Increase the reliability of a rotary

[antigram]

Ok this is the second time that i\'ve been logged out while typing a really long post and it bums me out
 
In short again:
 
Ive heard lots of stories about rotaries not being reliable etc. But everyone has here heard these stories so whatever. I\'ve been doing some research and a rotary can last pretty long as long as you service it well, make sure the fluids are at a good temperature before you start flooring it and make sure dont overheat it. Other than that, it will be fine.
 
What I want to know is the following: What if you have a perfect, well maintained rotary and you would be willing to do a bit extra to make sure it lasts.
 
Things i have found so far.
-Uprated radiator
-Electric fans to keep the radiator cool when drifting or driving slowly.
-If its a turbo, you can get some general upgrades as Blowoff valve and Turbo timer.
 
But there will probably be more stuff you can do so please help me complete this list :wave

[Nik da Greek]

Couple of missassumptions in your list already, I\'m afraid! A blowoff valve will make at best no real difference to reliability, many big power rotaries run without one without any ill effects. Fit one of you like the noise but don\'t expect it to help in any appreciable way with longevity.

A turbo timer will almost certainly do more harm than good by keeping the enigne running and getting hot whilst idling with no airflow. Just drive the last few miles off-boost to let both engine and turbo cool down progressively with lots of nice airflow.

Decent engine management, healthy (or better) ignition and proper fueling mods will be much more beneficial than tinsel like turbo timers and dump valves. Just not as sexy And yes, you can never have too efficient a cooling system :Thumbs-up

[Prof]

^^ What NIK said ^^
 
Wiring in these old crates (well mine is old) isn\'t the best anymore - so consider at least a new engine loom, and also rewire the fuel pump.
 
Service the fuel pump, and potentially replace it.
Service the ancillaries on the engine, make sure everything is in spec and looks serviceable - replace anything that might show signs of dying.
Have a regular service interval
Upgrade radiator and oil cooler(s), even if not going for more power, they will keep the engine happier.
 
I think someone said once:
 
Power
Cost Saving
Reliability
 
Choose any two...

[dthebuk]

Nik\'s made a good point

additionally you seem to be measuring reliability in how long the engine will last. At the end of the day as long as you let it warm up, service it well theres not much you can do to make it last longer. the more boost/power you run the less time the engine will tend to last.

Now if you want to make it more reliable so that it doesnt die an early death you need to focus on the oil metering system, fuel system and cooling system. As long as they don\'t fail, the engine shouldn\'t fail. This is all asuming a good map and a decent rebuild ( doubt theres many original engines left tbh)

Additionally leaving the engine flooded for a long time is bad on the water seals.


edit: what prof said

[antigram]

Thanks for the replies already Im not talking about making the car faster, just making the last as long as possible. Its all theoretical so money is not an issue in this discussion
 

! A blowoff valve will make at best no real difference to reliability, many big power rotaries run without one without any ill effects. Fit one of you like the noise but don\'t expect it to help in any appreciable way with longevity.
 
A turbo timer will almost certainly do more harm than good by keeping the enigne running and getting hot whilst idling with no airflow. Just drive the last few miles off-boost to let both engine and turbo cool down progressively with lots of nice airflow.

Interesting point of view, I thought the point of a blowoff was to make sure the turbo keeps spinning blowing off the air instead sending it back the wrong way. I would assume that going from 40000 rpm to hardly any rpm every time you lift off the gas would not be that good for the turbo. I also believe it was because of that that they were developing a special turbo for cars that have a start/stop system.
 
As for the Turbo timer - no air flow issue; that a good point, I did not look at it like that. However with an uprated radiator/electric fans it shouldnt be too much of a problem i guess but still its better to do it your way

[neil_jdmr]

Imo a pfc and a reputable tune and a once over from the same tuner is all that\'s required for a reliable street driven fd

[kev-yorks]

Antigram the reason your being logged out is you\'ve neglected to check the little box that says keep me logged in whilst signing in do this and you won\'t have a issue however long the post.

[Macer]

You could also look into Water Injection. See the posts below:

http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67071

http://www.aquamist.co.uk/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1590

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=806104

Lots to read, but worthwhile

[Nik da Greek]

Interesting point of view, I thought the point of a blowoff was to make sure the turbo keeps spinning blowing off the air instead sending it back the wrong way. I would assume that going from 40000 rpm to hardly any rpm every time you lift off the gas would not be that good for the turbo. I also believe it was because of that that they were developing a special turbo for cars that have a start/stop system.

Yep, that\'s sort of the official line on it. It\'s just as likely spurious however. Many stupidly powerful cars that put their turbos under extreme stress don\'t run a dump valve including competition rally slags and drag rotaries accross the world. AFAIK there\'s never been any research that conclusively proves any benefit from having or any disadvantage from not having one

[PGiljevic]

I have been building and tuning rotaries for nearly 20 years now and seen many fly by night eggspurts come and go along with countless rebuilds of theirs sending them broke as well!

IF you want a turbo charged rotary that is powerful and fast and you want it to last then the only thing that works is WATER INJECTION.

[Ada7]

So you think water injection is a good idea then?

Adam

[PGiljevic]

So you think water injection is a good idea then?

Adam

Being serious for a second

It\'s the only way! :Thumbsup!

I have been showing the way on this for a long time, pretenders come and go, but no one ever proves you can make a high powered reliable true street rotary any other way. They do CLAIM to every now and then, but when put on the spot to prove their wonder cars they all either never show up or have an excuse or are doing "other improvements" lol ...... then most of those pretenders either A) sell their cars and buy an EVO, or B) put in a LS1 V8 conversion or C) Proclaim that George Michael and Elton John are really good singers.

[DR SCHNITZEL]

Ive heard water injection would make nuclear reactors a little more reliable. Is there something in your range that could help the Fukushima boys with their reliability problems?

[Mir]

Being serious for a second

It\'s the only way! :Thumbsup!

I have been showing the way on this for a long time, pretenders come and go, but no one ever proves you can make a high powered reliable true street rotary any other way. They do CLAIM to every now and then, but when put on the spot to prove their wonder cars they all either never show up or have an excuse or are doing "other improvements" lol ...... then most of those pretenders either A) sell their cars and buy an EVO, or B) put in a LS1 V8 conversion or C) Proclaim that George Michael and Elton John are really good singers.[/QUOT


Hahahahahah good one :rollin