I went with ARP's just for cheap insurance in my N/A motor. I did have to file the studs just a bit to clear the MBSP though

 

How big a deal is it to retro fit an MBSP on an older motor? Is there an aftermarket cap brace available?

That kind of carnage scares me.

 

I would be inclined to agree with this. It may also be the reason your MBSP was damaged.

Sorry to hear this happened, Sav but this is how we learn the limits of everything. I just got a $1000 lesson myself.

 

I'm not aware of any aftermarket ones, but the OE one is easy to put on an older 1.8. You just need the bolts, oil pan and MBSP (obviously) from an 01+ motor. There are already threaded bosses on the main caps for it.

 

What does the MBSP cost new? I heard somewhere that the old oil pan can be machined to accept the MBSP. Has anyone done this? I would like to know what kind of cost I am looking at.

 

I have no idea of the new cost. I bought a used oil pan and brace setup for $100, but that may have been a "deal" if you know what I mean. I have also heard that the original oil pan can be modified.

 

Detailed how to do it here:
http://www.solomiata.com/MBSP.html

 

So what exactly do you think caused the main bolt to break? Were the main studs new? What was balanced?

I am hoping my precautionary actions I took when building will avoid this kind of failure.

 

I wish they make a damper for the 1.6 :(

I've been looking into custom stuff, pricing is not bad.

I sent these guys a message...

http://rossperformanceparts.com/meta...balancers.html

To get some info on a harmonic balancer with a 6 rib front section so I can run a thicker belt on the Rotrex.

Found out about them on this thread..

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f160...25/index2.html

They already make a harmonic balancer for the 1.8L I think. It says "MX5" but who knows what that means...

http://www.rawbrokerage.com/Ross-Met...MX5-354200.htm

 

What kind of revs were you running? I could search your asston of previous threads, but am too lazy, plus some noob might spit hustler out of his mouth to read something. Thanks for destroying your engine for me though, I about skipped on the studs, and I did skip on the mbsp thanks to some, we will see how it "pans" out. LOL