Ron's Monster Miata Build
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 9:14
I decided to start a new thread actually documenting my build, since my last one was more of an announcement. I was originally planning on starting with the motor build first and then start looking a good Miata, but the plan has since evolved.
During the planing/education stage, I found my self becoming with obsessed with Craig's List, internet search's and even Ebay. I did find a good Ford 302 engine on Craig's List out of a 96 Explorer for cheap that I tore down to a bare block and brought it to the machine shop to get cleaned up. I then ordered a 331 stroker kit that took for ever to get here (over 8 weeks) for the bottom end and will soon be ordering a Trick Flow 5.0 Top End Kit to top it all off.
I am finally starting to get the parts in for the bottom end and can't wait to get start putting this thing together. I received the rods, pistons, bearings, rings, and dampener yesterday. I still waiting on the crank and light weight flywheel.
While I was waiting for the stroker kit to finally get here, I simply look all over (including the surrounding states) for a Miata that fit my needs and my budget. I ended up finding an awesome deal in Grand Junction on Ebay and decided to hop on the opportunity. So my Mazda family just became +1. My wife and I drove up to Grand Junction to pick it up last Thursday and I drove it back with no issues.
She is a 1990 and has only 97K miles on it. THe body is in excellent condition (straight & no rust), the interior is in great condition and has a brand new top. The orrigional owner was driving it from California to Grand Junction and blew the motor right out side of Vegas. The car was towed to Grand Junction where she installed a JDM motor (only 42k miles on it) but could never get it running right. She ended up selling it the kid I bought it from, who adjusted the timing and installed a O2 sensor and now it runs like a champ.
I plan on repainting this thing myself in my garage and will start on the body work while I wait for money and parts. If there is anyone out there with some auto body experience, I would love some pointers but I do believe that this is something I can tackle and save a lot of money.
I will do my best to keep this thread up to date and keep everyone informed.
During the planing/education stage, I found my self becoming with obsessed with Craig's List, internet search's and even Ebay. I did find a good Ford 302 engine on Craig's List out of a 96 Explorer for cheap that I tore down to a bare block and brought it to the machine shop to get cleaned up. I then ordered a 331 stroker kit that took for ever to get here (over 8 weeks) for the bottom end and will soon be ordering a Trick Flow 5.0 Top End Kit to top it all off.
I am finally starting to get the parts in for the bottom end and can't wait to get start putting this thing together. I received the rods, pistons, bearings, rings, and dampener yesterday. I still waiting on the crank and light weight flywheel.
While I was waiting for the stroker kit to finally get here, I simply look all over (including the surrounding states) for a Miata that fit my needs and my budget. I ended up finding an awesome deal in Grand Junction on Ebay and decided to hop on the opportunity. So my Mazda family just became +1. My wife and I drove up to Grand Junction to pick it up last Thursday and I drove it back with no issues.
She is a 1990 and has only 97K miles on it. THe body is in excellent condition (straight & no rust), the interior is in great condition and has a brand new top. The orrigional owner was driving it from California to Grand Junction and blew the motor right out side of Vegas. The car was towed to Grand Junction where she installed a JDM motor (only 42k miles on it) but could never get it running right. She ended up selling it the kid I bought it from, who adjusted the timing and installed a O2 sensor and now it runs like a champ.
I plan on repainting this thing myself in my garage and will start on the body work while I wait for money and parts. If there is anyone out there with some auto body experience, I would love some pointers but I do believe that this is something I can tackle and save a lot of money.
I will do my best to keep this thread up to date and keep everyone informed.
I'm still an extra set of hands just down the street.