I've just bought an '89 Miata with a built engine and IHI turbo and Link ECU. The previous owner hit a kerb and rolled it. The body shell is bent.

The current plan is to put put the engine in my 1997 1800 NA. The next favoured option is to start with an older 1600 and do the conversion. Does anyone know if I'm likely to run into compatibility issues?

 

Physically the cars are the same. Your issues are going to be dealing with the wiring harness.

 

Should be just like a 1.6 to 1.8 swap. Just make sure you transfer all the 1.8 sensors to the 1.6 (other than the oil pressure sender cause the 1.6 sensor is actually functional). If you're using the stock 1.8 ecu you can use the stock 1.8 wiring harness using the 1.8 sensors on the 1.6. I don't know what New Zealand emissions are and those are the only real complications I could see if they are anything close to the states... which they probably aren't.

 

Thanks for that. It's running a Link ECU.

While I like my '97, perhaps starting with an early model NA might be a more cost-effective approach. A new manifold for the 1800 and swapping the parts over is another option. Trouble is, that engine uses a bit of oil already and I'm sure even modest boost will make it worse. The engine in the wrecked car was supposedly measured at 200hp at the wheels. That'd probably be sufficient for my needs.

Thanks again for the tips.