Hi everyone! I'm a total noob to miatas but skilled in cars in general, I'm currently halfway through my two year automotive course and service my families fleet ( yes its a fleet) of five cars (soon to be six though). I like miatas because of the drivability, I was initially pulled into the world of 240s but if you don't have a fancy motor swap you aren't worth looking at. I don't own a miata but plan on buying one soon. I like making sure all my ducks are lined up before I pull the trigger, but indecision isn't my thing. Ill be browsing around looking for answers to my questions and probably ask a few in the next couple of days.

Cheers
Salem

 

Welcome to the forum. What are your plans for the car?

 

Welcome, MiataN00b4days! Thanks for joining the best site on the internet!

 

Keep the original motor, buy an identical motor and trans of whatever is in the car, do a full rebuild to 150HP na, and drop it in when the original goes bad. Then rebuild the original turboed and see how far I can go on two motors.

 

I like this plan. We need more sensible noobs like you.


but why not just build a v8?

 

Lots of fabrication, I'm a great technician but my fabrication skills are seriously lacking. Also there is the added benefit of a quicker swap since everything is 100% compatible.

 

Prefabbed swap kits are available.

 

The likeliness of BP's just up and popping are pretty slim. Unless they're treated poorly, which I'm assuming, considering your credentials you wouldn't let happen. Or you're a bit over 250ft/lbs and have a poor tune.

 

Still among the lines of fancy engine swaps. Also I still would like to have it as my daily. V8 swaps are still in the dreams of sixteen year old me.

 

Absolutely right, planning on shooting for higher compression and ported heads. I have the benefit of knowing people that will do it for an added discount. If it doesn't work that's ok, I have another engine to build on the o correct my mistakes. I don't mind taking my time, as long as it ends up in a rock solid build that's super durable I'm happy.

 

What compression ratio for the na build?

 

I really don't know, I have no experience working on any Mazda motor.

 

Welcome, MiataN00b4days!