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1990 Miata: Turbo 1.6, 1.8, rotary swap, V8 swap?

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Old 01-17-2012 | 01:08 PM
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Default 1990 Miata: Turbo 1.6, 1.8, rotary swap, V8 swap?

So i just bought my 1990 Miata with only 126k miles on it. Its a SNC 1.6 engine. Ill probobly get flamed for not spending hours searching, but im going to ask anyways so i dont spend hours and hours searching for information on 3 different projects when im only doing 1!

So anyways, Ive kind of already ruled out the V8 swap because I dont want to disturb the weight distribution on the car, but id still like opinions on it anyways.

What is the Best to do in terms of power vs. cost?

I know a used greddy kit on my 1.6 will be cheap, but im probobly looking at under 200 horsepower with that.

My real interest is the rx7 turbo motor swap. How much modification and cost is involved in this swap vs. swapping in one of the other factory miata 1.8 motors?
Old 01-17-2012 | 01:28 PM
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goals? budget?
Old 01-17-2012 | 01:44 PM
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V8 swap doesn't offset balance as much as you think. But what jboogie said, budget?
Old 01-17-2012 | 01:48 PM
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I hadnt thought of a budget really. Budget depends on the outcome. I wouldnt mind spending 2 grand if that what it cost to swap an FD rx7 motor in, but at the same time, i cant justify spending 2k on my 1.6 liter turbo'ing it or swapping to a 1.8 liter.

p.s. my budget goes higher than 2 grand if necessary
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by SupraTim
So anyways, Ive kind of already ruled out the V8 swap because I dont want to disturb the weight distribution on the car...
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by SupraTim
I hadnt thought of a budget really. Budget depends on the outcome. I wouldnt mind spending 2 grand if that what it cost to swap an FD rx7 motor in, but at the same time, i cant justify spending 2k on my 1.6 liter turbo'ing it or swapping to a 1.8 liter.

Good luck brah.

Old 01-17-2012 | 03:12 PM
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Sorry did I say something wrong?
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:18 PM
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Holy ---- I have seen some lazy stupid ------- retard noobs but you sir,take the cake.
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:18 PM
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In for another GLORIOUS thread resulting in ragequit
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by SupraTim
Sorry did I say something wrong?
No, I wished you luck.
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by SupraTim
Sorry did I say something wrong?
2k is almost a minimum for a proper greddy setup, much less any swap. You gotta pay to play, even with cheap miata's

Exception: You own a bada$$ junkyard filled with rotary's, LSx's, and Lambo v12's and you're best friend runs a tuner shop and he owes you his life.
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:28 PM
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lol at a greddy setup being proper
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Braineack
lol at a greddy setup being proper
I just mean with better add-ons
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:32 PM
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So an entirely new turbo setup?
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:34 PM
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I see rx7 complete engine and trans going for 1100-1600 dollars. Is the remainder of that not an acceptable budget for parts needed to install it?

and I found a couple greddy kits used for around 500 dollars.
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:38 PM
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then factor in subframe, fab work, driveshaft, ecu, etc...
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by SupraTim
I see rx7 complete engine and trans going for 1100-1600 dollars. Is the remainder of that not an acceptable budget for parts needed to install it?

and I found a couple greddy kits used for around 500 dollars.
Is this a joke or is your wife reading the thread? You might want to multiply your budget by 5-10 to have a nice setup.
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:43 PM
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Tim, based off your responses here I assume you've never done an engine swap and you dont have to acknowlege it either way. But, these guys are just going to bash you and tell you you're an idiot so if you really want help this is not the place. In all honesty, for a swap you might be able to pick up an engine and trans for under 2k but then you have all the fab work, then the misc. parts come in like injectors, drive shaft, rear end, ecu, suspension, wheels, tires, blah blah blah and then you're at 10k and either broke or done, maybe both or maybe you never finish and its a huge waste of time and you end up selling it all off because other things come up.

Depending on your income, make a budget and go from there. Get someone that has done something like this to help you price it out.
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:49 PM
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Alright, well this website sucks anyways. www.m.net is much more helpful.

I wasnt aware fabrication was required for a swap like that. I assumed someone would make products for the retrofit. Funny u can buy a Ford 302 swap kit for a miata but u cant buy a rotary swap kit.

I have a plethera of automotive knowledge, and ive done multiple engine swaps, fabrication, and race builds. Sorry if I appeared "dumb" to have asked questions like this, but im not used to forums that are packed with a bunch of teenagers and keyboard ninjas. The automotive communities I come from are much more respectful.

And thanks Boost Joose for an actual respectful response.
Old 01-17-2012 | 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by SupraTim
Alright, well this website sucks anyways. www.m.net is much more helpful.

I wasnt aware fabrication was required for a swap like that. I assumed someone would make products for the retrofit. Funny u can buy a Ford 302 swap kit for a miata but u cant buy a rotary swap kit.

I have a plethera of automotive knowledge, and ive done multiple engine swaps, fabrication, and race builds. Sorry if I appeared "dumb" to have asked questions like this, but im not used to forums that are packed with a bunch of teenagers and keyboard ninjas. The automotive communities I come from are much more respectful.

And thanks Boost Joose for an actual respectful response.

You can stay there.



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