Well, looks like I've been approved for a replacement, a month away from warranty expiration. I guess I'm happy that I don't have to shell out 5+ grand just yet, but can't seem to fight off the as I read up a bit on some reman stories and Mazda's seemingly lackluster rebuild quality?

These were the compression numbers from about 10 months ago on the current engine @74k:

Mazda chart..


RIWWP's (do you have a nickname I should be using?) old chart, looks like they'd fare worse on the new one..


I suppose the present numbers didn't impress either, no runaround of any sort.. just a call saying "hey, you're getting a new* motor.. "
*may or may not be built by dr. frankenstein


Anyway, since the rebuild fund won't be needed in the near future, I don't mind putting a slight dent into it to give the new engine the best start I can. I'll have coils, wires, plugs, and motor mounts waiting. Any other recommended improvements/replacements I should look into, since the engine's already coming out? It'll be done at the end of next week and I would look to put in one more order for parts with Mazmart on Monday if needed, and assuming that Paul remembers where I am on the map.

Arigatou gozaimasu,
D

 

you might as well go with the BHR coil setup if your going to replace it all and had the money saved up.

 

Gonna do that one myself when it slides out of warranty.

So far so good though. Purring like a kitten. I definitely feel a drastic difference in response. No strange or unexpected sounds. The only thing I've noticed is a single classic rpm dip during a hot start earlier today, after a ~25-30 minute drive. Stopped once again later to fill up and add some Lucas. The rpm dip didn't repeat.

The tech did not make any specific break-in recommendations, only to "take it easy for a little while," but from what I've seen here there's a rift between babying it (<3-4k rpm) to settle in; and those opting for the immediate hard driving to avoid early carbon build-up?

I'm thinking maybe a combination of both--give it a little time at <4k for the first 100-200mi and then <6-7k for another 500-600mi. Change oil and filter. I'll have some good rpm variance here for both phases. Thoughts?

 

clutch & flywheel.
when my motor was replaced, I talked to the tech and he installed a new OE clutch and BHR flywheel at no charge.

 

Wish I would've thought of that one.. it's within my budget as far as parts go.

****.

Oh well, they were willing to put in new mounts at no charge, but the manager never connected with the tech and the engine ended up going in before I had a chance to get them the new parts. I can use the DIY experience I guess.

 

Quick update.. ~500 miles in and overall things have been smooth. The only consistent irregularity I've noticed is a raspy sound in the 1.5-2k range. Seems to get more obvious as the engine heats up. It's always audible when starting from a dead stop, after the clutch is fully engaged, or having to stay in 2nd when rolling up to a light that's just turned green. Never when idling.

Sounds like a stick being run down a washboard.. here are a couple videos, at 0:05 in both(a little hard to hear, but it's there):
I remember reading another reman thread that mentioned the same symptom, but I haven't had luck finding it again.

Warranty expires on the 12th and I'll be taking it in at the end of this week to do a final warranty check, maintenance, and compression test. Are there any recommended end-of-warranty tasks I should be mindful of, besides praying to the reman Gods?

Cheers,
D