Miata Engine Swap Help

[erod550]

I'm buying a '90 Miata with a ton of miles and I'm planning on buying Ron's (coloskydiver) engine/transmission that he just pulled out of his v8 project car. We're going to attempt the swap on Sunday, Jan. 31st at Ron's house in Aurora. Both of us are just garage tinkerers and not experts by any means. Is there anyone out there with experience doing any kind of engine swap that would like to come help out? The engines are identical so it should be a pretty straight-forward swap. We're planning on getting started around 9am. I will be more than happy to provide beer if that helps.

[PXRdriFT]

I don't have anything going on that day. I should be able to help out. You should make sure the beer waits until after the swap!:lol:

[coloskydiver]

Excellent. It will be fun and a few extra hands will help us get this done a little quicker.

[erod550]

Good thinking on the waiting until after for the beer lol.

[94mx5]

Let me see what I have on the schedule. I could likely drop by for a couple hours. I have done 3 or more of these swaps. Can almost do them with my eyes closed now. Glad that you aren't waiting to get this done! Congrats again on joining the Miata family!

[deepSpeedMS3]

i live in aurora...i dont know much but i could stand aroudn a watch..lol....i mean i be used if you need some small muscles?....i also like my rac pipe/midpipe is loose? could may check it out that day if we have time and want something else to do...either way ill try to be there

[94mx5]

Just a heads up, if you are planning on doing the transmission the same day, you really have to get the rear wheels off the ground too. Getting the driveshaft out and the PPF (spine) out can be a PITA. Having the wheels up will make it MUCH easier.

[erod550]

Jeff, do you think this is doable in a day? Or should we maybe start on Saturday to allow extra time in case we don't get it done in one day?

I also ordered some cheap coilovers just as something to replace the current shocks which I'm pretty sure are blown. I'm not trying to track the car with them or slam the car or anything, just need something that's going to be better than blown stock struts. I'd like to install them at the same time too if possible. Maybe I can be doing those while the people with engine experience can be pulling that stuff out. If the car is up on jackstands it can all get done at once.

[94mx5]

I am really not sure that you could get the engine, trans, and shocks all done in the same day. I can do an engine alone in 6 hours. That is relatively easy. Also, that is pulling it out the top with the hood off. To drop it underneath would be more work. If you want to do the shocks at the same time and have a way to get the front end up high, you could drop everything out the bottom and change the motor and shocks at the same time. Would require bleeding the brakes when it is all over unless you could get the calipers off and tied up.

[erod550]

Well if the shocks don't get done at the same time that is fine. The plan was to pull the hood and go out the top. I can do the shocks here in my own garage another day. The priority is trying to get the engine and trans swapped in one day if possible.

[94mx5]

The engine/trans should be doable in a good long day with a few people. Have some folks working underneath, and a couple under the hood.

A couple things to consider buying/doing as well. As I mentioned, the aluminum flywheel makes noticeable difference. Now is the time to do it. Also, the rear main seal on the motor is best done now if you ever want to do it. Same with the oil pan gasket as it can't be done in the car. And the trans front main seal. All easy to do with the motor out. The other thing that will likely need replaced is the shifter rubber boots. Those can be done at the swap time or later on as it is just a matter of pulling out the console.

[erod550]

I don't think I'm going to do the flywheel because that money can be spent on other things to get the car into good, reliable running condition first. I'm going to try not to put any "fun" upgrades on the car for now. Just want to use it for reliable transportation. I'm going to get those seals tomorrow. Napa carries some of them and so does Autozone so I'll call around and see who has them in stock. Someone can be working on those while others are working on getting the old motor/trans out.

As for the time, would Saturday work for everyone or is Sunday better? Doing it on Saturday would give a little cushion in case we don't get it done in one day, but if Sunday is better for everyone's schedule, I think that having 4-5 people on Sunday would be better than only 2-3 on Saturday. I can do either day and Ron said either day is fine, so whatever works for you guys. I really appreciate the offers for help and will buy everyone pizza for lunch or something. And I was kinda joking about the beer but if you guys want some I can bring some, just let me know.

[RX-7 Chris]

I might be able to make it up there for a few hours or so but I need to check my schedule.

[erod550]

The more I think about it the more I think we should just do it on Sunday. I have to work all night Friday night and it would make for a very long day to do an all day engine swap right after. Plus I had to order a couple of the seals online and that gives them 1 extra day to get here. So just forget I said anything about Saturday, hehe.

Thanks to everyone who is volunteering!

[94mx5]

I could likely put in an hour or two on Sunday. I am already booked for Saturday...

Any tools needed or will everything needed be there? I prefer not to bring my tools and try to sort them out afterwards.