92 Miata "build" thread

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:14

are you going to do any upgrades to the bottom end?

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:14

Number2 wrote:Good luck with the build. Miatas are awesome cars.

Miata's really are awesome cars!!!! I never would have thought that i would be such a big Miata fan. They are simply a blast to drive.

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:14

Not planning on any bottom end upgrades. You can buy stronger connecting rods and also lower the compression. I have a complete 323 GTX engine with a bad rod knock that I had thought about trying to use. It would have the stronger rods and pistons.

The turbo kit being used it supposed to help manage detonation and such to reduce chances of engine damage. The previous owners didn't maintain the car well. It was leaking oil like crazy. I imagine they didn't change the oil or ran it low/out of oil. I really don't think it was anything but a user error.

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:14

aaa gotcha

I wasn't sure if it needed bottom end work or not.

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:14

Today was starting to prep the replacement motor. Tore things down to do all new seals. New rear main and oil pan gasket today. Due to previous oil leaks, all parts that are coming off are also getting scrubbed down (oil pan, valve cover, starter, alternator, etc). Still on the agenda is new t-belt, cam seals, water pump, valve cover gasket, plugs, clutch, transmission seals, etc.

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:14

Busy again this afternoon. Added oil/filter, put on flywheel, temporarily mounted starter, did compression test, and put in new plugs. Next is t-belt and button things up to get it into the car.

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:14

Got the t-belt, valve cover gasket and clutch all installed today as well. A good afternoon of work!

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:14

Got the replacement motor dropped into the mounts and onto the transmission this evening. Still have to do exhaust, intake, radiator, alternator, PS, AC, etc. Getting closer though!

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:14

The clutch wasn't working right after the install. Thought it was the slave cylinder as it would move easily by hand and had no resistance. Replaced slave, and now looks like no pressure from the master cylinder. Both will be replaced and new fluid. Make sure it is all done right and problem free.

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:14

So I put in about 2 hours work last night until it got dark. Got the entire engine put together. Of course the battery was dead as I forgot to plug in the battery charger, but at least it was all done.

Good news is that after a night on the battery charger, car started on the first turn. Likely needs a couple details figured out as the idle was high, but hey, it runs!

Also have some non-essential things to hook up like the AC and PS pump. Couple more hours before it is road ready.

erod550 · Postby **erod550** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:14

Looking good!

Dange · Postby **Dange** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:14

94mx5 wrote:So I put in about 2 hours work last night until it got dark. Got the entire engine put together. Of course the battery was dead as I forgot to plug in the battery charger, but at least it was all done.

Good news is that after a night on the battery charger, car started on the first turn. Likely needs a couple details figured out as the idle was high, but hey, it runs! Also have some non-essential things to hook up like the AC and PS pump. Couple more hours before it is road ready.

its an na miata, disconnect the ac and ps pump save some weight, depower the steering rack, and you're good. i did it to my last miata and once you depower the rack steering really isnt that bad unless you are at a dead stop

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:14

Wanted to see how the car runs with everything attached. With the turbo, it should still have plenty of power. Might make the conversion sometime later as I am unsure if the AC and PS are even in working order.

In other news, we put in an offer on a house this morning, and are likely moving. There won't be room to take the Miata with us, so it is likely going to be up for sale, with or without the hardtop. Just a heads up for anyone interested.

94mx5 · Postby **94mx5** » Sun May 01, 2011 9:14

More progress today. I tried filling the car with coolant a week ago and getting it on the road. Before I even had the radiator full, coolant started to pour out of the water pump. The gasket on the back of it had gone bad.

Water pump replaced yesterday with a new pump, gaskets, and seal to the bypass tube. While I had some other parts off, I also replace the front cam seals. Also had to replace a couple fuel lines for the EFI that weren't up to par. Car seems to run great now. Still need to do a once over on everything else, such as brakes and such. Hoping to have it rolled out of the garage area and on the road this week!

roninsoldier83 · Postby **roninsoldier83** » Sun May 01, 2011 9:14

Sounds like you've got some work cut out for you! Good luck sir, and let me know if you need a hand.

Sorry I missed you call today, for some odd reason I didn't get any reception in Eric's garage, but no worries, turns out I had everything needed, and all went smoothly. Thanks for the call back though!

92 Miata "build" thread

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