question about 88 turbo 2

I have a 88 rx7 turbo and hoping anyone could answer my questions. The car is a gift from my cusin and I really don't know very much about it..:<br>I've took the car to the dealer, and they told me the engine is at low compression and I need a new engine..Can I install the Japanese Spec. engine? Can it pass the smog test in California? What is the advantages of the Japanese Spec engine?<br>I also plan to take the car for a long distance trip.( From Southern Cal. to Seattle) My friends told me that the rotary engine does not hold up. Is it true? Can anyone give me suggestion about how to maintain the car in a good shape? <br>Greatly appreciated for the help.

FIRST OF ALL!!! Don't believe what some peolpe say about the Rx-7. If you take care of it properly it can last as long as any oter import out there or even longer. As for the low compression, you might consider rebuilding or a new engine(new or rebuilt). Rotary do create much more intense heat than a cylinder motor,so engine cooling is one of the priority in keeping the mazda reliable. For Example,keep all fluid level maintained to max levels, make sure that all belts are in proper condition and properly tension(especially the one for the alternator and water pump), check that the fuel and ignition system are in good condition, and the exhaust system is working properly(especially the catalytic converters). If you do all this the car can drive any distance you want. Don't forget to have the turbo checked every 50k to 100k. Another thing you can do is to get the 2 millimeter apex seal upgraded to 3 millimeter for extra reliablitily for future upgrades. After that, upgrade the exhaust system with a performance one(like apex'i,hks,greddy,and rp),and change the catalytic to a free-flowing one from random technology, and get a bigger down pipe(from the turbo to the catalytic). With all this you can spank most stock to semi-modified mustangs. You'll especially spank a stock V8 99' to 01' GT easily. Other mods you can do after the exhaust is upgrade the intake, suspension, ignition, turbo, brakes and etc. Best place to get performance products are <a href=http://www.rx7.com/,http://www.mazdatrix.com/,and target=new>http://www.rx7.com/,http://www.mazdatrix.com/,and</a> <a href=http://www.racingbeat.com/. target=new>http://www.racingbeat.com/.</a> Hope this isn't to much info I am giving to you and Ihope that I helped you out.

First, I bet your "friends" there dont know a Wankel from a 4-banger. Lucky guess? No, the WRCE is not understood by many "piston heads" and they fear the unknown. If it is taken care of (oil, oil, more oil)properly it will outlast many or most "bangers". I own the same 88 TII with 95,000 on it. Now, I dont recall you mentioning the mileage on the engine and second, you said "car dealer". Was it a Mazda dealership WITH the right equipment to accuratly check compression? If not, get it done with the proper tool or else your readings are off for sure. May I ask what the readings were? Were they all 6.0 (or close) and/or above this? Did you get a print out? If not, get a second opinion. If you do need a rebuild, I suggest following "Dragonfly's" (sorry, didnt catch the posters name)suggestion to the tee. He is right about everything, especialy the 3mm seals being more robust. One last suggestion; DO NOT GIVE UP ON THIS VEHICLE! As it was stated earlier, it WILL blow the doors off brand spanking new Mustangs and their minions! I know, I have done it. An odd thing about the rotary engine is that it will not give you a "slow death". It will just go one day, and with a turbo, parts get sucked in and can REALLY cost you some bucks. So if you do need a rebuild, do it now and enjoy the hell out of that rocket, good luck!