I ordered up a bunch of parts for the RX7's motor swap and some other parts to replace while I have the motor out of the car. Oil Pressure Regulators, Oil Pan Baffle, gaskets, exhaust parts, suspension parts etc.
While waiting for the big brown truck, I'm in the process of selecting which one of 3 spare motors that I'm going to use to start the season. What a hellacious mess that causes! The motors have been stored for the last 1-2 years with a healthy dose of ATF in each of the rotor chambers. Using ATF is a rotary trick to help dissolve carbon deposits on the apex seals, keep the seals lubricated and to help create a compression seal for startup. It works great but causes a huge mess when you attempt to rotate the eccentric shaft (crank) to test for compression. The ATF will do anything from trickle down the sides to shoot 3 feet across the floor.
When testing the first motor, I was only able to get a reading of around 25 psi while cranking it over with the starter. After talking with Steven Burkett at Tuxedo Park Racing about how low the number was, I decided to try the other motors. I was able to achieve 25 psi on the second motor by hand cranking. I drained all of the ATF and replaced it with Marvel Mystery oil and will hook the tranny and starter up to it and see what kind of CR I end up with. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.
In the mean-time, I'm going to pull the oil cooler out and ship it and a spare to SR Racing to have it cleaned in their new Ultrasonic Cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner uses no harsh chemicals, just water, rust preventative, and sequestering agents at 150 degrees. High power 40khz sound waves are shot though the chemical solution. The sound waves externally clean, but more importantly they internally clean. Carbon, dirt, oil crust, etc, are removed totally. If anyone needs delicate or expensive parts cleaned, contact Jim at SR Racing, and be sure to tell him that Scott at Izzy's Custom Cages sent you!
Left to do:
Idler arm bushing and heat sheild install (idler arm is right next to 1,500 degree exhaust header)
New tie rod ends and ball joints
EGT Bungs on header
Convert street style single outlet Racing Beat header to race style dual outlet
Tow Hooks
Window Clips
Order New Tires
Install new motor and keep fingers crossed!
Oh... and most importantly, replace binding throttle cable!