zpodski

Ok I lurked long enough and wanted to post a build thread

I bought a Rona project in early '20 that got put on the back burner for a bit. It is a 93 Miata 1.6 5spd from auction for the grand sum of $700. It had a few missing parts and unknown past so when I broke engine open for kicks/giggles I was surprised to find - supertech pistons, manley rods, and acl bearings. Previous owner spent some money. This kinda complicates my original thoughts on engine swaping. If I'm shooting for 200-225whp track/weekend car I should be able to manage with the 1.6 so why swap(torque?).

Block will goto machine shop to get a light hone to break any glaze and deck surfaced. Heads are ported (mostly touched up casting flash and a lil transition work) and will be resurfaced and valve job. Should I be concerned with the scuffs on the pistons. also is it worth it to get crank polished - I am trying to balance budget with best practices. I have new rings and bearings.

I plan to measure block out this weekend to check for bore taper etc to minimize machine shop expenses or will they measure any way-probably should just ask them. I have the following for the money pit: s14 t25 (rebuilt) / china manifold(crack city- until I tig up a SS el log), MSPNP2, FF 720cc injectors, LS coils, WB etc ready to go in when machining gets done. Hoping for something a lil sporty.
Pics of pistons and bearings
Pics of Car

I will try to update as I go along

Dr.Sep

That's an awesome surprise, especially on a $700 purchase -- I would be hard pressed to engine swap out a built 1.6 for a stock 1.8, you should be able to hit that 200-225whp goal either way. Go forth and make power, update as you do

x_25

That's a heck of a deal for $700.

200-225 is easy. I am making right around 200hp and 175ftlbs from 3300-5400 at the wheels on a whole 10psi with a street tune and an unopened 1.6.