10 replies to this topic

[William Bonsell]

Notwithstanding the marvelous support we get from Mazdaspeed, is it still the best place to purchase parts needed for a total engine rebuild of a 1.6 and just to play devils advocate, would rebuilding be the better avenue than either a JDM engine, assuming you could get one, or a new crate motor from Mazdaspeed?

Bill-

[Jim Drago]

Bill
JDM engines are one of the biggest myths out there as far as "low mileage" I have bought three containers of JDM engines and sold them, the mileage was no better than any US used engine IMO. Nothing is documented and you have no idea what you are buying.
Jim

[Bench Racer]

and just to play devils advocate, would rebuilding be the better avenue than either a JDM engine, assuming you could get one, or a new crate motor from Mazdaspeed?

Bill-

Several months ago when I checked the cost of a MazdaSpeed crate motor the cost with delivery was north of $3,000.00.

And if this JDM motor is being installed in an SCCA Spec Miata where did the devil or his advocate find the rule that makes the JDM motor legal?

JDM, dosen't stand for Jim Drago Motors.

[NPiekarski]

With the amount of US salvage vehicles (have heard numbers of nearly 30%)...thank you nafta...chances your JDM parts are US market goods

[Bench Racer]

With the amount of US salvage vehicles (have heard numbers of nearly 30%)...thank you nafta...chances your JDM parts are US market goods

Don't know what your driving at here.

In short the SM rule specifies. ALL engines MUST (mandatory per the glossary)have been offered for sale by Mazda in the U.S.

[chris haldeman]

Order hard parts such as pistons,rings,bearings and head gasket from Mazda. Besides being the only legal parts they are also not expensive and are a known quality. You can source all the other gaskets and water pump timing kit anywhere such as eBay.

[Jim Drago]

And if this JDM motor is being installed in an SCCA Spec Miata where did the devil or his advocate find the rule that makes the JDM motor legal?

JDM, dosen't stand for Jim Drago Motors.

Correct and I like the abbreviation

[Ron Alan]

Will a VIN number indicate the location of sale? We all have access to Mazdaspeed...I would think a quick phone call could tell you the car and sold location of a motor? Or am I missing something?

[Randy Thieme]

http://www.miata.net/faq/faq2.html has some information on decoding the VIN. Not sure how complete it is.

[Keith Novak]

Order hard parts such as pistons,rings,bearings and head gasket from Mazda. Besides being the only legal parts they are also not expensive and are a known quality. You can source all the other gaskets and water pump timing kit anywhere such as eBay.

You don't want those eBay gasket kits. They're creosote impregnated cardboard pieces of garbage.

[chris haldeman]

I have seen some pretty crappy kits on there. I have had good luck with the eristic kits. But I'm only working on 99's that have only 1 paper type gasket in the whole car and its the rear coolant temp housing/heater hose area. All other gaskets are metal