Junk yard 12A shopping

**benracin** · 07-07-2003, 06:02 PM

So, for lack of funds, I'll be heading down to the junk yards to check out some 12As. Some ran when they were taken out, some are still in cars. I have a couple ideas as to what to look for/listen for, but what are some good tips from the pros? I know to listen for a good "puff puff" out of the spark plug holes, but what are some good or bad signs to look for? A fiber optic camera would be pretty cool right now.

**Speed Raycer** · 07-07-2003, 06:54 PM

I always try to get a motor out of the car so that you can see if the body was in good shape or not. If the body is great, something mechanical is possibly wrong... not a good candidate. If the entire side is smashed in, its a good bet that the car was running when it happened.

Make sure the motors been buttoned up. The spark plugs, distributor, intake/exhaust are still there so that moisture hasn't crept into the combustion chambers. Read the plugs. They're your first indication if everything's good or not. If they're good, start soaking apex seals with ATF before turning it over.

Also, another good tip is to find an automatic car. Guaranteed "non-zinged".

Good luck!

------------------
Scott
It's not what you build...
it's how you build it

www.pfmracing.com

**lateapex911** · 07-07-2003, 08:14 PM

Also, look for the telltale "rustbath" ....that brown coating all over everything - a sure sign of overheating. Overheating is the death of many a rotary. Now, the mess doesn't automatically disqualify any candidates, but is a good warning sign.

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

**benracin** · 07-07-2003, 09:06 PM

Nice point about the body damage! Simple but very true I'm guessing. Are there any probs putting an automatic into a manual? I've just never thought an auto would be an easy hook up.

**Speed Raycer** · 07-07-2003, 10:35 PM

You've got to get the counterweight off of the rear which requires a 55(?)mm socket and fabricating a bracket to bolt the flywheel to the block so it wont turn over. Then ebay the counterweight and you might get back what you paid for the motor!

Dick Elliott · 07-11-2003, 07:35 PM

Get your self a copy of North American Pylon and look at the want ads. Theres two 12A engines for sale. DICK

**rgrunenw** · 07-13-2003, 10:35 PM

Where are you located? I have a one owner '85 GS in my garage, 92k miles, automatic (bad tranny), that I was going to bring back to life, but haven't had time.

The sheet metal is generally good, glass is good, motor good (starts up, revs good, no smoke, have not checked compression), interior is fair, and has some rust in the storage bin area (would not be a good candidate for a race car, but would be OK for a street car).

My son just took up kart racing, and I can see I am not going to have time to work on it in the near future. So, I probably need to move it soon. I don't have much in it, and so I can move it relatively cheap.

Rich
Hilliard, OH

**noresull** · 07-13-2003, 11:24 PM

Rich,

I am on Ben's crew. We got an engine, but I am currently debating on picking up an RX7 to "fiddle" with.

E-mail me, [email protected]

**benracin** · 07-14-2003, 11:23 PM

And what an engine it is! Yippie!!! I can't wait to throw it in and see what kind of sounds it makes. Hopefully all the right ones. Hopefully we can have her all thrown together for RA on Aug. 16th. Right John?

**ddewhurst** · 07-15-2003, 07:18 AM

ben, if ya pushed the crew some ya could do the Cat National/Restricted Regional on July 26th & 27th.

he he heeeeee

David

See ya whenever guys........

**planet6racing** · 07-15-2003, 08:21 AM

Ben:

You have to make the regional on the 16th and 17th at RA!! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

------------------
Bill
92 Saturn SL2 (SCCA ITA)
93 Saturn SL2 (Daily driver/backup car)
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com

**noresull** · 07-15-2003, 09:49 AM

There is really no reason why We couldn't have the car running by Aug. 16th, but I won't be able to make the race as that is the day my Sister is getting married!

Now, July 26th and 27th....We will just have to start busting some ass then, huh Ben?

I think We could make it!

**benracin** · 07-15-2003, 11:38 PM

Sorry kids, July 26th is my brother’s wedding. Popular wedding time ain't it! Harding Racing will morn the day we race without our crew chief. But with not much of year left and a novice permit that still needs two finishes we're gonna have to go for it. Won't be as much fun and probably a little risky with out John there, but thanks to some good racer pals and a little luck... well... LET’S GO RACIN'!!!

-- general terms and conditions --

(Let’s go racin' and any terms meaning that Harding racing is ready to race are by no means in any relationship to the cars actual state of preparation nor it is a statement that the car will run with said new engine. These general terms nullify any "bad luck" or "bad mojo" caused by the racing gods due to Ben claiming the engine will run or that he will make RA in August.)

**planet6racing** · 07-16-2003, 08:28 AM

Ben:

That's hilarious! I'm kind of in the same boat, but I have the tow vehicle all torn apart. Ah, well, it's supposed to be a nice weekend coming up...

As for RA, I'd be happy to help you if you need it. I'm sure my crew would be happy to help as well (all one of her). When the time gets closer, we'll talk and plan our paddock spot.

------------------
Bill
92 Saturn SL2 (SCCA ITA)
93 Saturn SL2 (Daily driver/backup car)
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com

**jake7140** · 07-16-2003, 10:57 AM

I'm planning to be at RA in Aug also (orange 1st gen SRX7), have turned a wrench on a rotary or two, and would be glad to assist as needed. I am of course under the grand dillusion that I will be ready, prepped and set to go also. "I have a dream...."

------------------
Steve
[email protected]
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/jake7140" TARGET=_blank>My racing page
</A><A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/elrss" TARGET=_blank>Elkhart Lake Racing_&_Sipping Society
</A>

**benracin** · 07-16-2003, 12:21 PM

Thanks for the offered help folks! It's funny how these things pop up with great timing isn't it. Looking forward to seeing yall and hopefully I'm bringing a running car with me that stays running for the whole weekend. Gotta love it! Till then I'll be driving the course over and over again in SCGT with my helmet on.

**lateapex911** · 07-16-2003, 06:36 PM

What's SCGT??

BTW love the "Elkhart Lake Racing and Sipping Society" Very understated!

Stick it in there Ben, it'll be fine!

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

**ddewhurst** · 07-16-2003, 10:01 PM

Weddings, for the first time each of my two sons (38 & 36) are getting married this year. One done on June 21st & one to go on Sept 28th.

Have Fun at the Road on the 16th & 17th guys.

David

**planet6racing** · 07-16-2003, 10:10 PM

David, you won't be joining us?

------------------
Bill
92 Saturn SL2 (SCCA ITA)
93 Saturn SL2 (Daily driver/backup car)
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com

**ddewhurst** · 07-17-2003, 06:53 AM

Bill, I have met Ben, crew Bill, Rich & yourself. Someplace soon I will meet Steve. Also someplace soon we will all be at the same place.

The other guys who responsed within this post it will take a whole bunch longer to meet.

Jake in the NE, Scott & Dick in the Midwest.

As to racing, just finished up two weekends in a row at the Farm & Gingerman. Next will be July 26th & 27th at the Road Cat National Restricted Regional, Aug 2nd & 3rd at Mid Ohio, Aug 29th (test day), 30th & 31st at the Pro/IT Restricted Regional at Grattan, spectate at the Runoffs & Oct 11th & 12th at the Farm. Need to look at the Midwest schedule for a race at St Louis or Mid America Motorplex.

Have Fun

David

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