School me on finding an engine

Kinja'd!!! by "Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
Published 06/09/2017 at 23:20

Tags: $950MiataProject
STARS: 0

The more I’ve been poking at the Miata, the more I’m thinking Ecotec swap. The BP6 can safely handle 200hp but let’s be real - it’s got 200k and will probably not live long like that. A turbo kit is also not cheap. So that has me thinking LE5 Ecotec swap sooner than later.

However, my online searches have turned up mostly beat up motors. Rust-belt, broken, cut wiring, horrible looking lumps. When I decide to pull the rip cord on the BP6, what is my best process for finding a good under 100k mile engine?

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Replies (6)

Kinja'd!!! "hellriaser" (hellriaser)
06/09/2017 at 23:28, STARS: 1

I’m not sure about ecotechs but Jdm importers usually have a nice selection of low mileage engines. A k series is a great Miata mill, especially in the custom k20 / k24 “frank” flavor. 300 n/a hp at 9k ain’t no joke

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
06/09/2017 at 23:34, STARS: 0

The Car Guys always said go to a junkyard (or automotive recycling facility, same fucking thing) and see if you can find a wrecked car with the engine you want, intact. You can also surf around and see if anyone is parting a car out. If you yank the motor, it just might be cheaper.

Kinja'd!!! "Frank Grimes" (FrankGrimes)
06/10/2017 at 00:09, STARS: 1

try LKQ they have yards all over. I think they warranty them.

Kinja'd!!! "LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
06/10/2017 at 01:47, STARS: 1

Why? Turbocharging a Miata is pretty cheap if you’re willing to do the research and footwork yourself. Certainly cheaper than a motor swap. I understand big brands like flyin Miata are expensive, but it’s a turnkey sort of deal there.

Kinja'd!!! "just-a-scratch" (just-a-scratch)
06/10/2017 at 01:58, STARS: 0

Sure you got some miles on that motor but you could go for a rebuild and better bottom end parts. Forged rods, new bearings, new rings and freshly honed cylinders can take a lot of abuse. Then go after some turbo goodies. It might be cost effective if you don’t go too crazy.

Kinja'd!!! "Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
06/10/2017 at 03:30, STARS: 0

Haha, I tend to go crazy. Before long I’d have a $5k B6.