Hi guys, my name is jonathan. some of you may know me.. Anyways I am 25, an electronics tech (full time) and a side welder (mig and tig)/ mechanic.

My 1990 miata is dieing a slow death and I have many options at this point. Its at 225k, holes in the rockers, a slipping clutch, and the 1.6 is burning oil. It recently is burning more noticeably as I drive. I don't have much into it as a whole (purchased 30k ago for 900 lol) but it has many desirable parts which makes it hard for me to deicde. (R lip w/ tdr splitter, hard dog roll bar, M2 hard top, raybrig headlights, ss brake lines and slotted rotors, custom exhaust.. And the interior is suprisingly clean for the age.

If I plan on driving next summer the motor is coming out for a rebuild and clutch upgrade (or a 1.8l swap if I can find a good deal) but I 2nd guess just buying another too. The rust and chassi mileage keep holding me back, maybe I should part out and let the shell go for a track sazall cart car for someone..

What would you guys do?

 

I'm always a fan of keeping the car you've got...but I've never dealt with serious rust on newer cars. Had a few '60s era cars that were worth repairing the body on, but for a Miata I'd just find a clean shell and swap parts over.

Hell, my beloved car (been in family nearly since new) has 235K miles on it and still sounds like a fishing lure after adding $500 worth of chassis stiffening. I'm seriously considering finding a clean 1.8L ('94-'95) to build up.

 

Just got home to notice a leaky water pump.. Ugh.. Add that to my list.

Any reccomendations for a 1.6l build?

1.8l lightweight FW and clutch set are a definate to be ordered...

 

w e l c o m e

 

Thanks

 

Off to pick up a jdm 1.8L today! Found my deal. I won't get to install it for a month probably but it will give me time to get a good flywheel clutch set. Tbelt and h20 pump change. Im so excited to be able to drive it again soon.

 

sorry i didnt get more photos. these are the only 2 worth posting. im sure thats questionable too..... haha







Finally get it all together. i only needed a FM TB plate (which i wasnt pleased with.) MS mount, 1.8l 12lb flywheel with 6puck clutch, raceland header, all maintance done before installation. took a day to do and would have got it 100% finished if we didnt damage a coil modding the 1.8 bracket to hold the 1.6l coil packs.

next is exploring my options with fuel/timing options. i will be looking to boost on a budget. i need to learn more on the DIYPNP, and shoot from there.

 

ive read somewere that there is a mod to use the tps sensor on the 1.8 tb with the 90-93 ms you may want to look into that.

 

thats great news, ill have to follow up with that!

 

1.8 jdm motors and trans on ebay go for 900 ish

 

Hey Zips,

Give me a shout next time you're up my way, and we can take mine out for a spin.

C

 

i got my jdm for 500 picked up

i was planning on coming up this weekend for jun's birthday but i have to put together a customers 1zz engine. (along with a list of other jobs lol) probably in a month. im getting sent to texas for 6weeks for work then i'll have to get my 200 together for the convention! ill be sure to get a hold of ya.

 

 

Car looks great!

An engine swap had always kinda scared me till I did it. Piece of cake.