Lot C4170: 1993 Mazda RX-7

The 13B-REW rotary engine in your 1993 RX-7 has several well-known quirks that rotary enthusiasts keep an eye on. Here are the main ones:

1. Apex Seal Failure - This is the big one. The apex seals are like piston rings in a regular engine, and they wear out over time. When they go, you will lose compression, power, and the engine becomes hard to start. Good news though - this car’s engine was rebuilt just 3 years/5,000 miles ago by SMG Racing, so the apex seals should be fresh.

2. Oil Consumption - Rotary engines are designed to burn oil to lubricate the seals, so they naturally use more oil than piston engines. The previous owner runs premix (adding 2-stroke oil to the fuel), which actually helps extend seal life.

3. Overheating Issues - The twin-turbo setup and compact engine bay make these engines run hot. This car has already been upgraded with an aluminum radiator and front-mount intercooler to help with cooling.

4. Turbo Problems - The sequential twin-turbo system is complex and can fail. This car has been converted to a non-sequential setup, which actually simplifies things and reduces failure points.

5. Catalytic Converter Issues - The factory cats can clog and cause backpressure. Many owners go catless or upgrade to high-flow units.

The previous owner has actually addressed most of the major weaknesses with smart upgrades - the rebuild, cooling improvements, and turbo simplification should make this a much more reliable rotary than stock. Just keep up with the premix routine and regular oil checks, and you should have a great rotary experience!

Want me to help you find similar RX-7s or have any other questions about rotary ownership?