Well, so far, I've pulled the hood. That's it. My father in law wants to help remove the engine on Saturday, so I'll have some work to do tomorrow to get to that point. I'm kind of racing a coworker, he's in Dallas, has a '92 and is doing the same work I am (maintenance, clutch, etc) although he's cheating and taking it to a shop.

If money was no object, he could get done faster, but if you are wanting to do all the same work on the same budget/year, you will be done way ahead of him.

That is good motivation to stay on it though!

It's really not that hard, just time consuming but will make you a whole lot more comfortable working on your car.

Got everything prepped for engine pull. Hardest to deal with was the upper bracket for the hard clutch line. That thing was ON there. I was able to get in through the top of the engine with a break bar to loosen it up. Doublechecked, went around the engine and made sure everything was disconnected. I guess we'll find out when i actually get to pulling. Labeled everything, placed bolts/nuts in baggies and labeled, etc. Next step, get it pulled. I now have a perfectly nonfunctional, undriveable Miata in the garage.

I've now had the Miata for 2 years. It's managed to stay with me longer than nearly any DD.

Engine out. Replaced flywheel and clutch and rear main. Old engine mounts were shot so I'm glad I got new ones. Couldn't get the engines in. Broke a few brittle electrical connections. Unsure what connections they are. Couldn't get the engine lined up and installed. Tried removing mounts, still can't get it in. Feel a bit defeated, especially with breaking stuff.

Garage and tools are a greasy grimy mess awaiting me today.

Taking breaks is good. After some time away, I was able to get the engine/transmission bolted in today fairly easily. It also ends up the wires I thought I broke yesterday were already broken. The wires for the neutral switch were already sheared/broken. After further inspection they were dirty. This also helps explain the idle issues I'd have on deceleration, as it helps control idle when clutch engaged. I'll order that up and replace ($30), but at least the car will work with that. I need to troubleshoot and see what the other connection was that I screwed up.

Edit: The other connections are both coolant temperature sensors. Both are about $15-20. So easily resolved, the items I've broken. So I need to order those and the neutral switch. I also need to replace the front soft fuel lines. I have every other hose (that I haven't already replaced).

My parts will be here on Thursday. Wee. I should have the car all together next weekend and ready to roll.

that's good news

Buttoned up a few things on the Miata today. Interior back together, some coolant lines on, etc. The 10 minutes of sunshine was motivating. I'm thinking Monday, I'll probably work to get it completely back together. She's been apart long enough.

Started on the timing belt yesterday. Existing belt is cracked on the external area of the belt, so it was definitely due. Accessory belt for the water pump/alternator was cracked. Feel bad for the lady that had the car before, as her mechanical told her he replaced the accessory belts, including having a receipt for it, less than about 5,000 miles ago.

That is why you always ask for the old part. My mother-in-law had this happen too.

Finishing the timing belt this morning. Now, I just need to button everything up from the engine pull. Wee!

She lives. The Miata is back together. Fired up on the first try and no leaks, idled well, etc. I did break the line going into the thermostat that controls fan operation. All I need is a small spade to fix that. In the meantime, grounding that wire constantly runs the fans. If it dries out today, I'll get it on the road for its maiden voyage.

Now I need to clean it up, get the windshield replaced, get a second seat, do bodywork, and phase 1 is done. Ha.

That's all excellent news Huzer!