14 replies to this topic

[David S.]

Hi, all, I hope you're surviving the off season (or enjoying racing in the warmer weather).

 

I have a '91 SSM that I picked up a used 1.6L engine for out of a '93. Sometime in the next month or so I'll be swapping it in but wanted to know if there is anything I should do before setting it in place. It has 95k miles on it so I'll definitely be replacing the timing belt and water pump. I have had problems with the coolant hoses on my car so I'll be replacing all of them as well. Is there anything else I should do while it's easy to get at everything?

 

FYI, our SSM engines get tuned/sealed at a HP limit that is supposed to be achievable without opening the engine up so I don't plan on doing anything internal.

 

As far as the trans goes, should I do anything to it? The one currently in the car has 125k miles on it but never gave me any problems. I bought an engine and trans together so I have one that I could freshen up if they don't require too much $$$. But from what I have read it is easier to remove the engine/trans together than to do just a trans so I'd rather just do it now than wait 6 months and do it all again.

 

Thanks for the help,

 

David

[ECOBRAP]

Hi, all, I hope you're surviving the off season (or enjoying racing in the warmer weather).

 

I have a '91 SSM that I picked up a used 1.6L engine for out of a '93. Sometime in the next month or so I'll be swapping it in but wanted to know if there is anything I should do before setting it in place. It has 95k miles on it so I'll definitely be replacing the timing belt and water pump. I have had problems with the coolant hoses on my car so I'll be replacing all of them as well. Is there anything else I should do while it's easy to get at everything?

 

FYI, our SSM engines get tuned/sealed at a HP limit that is supposed to be achievable without opening the engine up so I don't plan on doing anything internal.

 

As far as the trans goes, should I do anything to it? The one currently in the car has 125k miles on it but never gave me any problems. I bought an engine and trans together so I have one that I could freshen up if they don't require too much $$$. But from what I have read it is easier to remove the engine/trans together than to do just a trans so I'd rather just do it now than wait 6 months and do it all again.

 

Thanks for the help,

 

David

 

Pulled my engine+trans together yesterday. I can guarantee it is not easier than just pulling the transmission LOL. I think what people mean is that it's easier to remove the engine+trans rather than just the engine. Transmission by itself would be a pain in the *** with the hard to access bell housing + starter bolts, but should take a lot less time.

 

I am in the same boat so I look forward to hearing what should be done when the engine and trans are out. All I can think of is:

 

-check motor mounts

-check pressure plate + clutch + flywheel

-test alternator + starter

-check shifter bushing (can be done anytime..)

-sit in engine bay, make vroom noises, take selfies

[wreckerboy]

On the trans end of things:
Input shaft seal
Throwout bearing
Pilot bushing
Rear main seal

On the engine:
Since it's a 1.6 just go ahead and replace the nipple on the back of the head now, as it's a major PIA when the engine is in the car
Check various gaskets and replace as necessary.

[Bench Racer]

 Transmission by itself would be a pain in the *** with the hard to access bell housing + starter bolts, but should take a lot less time.

Changing transmission by it's self is not all that bad. Easier on a rack than on the garage floor. After a time or two you'll find the starter and bell housing bolts are not all that difficult. Correct tools and have at it.

[David S.]

Thanks, guys. Sounds pretty routine other than the nipple on the back of the head. I'm off to google that now.

Also, any idea how much space I'll need in front of the car if I remove the trans with the engine?

[ECOBRAP]

Thanks, guys. Sounds pretty routine other than the nipple on the back of the head. I'm off to google that now.

Also, any idea how much space I'll need in front of the car if I remove the trans with the engine?

 

Just a guess but I would say 6 feet from the front of the bumper. Worst comes to worst if the engine is halfway out and you run out room, just put the car down off the jackstands and roll it backwards. Careful if you have a steep driveway 

[Tom Hampton]

Thanks, guys. Sounds pretty routine other than the nipple on the back of the head. I'm off to google that now.

Also, any idea how much space I'll need in front of the car if I remove the trans with the engine?

Here is a link:

 

https://www.mazdamot...N09461_1000.gif

 

See part 13-104T

[Alberto]

+1 to wreckerboy's list although I'd also change the hose clamps with new OEM hose clamps and send the injectors out for cleaning.

 

 

Pic and part number of the "cursed plug" for reference

 

 

I'd also changed this oil plug since you are there and it's cheap and easy:

[Tom Hampton]

Someone always has to do "one better" than the other guy. 

 

rob says, "don't forget the nipple."

I give the part number (and link to msm gif).

Alberto has to post a friggin' picture of the stupid thing atached to the engine with the nice part number lable in full view. 

 

I think we can safely assume that David S won't need to google the damn thing.  Well, if he does...then just "step away from the racecar."

[David S.]

Thanks! You guys rock!

I saw the nipple on the head today but wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

Now I just need it to warm up some so I can get some motivation to go work on it. Race season will be here before ya know it.

[Alberto]

Someone always has to do "one better" than the other guy. 

 

rob says, "don't forget the nipple."

I give the part number (and link to msm gif).

Alberto has to post a friggin' picture of the stupid thing atached to the engine with the nice part number lable in full view. 

 

I think we can safely assume that David S won't need to google the damn thing.  Well, if he does...then just "step away from the racecar."

 

Sorry.  Got excited by all the talk about nipples.

[Tom Hampton]

Understandable. ☺

[David S.]

Wait...after all of the nipple talk did you all think I was googling Miata stuff?

[wreckerboy]

I'd be afraid of what a Google "safe search OFF" comes up with for "Miata nipple"...

[Paul Watts]

Do a leak down test on the engine going in if you haven't already. Correct any leakage over 10%. Initial leak check will establish a baseline and retest each season to trend engine wear.

Once engine is in establish a baseline compression check again retesting each season for trending.