RotorNut's Build Thread
 

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Thanks to a bent rod from what I can only attribute to hydrolock, I am undertaking the following mild build:

1995 Block/Stock Head with:
- CAT Rods
- Triple Coated MSM 9.5:1 CR Pistons (Stock Bore)
- Undecided Rings
- ARP Main and Head Studs
- MBSP and MSM Oil Pan

I'd love to be able to afford to do some stuff to the head, but as it is, I'm barely able to afford this build. So I'll just lay low and snag a '99 head when a good deal comes around and do something to it.

Anyway, tonight I completely stripped down my '95 block. The cylinder walls all look great, so I have no worries that a simple hone will suffice. I'm glad I was planning on doing a timing belt change since the water pump was getting noisy, this was what was waiting for me behind the timing covers:
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In any case, I'll be taking the pistons out of the MSM block tomorrow night to get them prepped for a triple coating job. I haven't gotten in contact with anyone to do the work, considering HPC since they are highly recommended, but also looking to see if there are local shops that can do it as well.

Also still looking around for a reputable machine shop and getting prices. I'm trying to have all the rebuild parts on hand so all they will have to do is source and install the correct size rod/crank bearings, wrist pins, and locks based on what they do, and then put everything together. One more order to Finishline and that will be done.

I plan on using the oil pump from the MSM donor block since it's newer and it's available for use. I'm pretty sure there is nothing wrong with mine, but seems like it's just a better idea to use the newer parts. The donor block was sitting for quite some time (couple of years), but there was still some oil in the pan, on the piston walls, etc., so there is probably still some in the pump area keeping things from drying out.

More on this as things move on. Or as I get questions...

should mount that piston/rod on your wall

looks like abstract art

sure does... enjoy the rods :)

I always keep the "offerings to the Gods of Speed" for show and tell. They don't have to know the car wasn't moving when it happened. Still, I'm glad to see that this is coming together for ya, and better than planned. ;)

That rod looks assraped :eek:
Good luck with the build. I was looking at HPC myself, they are semi-local to me (or where my parents live) and from speaking to one of the guys there, he stated that pretty much everyone uses the same stuff but differ in methods of applying it, the bigger the co. the better their equippment is and therefore the precision is better as well, and that's why they have the upper hand here, they are I would say globaly known for their coatings.
I still may go with them as they are actually cheaper than Calico, who is also local to me (NASCAR capitol FTW), but Calico is a very well respected name in the domestic side of things. I recommend looking into their main/rod bearings, H-hardness and coated for easier/safer break-in and longevity, and are good for .5whp lol.

One question...why the MSM pistons? Why not the 95 8.8CR ones?

Eric, contact Ben from Mazmart or Steve from Planet Miata on gettting a 99 head. They are normally good at having them and having them at good prices. Im glad to see the car getting the bottom end it deserves!

He bought the block from Ben...I think Eric is a cheap bastard like me and just wants to snag one up on craigslist for $100 like me.

Offtopic....but fancy meeting you here Leatherface..... ;)

Jared is in denial. He knows he wants boost again. :giggle:
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I want to incorporate the rod/piston into the car somehow so people can see it. lol Be a great topic starter. Speaking of which, I still have to send off the injectors to see if it's stuck open and caused this problem in the first place.

XxGoKoUxX - Thanks for the great deal man, you have no idea how much you helped out!

Machismo - Thanks for the support! I can't wait to have it back on the road again!

Zabac - I'm using the MSM pistons mainly on recommendation, but as it was explained to me, they will spool the turbo a little faster, be nice for power outside of boost, and help maintain a better fuel efficiency, which is good as the car will return to daily driver status as soon as it's completed. I'm not concerned about maintaining lower compression since super high power is not my goal, which is also a reason I didn't go forged on the pistons.
That and if you look closely at the second picture of the bent rod, you will see that there is a small chunk missing out of the piston skirt on the right side of the piston (the side that is against the ground). I never found the piece, so no telling how long it's been like that. So I only had 3 good pistons.
I've also been looking at Calico based on your build thread and some other people's recommendations. I'm going to let the machine shop do what they do, but let them know at the same time, I'd prefer parts from Calico.

Jared, nice to see you over here man! This car is nothing like the car you sold me anymore! :) But that's a good thing! I just miss driving it now... And I agree you're in denial. One day you'll realize it.

And yes, a $100 '99 head would be great!

Not that there's a huge difference between 8.8 and 9.5, but why not use the more efficient pistons? This car is a daily driver and Eric's got a standalone that provides timing resolution to .25° and "only" a GT28 turbo. Not like it's a high boost drag car.

These MSM guys are doing real well on stock internals with 250-300 whp daily drivers with better turbo hardware and management. And have you seen Y8s' 10:1 car's plot?

Thats great to know. Can they be used in a 1.6L block?
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I may be wrong, but I don't think they'd work so well.
1.6L are a 78mm bore right? 1.8L pistons are an 83mm bore. That's a 5mm overbore, or 0.200. I don't think the 1.6L block has that much room. Also because when Mazda made the BP, they lengthened it to make room for the larger bore.

Thanks, makes sence.
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It kills me at how similar eric and i are at modding stuff. Id basically do the same thing hes doing now. Everyone, im not in denial!!!!! then again, i caught myself looking at manifolds the other day.....http://www.anaitgames.com/wp-content...ader_nooo1.jpg i must leave this place at once!

Some addictions can never be pacified...... ;)

Nah, I get it I just figured since he has both, I would do the same thing were I in his shoes. And I didn't know the 8.8's had a chunck missing :giggle: .

This thread makes me wanna quit my job and go build my motor... :(

+1, that bare block sitting across from my desk is screaming for attention.
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Mine is now in a cardboard box, buried in my garage...so sad.
But at least I got my car back yay!!!!

Try having two blocks and boxes of new parts, OEM and aftermarket, staring you in the face begging to be used. Dual feed rail, turbo blanket, revised BEGi downpipe, stainless steel lines, I could go on... Geez, I cannot wait for this to be done!!!