7 replies to this topic

[Todd Tagget]

Still on a budget,, so just picked up a 1.6 with 103k miles on it and it's transmission for $350..
Won't know for sure until I get it installed but I think I did pretty well.. what do you guys think??

[Jim Drago]

Price is fair as long as it runs etc
Jim

[Johnny D]

If you come over to TH. Go see Kevin at MCE. He'll dyno for cheap, maybe a tune for a little more, and you'll know what you got for sure.
I'm sure you'll have someone to play with.
J~

[Todd Tagget]

Well I still have the original engine,, this is one to play with over the winter..

[Johnny D]

You need a baseline to start.
Figure out what you got. Figure out what number you're spare does.
Want to use your spare, want to improve it and then use it or not at all.
IMO,
There's also SSM on a budget to think about. Know your numbers.
J~

[Alberto]

I paid $700 for my 1.6 engine, trans and whatever was bolted to it from a 91 with 90k miles on it. Spent a few hundred doing the timing belt and seals and dropped it in.

Definitely listen to Johnny and get the car dyno'ed and maybe have MCE tune it as well to get the most out of it. I dyno'ed a few months ago at 107 HP after tuning. Couldn't get any more out of it after tuning. It is helpful to know where you stand compared to the competition as well as the overall engine health. I also had compression tested and leak down performed afterwards at Haag Performance. Compression was good at either 185 or 195 (can't remember...) and leak down showed 5% on the exhaust valves. Everything else was good.

I will eventually do a head but for now Johnny is 3 seconds faster in my car w/ a blown front shock so, until I improve by 3 seconds with a new shock, I can't justify the expense.

[Johnny D]

I paid $700 for my 1.6 engine, trans and whatever was bolted to it from a 91 with 90k miles on it. Spent a few hundred doing the timing belt and seals and dropped it in.

Definitely listen to Johnny and get the car dyno'ed and maybe have MCE tune it as well to get the most out of it. I dyno'ed a few months ago at 107 HP after tuning. Couldn't get any more out of it after tuning. It is helpful to know where you stand compared to the competition as well as the overall engine health. I also had compression tested and leak down performed afterwards at Haag Performance. Compression was good at either 185 or 195 (can't remember...) and leak down showed 5% on the exhaust valves. Everything else was good.

I will eventually do a head but for now Johnny is 3 seconds faster in my car w/ a blown front shock so, until I improve by 3 seconds with a new shock, I can't justify the expense.

Ok, There you have it. Straight out. Wish both of you all the best. See you at the track. Alberto's 05 in SCCA, let's see what you got Todd.
J~

[Alberto]

Well I still have the original engine,, this is one to play with over the winter..

I just noticed this comment. I thought the motor was in the car. Check out what Austin did in his NorCal spec miata build thread. He freshened the bottom end and had Haag do a head.