Hi I am considering a RX7 Mazda rotary engine for a plane I am designing.
Mick Perry thinks highly of them, and your work.  I Have a few questions:

1.  What is the last year they were made?

Still made in Japan. Can be imported used. New model RX8 in 2002 in the states.

2.  What model will give me about 180 HP?

Any 13B 2 rotor from 1989 through 2001 with the proper intake manifold and
exhaust.

3.  How are they on fuel consumption compared to piston engines?

Slightly worse. Piston aircraft engines run about .45 to .55 pounds
of fuel burned per HP per hour with the Rotary it is .47 to .58

4.  Do you have the installation weight & mounting specs?

Bare engine weight is 190 pounds. Add to that radiators, coolant, oil
intake manifold and exhaust. You must build your own motor mounts.
See http://home.earthlink.net/~rotaryeng/ for some suggestions.

5.  About how much $ for you to do a rebuild job, installation ready,
non-turbocharged, direct drive?

I don't do rebuilds but many people will. Starting with a core it should
be around $2000. Outright no core about $3000. You will still need a bunch of
stuff so you are looking at $4000 to $5000 direct drive but don't expect
180 HP at only 4500 to 5000 RPM. You need to run the engine at least at 6000 RPM
to get 180 HP NA. If you are going direct drive I would recommend a 
stock 1989 to 1991 13B RX7 turbo engine. In that case the turbo will 
add about 35 pounds to the bare engine weight. 

They are easy to rebuild so I suggest you learn how to do it your self
and save a $1000. Cores are as little as $350.  Real good used engines are going
for about $1500.

 

Thanks...........don

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