I bought a motor a few years back from a 2000 Miata, said to have "blown head gasket". I could turn it over with a ratchet, so at least I knew it wasn't stuck fast.
I finally dismantled this engine last week, the head / cams/ valvetrain is super clean.
I measured the bores the other day, and everything checks out ok. I will be honing them this week, but the big question is, "Do I really need new rings?"

I called Mazda...they're like over $200!!!
Total seal has stock bore OEM rings for $90.

What says you guys? Necessary to re- ring, or not?

 

yes.

 

If pistons come out, they have to go back in with new rings. There is no getting around that. If you purchase rings online at advance auto you can use TRT41 to save $40, which takes the cost down to about $70.

 

Call the right dealer and you can get oem rings for <$100. Or you can derp, hone your old rings by lining the bores with sandpaper and spinning the starter motor for awhile.

 

You're the man Lars.

 

there are also super baller chrom-moly rings for around 100

but that requires doing an actual.....search

not sure if tro....

 

I think total seal has them...it was either them or Hastings.

And yeah...sandpaper honing? Not sure if serious.

 

Benefits of chromoly over conventional?

 

Stronger but requires a different hone style to properly seal

 

Thought you guys knew me better than that.

 

To add to that, chrome rings are intolerant to bore irregularities and can be tough to seat if the hone isn't just right.

 

Thanks for the info guys...I'm going to look into sealed power rings tomorrow.

 

00 2000 Mazda Miata Piston Ring Set - Engine Mechanical - DNJ Rock, Sealed Power - PartsGeek

God I love the Internet. Sealed power it is.

 

Rings are probably the single most labor intensive part on the entire car to replace. Cheaping out on them is sort of a bad idea.

 

I only used that link as a price reference. I didn't order any rings yet.
I am wondering, however, if there is a difference between a good name brand vs. stock Mazda replacements.

 

Advance auto near my house said they'd order directly from sealed power.
Part number E-636KC
2000 Miata stock bore, $99.

 

To use the coupons you have to order online. TRT30 is 30% off the order, TRT41 is $40 off orders over $100.

 

I had a coupon that was good till yesterday, which I used. I'll have the rings April 7th. Thanks again.