Capri to Miata?

I've got a relatively low-mile Capri engine I got very cheap that I'm looking to do a cheap refresh and install soon in my Miata.

I'm gathering misc parts for the refresh...gaskets, timing belt, waterpump...things like that. I also have a set of stock Miata cams and an intake/TB w/ injectors I got cheap off of ebay. I've got my eye out for a CAS too.

I haven't opened the engine up yet and I can't remember if it was a turbo engine or not.

Does anybody have a list of parts that need to be transferred from the old engine to the new one? Any tips or things to look for?

I'm in no real hurry for the transplant but I am using oil and I can't see where it is going. No smoke and only very small (5-6 drops) oil spots.

Wow, I knew the Capri was a Mazda 323 based vehicle but is it really that simple to put the FWD version into a Miata?

Yeah, it's the same basic engine. Heck, the 1.8 version got used in a Kia.

You need to change the oil pan and intake/exhaust manifolds. For a bolt-in application, you'd also want the coolant system fittings from the Miata such as the thermostat housing, coolant outlet on the back of the head and the water pump inlet - but if you're going to try to make higher power levels, consider keeping the "reverse flow" setup on the FWD engine. The Miata cam angle sensor will plug into the back of the Capri head, and you'll need to plug the dipstick hole in the oil pump.

I think that's about it. Shouldn't be hard to figure out, get both engines side by side and the differences will become apparent.

sounds like a nice way to get a turbo miata

mad_machine wrote: sounds like a nice way to get a turbo miata

Not really - like Keith said, the manifold doesn't fit.

Thank you Keith.