bbrturbodave1

Hi,

I have been a member for a while and found some incredibly helpful info here. I have had a turbo'd MX5/miata for about a year and a half and am just getting into my hands dirty myself now so thought a good time to introduce myself.

I live in London, UK, and bought a white 1990 MX5 BBR turbo from a member of this forum at the end of '08 (not through the forum though).

Car details:
Year: 1990
Engine Size: 1.6
Mileage: 95000
Engine mileage: 50000 (new engine received today as I $%$ed the 50000miler...)
Turbo: Garrett T25
Injectors: 330cc
TPS, o2 sensor
ECU: MSPnP

Wheels: ?
Diff: Torsen from a 1.8 fitted last summer after original went "bang, clang clang!!"
Steering Wheel: momo
Running approx 198 bhp, at least until I let the engine run dry of oil (thought I had a dodgy connection on the oil pressure gauge as it was sweeping wildly to the left - schoolboy error)

Putting a MK1 1994 1.6 auto engine into this, so far so good and intend to swap the camshafts out of the auto engine and replace with spares I have.

Only issue so far is the previous owner swapped engines too and seems to have plumbed the coolant return and the oil (feed or return?) into the block... The auto engine has studs where the holes are in the other engine... I assume that I need to drill a hole and tap a thread as the easiest option is to use the same format as the previous owner (so not redesign anything), but I would love confirmation of this, and (maybe stupid question) not sure the size of the current fittings so not sure size to tap so is there an easy way to identify the size I need form the fittings? - Maybe just measure would be simple but is it really that easy as the size must be accurate for a water-tight fit...?

By the way I have read a number of posts and the majority mention tapping into the oil pan and using oil pressure sender - is this better than direct into the block via those bosses/studs? As mentioned I wanted to keep it the same as the previous engine as I know the lengths of pipe/tube and fittings are OK - if I get the size right of course !

Apologies for queries in the meet and greet thread, but it all seemed to flow !!

Thanks for reading
Dave

buffon01

iTrader: (9)

90-94 engines have coolant and oil ports on the exhaust side of the block

Im not sure drilling into the block is a good idea. Can you post some pictures???

bbrturbodave1

Hi buffon01,

Thanks for response - has reminded me of a little further info that may help!

The current engine apparently came from a 1994 or 1995 Eunos Jap import... The new (automatic spec) engine is also a Eunos Jap import and is from a UK L-reg which should also be 1994... strange

When my batteries have charged I will take some photos - horrible outside now too so may be tomorrow!

bbrturbodave1

Pics taken and attached.

In order:
1) Current engine - location of turbo coolant and oil lines.
2) Current engine - zoomed out a little for context, location
3) Current engine - zoomed out further
4) New engine - Same location and same studs, though not drilled.
5) New engine - Zoomed out, screwdriver shows location

Engine number B6 922642.. Confused as so many photos are using the same place for these lines but are they therefore drilling the holes themselves?

buffon01

iTrader: (9)

Hmm, I personally would NOT drill into the block. You could route your oil feed from the filter like we do in 95+ cars, the kits arent expensive, $45 IIRC. As for the coolant just route it from the mixing manifold in the front of the enginge

Here are some links that will help you out greatly
Miata Turbo FAQ: Oil Feed and Return

Miata Turbo FAQ: Water Lines

bbrturbodave1

Thanks, does it look like a 95+ engine to you then? If so breakers have sent the wrong one...