Question for you guys, like an idiot I added the FM Coil Bracket adapter that does not fit the VVT engine because of the VVT line. Has anyone simply modified the VVT line to use AN lines instead of the hard lines? That way I could relocate the VVT line out of the way, and use the pretty FM coil bracket.

 

whoops .. double post.

 

I didn't but I know FM has a kit to relocate that line. Likely using AN lines as well. Sounds like a smart solution.

 

I have been running my VVT feed with an AN line for years. FM has directions with the big spark kit and on the website. They say to tap the fitting at the top, I welded on a fitting instead. I have had zero issues with this setup.

 

Which bracket did you get? The FM bracket to mount NA coils on a NB head? If so, you still won't be able to mount that bracket to the valve cover, even if you move the VVT line as there are no mounting bosses cast on the valve cover like the NB1 valve cover has.

 

Thanks for the replies guys! Yeah I figured moving the VVT shouldn't be that big of a deal. Yeah MX5, I stupidly bought the FM 1.8L swap kit and like an idiot didn't realize that I pretty much can't use any of it. Honestly, I didn't end up using a single thing so far.

But good news is I've decided to just bite the bullet and go with a COP system from Fab9 (or LS coils). Might as well just do it right anyways. Also the VVT motor is in the car on Blackbird Fabworx Drop Mounts. Took about 30 minutes to drop in. Also with the help of Greg @ Thecarpassionchannel I created a new injection harness with the VVT power + signal pigtail built in. I think it turned out really well and looks better than OEM tbh.

 

LS coils. Friends don't let friends fab.

 

I've got a few PM's saying the same thing. That certainly seems to be the prevailing wisdom around here (that LS coils are way better). Is there a main benefit of LS coils over the Fab9 system for low boost (less than 12 PSI) setups?

*Edit* Maybe it's better that I just figure out a way to mount my old ignition system. Get the car running as-is and then figure out an ignition solution.

 

LS coils work. Fab9 coils sometimes work.

 

So after doing some research, I'm gonna hold off on ignition for now. I'll be cutting, drilling and tapping the VVT ports for a 1/8 NPT to -4AN line so that I can move the VVT line where ever I want as seen here: https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...5/#post1437790

This seems to be a good idea for those not wanting to mess with the ignition system but they don't want some wonky homemade coil bracket. I'll DIY an LS coil setup if I run into ignition problems down the line.

*EDIT* The best thing about this place is people will call out your stupid ideas. I need to be called a dumbass, and people do that here on the daily. That's why I love this place.

 

So what are you guys using for exhaust setups? I've decided to go with a 01-05 Racing Beat Header (since I'm doing a Rotrex install down the line) with a 90-97 Yonaka cat-back. I currently have a test pipe for a 90-93 but obviously that won't bolt up to the 01-05 Racing Beat header. Should I simply take it to an exhaust shop and say "hey, please connect these pipes without cutting the flanges off?" Does anyone else have a more elegant solution?

 

Use a 94-97 header.

 

I'm an idiot haha. I would if I didn't just purchase the racing beat for 01-05 and put it on the car already.

 

Then swap to an NB chassis And NB cat back. Every other solution is not elegant.

 

I give that advice to every person I talk to that wants a Miata. I just wish I wasn't stupid a year ago when I bought mine. The little things start adding up and you begin to realize just how much better the NB1 and NB2 platforms are.

From OBD2, 1.8L's, VTPS, ABS in more cars, Torsen LSD's, better synchro's in the 5-spds, much better aero, better tophats that increase travel etc. I could go on and on. There's just a huge list of improvements that makes the early cars objectively worse. But like all stupid folks, the lure of a cheap price and the thought that it will be easy to change all that won me over.

 

When I did my swap, I still had the stock 1.6 exhaust on the car, so I was essentially starting from scratch.

To save some $$ at swap time, I used the stock VVT header and downpipe, and fabricated from there back with a 2.5" pipe, universal cat, resonator, and muffler. Got most of it from Summit, and it wasn't overly expensive. I recently obtained an NB2 Racing Beat header which bolted right up to my 'NB' exhaust...

 

We used a 01+ racing beat header with a custom test pipe into a 93 chassis with a 93 exhaust. Worked great.

 

Tis a sad day indeed. Attempted my first start: Car cranks but does not fire. Composite log attached. I have sync counter loses.

Lots of variables at stake here. Car's been sitting for weeks. It's cold, I'm on full E85, and the battery could be low on power (on a trickle charger right now)

 

So question about fuel setup. I just put a complete 03 long block into my 96 chassis with a 95 harness. Do I have to swap to the nb1 fuel rail and the na6 FPR still? I plan on using an nb1 intake manifold for the time being. Running the car on an AEM EMS-4

 

I believe so, because the NB are return-less systems. Using the NA6 FPR gets you the return with the NB1 fuel rail. I think that the fuel rails need to match the intake you're using. I'm sure someone will correct me if that's wrong info.