What year engine?
 

Is there a way to determine what year engine my car has?

I've got an '85 base model that I bought 2 years ago. The car had been sitting for a couple of years and was complete. Odometer read 86K. We bought it and I've been able to get it running however I've always had carb problems with it and when I did a rebuild on the carb the jet sizes didn't match the table I got from Sterlings site. I got another carb from a junker, rebuilt it and it's running but I can't get the smooth engine operation and low idle speed. It's idling at 950-1000. Looking at the motor there are bolts on the bosses for PS and AC and a 4 sheave damper so it looks like the motor is not the original one.
Since there are different jet sizes for the years I wonder what would happen if a wrong year carb were installed for the engine year but I need to determine what year engine I have then look at the carb and if needed see what jets I have between the two carbs to match to the engine if I have.
If I sound like I'm crazy let me know also.

Thanks,
Hector

Look at the engine from the driver side and see if you can find the engine type, maybe 12A or 13B? That is a start.

If it stock carb, it's a 12A.
13B's are only available in the top-of-the-line GSL-SE's with stock fuel injection.

GSL-SE = 4x114.3mm bolt pattern hubs, rear disc brakes
Everything else = 4x110mm bolt pattern hubs


-Ted

I admit I am new to this rotary stuff but I have seen 13b engines with carbs, were they not delivered that way from the factory?

Sorry, it's a 12A. Base model.

Not in an rx-7. early and mid 70s rotaries had carb'd 4port 13Bs... but all 1st gens were either carb'd 12As or fuel injected 13Bs.

1. i would look in the factory parts catalog for jetting before sterlings website, his chart might not be accurate.

2. an 85 GS should have a 12A in it. there are a couple flavors of 12A, but a 4 belt pulley and studs on the front cover probably mean the engine is the correct one.

3. there is a page in the factory shop manual, www.foxed.ca on how to do a tuneup, like setting the idle mixture and timing, you should start there.