When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My first Wankle. Driven/ owned lots of race vehicles. Is it really ok to spin my 2004 to 7/8,000 rpm. I love scaring the **** out of traffic with a quick 2nd gear 8,000 rpm pass.
I keep reading about low compression.
I've never used a piston engine that would produce power at rpm like this Wankle. Most times poor compression on a piston engine results in no rpm.
so how does a Wankle with low compression measurements result in face curling hi rpm acceleration?
even if one rotor is blown (no comp but not destroyed) it will run but like ****. it loses power as it loses compression, if it will start it will run but poorly
So, if it runs good, it's good?
My race motors, from 2cycle karts, to LMS NASCAR always ran really well (passing where I previously couldn't) just before they blew up.
Have 138k miles. Should I worry?
Compression in my engine is about 15% below the pass/fail point and it still runs, starts hot and idles hot but definitely down on power.
I think one big factor in the difference you're seeing is that piston engines can only really leak into the crank case, intake or exhaust. Rotaries can also leak between faces of the same rotor. Think of it as reducing the effective displacement of the affected rotor faces. If combustion pressure from face 2 leaks to face 1 after its exhaust stroke, that takes up some of the volume that would be filled by the intake charge. Additionally, pressure during the combustion stroke of 2 will be lower because some leaked into 1. Similarly, if pressure leaks from 2 into 3 then that will also reduce the effective displacement of 3.
Last edited by NotAPreppie; 10-10-2017 at 11:54 AM.
My race motors, from 2cycle karts, to LMS NASCAR always ran really well (passing where I previously couldn't) just before they blew up.
Have 138k miles. Should I worry?
you should get a rotary specific compression test and read the new owners thread 10x
This car is all about preventative maintenance. Not a lot of it, but at the right time. If it starts showing symptoms, expensive parts have already been damaged. Read and absorb this: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
The harder you drive it and the more often you drive it hard does effect engine life. These engines are designed to rev but I wouldn't beat on it every time you're behind the wheel. I take my 8's close to redline at least once per drive but otherwise I don't drive them hard. So far so good. Been the same way with all of my 7's over the years as well and I've never had an issue.