So I've bought another Miata, a Mariner blue 91. Plan on putting in better rods and head studs while I have the motor in the shop. If everything goes as plan I'll be buying a 99 jdm motor with six speed for a fair price.

My question being, should I change the rods, swap motors, run on stock ecu for a while and then do a MS2? Or build MS2 for 1.6, get running, swap motor?

TL: DR

Motor swap then ECU or vice versa?

 

ECU first.

 

Elaborate?

 

Why?

You asked what to do first, i gave you an answer. What more do you want?

 

I guess you're right, you did answer my question, with a short answer. I asked you to elaborate afterwards because I thought you might have a bit more input. I'm not asking you to spoon feed me the swap, but if I can coax a bit more information where I feel it could be beneficial, I'm going to do it.

 

I feel like there is no further way to elaborate on my answer.
But, i can explain my reasoning in a few words.

Installing the ECU first works to your benefit in a few ways.
1 It lowers the variables for screw ups. If you have an issue, it's easy to find and fix because you're not dealing with all the swap stuff.
2 If you blow it up tuning it, well then, i guess you're not at a loss. Other than learning from your mistakes.
3 It's much easier and takes far less time than swapping.