The Causes And Prices Of Mazda RX8 Engine Rebuild

The Mazda RX8 runs on a unique type of engine – a rotary engine. It is an early specimen of the internal combustion engine that produces rotary motion to move the vehicle forward. Sometimes, you need to do a Mazda RX8 engine rebuild because some of its components are susceptible to damage. Let’s find out the causes that require the engine reconstruction and the RX8 engine rebuild cost.

Mazda RX8 Engine: Somethings To Know

Launched in 2001 to replace the monumental RX-7, the Mazda RX-8 stirred up the global sports car market. However, when it comes to Mazda RX-8s without mentioning “the engine” is a big omission. The engine on the Mazda RX-8 is an improved Wankel Renesis rotary engine compared to the usual Wankel swing engine, with a modest capacity of 1.3 liters but a capacity of up to 238 horsepower. That is because the rotary engine does not use pistons and cylinders like conventional internal combustion engines.

It also generates power through the four-stroke cycle of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust, but it is achieved through the rotary motion in the combustion chamber of two triangle-shaped rotors. That’s why it’s not possible to compare the displacement between a rotary engine and a piston engine; instead, we need to compare the power output of the two types.

Compared to the traditional design, a rotary engine has a smaller size, up to 60% smaller than a 6-cylinder V-shaped piston engine with equivalent power. Furthermore, a rotary engine operates more smoothly.

The Components That Require A Mazda RX8 Engine Rebuild

Some parts can cause a rotary engine to stop functioning. If your engine is giving trouble, you need to look into these areas. Identifying the problem will help you to plan for how to rebuild RX8 engine.

Read more: 

• Wanna Rebuild a Transmission? You Should Know These Things!
• The Proper Way to Diagnose a Rear Main Seal Leak

Damaged apex seal

Blown apex seals are the most common reason for the death of rotary engines. A crack in the seal is not the main culprit but the trigger that sets everything in motion and leads to the ultimate engine failure.

When you drive a car with a cracked apex seal, it shatters into numerous pieces. These fragments wreck everything on their way – the next two apex seals and rotor along with its housing. It leaves almost half of the engine in bad condition. You have to purchase the rotor and its housing to reassemble such an engine.

Cracked coolant seal

A leaked or faulty coolant seal will leak coolant into the combustion chamber and combustion gases into the cooling system. The seal can wear out with time, for a bad coolant jacket, or an overheated engine. In either case, the engine will need reconstruction.

Carbon lock

Carbon can build up in the rotaries due to an irregular oil change or lack of engine redlining. Over time, the carbon layers can be so thick that they can prevent the engine from turning. The condition is very rare, though.

Learning about the steps to rebuild a Mazda RX8:

Mazda RX8 Engine Rebuild Price

You can take a remodeling project as you now know what the common problems of engine failure are. But, if you are a noob, take the service from someone who has rebuilt RX8 engine before.

Here is a breakdown of the expenses to give you an idea of the budget required (the final costs will depend on the conditions of the engine).

$1,600 or less – When the rotor and its housing are in good shape. Restoring within this meager budget will not equip the engine with full power. It will run for a few years, though.

$3,500 or more – You are looking at the figures if the engine needs new housings and other parts. It is a minimal estimation given that you purchase the parts at wholesale prices.

$4,000 to $6,000 – A proper Mazda RX8 engine rebuild will cost this amount of money. The service will include a fully powered engine with a few upgrades for high power and a longer lifespan.

If you are taking a professional service, be ready to pay $1,000 to $2,000 in labor and a few hundred dollars more in other stuff like fluid, gaskets, etc.

Final Thoughts

The price of a Mazda RX8 engine rebuild depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the availability of replacement parts, and labor costs. It is recommended to consult with a qualified mechanic or Mazda dealership to obtain an accurate estimate for the specific circumstances. Overall, while an engine rebuild can be a significant investment, it can prolong the life of the Mazda RX8 and ensure its continued enjoyment on the road.

Hopefully, the information will be useful for you!