Ok I got a 85 12A engine with a 5 speed last weekend. It is basically a shortblock as I don't have a carb, fuel pump, etc. I want to know if the engine is any good but have no car (yet) to install it in. Is there any way to check to see if this engine is worth anything? I don't mind disassembling it to find out. Oh and the coolant and oil looked good when I pulled it. There does seem to be a bit of an oil leak at the front though. Because if it is worth something I will buy a RX-7 with a nice body/interior and toast engine and install this one. Otherwise it is probably just a core at best. Thanks.

Well you can pull it apart ..check if you didnt brake any apex seals..or scar up the housings..do a visual check out side..make sure no cracked housings...



Once you pull it apart..you might as well take your time..

port it ...put new seals...change the apex seals if you want...

Since you need an intake and carb..do a RacingBeat/Holley conversion

but dont buy your carb through them ..they are expensive..you can buy a 600 or 750 double pumper and just jet it down..



Theres more **** you would have to buy..but this is the route I took..since my Mazda carb was shot..



BTW go buy a Holley blue fuel pump..

I recommend this highly..its rebuildable, comes with a regulator..and only cost about $110.

BTW 84/85 has better compression than other 12As just some people dont like the oil cooler where it is at..and they add on older housings for that and add a oil cooler like whats on the older ones..



And the rotors are lighter

With the engine out of the vehicle, you can inspect the apex seals without disassembling it. You can visually inspect the apex seals through the exhaust ports. If the exhaust manifold is still on take it off and shine a light in the port. You can turn the engine over using a socket on the front pully bolt and inspect each apex seal as it goes buy. Any cracks or chips are bad news. If you are not in a hurry for a running vehicle you might as well build it up (port and polish) and rebuild the engine to make a nice strong runner.

I'm just wondering if any of you have personally tried to tear an engine down and rebuild it. Its not a task to be taken lightly and I'd hate to see someone get that idea.

Removing the exhaust manifold and looking thru there with a flashlight is a pretty good way to tell.

Thanks all. I will try that exhaust port/flashlight trick. So if there are no cracks or damage then I am most likely ok. I was thinking about the Holley but have heard that it is best for drag racing. This car once built would most likely because my daily driver so I may just get a stock carb out of a boneyard.