Engine refresh advice
 

HI everybody,

I am getting ready to pull the engine out of my turbo NB to do a refresh with a billet oil pump and just a general inspection and refresh out of the car.

I will probably answer my own question here but I did a compression test and all cylinders where over 170psi and everything looks to be in pretty good shape.

Would any of you who have experience with the miata engine suggest looking into anything in particular when I get the engine out? I don't want to take the head off if I don't have to but I am also thinking it may be better to just refresh the whole thing while its out.

Engine has 75,000 miles, been turbo about 20,000 of that running 8lbs.

Thanks for any advice

Probably wouldn’t open it unless you plan to do forged rods/bearings/hone/rings

I agree with above. I wouldn't crack it open unless you plan to do a rebuild with forged goodies or the sort.

Timing belt/water pump if the ones on it arent fresh, same with main seals and gaskets

Oil pump, timing belt, water pump, and thermostat. Its what I consider the golden standard for a refresh. You are already putting in that oil pump of yours, so the most important piece is getting done. If you have some leaks, those seals and gaskets are best done now. If you want to put an aftermarket crank dampener, that might not be a bad idea either.

I wouldn't open up the internals until you start to lose compression or want to put in aftermarkets parts.

Its been my experience, in building my Miata over the past few years, that purchasing parts from established Miata vendors gets the added bonus of getting advice directly from them, as they race/use/support what they sell. For example, I paid a premium for my FM II kit, but have talked to the FM staff a few times to help me with issues that I had.

If you are still in need of buying parts, perhaps reaching out to Emilio at Supermiata will help - support a vendor, get set up advice.