Redoing my 1992 Miata: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Jan. 25, 2009 7:39 p.m. joey48442 Dork

So, Im giving my rusty 1992 Miata a new body. Anything I should do to the motor while its out of the car? The timing belt was done by me about 20k miles ago. Should I replace the rear main seal when I check out the clutch? Its not leaky, but this would be an easy time to take care of it. Replace those little rubber plugs that seem to go bad sometimes? Mine look fine, but I don't want to miss the chance to change them while its easy. I need a new o ring for the cam sensor-anything else? Any other rubber things I haven't thought of?

Joey
Jan. 25, 2009 9:51 p.m. billy3esq Dork

Turbocharger??? (It will be easier to get it bolted on with the engine out.)
Jan. 25, 2009 10:55 p.m. kcbhiw Reader

Definately attack the rear main seal since it will be accessible. You might as well go ahead and replace the clutch, throw out bearing, and surface the flywheel since everything is apart. An Exedy clutch replacement should set you back just under $100. You won't have to worry about it again for years to come.

While you're at it, check the play in the prop-shaft joints. If you want a bit crisper feel in handling, you could also replace all 22 control arm bushings as they are rubber and 17 years old.
Jan. 26, 2009 12:34 a.m. joey48442 Dork

I'm going to put new bushings in, for sure. I have a whole set ready to go in. Just trying to think of anything else. This motor has almost 200k miles on it. It still runs well, I just want to freshen a few things while it's out.

Joey
Jan. 26, 2009 7:34 a.m. Xceler8x HalfDork

joey48442 wrote:

I'm going to put new bushings in, for sure. I have a whole set ready to go in. Just trying to think of anything else. This motor has almost 200k miles on it. It still runs well, I just want to freshen a few things while it's out.

Famous last words.

DON'T TAKE OFF THE HEADS! Whatever you do. Then you'll start talking about a turbo and after that a V8 swap.

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
Jan. 26, 2009 8:22 a.m. John Brown SuperDork

1: With 200K on the engine I would strongly suggest removing it and swapping even up for a 302.

2: Since you are not using the transmission you might as well give it to the guy you got the 302 from.

3: Give the 80K mile crossmember and suspension bits to the guy you got the 302 from.

4: Give the rusty floor pan to the guy you gaot the 302 from.

5: After the guy you got the 302 from finishes helping you finish your body swap then help the guy build a 1.6L RWD Aspire, in your garage...

That's all I got ;)
Jan. 26, 2009 9:54 a.m. Keith SuperDork

With 200k, I'd be tempted to stick new bearings in the bottom end. Pull the pan off, swap bearings, button back up. How's your oil pressure?

Definitely go for anything rubber you can reach. Rear main seal, rubber plugs, CAS, etc. Put new heater lines in when you reinstall the engine.

The prop shaft joints are going to have a flat spot in them. Every Miata does.
Jan. 26, 2009 10:36 a.m. joey48442 Dork

Keith wrote:

With 200k, I'd be tempted to stick new bearings in the bottom end. Pull the pan off, swap bearings, button back up. How's your oil pressure?

Definitely go for anything rubber you can reach. Rear main seal, rubber plugs, CAS, etc. Put new heater lines in when you reinstall the engine.

The prop shaft joints are going to have a flat spot in them. Every Miata does.

Oil pressure, according to the gauge, is good. What do you suppose the life cycle of a miata oil pump is? And where would I got bearings for the engine, it seems like something Autozone wouldn't have...

Joey
Jan. 26, 2009 10:52 a.m. Keith SuperDork

Well, I know a Miata specialist that sells them Sometimes they offer technical advice as well. Autozone will likely have them - NAPA certainly does - but you'll have to ask for them.

Changing the oil pump is a more involved job, while changing the bearings is quick with the engine on the stand. The pumps don't show appreciable wear whereas bearings do.
Jan. 26, 2009 11:48 a.m. John Brown SuperDork

I am surprised no one has suggested a 1.8L swap or just finding a lower mileage engine.

I have driven Pimpish's Miata and it is very stout for a 200k mile car, It is no 200k mile VW Passat but stout none the less.

I have told Joel that if he is going to do anything make sure he spends the time to clean and detail everything. He has a chance to build the cleanest 200,000 mile Miata in the country.
Jan. 26, 2009 12:07 p.m. Keith SuperDork

Actually, I know who would challenge that title. One of my coworkers has a 200,000 mile car that has been disassembled and rebuilt and generally loved upon and it's gorgeous.
Jan. 26, 2009 12:17 p.m. John Brown SuperDork

meh, that thing is grimey
Jan. 26, 2009 2:38 p.m. egnorant Dork

John Brown wrote:

1: With 200K on the engine I would strongly suggest removing it and swapping even up for a 302.

2: Since you are not using the transmission you might as well give it to the guy you got the 302 from.

3: Give the 80K mile crossmember and suspension bits to the guy you got the 302 from.

4: Give the rusty floor pan to the guy you gaot the 302 from.

5: After the guy you got the 302 from finishes helping you finish your body swap then help the guy build a 1.6L RWD Aspire, in your garage...

That's all I got ;)

Sounds like you read my mind on my progression of projects!! Except the Miata drivetrain is going into the 62 Sprite with the bugeye front end. (It is hiding behind the Aspire with the 1.6 turbo). Great minds think.....

Double recommend relacing the rubber parts with new or upgraded stuff. Real easy to do if you are dropping the subframes.

Bruce
Jan. 26, 2009 3:14 p.m. Keith SuperDork

John Brown wrote:

meh, that thing is grimey

It's a daily driver, so it does suffer.
Jan. 26, 2009 3:34 p.m. joey48442 Dork

Keith wrote:

Actually, I know who would challenge that title. One of my coworkers has a 200,000 mile car that has been disassembled and rebuilt and generally loved upon and it's gorgeous.

Holy crap! That thing is clean! Are those all 200k mile parts? Or was some of the plastic bits replaced with new? Even if mine ends up half that clean, I will be happy. I do end up on occasional back roads, every now and again. My blue 90 is clean under hood, not like that, but still pretty nice.

Joey
Jan. 26, 2009 3:37 p.m. John Brown SuperDork

Joels got blue spark plug wires, his is better.
Jan. 26, 2009 3:41 p.m. joey48442 Dork

Keith wrote:

Well, I know a Miata specialist that sells them Sometimes they offer technical advice as well. Autozone will likely have them - NAPA certainly does - but you'll have to ask for them.

Changing the oil pump is a more involved job, while changing the bearings is quick with the engine on the stand. The pumps don't show appreciable wear whereas bearings do.

I cant find the main bearings on your site...I did find the rebuild kit, though. That may be something in my future... I wonder if a rebuilt 1.6 or a nice used 1.8 would make me happier?

Joey
Jan. 26, 2009 3:42 p.m. Keith SuperDork

But those are TURBO spark plug wires. See?

It's amazing what you can do with a bead blaster, steam cleaner, parts washer and spare time. I don't think anything was replaced with new for aesthetic reasons, only damaged parts. Jason does run FM Salvage, so I suspect there's a bit of cherrypicking going on when it comes time to reassemble his engine. Still, stuff like the timing plate cover (behind the thermostat) will come clean like that with Simple Green and a shot of black spray paint. The valve cover is powdercoated and looks even better in person.
Jan. 26, 2009 3:51 p.m. joey48442 Dork

Im in need of some nuts and bolts (easy...). Does FM save any of those in the salvage department? Many of mine are rusted and then snapping off, even with a blast of PB'laster, and careful turning. Mostly the small 10 mm stuff, underhood and for the fenders. Also, some of the 12 and a few of the 14mm stuff. I would be willing to pay a few bucks for an assortment of them!

Joey
Jan. 26, 2009 4:10 p.m. Keith SuperDork

Good point, bearings should be on the site. And now they is. http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?page=2&deptid=4530&parentid=0&item...

The used 1.8 will give you more torque, but the engine isn't quite as happy to spin. Still, the extra flexibility is nice.

We can supply you with a pile of nuts and bolts, yes. Not a problem.
Jan. 26, 2009 7:41 p.m. joey48442 Dork

So, how much for say half a coffee can full of underhood and fender type bolts? I dont think they are listed on your site...;)

That would make life a bit easier...

Joey
Jan. 26, 2009 11:32 p.m. Keith SuperDork

Give us a call.