Hey everybody,

My name is Jack. I am a web developer in St. Louis, MO. I picked up a salvage title 1992 classic red Miata in September of 2020 as a birthday gift to myself for making it 30 years without dying. The dealer's last name was Hitler, he totally screwed me too. How did I not see that coming?? I had the frame professionally straightened (it wasn't very bad at all, don't worry) and now I am starting to throw parts at it. I have spent a LOT of time on this forum so most of my questions have already been answered! Thank you to all the guys(and girls?) who provide amazing info on here.

I pulled the engine two weeks ago (with the help of two coon hunters that appeared in the midst of my plight and were somehow drunker than me) and now I am in the process of de-rusting/painting the sub-frame, control arms, differential, and stuff like that.

Goal: Nasty street car that can handle any track day, too.. so dual duty. I heard they have a pretty sweet circuit down in the Ozarks. Also, to dump on my friend's 2020 type r's chest.

I have a few pictures in an album on this site but not sure if they loaded correctly.. or in the right order.. anyway. I am working on it nights and weekends in a garage in the middle of Missouri so its hard to get a lot done. Will be updating the album with pics when I can.

My One Question to MT.net: Does anyone know a reputable engine builder in the St. Louis area? I am willing to drive pretty far for a good one if any are highly suggested.

Check out the current lineup of parts I'm hoarding.
Chasis Bracing

• Blackbird Fabworx 4 point bar
• FM frame rails
• Paco strong arm fender brace

Suspension + Handling

• XIDA Race 700/400
• Advanti S1 Grey 15x8
• 205/50R-15 Falken Azenis
• Energy Suspension 88A durometer on all bushings
• SuperMiata Bronze Sintered upgrade kit with zerk fittings
• De-Powered Steering Rack
• Nardi wheel + NRG Quick Release

Bottom End

• Carrillo H-Beam Rods
• FM Wiseco 9:1 Pistons 79mm bore (1639cc)
• Bearings (waiting for engine builder to make decision here)
• ARP Head and Main Studs
• B.E. Billet Gear Oil Pump w/ 2 shims
• Circuit Sports 4 piece Oil Baffle
• ATI Harmonic Dampener w/ 36-2 tooth sensor wheel
• 99-05 Crank Sensor
• 1.8 extended Oil Stud with 1.8 Oil Warmer
• Mishimoto Thermostatic Oil Sandwich Plate
• Mishimoto 19 row oil cooler

Head

• Supertech Light double spring w/ titanium retainers
• 1mm oversize SS Intake + Exhaust Valves
• ID 1050-XDS Injectors / Walbro 190lph high pressure Fuel Pump/ Fuel Lab pressure regulator
• Continental Flex Fuel Sensor from A.E.D. (Toby is a great dude)
• LS Coils
• MS3 PNP

Rest of Drivetrain

• 7.8 lb flywheel
• Supermiata Sport Clutch + 4 puck sprung disc
• 6 speed trans
• Miata Roadster Angled Shifter
• 3.6 torsen diff (currently 3.9 but I have the ring and pinion for 3.6)

Turbo Stuff

• Garrett GT2554R w/ aftermarket billet compressor wheel installed
• Kraken Low-mount manifold w/ 3" Downpipe
• Fab9 stage 1 intercooler
• Turbosmart BOV

Other Stuff

• Supermiata X-Flow Radiator
• Q-max Coolant Re-Route
• Spiked Performance Hood Louvers
• Supermiata 4 piston Wilwoods on Front brakes
• Retro side mirrors idk what they are

I have future plans to get more aggressive cams, SUB solid lifters and a G25-550 to make full use of the retarded list of parts above. Also looking into dual master brake cylinders and booster delete.. but I want to run with the current list of parts first before I make my build GREAT AGAIN!!

I don't think I de-noobed myself necessarily, but I wanted you all to be aware I have not been vaccinated for Miata-itis.

Thanks for reading.

- Jack

 

Have you begun the install? Updates? Target HP/TRQ goals? Reliability?

 

The engine is at the machinist right now.. It's in a backlog. This last Spring I removed the subframes and refreshed the whole suspension, steering rack and put the new 3.9 diff under there. I also put in new carpet and seats/harness, steering wheel etc.. I have pictures of the early teardown in my profile in an album. The build was slowed down considerably by weddings/bachelor parties this Summer. Once I get the block and head back it's go time!

I'm going to try to hit 240 torque as early as possible and hold it to 7800 rpm with the GT2554R. might look at other turbos to push past 300 hp eventually.. want to see how the first turbo feels first

 

As far as I know, the weakest point will be the 4th gear synchro on my 2001 6-speed transmission.

Other than that I think it's pretty bullet proof.. Overkill with some parts to be honest.

I added another album of build pics to my profile.