Estimated cost to fit NA8 to 1989 NA6

[ako]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to purchase an NA MX5 in the next few weeks. I can find lots of 1989 - 1991 models available, most with 200K+ km's and with the known SNC problem. My preference is a '94 NA8 but can't seem to find a good one.

My question is;
If I buy a 1989 NA6, how much will is cost to 1) buy an NA8, 2) Have it rebuilt (as standard), 3) Fit it to the NA6 (with any upgraded components as required)?

I would love to hear any war stories from those who have done this

[StanTheMan]

just buy the 1.8
rebuilding a motor you can spend $4K very easily

so 6-7K for the NA 6
NA8 motor $650
rebuild to factory specs $4K another option would be a newer BP engine and/or transplant the SE engine & drive line.
clutch
headers
ecu
installation $1K-2K
Rear NA6 diff upgrade $650- $1900.

all in all you will gain 5-10 RWkw....My Almost stock NA6 has the same output as some of the lower NA8's but you will always have more torque in a 1.8. Even if you have it rebuilt according to factory specs......doesn't garrantee more HP.

If you are going to buy a NA6 leave it as is & mod it.......with 2.5 k you can get up to 90RWkw.....


or just buy Zanes 94 Clubman viewtopic.php?f=73&t=34177&start=0....

I haven't actually done it....but I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT IT LOST OF TIMES

this is of course looking at it in an economical way.If you don't mind throwing money at it because you can & want to......
by all means

$5K-6K on top of purchase price

[Mr Morlock]

If you want to do something based on best economics then buying a good car at market price is the best choice. Buying a car that needs work requires a well below market price and an ability or facilities to do the work yourself. You will pay up to $100 per hour for someone to do work for you. Like car resto's few people ever see the $ spend back.

[Jeo]

Speaking as an owner of an NA8 engined NA6, don't bother. Just buy the NA8 in the first place, it will save you so much time, effort and money that it isn't funny.

If you had already bought the car i would still say keep the 1.6 unless it needed replacing anyway, and even then it wouldn't be a cut and dry decision.

[ako]

Thanks guys for the advice. I thought the cost would outweigh the benefits.

I'll check with Zane but it looked like he sold it in his last post.

[StanTheMan]

NA8 will always have more power if you go FI. its probably the batter way to go.

but comparing standard NA6-NA8 there is not a real lot of difference in it. Nice NA8's are as rare as hens teeth now and usully big $
Its easier to mod an NA6 because you have all the NA8 parts that fit.

In my opinion the NA8 is worth having because you have all those bits that you will most likeley want to have as an NA6 owner.

[timk]

Diff, brakes, bracing, R134A air con.

Need I say more?

[corners]

Diff, brakes, bracing, R134A air con.

Need I say more?

I was going to go there but didnt....