question about the 01-05 engine head
 

I'm planning on using one for my engine and figuring out how to control VVT with a megasquirt, but that's not really my main issue. My question is, what's the purpose of this huge thing that sits on top of the intake cam towards the front of the engine, as pictured here: http://www.bucklescomic.com/miata/20...ngine_side.jpg ?

I don't think it controls the VVT, that's all in a huge cam gear cover looking thing as far as I know, I think it's some cam position sensor of some kind.

Now, I'm wanting to run a trigger wheel on this engine, so if it is indeed some kind of cam position sensor, I could remove it entirely, which leads me to my next question: If I'm running a trigger wheel and remove that thing, and I believe they still have a CAS on the back of the head too, could I run a 94-00 valve cover if the front is cut to expose the cam gears?

pretty sure that's the solenoid...

what year are you putting the motor in?

'97

The thing that sits on top is the oil control valve.

ahh, so that that thing controls the vvt itself. ok, guess I'll need to use an 01+ valve cover then. anyone know if a 94-97 CAS fits into the back of one of these things?

Yes, it will fit onto the back of the exhaust cam. Why on earth would you want to use an NA CAS, given that you are using a MegaSquirt?

might want to use the NA CAS for a non-moving cam sensor signal?

yeah, I thought it was the same deal as swapping an NA CAS into a 99-00 for megasquirt.