79-80 12A Engine Identification
The 1979, and 1980 (Federal) are very different from the 1980 California EGR engines. ("Federal" means 49-state, "California" means for California market only, and "EGR" means Exhaust Gas Recirculation). The center housing, gasket set, and both rotor housings are different (as well as the thermal reactor, and various emissions parts).
What has really made the identification problem worse is that
almost ALL of the used 12A engines brought into the U.S. from Japan (by the
incredible number of "Used Low Milage Japanese Engine" importers) are Japanese
EGR 12A engines.
These can be used in place of the 79-80 U.S. engines. To
use in a '79 the EGR is either removed and a block-off plate put on, or the
valve is just not hooked up.
If you have a 1979, or a non-California 1980 RX7 with one of these EGR engines, and you are purchasing another engine, you will be a lot better off if you go ahead and get the correct one.
| 1979, and 1980 Federal | 1980 California EGR |
 Note NO emissions holes in top of center housing, AND horizontal port below two center intake ports. |
 Note large EGR hole in top of center housing, AND round plugged hole below center two intake ports. |
 Non-EGR Engine Bay |
 1980 EGR valve on center housing |
| Return to 79-80 12A Engine Numbers | |
| If your engine bay looks more like this: |  |
| And, the top of your engine looks like this ("H" or "I" cast pattern instead of "block" looking casting as in rotor housings in 79-80 images above): |  |
| Then, you have an 81-85 style engine in your car !! | |
| Return to 79-80 12A Engine Numbers | |