1991 Special Edition

[Neverlift]

Sorry about your luck. Definitely time for a 1.8.

[Chief_Wiggum]

I don't plan on swapping soon -- but when I do, I may go this route. Anybody have any experience with them? Seems like a solid option instead of trying to find my own used engine in who knows what kind of condition. Even if I were to pick up a cheap long block, replacing the various components, pulling it apart to check the condition likely wouldn't be that much cheaper, albeit, maybe a bit more fun.

Mazda Miata 1 8L Engine Remanufactured 1990 2005 Zero Miles w Warranty | eBay

[Tyhackman15]

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum I don't plan on swapping soon -- but when I do, I may go this route. Anybody have any experience with them? Seems like a solid option instead of trying to find my own used engine in who knows what kind of condition. Even if I were to pick up a cheap long block, replacing the various components, pulling it apart to check the condition likely wouldn't be that much cheaper, albeit, maybe a bit more fun. Mazda Miata 1 8L Engine Remanufactured 1990 2005 Zero Miles w Warranty | eBay

Seems pricey, of course it's a new motor but still. I'd rather rebuild and put in forged rods etc... for boost later on

[Chief_Wiggum]

Price wise I thought it was a pretty good deal for a basically new engine. I guess I also need to determine what my realistic build is going to look like. At this point, I don't see me dropping the $$ to go over 250hp, an achievable goal on stock block and internals from what I understand. I guess it depends on what I'd expect to pay for a used long block, and depending on its condition, what needs to be done to it. New pistons, new rods, valve job, etc...seems like it would add up quickly. I guess I could rebuild this one, that would be the cheapest option. Bah...I don't know what I'll end up doing. I'll keep surfing CL and check the local pull a part to see what they have for motors.

[Neverlift]

Toss that paperweight 1.6. Not worth the rebuild cost just to make used 1.8 power.

I've driven this car which still had a 1.6. It was fully built to run the turbo & s/c set up it once had. It still had bolt ons and was no faster than my 94 NA. It did feel much better up top than a 1.8 though.

[Chief_Wiggum]

But I wouldn't rebuild the B6 to just leave it NA, I would build it in anticipation of the FM voodoo II kit. Would there be enough difference AFTER turbo between the 1.6 & 1.8 to go through the added step of sourcing a 1.8 long block? Since I've already got all the pieces for the B6, I don't have to worry about sourcing all I need for the 1.8 AND the conversion kit AND rebuilding it (if necessary) AND bla, bla, bla.

Great picture by the way...the corkscrew at Laguna Seca?

[Neverlift]

I have only known of 1 person dumb enough to turbo a 1.6 (GT25). It was slower than my bolted MSM running on stock boost (8 psi). The MSM had at least 300lbs on that car. I think he rebuilt that 1.6 at least 3 times now. He said its faster now, I haven't seen it since I deemed it slow as shit. (May see him on CR - DarthTeddy) I think they are useless motors, with shitty diff's. Which is why I always tell people to buy 94+.

And yes, that pic is of the cars former owner, Kung Fu Jesus driving it at a Miata @ MLS event a few years ago.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Neverlift I have only known of 1 person dumb enough to turbo a 1.6 (GT25). It was slower than my bolted MSM running on stock boost (8 psi).

So quit beating around the bush...what do you really think? OK...I'm convinced. I do appreciate all the insight.

[SpencerC]

The 1.8 is known to be easier to turbo, but the 1.6 does well if you really push it, just requires a little more (1.8L injectors) and depends on what you do.

[Neverlift]

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum So quit beating around the bush...what do you really think? OK...I'm convinced. I do appreciate all the insight.

Haha, sorry about that. Was in a rush, and I always come off a little harsh (passionate?). There could have been other factors associated with it, like a shitty tune, shitty driver, whatever. I have heard people are satisfied with their 1.6 turbo'd. I doubt they have owned Mazdaspeeds before hand though.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Originally Posted by Neverlift Haha, sorry about that. Was in a rush, and I always come off a little harsh (passionate?). There could have been other factors associated with it, like a shitty tune, shitty driver, whatever. I have heard people are satisfied with their 1.6 turbo'd. I doubt they have owned Mazdaspeeds before hand though.

No apology necessary...I knew what you meant and how you meant it. I do appreciate all the help everyone's been as I get acquainted with this car. It doesn't help that I'm rather indecisive at this point about what I want to do, however, indecision is the key to flexibility!

[Code Monkey]

Build that 1.6 and sell it to me.

[Chief_Wiggum]

crappy all-season tires + crappy driving + crappy camera =

Miata autocross with St. Louis BSCC - YouTube

Miata autocross with St. Louis BSCC - YouTube

[Neverlift]

You are like 2-3 feet from the cones on your drivers side. You should definitely risk touching them on the easier side to see. Then work on getting close to the cones on the passenger side.

Also, you are completely lifting off the throttle, which is part of the reason why you spun on that quick transition. The other part, your vision and line selection was off. Then you blipped the throttle, and lifted (shocked the balance). Let the throttle breath some, but you have no reason to ever completely lift on that course. You are allowing all of the weight to transfer to the front wheels. On those sweeping corners, you are not achieving any slip angle, you should be riding minimal slip throughout the entire turn. It appears your setup is on the oversteer side, so I can understand the hesitance, but push the limits, counter steer, throttle steer, fuck shit up.

Are you running Kumho Ecsta tires? I love those, they are perfect for learning the limits. Thanks for the vid.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Good advice -- hopefully I can implement at the next event towards the end of September. The section right before the slalom where I spun was tricky to pick up. I finally hit a better line and was carrying a lot more speed. I realized that a little too late and couldn't figure out how to save it so I let her go around. I'm still trying to get used to how the car is set up, but as you said, the weight transfer when I let off the gas doomed me.

They are Kumho Ecsta ASTs...a good learning tire.

[Chief_Wiggum]

@Neverlift;

Took your advice at autocross today...forced myself to get much closer to the cones, throttle steer and generally, f stuff up. Instead of backing off when the back end got loose, I used the throttle to help me through the corner and attempted to avoid abrupt throttle inputs. I had much better runs, and subsequently, a much better time.

No videos this time...not that they turned out well last time.

[SpencerC]

Awesome. I missed an autocross event here this weekend due to a friends birthday, but man do I need to get out again!

[Chief_Wiggum]

After a week of rain and clouds, nothing like sunny and 70 to get the car out of the garage. As frustrated as I am with my smoke and oil consumption, the car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[Chief_Wiggum]

Smoke, smoke, SMOKE!!!! Oh and F that cone -- I hit it 3 times today.

09 Nov 14 BSCC Autocross St. Louis - YouTube

09 Nov 14 BSCC Autocross St. Louis - YouTube

[Chief_Wiggum]

Successfully executed my first ever engine/tranny removal (with help, of course). It was a great feeling of accomplishment and I've learned a considerable amount about this car in the last 3 or so days. Hope to get replacement motor in soon.

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

[Chief_Wiggum]

We were hoping to get a lot more accomplished yesterday, but unforeseen things wasted a lot of time. The main issue was the flywheel had gotten hot at some point in its past and needed a little machining to clean up the surface -- something I easily could've/should've done weeks ago. Then we had to wait for a new pilot bearing to get shipped to my local auto parts store...again, had I anticipated the issue, could've been done before install day. All said and done, the engine is on the mounts and the transmission is reattached to the PPF -- a pretty pivotal event, but there's still a lot left to do and never enough time. The Miata education continues...

[IMG][/IMG]