Thanks, that saved me a bit of hassle.

Finally got the engine in my hands, it arrived on Friday and one of the lady at the customs office started processing it, got halfway through and then went on a vacation, leaving my engine in customs purgatory.

The engine came with the starter, engine mounts, alternator and PS pump. I also pulled something in my back getting it on to the stand. But that'll be okay.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a1b122c70f.jpg


Right now I've stripped almost everything off the block and head. everything under the valvecover is very clean. Now just to take everything to work to sandblast and clean up before paint/polishing.

Almost everything attached to the block has been sandblasted and most things already have a coat of primer.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6e31228964.jpg



How vital is the support on the intake manifold? Simply wondering since my NB1 doesn't have it and it makes oil changes a tiny bit more difficult.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...8fba6030e2.jpg

Damn, that sand blasting and painting looks great! Nice attention to detail. Your engine bay is gonna have some nice bling. What kind of paint are you using if I might ask?

The support most probably alter the frequency where the TB shaft/screws fail. Mixed reports so it's not critical.
Replacing it with a Jenvey setup is always an option (much lighter) :)

Thank you :) . Sandblasting all that oxidation away is so satisfying. Right now I only have a coat of acid etch primer on most parts and am undecided on color. Too bad wrinkle paint is unavailable here, that was my first choice for the valve cover/intake manifold.

Yeah, I saw that one post of the TB snapping in half. You're talking about switching to an aftermarket unit then?

Superefficient cooling via geographic location
 

Just joking with Jenveys ITB, much lighter and four times the butterflies and stuff.

The rate of tb failure at rpms below 7.5k is a bit unclear to me.
I've seen one locally, but I'm sure that engine did see 8k occasionly.

Too little data in my brain to give meaningfull advice, but stock have worked for a long time for a lot of engines.

I went to the Skunk2 throttle body for trouble-free revving.

Crap. I was supposed to send you decals. Sorry.

Mine did it with a rev limiter that I never set above 7200 (it floated valves at 6800 anyway, so there wasn't any point). The TB had 92K miles, 60K of them boosted, 50+ track days, 100+ autox, etc, so while it didn't go over the stock redline, it went all the way up there a lot.

--Ian

Lol no worries. The car won't be boosted until around christmas. But I had been contemplating another TB. Another part on top of an already expensive engine build :p

ground down all casting marks on the intake manifold, found a color for the engine parts and managed to get Toyo T1R's at a 50% discount at a Porsche dealership. I had those on my old VR4 and loved them, the car is MUCH more direct now in steering response, the previous tire I had was grippy but way too much sidewall flex.

Attachment 237452

Attachment 237453

Alright. brakes along with clutch master and slave arriving on monday. And Pretty soon my MK kit should be arriving. Now my train of thought is to assemble a IC kit, source a computer and run low boost on the stock motor until January when I can finish building the VVT motor. I see no sense in figuring out how to tune on a motor I've just poured 4 grand into, so I'd rather figure things out on a cheap motor that burns ~1 quart of oil every 5k miles.

Anyone have an opinion on that plan?

nope. do it

I'm doing the brakes and the allen key inside the rear caliper does nothing. Are my calipers fucked or amd I missing something?

Okay, got the screw to catch, it worked a bit, then just *plop* and fluid started coming out the allen key hole. Anyone have a 1.8 rear left caliper and willing to ship asap?

I threw mine away the last time I bought new ones. They were rough.

Yeah. Just bought 2 calipers from the UK. Hope they get here soon since this is my DD.

This was going so well :p

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f51746b04a.jpg

Got the megasquirt I bought from user Thirdgen. Customs once again being a pain in the ass, but Thirdgen was quick to help and send all info to help this get finished.
https://www.miataturbo.net/miata-par...ck-case-90429/
Now just to wait for the new wideband sensor to be able to start messing with the ECU.

Intercooler and piping in the works.

Big Tupperware sideskirts and garage vary lip are in paint and hopefully installed next week. Once I have the lip installed I'll start working on a splitter/engine plash guard.

Not long until I start seeing boost, and I'm honestly getting giddy thinking about it.

Just in case... make sure to remove the balve cover vent chambers covers and get all the sand out before runing the egine

Hahah, already did that. made a mental note of going overkill on cleaning since I'm finding blasting media in straaaange places in the car after we blasted the rust repair area.

Okay, MS3 installed, and set to MAF since I'm still using that. the car cranks but no start. I've confirmed the timing, changed out the wideband sensor. I'm kinda clueless on how to get it started.

And now all of a sudden it won't even recognize the usb connection

okay. My tuner is very experienced in MS and I had no chance of following everything he did but as far as I know he reversed the polarity on the CPS, figured out how to get the fuel pump on and a couple of other things. we finally got it to start. Now I'm just waiting until tomorrow to buy the remaining parts to convert it to GM IAT and vacuum. The troubles I ran into simply came from my car being a EU model.

Got a nice little package by air freight today. I was about to piss myself with excitement.


Attachment 237294


Attachment 237295

I had planned on going to the US in Jan to celebrate my 30th. b-day and buy all the engine internals but my buddy that planned on coming with me finally got a job relevant to his degree so that had to be postponed. The plan is to have it boosted by march, until then I can go ahead with all prepwork.

Ah, so you're the lucky duck that bought that megasquirt eh? Heh.

Yup. I'm loving it. But my motor seems really set on roasting wideband sensors so I'm running the stock ECU until I get another one , install Lars's kit or weld a bung further downstream.

So I'm finally getting ready to buy internals for the VVT engine. I'll be having this shipped to me while I'll be stateside so I prefer buying as much as I can from one vendor so shipments won't be all over the place

Here's what I've got so far on Fab9's site
Boundary Engineering Billet Oil Pumps
ACL RACE Bearing Set
Supertech Forged Pistons
Manley Forged H-Beam Rods
ARP Head Stud Kit
ARP Main Stud Kit
ATI Harmonic Balancer + Hardware/Keyway
Cometic MLS Head Gaskets
Gates Water Pump - 3D Cast Impeller
Supertech Valve Seal Set
Complete Front Component Kit - Water Pump/Timing Components/Seals -------- Complete Front Component Kit Miata
CSF Performance Radiator 1990-2005
Rear Main Seal Set
Oil Pan Gasket Set
Exhaust Manifold Gaskets
Turbo PCV Valve (GTX Upgrade)


I still have to decide which way to go with coolant reroutes and I have no idea which valves/springs to use, any input on those is greatly appreciated

And good news, Iceland's first proper dyno just opened up and it's 5 minutes from my house, talk about convenient! Guess I'll be a regular there while getting everything dialed in.

I think I have the begi coolant spacer kit. I recall I had to come up with additional parts to make it work.

Springs - Supertech light doubles. Stock valves are good. Get them and whatever reroute kit 949racing.com is selling. I frankly don't know why you bought so many parts from that other guy instead of 949.

I haven't bought anything yet, just setting up a list before diving in and then realizing I forgot something vital
May very well go with 949, my experience with them has been good

Now while I'm saving up for internals I'll just spend my time doing some small tinkering and mini projects that don't cost me anything

Fitted the turbo to the block and made a heatshield. I'll make it out of aluminum tomorrow and port the turbo.

Attachment 237277

Attachment 237278

Attachment 237279

Attachment 237280

Only one shopping spree left until I can go balls deep with the build and assembly


Edit : Got 20 minutes to tinker at work and made the shield out of aluminum. I'll put insulating material on the inside once I get it painted along with the rest of the engine parts

Attachment 237281

Nice work. but you wanna make sure you have another shield to protect all your brake cyl and lines

yup, that'll get sorted once the motor is in and I know exactly where it all is situated and I'll rivet in a dividing wall around the DP or between it and brake hardware. Can't tell until it's in

That is probably one of the nicest heat shields I have seen made so far for my setup.

Damn... Thank you!

Alright. you guys know what's the best option for seals and gaskets for the engine rebuild?

Clutch only or clutch and lighter flywheel?

Only OEM Mazda rubber gaskets on the car. I get them from Priority Mazda. For HG I get those on ebay and they cost $26-29 shipped. Same MLS as OEM.

I would do clutch only, but that is a personal preference.

Alright, placed an order with 949racing today

Supertech Miata valve spring kit 94-05 BP 1.8

Configuration: 1012-M18D
Version: Light Double SpringSPRK-

Supertech pistons / Wiseco XX rings Miata

Configuration: MA84-N4
Version: MA84-N4 1.8L 84.00mm 8.6:1P4-

ARP Head Studs

218-4701

ARP Main Studs

218-5401

Supertech Valve Seals Miata

Water pump 90-05 Miata MX5

Engine: 94-05 1800 BPSPMWPBP

ACL - Thrust Washer

1T8353

Manley forged connecting rods set Miata

Qty: Set of 414011

Cometic head gasket 1.8 BP Miata 94-05

Thickness: .03030S

Innovate Motorsports replacement Bosch O2 sensor

Sensor version: LSU 4.93888

SuperMiata Qmax Cooling kit

But I can't seem to find a store that carries both Supermiata harmonic balancer and upgraded oil pump. I may just be a bit 'tarded, but I'm not finding it. Any help?

Hmm I cant find the 949 harmonic balancer on their site either...
Be careful with your thrust bearing choice... The BP6D (nb2 block) uses larger thrust bearings. I think mazda is the only source for these.
It looks like you picked up a long block so you'll probably need the larger thrust bearing. Not 100% on the non-US market so I could be wrong.

Looks like a good engine build in the works :D

Thanks for the heads up. thankfully it's a cheap part

949 Racing should sell both the super miata damper and the BE oil pump. If you don't see the damper online it is probably out of stock.

both seemed to be out of stock. Mailed them asking about eta and if I could add it on to my existing order if they'd be getting them soon

alright. I found a supermiata damper used. Am I correct in thinking that all the dampers are identical for 1.6 and 1.8 apart from shortnose and the trigger wheels are the difference when you order them new?

Yes

goddamnit.

cleaned the car with a pressure washer (exterior only). Now it stumbles and shuts off intermittently. Coil pack is dry, maf plugs and everything around that is dry. Feels like spark trouble because all other electrics are unaffected and it'll stumble and occasionally make small explosions when fuel dumps unburnt into the exhaust. Any ideas?
It also loses tach signal, motor will be in gear and coasting but tach drops until I get spark again. Coil pack fucked?

Pull spark plug wires off plugs. There's probably water down in the holes. Pull all the plugs out and free spin the engine for 5 seconds. Replace them and it should run fine.

Flew over to Orlando, spent an evening with Steve Six-shooter and Troy Miata2fast drinking beers, good food and Miata banter, good guys.

Package days are good days
Attachment 237255
Can't wait to get home and slap this thing together.

Then I also decided to visit treasure coast Miata and get some parts there. They were really helpful and friendly, do recommend

I got an awesome bottle of Vodka. Started drinking it tonight. Sixshooter said you are considering coming back for MiataPalooza. If you do let me know and I can get you a MKTurbo shirt when you come hang out at my booth.

Glad you like it, Reyka is my favorite vodka.
April will be a bit hectic at work but I'll do my best to get out there. I really want to experience this festival and meet the rest of you guys

Every time I have needed an odd little bracket or part and have called Treasure Coast Miata they have been wonderful.

It was nice to meet you and Dori.

It looks like you have a lot of parts to keep you busy wrenching until Summer comes to Iceland.

Thanks for the Reyka, too. I'm saving it for a special occasion.

Lars brought me a Magnaflow so my car is much quieter now, thankfully.

It was fun to meet you guys too. And I liked the sound of your car.

The block is getting prepped next week and I'll get into a huge tuner garage to work on the car at the same time, so expect a lot more progress from now on.

I secured one of 2 hard tops in Iceland and will be getting it this weekend in trade for my soft top.

What do people recommend to clean the rust off the block before painting it?

Also, the RS intercooler looks like a really good fit if it doesn't interfere with anything on the outside edges.https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0a59db0776.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b1c72670cb.jpg

can't wait to finally start wrenching for real

I thought my car was too loud. I just installed the big MagnaFlow from Lars and really like it. Quiet and deep...

I'll be selling the old HKS muffler.

That intercooler looks like a good fit if the pipes don't end up at the frame rails.

Ugh. I bought the Q-max cooling kit from 949 racing. Supermiata radiator and coolant reroute. And the lower radiator outlets interferes with my PS lines. Am I missing something or am I forced to delete power steering?

Nevermind, just deleted the cooling loop, won't do me much harm here in the cold.https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e3aa7ebc75.jpg


But my new garage is pretty cool though
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...3e2e19e2d7.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...597343c604.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e896e0a7e4.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1bc69ce3c0.jpg
and the upper level is just packed with shelf space for parts and tools.

This just in... Hardtop!https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b23692775b.jpg

Good find on the top. I like mine.

Tiny update.
car will be repainted in 3weeks.

On Friday I bought a ratchet set because I needed a 12point 12mm socket to remove the head from the motor. On Saturday night I dragged my ass out to the shop ready to be productive.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...98cf1d9eee.jpg
What are the freaking odds?!?! So I just gave up and went out drinking.

And a bit of tinkering in prep for the painting.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7e220263ea.jpg
Next week the block is headed for the machine shop to be bored and crank measured for bearings.

alright. megasquirt3 is installed and running. It seems like it's not running the alternator, the coolant does not reach full operating temp and the immobilizer is flashing.

It's a rev built unit and the most pressing issue for me is the alternator. Any help is greatly appreciated. I looked but found nothing and I need this asap. Sorry for being useless at this

Edit : So my only way is to build the alternator control circuit?

If he built it for your car the alternator circuit should already be in there.

Yup. Just trying to get a hold of him to get the settings I need (if anyone has one of his MS3 units and doesn't mind sharing their settings for alternator I'd love them for it). When I initially tried to use the computer the car wouldn't run and in my inexperience found a map off the net that I ended up getting to kinda work but I'm missing the alternator settings. so that's where I'm at right now.

A garage mate offered me these Honda Enkei wheels for cheep, I like the look, just gotta weigh them before making a decision.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...be07e6b7ac.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...285a60ca92.jpg

Am in the middle of the assembly of the motor, car gets resprayed next weekend. I gave up on my buddy that was always flaking out on doing it and found a reputable guy who'll take the car for a week to do prep work and paint.

I then bought led headlight bulbs. It's a supernova v3 and I'm pretty impressed. Much more light output and the cutoff is nice and clear on the wall 15ft away, so should be no glare blinding oncoming traffic. Too bad I have to wait until September for the sun to set. Won't be able to give a full review until then. The glare you see in the picture is simply because the camera is within the beam
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...861deca17f.jpg