zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

Hi guys, my name is jonathan. some of you may know me.. Anyways I am 25, an electronics tech (full time) and a side welder (mig and tig)/ mechanic.

My 1990 miata is dieing a slow death and I have many options at this point. Its at 225k, holes in the rockers, a slipping clutch, and the 1.6 is burning oil. It recently is burning more noticeably as I drive. I don't have much into it as a whole (purchased 30k ago for 900 lol) but it has many desirable parts which makes it hard for me to deicde. (R lip w/ tdr splitter, hard dog roll bar, M2 hard top, raybrig headlights, ss brake lines and slotted rotors, custom exhaust.. And the interior is suprisingly clean for the age.

If I plan on driving next summer the motor is coming out for a rebuild and clutch upgrade (or a 1.8l swap if I can find a good deal) but I 2nd guess just buying another too. The rust and chassi mileage keep holding me back, maybe I should part out and let the shell go for a track sazall cart car for someone..

What would you guys do?

gospeed81

iTrader: (51)

I'm always a fan of keeping the car you've got...but I've never dealt with serious rust on newer cars. Had a few '60s era cars that were worth repairing the body on, but for a Miata I'd just find a clean shell and swap parts over.

Hell, my beloved car (been in family nearly since new) has 235K miles on it and still sounds like a fishing lure after adding $500 worth of chassis stiffening. I'm seriously considering finding a clean 1.8L ('94-'95) to build up.

zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

Just got home to notice a leaky water pump.. Ugh.. Add that to my list.

Any reccomendations for a 1.6l build?

1.8l lightweight FW and clutch set are a definate to be ordered...

TurboTim

iTrader: (9)

w e l c o m e

zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

Thanks

zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

Off to pick up a jdm 1.8L today! Found my deal. I won't get to install it for a month probably but it will give me time to get a good flywheel clutch set. Tbelt and h20 pump change. Im so excited to be able to drive it again soon.

zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

sorry i didnt get more photos. these are the only 2 worth posting. im sure thats questionable too..... haha







Finally get it all together. i only needed a FM TB plate (which i wasnt pleased with.) MS mount, 1.8l 12lb flywheel with 6puck clutch, raceland header, all maintance done before installation. took a day to do and would have got it 100% finished if we didnt damage a coil modding the 1.8 bracket to hold the 1.6l coil packs.

next is exploring my options with fuel/timing options. i will be looking to boost on a budget. i need to learn more on the DIYPNP, and shoot from there.

zzmiatazz90

iTrader: (2)

ive read somewere that there is a mod to use the tps sensor on the 1.8 tb with the 90-93 ms you may want to look into that.

zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

thats great news, ill have to follow up with that!

chicksdigmiatas

iTrader: (11)

1.8 jdm motors and trans on ebay go for 900 ish

chriscar

iTrader: (24)

Hey Zips,

Give me a shout next time you're up my way, and we can take mine out for a spin.

C

zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

i got my jdm for 500 picked up

i was planning on coming up this weekend for jun's birthday but i have to put together a customers 1zz engine. (along with a list of other jobs lol) probably in a month. im getting sent to texas for 6weeks for work then i'll have to get my 200 together for the convention! ill be sure to get a hold of ya.

zipstrips

iTrader: (2)

seraph

iTrader: (4)

Car looks great!

An engine swap had always kinda scared me till I did it. Piece of cake.