Just as a point of reference; I have had 2 engine failures in the last 10 years. One was in my rental car with 5 years on the engine. Driver reported a brief flashing of oil psi light at one corner every lap during 13 hour race. I told him to ignore it and keep running. Engine lasted another 4 hours before spectacular explosion. This motor owed me nothing as it probably had 200 hours on it.Second was a fresh build that the builder replaced.
I run an average of 12 cars at 30 weekends a year. That is a lot of hours with only 2 blown motors in 10 years. I would put blame on poor assembly. Cleaning, tolerances, torque, etc.
I have said this before, do not use any motor oil that does not say RACE on it. Street oils have addatives for long life, hi detergent, strict emmissions, low rpm. None of which we want. We need the additives for high rpm, short life, no emmissions etc.
I don't build engines. So take everything I say about them as coming from a non-expert. When I see a piston, it is a bad day!!!!!!
Dave
Dave Wheeler
Advanced Autosports, the nations most complete Spec Miata shop
Author, Spec Miata Constructors Guide, version 1 and 2.0
Building Championship winning cars since 1995
4 time Central Division Spec Miata Champion car builder 2012-2013-2014-2017
Back to Back June Sprints Spec Miata 1-2 finishes 2016 and 2017
5 time June Sprints winner in Mazda's
6 Time Northern Conference Champion Car Builder
2014 SCCA Majors National point Champion car builder
2014 SCCA Runoffs winner, T4 (Bender)
2014 Central Division Champion, ITS (Wheeler)
2013 Thunderhill 25 hour winning crew chief
2007 June Sprints winner, (GT1, Mohrhauser)
Over 200 race wins and counting.
www.advanced-autosports.com
dave@advanced-autosports.com
608-313-1230