3mm Apex Seals
03-02-2004, 10:23 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 36
I am going to sell my miata(www.plainmiata.com) for a 93 R1. I was wondering, with 3mm apex seals how much stronger does it make the engine eg: how much boost can u safely run with the BPU's(basic performance upgrades). Also does anybody know the price of getting the 3mm apex seals installed?
One more thing has anyone ever tried a DIY intercooler setup...like a starion intercooler?
One more thing has anyone ever tried a DIY intercooler setup...like a starion intercooler?
03-02-2004, 10:36 PM
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Elizabethtown, PA
Posts: 480
Dude, I talked to Skip from KD Rotary, he said he would put 3mm Mazda apex seals in, do the machining, street port my engine, and install silicone gaskets and o-rings for $3780.00 
As most people I don't have that kinda cash just lying around. And speaking of that, does anyone think this is a good or bad deal??
03-03-2004, 12:49 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 3,346
They don't really provide any more strength or allow you to run higher boost. They still blow up when you run lean. They might take a tad bit more abuse, but just like ceramics or any other "magical" seals, they break the same way just as easily. They come in handy when your rotor's have worn out too much for 2mm allowing them to shift around. If not machined perfect, they will get spit out of the groove too.
03-03-2004, 11:20 AM
#7
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 3,346
I paid $600 for my hurley seals. Isn't that about the same as stock? Ceramics if I remember were about $1200.
People run 20+ psi on race fuel. I ran 18psi on pump gas just fine for a couple years and 35k miles. The seals don't stop detonation, tuning does...so yes stock seals with proper fuel managment will be just as good as anything else out there. Doesn't matter if they were 6mm seals, as soon as you detonate they will break. Stock seals being a 3 piece design will seal slightly better, though over time can warp the groove they sit in, which is what happened in my case. Its also a good idea if you go with 3mm to add some oil to your fuel for the added lubrication needed for the extra surface of the 3mm seals.
People run 20+ psi on race fuel. I ran 18psi on pump gas just fine for a couple years and 35k miles. The seals don't stop detonation, tuning does...so yes stock seals with proper fuel managment will be just as good as anything else out there. Doesn't matter if they were 6mm seals, as soon as you detonate they will break. Stock seals being a 3 piece design will seal slightly better, though over time can warp the groove they sit in, which is what happened in my case. Its also a good idea if you go with 3mm to add some oil to your fuel for the added lubrication needed for the extra surface of the 3mm seals.
03-03-2004, 12:29 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 36
[QUOTE]I paid $600 for my hurley seals. Isn't that about the same as stock? Ceramics if I remember were about $1200.
People run 20+ psi on race fuel. I ran 18psi on pump gas just fine for a couple years and 35k miles. The seals don't stop detonation, tuning does...so yes stock seals with proper fuel managment will be just as good as anything else out there. Doesn't matter if they were 6mm seals, as soon as you detonate they will break. Stock seals being a 3 piece design will seal slightly better, though over time can warp the groove they sit in, which is what happened in my case. Its also a good idea if you go with 3mm to add some oil to your fuel for the added lubrication needed for the extra surface of the 3mm seals.
Thanks for the info. How much did it cost to rebuild your engine with the 3mm apex seals? I called www.RX7.com and they said like 5 grand. That **** doesn't make any sense. I called another company and they told me 2500
People run 20+ psi on race fuel. I ran 18psi on pump gas just fine for a couple years and 35k miles. The seals don't stop detonation, tuning does...so yes stock seals with proper fuel managment will be just as good as anything else out there. Doesn't matter if they were 6mm seals, as soon as you detonate they will break. Stock seals being a 3 piece design will seal slightly better, though over time can warp the groove they sit in, which is what happened in my case. Its also a good idea if you go with 3mm to add some oil to your fuel for the added lubrication needed for the extra surface of the 3mm seals.
Thanks for the info. How much did it cost to rebuild your engine with the 3mm apex seals? I called www.RX7.com and they said like 5 grand. That **** doesn't make any sense. I called another company and they told me 2500
03-03-2004, 03:29 PM
#9
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 3,346
Well I did it with my mechanic. Rotorsports racing did the porting. I spent around $1500-$2000 by time I was done with seals, gaskets, porting, lapping, machining, few other various parts and had to replace a housing which I got for $300 from Brian at rotorsports.
