My Rebuilt Engine has Gone Again aaaaaaaagh

[Herblenny]

I'm not sure if Mazda filters are any better than some cheaper (1/2 the cost filters).

Here is my recommendation... I use cheapest oil and I change every 1000-1500 miles (and usually reuse my oil filter). I have been doing this for the past 3 years with no ill issues. Before that, I used name brand and also synthetic that costed 4 times more... Bottom line, for street driven car that does not see extended duration of hard driving, I dont see the reason to spend more money. If you are to track, some of the more expensive oil might be beneficial.. but its hard to say without scientific experiments.

Regarding 'hardcore parts'... I will say this.. More boost, harder driving, experimental mods, etc will lead to earlier breakdown of the engine. There is no such a thing as longer lasting engine with more power... unless the manufactures F'up from the beginning and you just made it better. For ease of my mind, I tend to keep a spare engine just in case. You don't know how much that improved your life... I now don't give a s*it about the engine (hence using $6 gallon oil) and just enjoy driving around town.

 

[Antoine]

I do give a sh*t about maintaining my 20B...Besides the enormous cost of rebuilding a 20B in Japan, it's out of respect for the OG 20B which resides in my Cosmo that I maintain a strict maintenance routine. While everyone has their own "secret sauce", I believe it is important to share our various beliefs and techniques...Now, I hope everything works out for our buddy, Frank!

 

[Herblenny]

Really, How expensive are they charging to build 20B?? I thought you could pick up a whole 20B Cosmo for less than 5K USD?

I do understand where you are coming from Antoine, but try to understand my point, which is if you do have a spare engine, you do think less about blowing up the engine.
Regular maintenance do help, but a lot of times, these engines blow not because of oil/spark change or even coolant change. A lot of times I see, its undetermine reason why it blows. Hence why I ask Frank to check with his builder why. Also, item such as coolant seals... well, that's also unavoidable or solve by maintenance.

 

[frank20bcosmo]

Hi Guys, Thanks for the encouraging words and the passionate discussions,
Antoine trust me a 20b Engine rebuild does not come cheap in the UK either, lets say for a drop the car off and drive it home rebuild cost me around $6k usd /4k gbp
which was about the same as buying shipping and all duties paid for the car in the first place from Japan !!
Herblenny, I wish I had a spare 20b knocking about but they are getting rarer as people are pulling them out of Cosmos and putting them in allsorts, I see them advertised in the states a lot out of front cuts but they are not far off the price of a rebuild anyway, and lets face it you donr know what you are buying is not knackered anyway, I will stick with this one for now,, get it sorted and probably never drive it again in case it goes bang lol

I must admit if it wasn't for the fact I love the car I think I would have called it a day and bought a skyline (wash my mouth out)

 

[mazda speeder]

As for tips to maintaining a rotary, i would say always allow the engine to fully warm up before driving hard. Also good quality oil and fuel is a must. As many of us know they do require more care than just about any other internal combustion engine out there!

Any update on the engine frank?

 

[frank20bcosmo]

Hi Mazda Speeder, no word yet, not saved up enough yet to send it in as I have to put 50% down up front and after Christmas etc no chance yet, later on in the year I think / hope