Yeah, oh well. Closing on a house in a week, going to a local miata part-out shop with an engine selection that weekend. I'll definitely have my ultragauge hooked up next time, so at least if I get too into it and push the car too hard next time, I'll hear some alarms besides coolant flying at me. :D

Number of regrets? 0.

What's better than track time? Track time with your old beater, when you know you have a trailer, so you give exactly zero shits and flog it like you hate it. It'll get fixed.

Thanks again for the help locking down the problem, guys.

While nice to have the truck/trailer, drive like you don't when on track and are learning...you'll be a little more attentive to what you're doing :)

I hate when people never post results afterwards, so in case anyone is subscribed or reads up on this in the future:

Thanks for the help everyone. I finally have a '94 engine in, running with no CELs, purring like a kitten. I'm tearing down the old one, and everyone was right: thrown rod bearings. So thanks again, and if anyone has a car that sounds like my video, just go ahead and start your engine shopping now.

ouch. this happened to my 240sx and does indeed sound like a blown headgasket.

?? seriously? i get negative props for mentioning my former 240? SMH