For the VVT system seals, Bill at Miataroadster sells a great and super complete kit.

MR-VVTRK - MiataRoadster VVT system Viton seal rebuild kits - MiataRoadster - Stay Tuned With MiataRoadster!

 

That main journal needs to be polished at least, but it doesn't look good tbh. How does the bearing look? Time for a machine shop?

 

I'll post some more pics momentarily.

Thanks!

 

Here's some more pics. Appreciate any insight. I can't tell if the discoloration in the journals or the bearings incite that something bad is going on. I will say I can't feel any grooves in the main journal(s) after wiping it clean.

 

The rule I've always heard (at least for a DIY engine re-fresh) was if the "imperfections" won't catch a fingernail, then you're probably good to go.

Are you replacing the bearings? I assume no based on the plasti-gauge pics...

 

Thanks for your comment... I do plan to replace the bearings, but figured I'd inspect/measure as much as I could to gauge general health. I also measured bearing thickness. I feel like this way I know I can put standard fitment bearings back in it.

 

Those bearings are toast IMO. Crank needs a visit to the machine shop.

 

I remain conflicted.

 

I would take the crank to a shop and ask them, if they can polish it. How much is that in your area? Can't be that much and without polishing i wouldn't use that crank, even if i'm on a tight budget.
Well, the best thing to do is, let the machine shop do it properly (whatever it takes) and enjoy your rods-only engine pushing 300whp.

A new oem gasket-kit for (re)building it twice is the same money as fixing the crank.

 

Yeah, that seems like a reasonable path to take. I assume if the result is a polish of the journals, then it'd be prudent to re-measure for bearings?

edit: Novel concept, I talked to the shop. They're going to measure/inspect, then polish or call if it's worse than that. Cheap insurance. He advised that if it just results in a polish that upsize bearings wouldn't be necessary.

 

That seems reasonable! Good choice and i hope that polishing is enough Could be worse, i guess

 

Haven't heard back yet on the crank. Figured I'd clean up the pistons and see what they look like. BTW, Berryman B-12 turns carbon into goo. Had them all pretty much spotless in 20 minutes.

What do you make of the consistent scuffing on the bottom of the skirts? Everything else looks really good to me?



ooooh.

Used one can. Dump it in a container, soak each piston for about 5 min, scrub w/ nylon brush, soak a bit more. Blast it with carb cleaner and wipe it off.

Consistent scuffing.

Closer up.

 

Looks like normal wear. I think mine were worse and I still ran them.

 

$45 later, not bad. Good to go for standard bearing sizes.





 

Seems like $45 well spent!

 

Absolutely!

 

I bet you can sleep at night now

 

I might know a guy

 

 

You guys are quick! From the machine shop to 240whp in a week

How much boost is this?