that all the way to a muffler shop, it was fine. I'd probably get a better exhaust tho.
Okay cool thanks man. Lol what do you think about this? 1982 Rx-7 167k miles $1600. In the description he says he always waited 5-15 min to heat up before dirving, oil changed every 3k miles with non synthetic 10w3. Said it shifts smoothly and drives great. If this is really worth it, i'm going to work my ass off for a minute to get this before its gone.
1. Understand how the engine and rotary works
2. Use stock pump to put oil into the pump or premix it (premix if the stock pump doesn't work)
3. Let the car warm up before driving (let the choke pull itself in)
4. Don't let it get too hot (if the temperature gauge goes up too much, let off)
5. Add a higher flow cooling system
5. In the winter, don't crank it too much with the gas on
6. When you turn it on during winter let it run for awhile
7. Don't hold it over the redline
8. Take it easy on rain and snow
9. Go to an open parking lot and feel how the back end kicks out to put it back in line
I want it to kick out tho 😈
Owning a rotary sounds like a full time job.
EDIT: a full time job where you pay money instead of getting paid.
More like an abusive relationsship with a really hot girlfriend
@@johntelekom9712 LMAO 😂
My GF had an rx-7 and she filled it with nothing but amsoil dominator synthetic 2 stroke oil and had the stock oil injector. Thats some good oil for the 2 stroke rotaries. She turned up the OMP some more to achiev total loss burnoff lubrication.
@@johntelekom9712 aren't those the best type of relationships..
@@johntelekom9712 Accurate. She's too good to let go!
I just got a 1989 Mazda RX7 GTU about a week ago, and I love that goddamn thing to death. It has gotten me out of my lowest and saddest point of my life I was in the last couple of months. :)
So a car that you only got a week ago has some how made you feel better in lets say 3 months before you even owned it?
@@perpetualboner5513 no, he was saying that three months prior he was feeling really down
if its the one in your pic, its made a lot of others smile too. keep on brotha!!
I just got an 88 vert, its a beaut :)
Hoping that’s what my project car does 🤞
I know the video is 4 years old but this is the first channel I have found that isn’t just “it’s hopeless, sell it and buy a new one” +1 subscriber
premixing a rotary engine is the best way to ensure reliability. had a good experience with my FD
Zishaan Manoga Could you message the whole 9 yards on the daily maintenance.
What is a premix?
@@kwekumensah5642 premix put some 2 stroke oil in when you fill up with fuel. Plenty of videos on it.
@@cliffbartram4974 thx
@@kwekumensah5642 It will pretty much help you with most of your issues. If the engine has already been rebuilt you will also be fine
"congrats on buying your first rotary"
me: *watching this video on my bicycle trying to buy my first icecream this year*
Holy shit Kyle Katarn :O
Jka everywhere i go
another good tip is to just read read read! learn all about the engine and understand how it works. compression checks are good too. also if you have to shut the car down before it's warmed up, in order not to flood it, rev it up and hold the rpms for a second and turn the key off while revved. this will get rid of the excess fuel at cold idle and keeps the plugs from fouling.
Zach. you need to start getting paid by Idemitsu. I swear you always have that quart of oil with you.
God damn man, you're everywhere! What is up with all of the hate on new cars and anything remotely rotary?
doktorbimmer rotary engines are wankel engines. Are you confusing the terms radial and rotary
doktorbimmer yeah? Then whats the differencr between a rotary and a wankel engine
doktorbimmer the one that burns gasoline
Nick White I
I drive my 8 everyday! 136k on the original engine and still running like a top!
136k may be impressive for a rx-8. But thats not an impressive feat for any other car.
That's why it's commented on a video about rotary engine vehicles
Didn't you just buy your Rx-8 less than a year ago? The engine was probably replaced previously lol
Reach no, I've had it going on 2 years on the original engine. The person I got it from is my best friend and he is friends with the original owner. The engine has never been replaced
You made a video of it when you got it on TH-cam.
only bought an rx7 to drift it, premixed on the rotary for several seasons, everything ran fine when i pulled it for a v8, no regrets either. rotary engine is very reliable as long as your pre-mix everytime you fill up...it'll never give you low end torque though.
if you wanted low end torque you shouldnt have bought a rotary
That's why he got rid of the rotary.
Should have bought a diesel if he wanted the torque
@@MacJunior696 how tf you gonna drift a diesel
@@anthonytoscano1244 same way you drift a car with a gas engine
I've been researching rotary engines because I'm buying an RX 8, and this is so far one of the ONLY well done videos that really explains what I need to know. Thank you man!
Well did you ever get one?
@@QuincyStick Nope, got a automatic Hyundai Veloster lol. Still love the RX 8, but I don't have the funds, time, or handy skills to own one haha! But hey, maybe one day :)
I'm considering a 12a first gen. I found one with about 80k surprisingly. This might be a good investment for a driver and first rotary.
1InfinityShade - 12A's, if they're taken care of, can go forever. Make sure you check the compression if you can.
Mine has her all original 12A at 158K miles and she's still going strong.
Dr. Weird thank you I'm looking to buy a rotary first gen for my first car
you talk better than technicians I've come across. good video.
All of your videos are so informative. The way you explain things is so easy to understand. I've always had a soft spot for these engines. Their bad reliability reputation is NOT deserved. They have TONS of HP and with that amazing sound and high revs owners tend to drastically abuse these engines causing things to fail over time. Like you say, treat them good and they will treat you the same. Also, A good tip for all older carbureted or direct injectes engines can benefit from some 2 stroke oil here and there if you use lower grade fuel. Their internals were not designed to run on ethanol blend gasoline and older diesels had the benefit of higher lubricity in the diesel back then.
I dig it bro. I'm on a learning curve right now with my FD so I'm watching everything I come across on youtube. Cheers mate, keep the rotary alive!
Im in the same boat😂
Tip 1: Bring lots of money and expect 4cyl performance with the fuel economy of a semi and the maintenance of a ferrari
Hercules Rockefeller and the exhaust note that rivals a chorus of angels
A 2 rotor should preform like a 6 cylinder, but incredibly small and high revving. Fuel economy more like a lower end muscle car, and with comparable power.
+Some Weeb. The Renesis only made about 180whp. Thats 20whp less than a F20C. Wheel torque would be around 130ftlbs or less. Thats mid to high level 4cyl performance and you'd have to drive it like a grandma just to see 20mpg. Most had side seal failures before 100k mi and very few make it to 200k mi. There's a reason why rotaries died. They suck at almost everything they do. Trust me, Ive owned a few
If you have seal failures before 100k, you're doing something wrong. I've seen many go above 130k on the same apex seals.
+Some Weeb there were lawsuits for the defective side seals on the early rx-8's (2004-2008). topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/24261-mazda-hit-rx-8-engine-defect-class-action-lawsuit/
This was just one of several lawsuits on the rx-8. I know there was another one for HP claims. Before the car was released I remember Mazda ads claiming 280hp, then it was released at 247hp, which then dropped to 238hp and then they got sued and had to drop it to 212hp or something like that.
Mazda was offering free scheduled maintenance to those who kept the car or had to buy the car back from disgruntled customers, Ive also heard they were offering up to $7k in cash returns for those who kept them but I can't confirm that: ezinearticles.com/?Mazda-RX8-Horsepower-Controversy&id=47018
Yes ! Thank you !
Keep up more stuff related to maintinence, and maybe some videos touching the topic of a rebulid ?
Thankyou I know a lot about cars but rotary’s are a whole new world so this was very helpful
might be getting an 87 RX7 soon, this is really helpful!
Nice review! My first two cars were 1st gen RX-7s, a 12A and 13B. I loved the choke on the 12A, but eventually (and after years of hard driving) it would easily vapor lock. The poor car was abused by then and I sold it for parts for $400. I replaced it a 13A GSL-SE, which was like driving a luxury sports car. What a beautiful, fun car! I ended up selling it with 174k miles on it. To this day it’s sitting in a garage waiting to be restored, and it still starts I'm told.
so just to summarize, premix is key, let it warm up and try not to over redline it...make sure to redline it often & if it doesn't want to crank then just leave it for a while before trying again as to not flood it? anything else. Great video, thanks please do more tips for new rotary owners!!
I don’t own a rotary, and probably won’t for years. But they have peaked my curiosity, and this had fed it.
What's up Lexington! I'm planning to drop an offer on an RX-8 tomorrow. I was an Rx-7 owner for 7 years, (and Lexingtonian since birth). Thanks for the refreshing video realness!
Looking at picking up an SA or FB. My biggest concern is oiling lol. It's mainly going to be an autocross toy so I might just premix. 225/45 RE71Rs on 15x7 wheels with BC coils should be a ton of fun.
This is an amazing video! As an RX8 owner, you hit every point spot on!
I'm new to the car world so i only know about Lamborghini and Ferrari but this Rx7 i saw in reels caught my attention
Mazdas are dirt cheap for a good reason...
Watching this to prep for my future FD RX7. Thanks man!
if you just bought an RX-7 or anything with a rotary engine if you haven't already found the local mechanic that specializes in rotary engines do so take it there first find out what's what RX7 community is fairly small and most places there is not usually too many mechanics so it's very easy to find out who did the previous work if you know where to look. that way if you don't do the work you can find the qualified guy you can learn lots from them you ever have any problems you know who to ask plus they'll know where to get parts cuz if you go to a place that doesn't usually stock RX-7 parts it becomes a special-order item they had to bring in so it's going to cost you double and if you go to a local Mazda dealership it's also going to be very expensive
5 years later im here! great video man
I'm only 16 and a half years old now but when i am old enough i buy the mazda rx 8 immediately because i love every part of it
Do yourself a favour don't buy an RX-8 or any rotary vehicle unless you have deep pockets. RX-8 their junk and you usually have to replace the motor straightaway motor and transmission easily going to be 12 ,000 and that's for a basic stock replacement like it would be from the dealership. That's not aftermarket anything in the way of performance do your research to make sure there a local garage in your area works on rotary engines otherwise you going to pay a premium for mechanic
Truckloadofrhymes canada agreed, the RX8 is the worst rotary in my opinion
@@JB-tb2qp im also thinking of getting an rx8 but the rx8 im looking at has its engine completely rebuilt and swapped with an rx7 fd engine
This is super super helpful, I’m having to put a new engine in the rx-8 I just bought and this is for sure going to help me in the long run.
Sell it now... before the engine fails again.
I’ve just got a Rx7 fc, thank you for the advice!
I don’t even have one but it never hurts to learn😅(😢I’m saving up for one)
That moment when you have NO INTEREST AT ALL in buying a car with a rotary, but you stop by a video just to see what its like. I like to explore different areas of the automotive world. Like motorcycles, trucks, go karts (lol), sports cars, drag/rally/autocross. Just about everything lol. I don't really like looking at super cars because they seem to be lame and have no character in my eyes.
Maybe someday if I'm somewhat making a good living I'll get me a rotary car.
Plan on getting one as a weekend toy. Civic still my daily
Really helped me and cleared many misconceptions.
Thanks
I’m planning to daily a FD RX7. Thanks for the help!
'They're not cheap to replace, they're like $7 or $8 a plug' HAHAHAH WHERE ARE YOU BUYING YOUR PLUGS!
Wanted797 7 or 8 bucks a plug lol that's cheap as shit especially for plugs
Wanted797 pepboys
Michael Bridgestales I get mine for 5 sometimes
lol plugs by me for most cars are $4-6
Wanted797 try Amazon or eBay got plugs (ngk) with ngk wires and brand name coil packs for under 200
I recently picked up a 82 FB. Been doing a bit of work on it and I need to replace the oil cooler, but I'm really hyped about it. I've been learning a lot over the last couple of months about rotaries and just cars in general but I have a ways to go.
Love your videos homie. I've got a '79 my dad picked up the year I was born (we e-mailed!) and I love your enthusiasm for the flaming Doritos! Pretty sure my baby needs a rebuild after ~40 years and ~130k on the clock. It's in storage meow so out of sight out of mind. But I miss 'er!
awesome video man!
Just make your own video explaining this information and stop being an underdog in the comments.
Very informative just bought a 2004 rx8 and was wanting to know what to do and what not to do with it
Sell that POS immediately!
Currently got my eyes on a '79 RX7. Supposedly 74k miles, not sure what specific engine it has but pretty sure it's a 12A, with idling issues. Looks to be quite the project, but fun as well.
I sold my 8 engine blew 🙃 still love her tho
Thank you so much for your content it’s been so helpful in my journey to learn about, and one day buy my first Rx-7 FC
I daily my black RX8 and run a 3 inch 100 cel catalytic converter so I can premix as well, engine is 135k so far no issues. I drove a RX8 with a decat and the smell was terrible, something I couldn't live with. The high flow cat though is a great option and allows to use premix
Thank you for the tips! Just bought a 93 rx7
I use both an external oil pump, and premix.
Never can be too certain, especially with these rotaries...
I'm pretty close to buying an 86 FC Cabrio. Haven't talked with the guy much past meeting him so I have not seen the condition of the upholstery, soft top, etc. But if I can get it for less than the $5k he's asking, I'd be more than happy to rebuild the engine, have the car resprayed, etc just to have my little NA rotary convertible.
Just picked up a 1988 Mazda Rx7 FC!
Shit, i was skeptical, but you have a decent quality video, bud. Good job, keep it up. This guy knows his shit
It’s kinda hard taking care a car with a rotary engine on Arizona because during the summer it gets hot as hell here and I’ve been thing getting a rx8 with low mileage
Thanks for the info im getting a 1985 12a rx7 with only 70k miles I'll make sure to follow what you said
Haven't bought any rotary. But want to so I'm watching this.
Man! I love your videos, I don't see your videos on other cars, just videos based on rx7 and Rotary engines, as I am a very big rotary fan! The way u explain things about the rotary engine in such an easy manner and provide so much knowledge, no one else does it like this man! Amazing content! Keep making rotary videos, Hail rotary!.......
i got my eyes on a 12a FB i really want to get my hands on a rotary/platform before they all are priced out of reach. I remember seeing this with the 911/s over the last 15 years, as well as the 240z.
Brand new rotary owner, appreciate the info man good vid
So I’m currently building a 1991 fc rx-7 and I do have a couple questions about it, this is my first rotary engine ever.
1. When I start the car how long should I wait till the engine is warm enough? I’ve read forums that say 15 minutes, 30 in the cold. I live in California considering it doesn’t get too cold should I apply the 30 minutes?
2. What oil should I use for the engine? Many forums have said use thick oil like 10w 30, since it is thick it will benefit the rotary. If I put thick oil in should I premix?
3. If I do premix do I put the whole quart in the gas tank then the gas? Should I even put premix if I’m using thick oil?
I apologize if these questions seem stupid I really want to keep my engine strong and healthy. If anyone can give me their opinion or advice it would be much appreciated, thank you.
Rotories sometimes flood. Purchase a fuel cut defender. Keep it off, crank crank, and switch it on while cranking still.
Very nice video dude. All the stuff you told us was pretty much useful. Keep going
Rotary /= Mazda Community, There are also bikes and NSUs(now a part of Audi) with rotary engines.
Number one tip on driving a rotary engine. Make sure its fully warmed and thermostat is open before revving it much over 2000 rpm. I have seen these engines last 400K miles.
Just got an Rx8. 40th edition...at 50K miles. The machine is a beast but it does eat gas like kandy. But its a bad ass kar. Knt say no to that. Nice Vid.
I have a fuel cut off switch on my 88fc. Flip it off to run the line out of pressure, flip back on when cranking and fires up every single time. Been running that set up for 2 years, also is a anti theft switch too.
Maybe you should fix the low compression problem instead of pretending your engine is not ruined.
Sorry Sanders you're not my type, no matter how much you hound me I'm just not into you. Man take a hint!
@@KenBober As if...
@@sandervanderkammen9230 every comment there you are, dude stop obsessing over me. Not into guys. You are the only troll that hits every single rotory video. If you hate them so much why do you spend your life commenting useless opinions? You have as much credibility as Kim Jong-un. Nobody care what you think anymore. Move on. Get a life. You've been called out as a troll and everyone sees it now.
@@KenBober Get over it kid... the FC is the fugliest POS garden shed ever made...
great video, considering buying and efini rx7 type r and this really helps considering its my first rotary
If you're in the us I can import you one =p
I like the way you talked about it and I had be4 but never understood why they have 2 oil pan and I been trying to find out where the hell are they at
In a car meeting, when the rotary engine comes, all the bullshit stops!
Rotary is the real “neck breaker” Hehehe
I’m definitely gonna buy one
Very bad idea... this guy is an idiot, Wankel engines are obsolete because they are horribly unreliable and inferior to reciprocating engines.
Still loving my 2007 Mazda RX-8. How long will it last? I have no idea but I have loved driving it for years and had the same amount of issues as my old Corolla so it's not too bad
Living the Rotary life = 🚫💰
doktorbimmer if you treat it like a piston engine it will die on you. If you treat it like an actual rotary it will run as long if not longer than most piston engines. You dont see 2 stroke engine owners treating the engines like 4 strokes. Also quit typing in only bold headass
doktorbimmer the wankel does not not have strokes. It actually has power cycles.
doktorbimmer you probably also believe a 13b could be 3.9 liters of displacement then
doktorbimmer over the subject of the FC and rotarys in general, they're just a different approach to the normal four stroke engine with suck, squeeze, bang, blow. The rotary has four power cycles which are technically the same as strokes, but in terminology its important, otherwise confusing. If you would just put some effort in a research, you will quickly understand how the rotary works and at the same time why we can't directly compare these to piston engines due to the major difference in design, and due to that design why it's so moneydraining to maintain if not taken care of, as performance engine it really can't beat piston engines today though, but a racer used to win a world Championship in LeMans with a mazda rotary engine. Nowadays having a rotary engine would be a fun challenge or great idea for a project car. To be able to drive the already getting rare mazda rotory in an rx-7 is a unique experience unlike the more reliable and conventional piston engine. I'm 16 and live in europe, so I've never actually owned a car, let alone a rotary, but I'm saving up for getting an rx-7 fd3s due to the challernge, fun and unique experience, as well as the pride I would bear driving a rx-7 with a rotary. Also the driving experience is different too, as explained in this video, you can't use like your normal engine.
Sorry for the long comment, got kinda carried away...
At 14 a i bought a 89 turbo which I scored for 200 bucks and I got it running
Heh funnily i wont be buying my first rotary but returning to life one of my relatives old ones! Went out to see family and spotted in the back of the abandoned old home of one of my relative a Mazda rx2. So i wanna go bring it back, as its pretty good nick, and nearly unused, beign a 72 model and driven two years before something happened and now its, back there.
Don't waste your time or money...
@@sandervanderkammen9230 why not? not like those things come around often. and its in frankly good state after going to see it. Untouched, all the chrome and glass is there after 45 years is pretty good. As well as being clean inside the engine.
@@gus5230 You don't know much about cars do ya lad???
I remember every once in a while my 12a would backfire like a 12gauge 15mins after shut down.. very odd
Make a video on how to check the OMP to see if it is functioning properly or not before you decide to pre-lube
I wish there were more rotary cars around. I really want a rotary but I'm not really interested in an RX8 and RX7s are either ragged to death or made of solid gold. I wish they'd made rotary Miatas or something like an MR2 competitor.
Loved the intro!
even with the issues, i would buy one in a heartbeat considering how easy it is to work on. What kills it for me is the crappy fuel consumption, if i could get 30hwy/25ish city i would give in and buy one even with all the extra care needed, but my Tundra gets better MPG than the RX8... :/
Trying to get an FC Turbo II as my first car so this is helpful
Did u end up getting one?
I love rotaries but stepped up to an LS, which if you do some further research uses as much fuel as a Rotary, that a German man designed and put in a Mercedes C111 concept car.
i’m ready to be a rotary mom now i just need a rotary car
if you want to be a step mom i already have a series 8 FD ;)
Nicely done.
You in Kentucky bro? I'm in Lexington area. Would love to see your car never actually seen one in real life
rule #1 take the car to a mazda dealer and have it compression checked. 80+ is a fresh rebuild, 70+ is good condition, 60+ may need rebuilt soon (10-20k miles) 59 or less rebuild asap to prevent serious damage.
80+, hello what! My fb is making 115psi and its at 194k miles.
Austin Rogers if you got 115 you must have done overall compression for the rotor. to get a proper reading the dial should be pulsing and give you 3 readings for each side of the rotor. which is the most accurate way to see if a rotary is healthy.
8.6bar or 860kPa is the standard for when the car leaves the factory. 6.8bar or 680kPa is the minimum for a good running engine. That being said, if the starter is 2kW (N3H1-A or N3Z1) it will still start the car even at below 4bar or 400kPa. The car will die when the engine warms up though.
living it with rotary for 5th good year
quick tip dont use synthetic oils at the time of the rx7 synthetic oils were still several years off the design of the rotary at a time when synthetic oils were not available equals the rotary not being compatible with synthetic oils main reason oil jets and the apex seals apparently don't like it.. but rotarys are fun and can be an amazing experience if you know how it works and treat it accordingly my first sports car was a 1988 convertible with the BBS RIM package and on the move adaptive suspension tunning which allowed you to adjust the suspension firmness on the fly a thing unheard of in the 80s they were so advance fot the time damn sure my 88 convertible had a pioneer Cd player from the factory a Cd player in the 80s wow very advanced cars for the time shift light and buzzer when to shit damn a miss my rx7
I just got a 91 rx7 13b. I would like 300-400 hp on a automatic setup with tiptronic shifter.
Mazda for life... fast and fun. I have a 79 glc station wagon 12A and I have never have problem with the engine and I have a nissan datsun 1200 with the 13B turbo alcohol 1180hp and it bust ass and believe me 6.90 on a 13B its fast... V8 drivers get scared every time a rotary car gets to the line 😈😈😈
Dam dude ur rx7 is clean!!
Bridgeport all day long , straight pipe
nice UK shirt, bbn all over.
hey dude nice video
i have a RX8 secend engine .i buy it so not i destroy lol .
The last owner was a woman. I start the engine he is cold and then he
has 1500-1800rpm wait a minute, than i roll on and drive slowly never more than 3500rpm
Then after approximately 6-8 km I give full throttle.
When I stop I
turn briefly to 3500rpm and pull the ignition off.and i look all 2 days water and oil.only mazda delixia ultra 5w30.and i never drive short times.its taht okay for the rotory?greeting from switzerland.
dood hop off^... thats why its called a "tips" video
Didn't realize you were a KY man heck yeah
Nice Kentucky shirt.
Wish the previous owner of my GSL would have watched this
WHY? You have to be monumentally stupid like this fool to pour the WRONG OIL down the WRONG FILLER HOLE.
Wankel engines are inherently unreliable and there is no snake oil or voodoo spells that will make them more reliable.
How do i not worry about overheating my rotary? do i just upgrade my cooling system?
Number one tip for new owners, sell that POS as quickly as possible.
You guys have it lucky 😂 in NZ the plugs for my rotary were $80 each
spark plugs $80? do they wipe my ass too? LOL
I'm about to get a 85 rx7 with a 12a n/a 5speed from my grandfather and I'm pretty excited but there's a few problems with it that I can't figure out. 1st problem is it runs better with the choke on but when the choke is off it runs worse. when fully warmed up and the choke is off I slightly rev the engine and it stumbles but then revs fine. 2nd problem is when I'm driving it has no power/get up when I'm giving it normal throttle any thing below 3/4 throttle and cruising around below 4000 rpm but when I floor it 3/4 throttle or to the floor and the rpms are higher than 4000 rpm it has all the power in the world. Iv never worked on a rotary so I have no ida what it could be. I have checked for vac leaks replaced cap rotor plugs wires and fuel filter also ran carb treatment that you add to gas and nothing seamed to help. I'm hopping you can give me some suggestions I can try and solve my problem thanks in advance.
It has a 4 barrel carb and when you hit 4k rpm the other 2 barrels shoot fuel in the engine and that's why you feel it's more powerful
Really appreciate the informative video. I have a 12a and have put a-lot of time and money. Still learning. I dont think I am currently getting any fire. I cranked it on a cold day like you were saying and letting it run and then I get a little gas and I stopped. I think I had fouled the plugs, so I cleaned them up and put a new set in as well. Still not able to catch. Any insight on what I should do at this point? Also, I checked another video and it referred to checking the voltage on the coil right now. I don’t think I’m getting proper voltage to the coils. Thanks for your time and energy. I will research some of your other videos or if you have one to refer me to please. Good day. John
Dead engine....
Hey im about to get one, but im currently with my grandparents in college and there neighborhood is like a retirement place. I really am not even supposed to be here over a month lol. The Rx-7 I found is straight piped without a cat... I heard its unhealthy to low rev it. Does that mean I have to piss everyone off with my high revving strolls in and out the hood? Lol serious replies please.
No, you should shift right at 3k or a little past 3k. (at least until you're out of the neighborhood) I did that all the way to a muffler shop, it was fine. I'd probably get a better exhaust tho.
Okay cool thanks man. Lol what do you think about this? 1982 Rx-7 167k miles $1600. In the description he says he always waited 5-15 min to heat up before dirving, oil changed every 3k miles with non synthetic 10w3. Said it shifts smoothly and drives great. If this is really worth it, i'm going to work my ass off for a minute to get this before its gone.
Nice video man... I subscribe, you rock and roll...
I like this it’s very helpful