Dont want a Miata but
 

I'd like the engine please!


I've got a 1968 Datsun Roadster I'm in the process of rebuilding and well out of all the engines I've researched the Miata's is the best for the job of an engine update.

The rotary was my first choice but gas mileage eliminated it and the SR20 needs me to cut the frame and I found the Miata's engine is the only one I wont have to cut the body or frame to install into my car. Now I'm stuck with the 1.6 or 1.8 debate, and then comes turbo or supercharger. :laugh:


so like hi everyone.

:gtfo:

Don't listen to that.

There are a few others here that are interested in learning about the motors, but do not actually have a Miata.

There is a lot of good info on this site, so I hope that you find it useful.

As far as the 1.6 or 1.8, I would recommend the 1.8. It has more potential.

Welcome. I'd love to see pictures of your Datsun.

I would recommend the turbo. It has more potential.

Much good info and experience in this forum. Start with the FAQ and the stickies for some informative reading.

Sixshooter, that is one kick ass avatar.

Sorry for the threadjacking.

it is currently sitting without the fenders and exc but here is the last photo with the body all together. It is currently stripped down and getting ready for primer and paint.
http://foxyroadster.com/img/albums/u...Fairlady_7.JPG

I'd say my car weight wise and everything is pretty close to the NA, though I'm losing a few pounds here and there on the car.

I've been looking through the FAQ and since I currently use Megajolt on a few things I am happy with a lot of the megasquirt support on these engines.


Roadster Swap Here is a swap someone else has done if you guys are curious to what will have to be done.


Will be a bit of a boost in power even if I went with the 1.6 as my car has a whole 96hp with the stock R16 (it is 1.6L) engine.

Welcome. You own my favorite car! I think I'll do a KA(torque) swap when I get mines. Keep us posted man.

I'd really be surprised if that car isn't 400lbs lighter than a Miata.

Remember that 1968 advertised horsepower :ne: today's advertised horsepower because it was gross hp with no exhaust, alternator, water pump, or radiator fan. Figure 96 gross ~ 86 net engine hp. Then figure for rear wheel horsepower at about 15% loss, 86hp x .85 = 73whp. I've read a stock 1.6 miata on a dyno is good for around 94+-hp at the wheels. A bone stock 1.8 is good for about 103+-whp from what I've seen on the forum. But with a turbo you can get a 1.6 to the bottom side of 200 with stock internals if properly tuned and the 1.8 to 225-250whp with stock internals depending on how far you want to push your luck. That would wake that little Datsun up pretty good. With giant turbos, forged internals, cams, and all of the other pricey goodies people are seeing 350, 400, 500 (crazy money zone).
And you could spend thousands more on a supercharger than a turbo and still not see 200hp.

Miata2Fast: Avatars are like cars, to find a cherry you have to spend some time searching for that special one. :)

Very nice, good luck with the build. The 1.8 is the way to go.

250 is my max limit, this car is going to be driven daily when finished. lol Only reason I'd go with a supercharger over the turbo for the car is I have an old SC14 that is basicly new and never used sitting idle. But thinking I'll turbo since the manifolds aren't too costly and I plan on running a sidepipe anyways.


As for the weight, the car on the scales is about 2000ish pounds in its stock form, but the engine though is 340lbs according to the manual. If I remember the BP is going to be most likely lighter by 100lbs, I don't remember the exact weight but it was smaller then my R16. As I wont need the accessories like power steering or a/c.

I've thought about just buying the 1.6 someone might be swapping out for a 1.8 and just going with it as I'm not looking for extreme power but the 1.8's torque makes me want it more.

If torque is a consideration either will probably be fine then because turbos are the great equalizer. I think you'll get all the torque you need with either and the right turbo.

My biggest question is pretty much what should I expect to pay for a 1.6 with a transmission? Not worried bout the harness and all that, just complete engine and transmission.

You should be able to get a 1.6 with transmission for 5-700 easily.
300 if you wait for the right deal.
car-part.com is your friend.

i just bought a jdm 1.8 with 45k on it and it came with engine tranny harness and ecu. harness is for a rhd car so i have to buy a us one bu other then that everything is perfect and i paid 700 bucks for it + shipping it came out to like 950.
Im not sure how much they cost, much more then a miata engine im sure but it seems like an s2000 engine f20c or f22c i think they are would be better for your needs. the f20c is supposed to make over 220hp at the crank stock and i good header and intake which you may have to do anyway would set it somewhere in between 230-240 maybe even more + it would be stock and not pushing any limits at all. And people have made well over 600hp on stock internals on those engines with nothing more then fuel system turbo kit and tune also they are all aluminum so prolly a little lighter. bang for the buck s2000 engine would prolly be best but sometimes theres not enough bucks for that big of a bang.

just consider price of miata motor + price of turbo kit/megasquirt vs price of a bone stock f20c and tranny + an immobilizer delete.

once in a while you will see a crashed miata here. Keep looking.

Where are you located? There is a NJ JDM dealer with 1.6's and transmissions for $700

Hell man, I've got an extra 1.6 and trans just sitting around at the shop, where are you located?

I have a 1.8L in Houston if you are anywhere near.

"I want to buy a motor from some one but i wont tell u my location, who can do what i need?" :P

:giggle: