A few NA 1.6 Miata questions

I'm looking into picking up a clean, 1990 Miata with only 70k miles on the clock. It seems to be a "B" package car because of the power windows/cruise control.

I'm not too worried about the short nose crank, as it seems to fail on cars that have had the front seal replaced and the pulley put back on incorrectly.

What can I look for to make sure the crank is as it should be?

Anything else you would be concerned with, with so few miles?

Was the VLSD even an option in '90?

I was really looking for a 94-97, but it so clean and low miles, I figure it's better to just get one and start HPDE's than continuing to wait.

Also, said the only thing that isn't perfect on the car is the E-brake isn't working.

What would be the most likely issue there? Just needs adjustment?

The car's due for a timing belt, so use that as an opportunity to check out the crank nose. Replace that front seal. The vast majority of short nose cars do not have problems. In my opinion, the problems come from incorrect torque settings.

VLSD was a standalone option in 1990, you can ID them by looking at the flanges on the stub shafts. If they're the same on both sides, it's open.

The parking brake may just need adjustment, it also may be a siezed arm on the rear caliper.

In reply to z31maniac:

The parking brake most likely needs adjusting. See http://www.miata.net/garage/brakepad.html for the procedure. For the crank, see http://www.miata.net/garage/garageengine.html . Miata.net is a wealth of info.

I "settled" for a 1.6/Open car and it soured Miata's for me. I've driven a few 1.8/Torsen's since then and I can tell you the engine's improvements, better brakes, and nicer interior are well worth waiting for. I honestly don't see any reason to buy a 1.6 Miata unless it's nearly free or you're swapping something else into it.

I know it's not the popular opinion here, but I drank the kool-aid and it gave me diarrhea, so now I'm cautious.

Javelin wrote: I "settled" for a 1.6/Open car and it soured Miata's for me. I've driven a few 1.8/Torsen's since then and I can tell you the engine's improvements, better brakes, and nicer interior are *well* worth waiting for. I honestly don't see any reason to buy a 1.6 Miata unless it's nearly free or you're swapping something else into it. I know it's not the popular opinion here, but I drank the kool-aid and it gave me diarrhea, so now I'm cautious.

Excellent that's what I wanted to hear.

I'll keep searching.

Huh, I prefer the 1.6 interior over the NA 1.8 myself. And the bigger brakes only really come in to play if you're able to overheat the 1.6 ones - I've found that a well-cared-for 1.6 usually has a super-firm pedal that feels like a rock. I've never been able to replicate it on a later car, and I can't explain it unless there were some undocumented changes to the brake system in 1992 or so.

But yeah, you need to work the engine a lot harder and that open rear can be a hassle at times.

My original 1990 followed me home after the Targa. So now we have two 1990 Miatas in the household. Go figure.

To be fair, my 1.6 did have the ultra-rare for those years ABS option. The brakes were nice, but the 1.8's were nicer.

I don't care about the interior, this will be a weekend/HPDE car. Most of the time at Hallett, since its close with multiple cheap track days.

My initial though was a 1.6, suspension/wheels/tires/pads/roll bar, learn how to drive, later on worry about more power. Since the 1.6s tend to be a bit lighter.

Part of that is the 1.6 tends to be at least $1k cheaper in these parts

z31maniac wrote:

Javelin wrote: I "settled" for a 1.6/Open car and it soured Miata's for me. I've driven a few 1.8/Torsen's since then and I can tell you the engine's improvements, better brakes, and nicer interior are *well* worth waiting for. I honestly don't see any reason to buy a 1.6 Miata unless it's nearly free or you're swapping something else into it. I know it's not the popular opinion here, but I drank the kool-aid and it gave me diarrhea, so now I'm cautious.

Excellent that's what I wanted to hear. I'll keep searching.

I think you found the one guy who hates 1.6 Miatas... I have two 1.6 cars, I love them. Do I prefer them to a 1.8 car? I dunno. I like them both. But, then again, I dint have a preference with mayo/miracle whip, Tabasco/franks, or AT&T/Verizon.

Joey

joey48442 wrote: But, then again, I dint have a preference with mayo/miracle whip

I think your mouth might be broken

I loved my 1.6L limited slip car. The best chassis I've EVER driven.

Hey Doc these drive well

I replaced the timing belt on my 1990 myself twice without any issue. Since the one you're considering is only at 70k miles, it's probably never been touched unless the water pump or belt tensioner died. Just put things back right and use an accurate torque wrench.

The early cars have a more tossable feel IMO. I'm driving a MazdaSpeed now and it is more stable/grippy in a corner but doesn't feel as alive. A few hundred pounds makes a difference. OTOH, the power difference makes the MazdaSpeed so much more fun that I've learned to live with it.

Anything is going to feel slow to 3 of my last 4 cars.

2010 Speed 3, 2006 350Z, 91 318is modded with chip/exhaust/coilovers, 88 325 with OBD-I S52 with coilovers, BBK......

If you're planning on building it up later, the $1k you save now will be eaten up by the cost of a Torsen swap But you may decide you don't really need it for use on a track, which tends to be a little more forgiving of open diffs on low power cars than autocross is. In which case you've got an extra $1k to throw into the suspension right now, which will DEFINITELY make a big difference at Hallett.

ABS cars never get the same pedal feel as non-ABS cars do. I think it's all the extra plumbing.

i had a 1.6, driven a few 1.8's.

i am getting the itch to get back into a miata, and want another 1.6.

both are good though, buy it if you like it. I do think you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didnt at least try out a 1.8 before you commit to buy a 1.6.

aussiesmg wrote: Hey Doc these drive well

don't MAKE me come over there!!

BTW, I just threw up in my mouth a little

I read it somewhere (here I bet), talking about the three gens of miata someone said the first gen is the best miata, but the third gen is the best car. Meaning each generation is a bit roomier than the previous one, but less "tossable" and lively.

Javelin wrote: I "settled" for a 1.6/Open car and it soured Miata's for me. I've driven a few 1.8/Torsen's since then and I can tell you the engine's improvements, better brakes, and nicer interior are *well* worth waiting for. I honestly don't see any reason to buy a 1.6 Miata unless it's nearly free or you're swapping something else into it. I know it's not the popular opinion here, but I drank the kool-aid and it gave me diarrhea, so now I'm cautious.

I agree with you. I tried out a '90 Miata in good shape and didn't come away impressed.

+1 for 1.6 Miata haters club.

I like my 1.6, but it is the only Miata I've ever driven. I think the brake pedal has great feeling and is solid like a rock. (Only street driving for me.)

My summer DD is a 90 1.6, my track/autox car is a 95 1.8 The 1.6 feels lighter, works harder on the highway, but is a good summer ride. The 1.8 is much better for beating. Feels more solid with the added bracing, great brakes, a little more punch from the motor. Find a 1.8 if you can.

I really like my former 1.6 with a 1.8 and Torsen

Build what you want. Enjoy what you have.

I love my 1.6. It has no ABS and the brake pedal is very solid. It also has an open diff which isn't that great but not too bad, it has been making noise since I got it but is still going strong after much rallycrossing.

That said, I am sure I will like it even more after I swap in the MSM engine and a Torsen.