Want to build a 1.8 (check post so title isn't 3 years long)
 

Hey guys! First time poster, long time reader (shout out to the search bar). I have a 92 Miata and I would like to build a motor with a 1mm overbore, some 84mm Wiseco's, and Eagle H beams plus all the other stuff required for a high hp 1.8/9s i.e. billet oil pump and supermiata damper. I have done extensive research and plan to do a lot more, but this is the one question I couldn't really find an answer to (I guess because it's more of an opinion type question). Now I have read and watched and researched building everything from 2 stroke motorcross engines to huge turbo diesels, but I have never actually build an engine 100% by myself. I feel really good with the concept, but as I'm sure some of you can understand It would be the worst thing in the world to ruin a set of $600 pistons or some other expensive part due to lack of experience. Should I buy, teardown, and rebuild and junkyard engine to get my feet wet, or should I not waste the money and just go straight for the real deal with extreme caution? I guess this is more of an opinion question but I would really like to here from some of you. What did YOU do? Do you regret it? If so, what do you wish you would have done?


P.S. I would love to tear town my current 1.6 since it would be so similar to the 1.9 I want to build, but unfortunately it is my daily :( Also, I posted this in the place I thought it would be most appropriate, but if this doesn't belong in here, could a mod please move it to the correct location. Thanks guys! Also, title should say 1.9

You can edit the title yourself. Just click the little edit button.
If you get lucky and find a 1.8 in your local pick N pull, then just go for it.
Disassembly is very easy, and its a good way to learn.
If you aren't confident you can reassemble afterwards, just have your machinist put it together.
Just be sure to put every little bolt in a clearly labeled baggy.
I'll give you a free first lesson that I recently relearned the hard dumb way. Exhaust manifolds have 9 bolts. :facepalm:

Moved this to meet and greet as it is more of an intro post.

Thanks!

Put your location in your profile. For instance if you are near Charleston SC I would sell you used 1.8 for cheap to play with.

Thanks for joining, elijahmckay!