There is a vvt engine for sale locally for $600 (would offer 500), 80k miles. Im considering my options and need some guidance.

-use my 99 head on the 01 block, runs higher compression. somewhere between 9:5 and 10:1?

-swap the entire vvt engine into my 99, not sure what i need to do besides a few sensors that need to swap over from the 99 head along with a vvt tuner for my ms2.

engine comes with all accessories so i think using my 99 head refreshed before installation would have me sitting pretty even since I can sell the vvt head along with my old block and other accessories I wont be using.

besides head sensors and extending the coilpack cable, What needs to be done for a 2001 engine swap into a 1999?

 

VVT without a doubt if it's a street car. I don't want any other Miata engine. There's a reason I have an OEM VVT engine in both Miatas. A 99 head with a $200 5a cam will make the same or a tick more power from 6500-7500rpm with a $200 cam gear, but still make significantly less torque everywhere else.

VVT is the way. BTW, native VVT control with MS3 ***** all over the chest of piggy-back style in my daily.

 

I am looking at doing the same thing. Swap a vvt engine into a '99 model. I was thinking to swap the engine loom and ecu, as well as the motor. Hopefully it is that straight forward.

 

I'm with hussy: VVT>*

Its not that straightforward unless you consider the whole wiring harness swap (not just engine harness) easy. It was a pain in the butt last time I did it. Super duper time consuming. On the up side its not too difficult to run the couple extra wires for vvt control from the ms3x and just retain the original 99-00 wiring.

 

Unless you enjoy doing a bunch of unnecessary work for absolutely no reason, don't do it this way.

Definitive VVT swap thread here: How to wire VVT engine on an NA - Miata Turbo Forum - Turbo Kitten is watching you test compression.

 

Thanks heaps for that. All the info anyone needs.

I recently bought a '99 with a disco potato turbo setup, very nicely done, full stainless exhaust, etc. It has a bottom end knock, so got it silly cheap. The motor has come out, and I am getting it built with forged bottom end. Had a set of rods and pistons ordered for my c.f car when I first started, but went with a different engine builder. So now I thought may as well use them. They where very expensive.
Now I decided to sell the '99 with no turbo. I have a '01 motor from a wreck. So figured, may as well put it in, and sell it with that.
So will have a spare turbo motor, might have to put it in my red car.
When I did the conversion on my red car ('91) to '01 motor, I swapped everything. Complete loom, motor, box, ecu, brakes, the lot.
So that is another way to do a conversion. Even has a remote boot lock..