Sourcing a good engine in Norcal?
 

TLDR: What's a good place to source a 94-97 motor?

I have a 1991 NA that I bought a few years ago for low low low money. I thought I would rebuild the 1.6 and turn it into an Exocet, but instead purchased someone else's project-Exocet before tearing down my own car. I started driving the NA6 as my daily and have since put roughly 15k miles on it. Unfortunately, the motor is getting all kinds of tired. It's generally low compression across the board and I can't get the pressure tester to stay in #4 because the spark plug threads are b0rked. I since finished an interior job on it and want to take it on a 6k mile road trip. I'd love to K-swap it but that's a bit more work than I want to do at the moment on my "daily" (air quotes - I work from home now and have another fun car + Exocet to drive).

I'm thinking a 94-97 motor since my Miata rarely sees the track but does need to pass CA smog. That also opens up some CARB-approved forced induction possibilities.

Some of the quotes I've gotten on JDM motors seem high ($1500 for just the motor, delivered?) but maybe someone else could chime in on a place to look and give me an idea of what I should be paying.

I wish I had an “easy button” for you, but I don’t. I do have a 2001 motor for sale down in the classifieds.

Without discussing things too specifically, the difference between a 2001 motor and 94-97 isn’t immediately clear to many folks, including Miata owners, when all the smog equipment and stock intake/exhaust are in place.

There are a ton of JDM importers in Sacramento. At this point I think they’re mostly selling 2001+ motors, but maybe they have something older. Other than that, I’d say save a search on Row52 and have it message you when a NA8 comes into the local pick-n-pull. There are far fewer NA8s than 6s and the motors go fast, so be ready to go the second you see the message.

Hope that helps...

Thanks, that's helpful info. I've somewhat ruled out the 01+ due to CARB (as I mentioned) and the increased complexity of the install. It's not that I can't, it's just that it's an added layer of complexity.

Trust me, your motor is tempting. If I were looking for a replacement for my Exocet, that would be a great option.

I have alerts set up on Row52, but a junkyard motor would be a real unknown. It feels like there were lots of good motors for sale when I wasn't looking earlier this year, haha.

Can you SMOG newer engines?

If so, have you tried Prestige Spares UK on this forum ?

They sell complete VVT Engines for 800-1000$ shipped including wiring loom/IM, FW and so on... https://www.miataturbo.net/miata-par...-cheap-103870/

You can, but you have to do a complete OE conversion and have it inspected by a referee. You have to run all the emissions equipment from the newer vehicle, including the ECU. Possible, but not easy.

The newer the more difficult it becomes. I have a 91 with a bp4w which is as late as I would recommend. It still looks similar to the 1.6. I'm running an FM1 kit with EO. You can PM me if you have more questions. I have done business with PS UK and there have been issues. Also what you pay is what you get.

Thanks all. Yeah, I've done a fair bit of reading on the swap. I actually have spreadsheets for several potential options (including Ecotec swap, extensively rebuilding my 1.6, K-swap, and finding a remanufactured engine). A remanufactured engine is tempting for time/simplicity/quality but it's also very costly.