1991 Special Edition

[Code Monkey]

The stock block is good for 250 whp/wtq I think? Will need a new clutch though.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Code Monkey The stock block is good for 250 whp/wtq I think? Will need a new clutch though.

absolutely would need a new clutch.

[JBR]

Congratulations man! Awesome car! Thanks for allowing me to be first to drive it.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by jbarone Congratulations man! Awesome car! Thanks for allowing me to be first to drive it.

My pleasure; you did read the fine print in the agreement that obligated you too make miata parts now, right?

[JBR]

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum My pleasure; you did read the fine print in the agreement that obligated you too make miata parts now, right?

I did and I will.

[Neverlift]

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum Thanks -- it also needs a FMII turbo kit (and engine build)!

It needs a BP then.... while the B6 is capable of making power, it's not worth it.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Started small with the mods -- ordered garage star front plate mount...stupid IL front plate laws.

[beachshoer]

Gotta start the ball rolling somehow.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Neverlift It needs a BP then.... while the B6 is capable of making power, it's not worth it.

While I like to dream of a built BP, FMII turbo with the 3071, and big fuel kit so I can run straight E-85 -- more realistic is a BP and normal turbo FMII kit or B6/BP and the Voodoo II kit. Either way, it's going to be awhile until I can liberate the funds to make it happen.

[Code Monkey]

I am doing it right this time taking care of the handling/suspension/safety mods first before I start digging into power mods..... Will get a standalone ECU though to tweak the stock setup.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Code Monkey I am doing it right this time taking care of the handling/suspension/safety mods first before I start digging into power mods..... Will get a standalone ECU though to tweak the stock setup.

I was glad this one has the suspension pretty well sorted out so...otherwise I'd do the same as you; suspension & handling first.

[Jebus]

Love this.

[SpencerC]

Mhmm Hardtops. I picked mine up about a month ago... right as the weather got nice. No reason to run it now until October. Ha.

I've been eyeing that FMII kit for about 2 years now..... the MS3 only delayed the purchase.... sooon I say.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Spencer@CorkSport I've been eyeing that FMII kit for about 2 years now..... the MS3 only delayed the purchase.... sooon I say.

Do it!

[beachshoer]

Originally Posted by Spencer@CorkSport Mhmm Hardtops. I picked mine up about a month ago... right as the weather got nice. No reason to run it now until October. Ha. I've been eyeing that FMII kit for about 2 years now..... the MS3 only delayed the purchase.... sooon I say.

Like everything else plug and play style I think the FMII kit is great but you definitely pay for the convenience. I'm more of the build your own style. Yes I realize I bought my boosted Miata already built. Mostly. But only because it made sense rather than pull all the parts off and install them on our stock Miata. Plus playing with a built block will be fun.

Again if anybodies interested I have some fun parts to play with that I'm getting rid of including a Hondiata customintake manifold with a bigger TB and a MS2 with vvt box once we get the motor running with the MS3. Basically all the stuff extra Aaron had laying around after he spun the bearing and sold me the car.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Garage Star bracket got here quick. That should keep the Illinois nazis from pulling me over (I hate Illinois nazis).

[IMG][/IMG]

[JBR]

You got that on all by yourself?

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by jbarone You got that on all by yourself?

Ha....douche.

[JBR]

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum Ha....douche.

I LOVE YOU MAN!

Hope to see you tomorrow.

[Chief_Wiggum]

So, the honeymoon is over and I'm beginning to think the engine is wounded. I've noticed that on deceleration/engine braking, I get blue smoke out the tail pipe. There are no cats on the car so I expect some foul exhaust, but this is definitely oil tinged. I also added about 3/4 quart a week or so after driving it home. I've also noticed that it has some gaping holes in the power band...not sure how much of that is due to the small engine or perhaps other issue. Due to weather, I haven't been driving it as often, but I'm now keeping a log of miles for future oil consumption calculation. I also get what I believe is fairly normal valve tick at first start up that goes away in about a second after oil gets there. what research I've done has pointed me towards either oil control rings or valve guide seals. I just completed a 3 day MMO piston soak in case it would free up the oil control rings (if that's the issue). I asked when I bought if it smoked or burned oil, the previous owner said no. I've texted him about the current issue and reassured me it didn't do that when he owned it. I largely believe him and fully accept it's my issue now anyway. In the near term, i'll do a compression check to see what that tells me and research places to have this one rebuilt and see if i can get someone to follow me to get a better idea of under what conditions it smokes. I've also talked to the p.o. about the original engine from this car and its status. I'm running Rotella T6 as did the p.o.

TLDR Version: car has blue smoke on deceleration (engine vacuum) and seems abnormally slow. will keep putting oil in it while researching options.

[chrisjnas]

Whoa. What a color combination. I've always loved BRG.

[Tyhackman15]

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum TLDR Version: car has blue smoke on deceleration (engine vacuum) and seems abnormally slow. will keep putting oil in it while researching options.

Comp test for sure. Also some MMO on the pistons can't hurt IMO, any blue smoke when WOT?

Or just say F it and look for a 1.8, worth it



Edit: I feel your pain with the lack of ABS. These monster Wilwood brakes will lock up at about any speed if I try lol. Auto-x has been a learning experience for sure.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Tyhackman15 Comp test for sure. Also some MMO on the pistons can't hurt IMO, any blue smoke when WOT? Or just say F it and look for a 1.8, worth it

not sure about WOT smoke -- I need to get someone to follow me and take notes. It's the only way I'll smoke anyone in this car with the current setup! I saw a 1.8L out of a wrecked NB on CL -- $500 with around 130000 miles on it. I tried looking at the FM website about what's involved -- I know they have a kit for the throttle body mating...wasn't sure about the ECU side of the house.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Best. Autocross. Ever. Holy poop does this thing handle. It didn't take long at all for me to feel comfortable at the handling limits and steering a little with throttle. I did, however, spin it once...which was a goal of mine for the day!

[Code Monkey]

Yeah, when I do not spin or go off track I consider a road racing weekend wasted, it means I did not push the car and myself hard enough.

[Neverlift]

I get upset with myself if I make a small mistake, let alone make one that causes me to miss a braking point, apex, or spin(almost never happens).

Did you get any video of event? I'd like to see how the neutral the car handled, as well as how you handled the slip angle.

[Chief_Wiggum]

No videos, unfortunately. I hope to have something for the next event in late August.

[Neverlift]

Have you had the car out in the rain yet? If you can find quiet business parks or parking lots, those sort of conditions will help you sort out throttle steer and slip angle.

Mazdaspeed MX5 Slip Calisthenics - YouTube

Mazdaspeed MX5 Slip Calisthenics - YouTube

[Chief_Wiggum]

I haven't, but after watching that, I will.

[Chief_Wiggum]

with wife and daughters out of town I took it on a 225 mile Joyride on some of the best twisty roads I could find in the area; it was awesome. Now enjoying a nice cigar and a few beers; pretty epic day

[Chief_Wiggum]

I've spent too much time lately wondering how hard it would be to install this. I know they've done it, but something about a custom plate to match the engine to the transmission, notching the sub-frame...

[IMG][/IMG]

[SpencerC]

Did you see this thread about doing a swap?

Sounds like it has common oil starving issues.

Possible engine conversion? - MX-5 Miata Forum

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Spencer@CorkSport Did you see this thread about doing a swap? Sounds like it has common oil starving issues. Possible engine conversion? - MX-5 Miata Forum

Nope...I must have looked at all BUT that one! Thanks, time to go back to looking for a good 1.8 donor!

[Yatta]

A rotary converted MX5 has always been on my list of wants....
Great find on that love the racing green.

Lucky 7 Racing Miata 13B Rotary Mount Kit | eBay

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Yatta A rotary converted MX5 has always been on my list of wants.... Great find on that love the racing green. Lucky 7 Racing Miata 13B Rotary Mount Kit | eBay

$2500...ouch! That would be pretty sweet, though.

[Lex]

The BP/B6 is a stout engine but the valve seals do dry up and you do get some oil burning. My 91 Escort GT did this (it had a BP) so I swapped in the Japanese version that had a turbo attached to it. The rest is as they say history.

These are great little cars and a motor is easy to find. I recommend doing a BP swap if you have to pull the motor and putting a small turbo on it.

After reading your symptoms again and the low mileage on the car it most likely has dried up valve seals causing the smoke on decel. If compression is good add oil and enjoy.

[Yatta]

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum $2500...ouch! That would be pretty sweet, though.

there are cheaper ways to do this but its done enough that kits exist a 3 rotor would be silly.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Lex After reading your symptoms again and the low mileage on the car it most likely has dried up valve seals causing the smoke on decel. If compression is good add oil and enjoy.

compression is OK, not great (170ish). I have a leak down tester, I haven't gotten around to doing it yet. In the meantime, add oil as necessary until said BP and turbo is added.

[Neverlift]

I am not saying a v6 swap is a good idea, but you would need an oil accumulator to avoid oil starvation during lateral G's. It's what we installed on my old MR2 w/ a 3vz v6.

[Chief_Wiggum]

So here's a video I took today of my smoking issue. As mentioned in a previous post, most noticeable on engine braking/deceleration followed by throttle application. The video catches 3 times before the tunnel and one big one after. I've replaced the PCV valve (OEM Mazda) and it didn't make a difference. Based on my relative crappy compression numbers, I'm guessing it's valve guides/valves. I still haven't done the leak down test, which I'm guessing will confirm the valves issue. Doesn't make sense to me to rebuild the head, I'll most likely look to a 1.8 replacement. Sorry for the wind noise, first time using my faux pro (pyle action cam) and I didn't have the right case apparently. I'll say it doesn't run bad or idle rough...and I still plan to autocross the pee out of it -- I've got nothing to lose at this point.

1991 Miata 1.6 smoke - YouTube

1991 Miata 1.6 smoke - YouTube