Going back to stock ... swap stock rods back?
 

So ive decided to bring my 91 miata back to stock. Almost all of the performance stuff will be put on my 97, but what is getting me is those expensive carillo rods in the engine ... hate to sell em but so much work to take out, not to mention a new head gasket cuz i dont think i can bust that out w/o taking the head off.

on the other hand, i am going to put on a different clutch (would never sell with that spec 3+ in) and putting power steering and AC back in, or try ... so might want to pull the motor anyway.

this is a pickle ...

I wouldn't go through all the time/hassle of swapping the rods back unless you really have nothing else better to do. Plus that meaning you have to buy a new head gasket (possibly a set of stock rods if you don't have the originals?)

Clutch/ac/PS don't really justify pulling the engine in my book but that all depends on what you setup is and how much room you've got (lift or jack stands) to get the tranny unbolted.

does anyone know if its possible to swap rods with just the oilpan off? possible to install pistons from the bottom? hmm maybe ill take a look at my spare block tomorrow.

btw looks like a stock head gasket is about $60 shipped from gomiata and i didnt shop around. Think i could get 600- 650 for the rods ormore?

No, it's not....not that i know of

I'd either buy a used 1.6 to swap in and sell your built 1.6- or move the rods over to your 97's 1.8. No doubt there's somebody wanting a good 1.6 to throw a turbo on.

I have read somewhere before that it is possible and has been done before, but not worth the trouble. It is much more difficult and time consuming to do. What does your 1.6 built motor consist of? Does it just have the rods? What about pistons, are they stock?

If it were me, I'd just break down and do it.

It really won't take that long, and I would regret it later. There have been a few times where I cracked ringlands on Friday night, went home and took the head off, pulled the pistons, gave it a quick hone job, and put it all together in time for the next day of racing.

Just buy some beer and start working!

P.S. You technically should use a new HG. But I won't tell anyone if you don't. lol. I'll admit I've done it before and it's been fine.

+1 swap in a cheap junkyard 1.6 and either sell your built engine complete or sell head and built shortblock. Not me, but I know of someone looking for a mildly built 1.6 head. ;)

Well the motor was built on the cheap, by me. Stock parts + carillo rods. Machine work consisted of a microed and polished crank, a simple hone to the bores, diy port and polished, diy lapped valves, and I had the head resurfaced. The motor runs great despite being my first time and so far ive put like 15k on it with no problems. Still i dont know if it is something that anyone should get excited about buying because its not that special of a build and the headwork was done by an amateur who did a lot of research first but was still my first time.

Even though it's a budget build- I'd think there'd be some inherent value in a build motor that's been proven to run. I sure as hell wouldn't undersell myself. ;)

find someone who has a stock motor and trade plus cash on their end. they get a built motor. you get a stock one plus cash. win win

Keep the rods you have, no need for the hassle.

Seriously BS posts in dead threads will do nothing but get you banned here.