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Miata rebuild thread 2014


Waco

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So I finally decided to rebuild the motor in the Miata...after 175k very hard miles it just needs some TLC and rebuilding a motor has been on my bucket list since I was 10.

 

On the way are:

10 pound flywheel (stock is ~22 pounds)

new clutch

new oil pump

every seal and gasket on the motor

new rings and new bearings

 

I picked up an engine stand for cheap as well as a load leveler and a hoist. I bought the various one-off tools I'll need to do the rings and install the pistons, though they are surprisingly cheap.

 

All in I'm at just over $600 so far thanks to deal-hunting and free shipping. With fluids, paint, and everything else I imagine I'll spend another $100-$150 or so but be left with a MUCH nicer and hopefully much happier car. :)

 

While the motor is out I (and Amanda, since she's discovered that painting can be fun) will be freshening up the engine bay and cowl area. The prior owner spilled brake fluid everywhere so it's in need of a bit of love. :lol:

 

I'm still debating on pulling the head apart since it's a reasonably fresh rebuild. If the valves look clean I'll probably leave it alone but if they're nasty I have new seals and keepers.

 

 

 

 

Started a bit today...

 

Hood off:

1167275_10101326061853338_1133090965_o.j

 

Headlights out, cowl cleaned out:

1167275_10101326061858328_1639238848_o.j

 

Tower brace removed and intake starting to come apart (and you can see how nasty the bay really is...the prior owner spilled brake fluid all over and ruined a lot of the paint):

1167275_10101326061843358_1332666267_o.j

 

...and this is why I love my wife:

1167275_10101326061848348_279846605_o.jp

 

 

 

I'll be pulling more apart as I get parts in this week and over the next few weeks as the car becomes more and more of an empty roller. :lol:

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This will be my first rebuild so I'm hoping I don't totally screw it up. :lol:

 

I'll take pictures as I remember to. I tend to not want to take pictures when bolts are making me cranky though. :D

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With that many miles make sure you mic the ring lands.... especially in a boosted engine the lands wear and will cause Ring Flutter under load... that and the pistons may be out of spec for Piston to wall clearance...

 

Looking forward to the build...

 

 

Frank I've done several 4.6s and 5.4 with VVT so if you have any questions.... hit me up.

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I have a "better" idea

 

1201382236078wa8.jpg

If I wanted to spend $8k instead of $800...:lol:

 

 

Also - bowtie - motor isn't boosted, and Miata motors tend to not have problems with flutter.

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I have a "better" idea

 

1201382236078wa8.jpg

If I wanted to spend $8k instead of $800...:lol:

 

 

Also - bowtie - motor isn't boosted, and Miata motors tend to not have problems with fr.

Nice chevy 350 here for $750. ;)

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I have a "better" idea

 

1201382236078wa8.jpg

If I wanted to spend $8k instead of $800... :lol:

 

 

Also - bowtie - motor isn't boosted, and Miata motors tend to not have problems with flutter.

 

 

 

For some reason I keep thinking your Miata has a Turbo......

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Nice chevy 350 here for $750. ;)

350 Chevy == boat anchor compared to an LS series. :lol: I'm not even sure one would fit...

 

For some reason I keep thinking your Miata has a Turbo......

I like to pretend it does. :P

 

Also, more parts arrived!

 

1941525_10101327808557928_1198604630_o.j

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ha ha.... while the LS series of engines are pretty great the 350 original small block is still pretty potent and no boat anchor... that goes to the 2nd gen LT1/LT4 engines... my 13:1 340 incher holds its own ;)

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