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NB engine in NA
Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:14 pm
by green_comet
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to know if it is possible to use a 2000 NB engine in my NA8. A friend of mine is selling his engine, and im very interested in using it in my car. Is it possible to use the standard NA8 ECU, and loom?
Im looking at modifying it over time, then installing it.
Cheers
Ryan
Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:51 pm
by green_comet
Is VICS the same as toyota TVIS? Basically just butterflies in the intake manifold that open at a certain amount of vacum, or rpm?
If i can get a kit from Jaycar, then i think ill go for it..
Is there much involved in keeping the Crank Angle Sensor?
The engine needs to have its big end bearings changed, is that a tough job. I mean i was going to rebuild the engine anyway.
Thanks Steve
Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:40 pm
by green_comet
Excellent..
i found quite alot of info on this page..
http://members.aol.com/solomiata/MX5Engine.htmlI also ordered a copy of Mazda Miata MX-5 Performance Projects by Keith Tanner, it has a full guide on the head swap..
Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:59 pm
by deez
Quick newbie questions...
I'm contemplating a 1.8 upgrade into my NA6. Will I need to change anything else such as gearbox, clutch, etc?
What year make of a 1.8 will fit into the NA6? (up to and including)
I got a quote today for a 1.8 transplant (incl labour) for $2200. It would be a motor that's had 30-40 thou k's on it. What do you guys think?
Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:35 pm
by sabretooth
If you want to 1.8 your 1.6, you'll want to see this page:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?dept=67
Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:26 am
by deez
Great article. Thanks Sabretooth!

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:58 pm
by zoomzoom
personally I wouldn't bother with the 1.8 conversion Deez, all you have to gain is about 11kW and alot of money to lose. Plus if you are into and CAMS events at all such as sprints it would be putting you up in the up to 2.0L category for very little cain. If you reallu wanted the 1.8 you could probably sell your car and buy a 94- which already has bigger diff and brakes and more bracing, or as an alternative put the $2200ish you are looking at paying a mechanic into setting yourself up with some snail power.
Tim
Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:06 pm
by muzza2
put he $2200 into a turbo build and gain minimum 30% more hp
or for 1k more get a supercharger and gain a guarenteed 40% more hp
much better then the nb swap IMO
Re:
Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:43 pm
by Sean
muzza2 wrote:put he $2200 into a turbo build and gain minimum 30% more hp
or for 1k more get a supercharger and gain a guarenteed 40% more hp
much better then the nb swap IMO
where are these 2200 turbo builds?
Even a basic greddy kit is more thanb that, add in the cost of fitment (cause you are including that with the new engine) and it quickly adds up...
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:07 am
by Okibi
The NB 1.8 has controls the alternator differently AFAIK but you could swap them over.
You can adapt a shift light to control the intake.
Re:
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:44 am
by zoomzoom
Sean wrote:muzza2 wrote:put he $2200 into a turbo build and gain minimum 30% more hp
or for 1k more get a supercharger and gain a guarenteed 40% more hp
much better then the nb swap IMO
where are these 2200 turbo builds?
Even a basic greddy kit is more thanb that, add in the cost of fitment (cause you are including that with the new engine) and it quickly adds up...
DIY ofcourse
The $2200 may not get you all the way there depending on how much you do yourself, but it will sure get you close.
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:11 pm
by Matty
Doing the head swap is the way to go. That way you keep the original engine number in the car, no problems with needing engineering approval. (Though yes, technically it's an emissions-compliance-failing modification)
The Tanner book and miataforum support should get you through it.
Re:
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:42 pm
by Okibi
Matty wrote:...The Tanner book and miataforum support should get you through it.
Buff Tanner?
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:02 pm
by sabretooth
Re:
Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 11:22 am
by Boags
zoomzoom wrote:Sean wrote:muzza2 wrote:put he $2200 into a turbo build and gain minimum 30% more hp
or for 1k more get a supercharger and gain a guarenteed 40% more hp
much better then the nb swap IMO
where are these 2200 turbo builds?
Even a basic greddy kit is more thanb that, add in the cost of fitment (cause you are including that with the new engine) and it quickly adds up...
DIY ofcourse
The $2200 may not get you all the way there depending on how much you do yourself, but it will sure get you close.
Less than $2200 *CAN* get you a turbo set-up.

It'll work really well too, that is, until your clutch starts slipping, your diff explodes, your brakes start melting and you have to put decent tyres on so that you can ACTUALLY remain attached to the road...
After spending so little on the snail, I'm not looking forward to spending almost the same amount on a diff upgrade.

She's on her way out though.
Boags