Mild 1.6 Build - Input Welcome
 

Ok, so I picked up a extra 1.6 motor to do a mild build on before I worry about boosting my motor. I'm paranoid, might as well do it semi-right the first time.

End goal turbo would be at the very high end a motor that put down and reliably make 300 HP. More likely, closer to 250rwhp just because I like the number. Undecided on turbo...leaning towards a GT2860RS because of its power potential.

Things I have:
150k mile long block from a 91 - Long nose Crank
Set of rods from Ben's Group buy. CAT iirc?

Things I need:
PISTONS! - Roughly 9:1, if not, no big deal.
Rebuild Kit -
Timing Belt Stuff
Water & Oil pump stuff
Not sure how bad the head is on either car...seals and guides at least I'd expect.
Random bits

I'd imagine for that power goal I'm going to need a decent set of pistons, I've been reading a lot about piston coatings, etc. And with the sheer amount of pistons out there, I'm trying to figure out whats best. I like the FM ones...9:1...

This build is going to take time, and I'd like to have around 2k in it...so far I think I have about 400 in the motor and the rods. So...roughly 1600 to play with, including machine work. Is that possible?

250 whp isent bad, just rods and good rings should do it. For 2k, that should be possible, just use the stock pistons.

do the work yourself...save a lot of $$$
sent block and crank of to machine shop and have them hone/bore it for you to your spec and have them polish your crank where the bearings are seated...assemble it yourself

dont forget your arp stuff

+1, do the work yourself and use arp studs.

I'll be doing most of it, just having the block honed and/or what not...and the head stuff done by a machine shop. I'd like to assembly it myself.

And post a load of pics here during the project, ok? We like pics...

You need to read this thread:
https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15045

There it is :)

For some reason I missed it when I searched.

The only difference is I'm looking for a bit more power so rods/pistons should be a must.

For your 300whp limit, forged might be overkill, but based on the issues some guys have with forged pistons (if you go that way), I'd seriously consider the FM ones. I forget the specs, but there's something special about the FM ones that make them better than standard Wiseco's (I think).

Otherwise, the stock hyperuetectic pistons with a tri-coat should handle your power nicely. As long as you're not knocking, pistons and rods should last forever... it's the rings that wear. The CAT rods, quality rings, and stock coated pistons, plus some minor head-work. Just turn it up to 18psi on a GT2860 and you're there.

The FM ones are 9:1, .1 over, supposedly a custom off piston...but close to 600 bucks...

I was looking into JE pistons, just getting 8.5 comp and having them coated...could be could for a few tenths of a point and I've heard good things about those coatings.

I just figured its a long term build process and if I'm going to do it, why not?

More than likely, when I'm done I should be out of school, with money to spend on decent turbo stuff, clutch will be replaced and somewhere around 300 is where I'd like to be since that tends to be the limits of what I've read a remotely "stock" car can handle. The Torsen, factory transmission, etc etc.

At least safely.