Turbo, fuel and induction off - getting there!

So I had some time away from this project for a week or so while my roommate worked on his 3000gt. My working space has now shrunk so it's making it a little more difficult! Either way, it went well. I'm almost down to short block. I took things off in "bigger" chunks to make for a speedy reversal. Next week I should have it down to just the keg and I'll begin building an engine stand for it.

Enjoy the pics.

Getting it to short block (Part 2)

Well, it's taking longer to take everything off considering I'm labeling, making notes, taking pictures, etc. I'm hoping the level of detail in this blog may someday save at least one person some headaches!

So far, I love the engineering behind the Renesis; but I guess it's to be expected. It almost seems that Mazda built this with the idea they would be serviced regularly!

Today, I only had about an hour, but I got some more taken off and snapped some more pics. My goal is to remove the lower intake manifold, fuel rail, secondary injectors and all as one big chunk. This motor is super clean and only has 40K. The o-rings and gaskets are still good - no point risking corrupting them.

I discovered today also that it would appear if you swap the pulley, an RX8 alternator will swap right onto an FB (1979-1985 RX7). Some modification to the wiring harness and shave about 1-2mm off the spacer and she should fit just fine! Check out the pics (2004 RX8 Alt mounted to 1985 12A):


Keep in mind the alt wasn't fully adjusted, but you should be able to clear the connectors, etc.

Here are the pics of today's progress:

Getting it to short block!

First thing I learned about the Renesis being that this is the first time I've rebuilt one, is that it doesn't mount on my Rotary Engine Stand adapter from Pineapple Racing. There is a good chance I'll be doing the build on a bench!

The first series of photos is just removing the throttle body, upper plenum, ignition, etc. As you'll see in the photos, there is a lot of blue tape. That blue tape is labeling EVERYTHING since this is my first go at it. It's nothing like the old 12As or 13Bs as far as external setup. I feel confident the actual teardown and internals will be like every other 13B with obvious differences, but nothing too crazy!

Get ready 56K guys - I've got 32 pics of this bad boy just in round one! I take a lot of pics because you never know when somebody will be reading this looking for where that one connector goes!