lyonnate23

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys! I found a great deal on an '01 VVT engine for only $400! It's going to be my project engine until I swap it in for the '92 engine that's currently in my car.
The only issue is that I need to drive 2.5 hrs to get the engine and driving said engine into my garage. I don't have a car/truck that I can transport this engine with but I do have a Miata.
Has anyone ever transported a Miata engine in their Miata? I was thinking that if I take out the passenger seat that it would fit just fine. I'd hate to drive 5 hrs round trip to find out otherwise.

thumpetto007

iTrader: (15)

Having fit a massive, old, 36inch tv in my 2001 miata (less interior space) with the pass seat out, Id say go for it. Just bring some moving blankets to protect your interior.

And maybe an engine crane to put it in and take it out.

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

Split the head and block. Head in the trunk, block in the removed passenger seat area. Get a machine shop to check it out and resurface it. Do a timing belt and gasket job when reassembling.

PatCleary

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

rent a pickup from home depot?

ryansmoneypit

iTrader: (6)

yup ^^^^^ fitting it in a miata is cool, till the seat back snaps in half.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

Rent a truck for the day. So much easier than dealing with used engine smell in your interior for the foreseeable future.

Goingnowherefast

iTrader: (1)

x2

You can literally go to Home Depot and rent a truck for like $20 an hour or something crazy low like that.

huesmann

iTrader: (1)

I saw a photo from a guy who built an engine transport rack for the passenger area (seat removed) our of 2x4s. But just get yourself an old tire and some tie downs, and spring the $100 for the Home Depot truck. You're already getting a deal on the engine, don't risk damaging your car as well.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

I saw forrest carry a VVT motor in his miata with the passenger seat out. It was wrapped up in tarp etc and he had it buckled so it wouldn't move around while driving. That's the hard part. If you get into an accident and the motor launches at you... you're fahked.

Scaxx

FWIW if you take the trunk off they fit pretty well in there. I've done it before. But it was also a spare engine that came with the car I was buying and I had no other way to transport it. It's worth it to just rent the truck

lyonnate23

iTrader: (1)

If anyone comes across this thread in the future and is wondering the same thing I was asking originally. The VVT fit like a glove with my passenger seat removed. There wasn't any damage nor residual smell throughout the entire process.

VVT in a NA

slammed200

iTrader: (8)

I came here to post a similar experience, but mine was a fresh engine build from the late Jim Stewart (RIP)


Fresh Stewart engine riding shotgun!