my buddy is REALLY close to buy a CLEAN '80 SA with a blown 12a. it's at mazdatrix right now, waiting for it's next move. they quoted like $2600 for a rebuilt 12a. which i think is A LOT for a 12a. anybody have any hook up on a STOCK 12a for a '80 SA? preferably new/rebuilt by experienced rotary mechanic in the SOCAL area. his budget for an engine is around 800 bucks with me n' my buddies doing the install. thanks guys

 

Well the 2600 price is for the B level rebuild. For the base rebuild its around 1800 if I'm not mistaken. You'll be hard pressed finding a professional build for under 1500, much less 1K. If you're running that kind of budget I reccomend just buying the rebuild kit (new seals and what not) buying the rebuild video and doing it yourself. As long as he has another car to drive it shouldn't be too big of a problem.

 

I would think you could buy another 1st gen with a decent engine for ~$1k, no? Then just donate the parts car w/blown engine for tax purposes