This is going to a SLOW build, so don't expect a ton of updates.

Started out with a 1992 Miata, got it REAL cheap. Had a torn top, HCLA noise, and rod knock.



Car sat for a few months while I decided what on earth I was going to do with it. Decided to tear the motor down to see what I was working with:



It's actually in really good shape, just needs bearings... but as we all know, if it's that far taken apart, might as well build it! So here is the plan as it sits today:

-Keep the stock 1.6 engine
-Wiseco Pistons (Ordered)
-Rods (Manley H-Beam Ordered)
-Calico Coated ACL Race Bearings (Ordered)
-All ARP Hardware
-Rebuild head (Still undecided if keeping stock cams or not)
-Early EVO 8 Turbo (TD05HR)
-Custom Twin Scroll Manifold
-Full Custom Exhaust
-AEM Series 2 Engine Management
-Custom Harness
-Matte White Vehicle Wrap
-Tan NB Top
-Hard Dog Roll Bar
-15x9 Wheels (Undecided on style)
-Custom Flex Fuel Setup

Shooting for around 300 whp on e85

YES!

Itty-bitty car for an itty-bitty dude!

Got a smokin deal on new Wiseco Pistons and Manley rods so those are on the way!

Nicely done!
Those tires look like they've got some tread left on em.

PapaSmurf2k3 wrote:Nicely done!
Those tires look like they've got some tread left on em.

They do, and they will get a proper send off before the new wheels and tires go on

That's what I'm talkin about!

Delay!

Crank was out of spec... So I'm on the hunt for another

ha, I threw away the crank from my '99 block.

You should just go 1.8

More parts!

PapaSmurf2k3 wrote:You should just go 1.8

More parts!

This.

I'm not totally against going 1.8 myself when the 1.6 starts to go downhill more.

You pay a premium for 1.8's here.

Sourced a couple cranks, the best one will be the wiener!

Block is back from the machine shop, head is just about done. Had to modify my build and rush since my current daily is on life support. So Matte Metallic Red wrap so i have don't have to paint the engine bay and door jambs.

Pics!!!

Sorry for the lack of updates, been crazy over here at the shop. The motor is all back from the machine shop. When I assemble it there will be pictures. I also changed my engine management choice. I will no longer be going with the AEM Series 2, rather, I will be going with an AEM Infinity.

Miata trailer looks familiar...

Nice score!

gwoods wrote:Miata trailer looks familiar...

Nice score!

If you are in AZ.. it should!

Just ordered my Manifold flange to give to the fab guy for the turbo manifold



Here is what the Infinity will look like and some of the cooler specs:



ENGINE PROTECTION
Multiple engine protection strategies are incorporated into the Infinity ECU. Available strategies include:

MAP (create limp mode using Assumed Pressure Ratio table to compensate for pressure if sensor fails)
Overboost (boost fuel cut until boost/throttle decreases)
Fuel pressure (injector flow compensated for variations in pressure, sensor required)
Oil pressure (trigger light or limit RPM if pressure drops below set value, sensor required)
RPM (rev limiter)
Coolant temperature, Temp vs. RPM (fuel and ignition cut, sensor required)
Knock control with feedback
Lean protection (fuel and ignition cut)



Airflow model based calculations
VE-based engine startup
Multi-fuel capable
Flex fuel compensated – fuel, ignition and boost with blend
Multiple boost control strategies (time, gear, vehicle speed, switch and more)
Drive by wire (with Advanced Tuning Package)
2-step programmable launch control (3-step with Advanced Tuning Package)
Programmable traction control, 2-wheel speed or engine acceleration
No-lift shift
User configurable soft-cut rev limiters
User configurable anti-lag
Map switching (4 Separate ignition maps, 4 separate Lambda target maps, 2 separate VE tables)
Single stage wet or dry nitrous control
Integrated engine protection strategies
Open-loop fuel pressure compensation
O2 lean-out protection
2-channel adaptive knock control
Configurable coil dwell (RPM, voltage and load based)
Individual cylinder ignition trim (RPM based)
Individual cylinder fuel trim (RPM based)
3D ignition trim maps (coolant and air temp)
Real-time sensor diagnostics
VE airflow table, map vs. engine speed, 20x20
User adjustable charge temperature blend (CLT/AIT, engine speed dependent)
Idle control (stepper and pulsewidth)



You guys have no idea how stoked I am about the AEM, we have tuned quite a few Series 2 and a couple Infinity setups here in the shop and they are such amazing pieces of hardware. Not really looking forward to all the wiring it will take to pin it into the factory harness though.

For those who aren't quite familiar with a 'twin scroll' design:

Witchcraft!
Yeah that wiring looks like no fun. Are you going to do a patch harness? If so, are you going to start from scratch, or order a hydra harness and just cut the hydra connector off to make an ecu pigtail?

I think you need to practice on mine.

Wait - scratch that. I'll be over after yours is done.

I'll most likely just cut and re-pin the factory harness. I dont see much need for a patch harness that goes from a sub $1000 car to a $1500 engine management.

Why AEM and not Megasquirt?? The guys on turbo Miata would warn you that your doing it the hard way and it will never work. Some has a MS PNP with sensors and a laptop on craigslist for $700..... if I sold my Altima today I would buy it tomorrow.

Heh, We're a AEM dealer and they sponsor our shops race car.... The price i was going to pay for the EMS was cheaper than MS... and we already know the hiccups people have with the AEM and had a way to remedy it.

In other news... My truck took a s*** and I went and bought a new car (2015 Mazda6) The miata got sold to my boss who will be finishing the build for his son's first race car

Congrats on the 6! which did you get? If it was available with chilled seats I would be rolling a topline 6 instead of my M37x

2015 Mazda6 6 Speed manual trans, sport model. I didn't want to pay for all the extra crap I could install myself for significantly cheaper

Is that the best clutch/shifter you have ever felt in a sedan? It really drives like a Miata.... but for cooled seats I would be rocking a silver Mazda 6.

The cloth is very nice, the entire car is amazing! I had one for a loaner on a biz trip to Austin a while back and fell in love hard.

I was rolling in the Jag at the time and the lines are very similar... debagged with 20's it would be hard to tell what it is.






My Austin loaner next to a BRG Miata

Transmission is great, I've loved Mazda's transmissions for as long as I've driven them (RX8, Miata and now this) Although I did have a hiccup when I bought the car. The shifting didn't feel quite right, almost chunky and 1st gear lockout was very aggressive. Brought it to the dealer to find out they didn't fill it appropriately from the factory and there was very little fluid in it. They did a flush and filled it fresh and the difference is night and day

Cool Miata photos