So last September the 8 started losing compression....and I was furious....

You know, the usual, hard warm starts, no power...yadda yadda. I was pretty upset cause I LOVE the 8. Its my baby. I knew something had to give because the car was almost impossible to start when warm and didn't have near the power that used to paint a smile on my face. I knew I couldn't put the time nor the money into fixing it so I pulled her in the garage....which I figured would be her final resting place.....

Well, I decided to buy a another car (06 Cooper S) as the 8 was no longer reliable to get me anywhere. Don't get me wrong, I love the MINI but I miss hearing the scream of a rotary at 9k....

After walking out to the garage one night last week to grab the leaf blower, I stood there...me and the 8....it was like I couldn't walk away. She had captured my heart again....

Here I am, a convinced man, that some day soon, I will drive the 8 again! I'm gonna do it!!!

*cough cough* Okay okay, enough with the drama!!

So I'm planning on pulling the motor this weekend, seeing what the damage is and going from there. So to my fellow 13b rebuilders, anything I should know or be aware of? Tricks? Tips? Do's? Don'ts? I've read through (and plan on following) RotaryResurrection's Removal and Teardown Guides. They seem to be spot on!

So wish me the best of luck, and ill keep everyone posted with updates and pictures!!

 

you plan on rebuilding it your self?

if you want to get back to driving it sooner rather than later you would be better off having it rebuilt by a reputable shop, one of which you already listed.

 

Yup. Plan on doing the entire rebuild myself. Would love for RR to do it but I just don't have that kind of money to throw into it for someone else to do the labor. Not to mention I'm looking forward to working on it. My only worry is that I will end up needing new Irons or Rotors...

But the fact that it will still start and idle/run gives me some hope.

 

FYI, the costs to do a proper rebuild differ about 400-500 bucks for an experienced shop vs a first time builder that money anyone would invest if you expect this engine to last.

 

+1, this isn't the first thread to start like this. Do it right or do it twice.. usually twice is more expensive.

 

So i won't lie, Im starting to really think about having RR do the rebuild instead...Maybe I should give Kevin a call....

 

Good Call!

 

^^ I would Call RR he is awsome and help me answer some questions when I had my friend rebuild my car. My car has been perfect since I rebuild it getting what is needed from the get go and not going cheap. My friend has been working and rebuilding rotary for years, His first rx8 and after my car was complete he keep getting calls to have their car done he says no since they think is just that easy , they willing to pay him but they are trying to be cheap and not buying what is needed,. He knew I was getting all I needed and had it ready for him when he was ready, Just go with RR and is your piece of mind. But if I was you I will get new coil kit to make it feel so new and a new clutch while you add it. good luck