Well, someone caused me to wreck my Miata last Thursday and I'm starting the process of finding another. There are several nice ones locally and a particular red 94 that has the most potential, same owner since 2002 and great history with matching hardtop that I will sell. But the dilemma is I have all the go-fast parts from my 1.6 including the Link, turbo manifold, etc. What would you guys do? I know the benefits of the 1.8, but is it worth the extra cost if I plan to stay in the 220-240whp range?

I'll post a different thread about the accident in a bit, but don't look if you have a weak stomach.

 

Well.. I love my 1.6.. but I would go 1.8 in a heartbeat if the price was right.

In your case to go the 1.8 route, sell the link, buy ms. Sell the turbo kit, piece together a 1.8l turbo kit.

Or if there is a really good deal on a 1.6 car go for it. If I were you I wouldn't rule out one or the other, I would just search until I found the best overall deal.

 

No replacement for displacement. And what is so cool about the parts you currently have? The Link is an old and primitive ecu. Unless you have a badass exhaust mani along with other very expensive and/or top quality parts I don't think this should even be a contest.

1.8>>1.6

There I said it
Go ahead and flame

 

but dood the 1.6 revz higher and is moar jdm.

 

lulz

 

1.9

 

The current manifold is one of the original HKS pieces that is actual true JDM and flows beautifully. I was getting 8psi by 3300 rpm on the td04 11b I was using. It's the shorty style seen here https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/t36845/

 

And what's the deal with EGR valves on certain year 1.8's?

 

****, that sucks. Add in the cost of the 1.8 brake parts and diff upgrade, unless you are swapping or uninterested to the cost of the mani upgrade, etc. On the other hand, if you can sell all your old go fast parts plus the hardtop, you will be well on your way.

BTW, why the **** would you sell the hardtop? Sell it to me, cheap! I needz, you haz. Red, too. I rode on the track this week in a real nb clubsport with hardtop. **** jdm, clubsport is teh ****. Real men in the NE kit out their **** like that.

 

anyone else?

 

Go with the 1.8. I have had both, and really love the bigger motor. If you want a little more rev, add a cam. It really wakes it up.

There is so much more potential in the car equiped with the 1.8.

 

I can get a complete and tested 1.8 Miata motor down the road for $250 if I feel a 1.6 isn't doing it for me. The wrecked one already has a Torsen and bigger 1.8 brakes I can swap over if I do decide to pick up an other 1.6.

 

=answer

 

This is exactly what I have planned eventually.