As mentioned here I've started down the dark path to a V8 in my 96 Miata. As luck would have it my boss's niece needs an engine for her 99.
First question is will the long block interchange without any mods. I'm all about killing two birds with one stone.
The second question is how much do I ask? The 96 has 67k miles on it, about half of those with a supercharger at 6psi. I know the history since new and its had synthetic nearly all its life. Inside looks like new and the timing belt was done at 50k. A junkyard quoted $1250 for a 106k 99 engine for reference.
Clay
Reader
8/13/10 8:41 a.m.
Miata engines definitely demand a premium. I picked up a 140k 96 engine off the classifieds here for $425 delivered (4 hour drive), but that was a great deal and higher miles than yours. The 99 engines definitely cost more. I've seen great deals on them in the $600 range. Not sure on the interchange of the 96 into the 99 though. I can't imagine it would be as simple as plug and play though.
Well, your 96 engine would be a downgrade for a 99.
Longblock would have to come with its intake manifold as the 99s head to IM is different.
If her motor isn't toast (ie: head survived a failure?)... a healthy bottom end would be the simplest route beyond a 99 longblock replacement.
There are a few other things, but I can't think of them at this moment.
<-- mainly a 1.6 guy.
Putting a 1996 engine (head, intake manifold and all) into a 1999 will cause a check engine light because the VICS system will be missing and the ECU will feel sad. I'd use the 96 short block and drop that 99 head on top of it. That's a quick changeover and it's a direct swap. You'll lose about a half point of compression though, the 96 is 9:1 and the 99 is 9.5:1.
The 99-00 engines are expensive because they're considered the best for a swap with the high-port head and no pesky VVT. They also had the shortest production run of any Miata motor and suffered a high infant mortality rate in 1999 due to some thrust bearing problems. So, lowest supply, highest demand. But it's the head (and corresponding intake manifold) that's the unique bit to that particular engine.
I'd peg a low mileage, known history 96 engine somewhere around the $800 range.
$1250 for a junkyard motor seems high to me. A brand new motor through the Mazdaspeed motorsports program isn't much more, IIRC.
Not sure direct from Mazda but a quick search shows $3299 for a rebuilt and $4791 for new - either 1.6 or 1.8L - from a Spec Miata parts house.
The price of Mazda Motorsports engines varies on year. I remember the 1.6 made a big jump a few years back. $1250 is on the high end but not unusual for a 1999 motor from a junkyard. Yes, you can find them cheaper (someone will probably chime in with a story about finding one for $200 plus free shipping) but that's a typical asking price.
FWIW, I just bought a 90k 1.6 engine (long block) and trans complete pullout for $700 (craigslist). You can buy 1.6 and 1.8 NA engines (long block) from JDM importers for somewhere between $450 and $650.
I never looked at the 99+ motors so can't comment on them.
Just for giggles what should I ask for my complete drivetrain? Thats the supercharged 1.8 (with all the parts I won't need for the V8-ECU, RRFPR, retard box, etc.), 5-speed, Torsen rear (with the driveshafts needed to swap to a 1.6 car), plus some odds and ends. All with only 68k miles, about half of that boosted. Would be great for the owner of a 1.6 or Locost builder and I like the idea of not spending months selling individual parts. $2500? $3500? Not exactly cheap but less than a good turbo kit for a 1.6 car. Plus Mine has a Protege V/C and some other goodies installed. And as of now its in the car and can be heard/driven.
Anyone? I already have a buyer for the Torsen, driveshaft, and axles but no idea what to ask!
I'd say you'd be justified in asking $3000-3500. That's a decent and complete drivetrain.
In reply to Keith:
It was $150, but the bottom end needs rebuilding,due to a spun bearing, and it was 15 hours away, but very close to my mother-in-laws, whom I was visiting. Head and intake going on a 1997.
