Don't these use an NC transmission? Maybe swap the bellhousing to the MZR/Duratec one. What about 2.3 Ford EcoBoost, they have the same pattern as an MZR don't they?
So sorry for your bad luck.
Edit: I guess the transmissions are different. Not a removable bellhousing :-(
https://www.redlineautoparts.com/blog/fiat-124-spider-to-nd-miata-compatibility-interchange-guide/
Yeah, I really feel bad for you. They should at least give you a loaner this time, right?
In reply to mblommel :
All you'd need to do is change the tailhousing, really.
In reply to Tom Suddard :
Car shortage. You can barely rent a car right now. They literally told me last time "We don't do loaners anymore".
Yep, the trans housing is a different casting. Not that it matters, I am done with this car for good. I've never been stranded on the side of the road by a car that I didn't weld another car too.
Pete. (l33t FS) said:Keith Tanner said:The ND Miata will throw a light at a certain temp - 240F, I think? Since this car shares the body control and gauges,
...there exists a smog legal LS swap solution?
I'm definitely not the LS ALL THE THINGS guy, but I'm seeing a Miata with problematic engines possibly available very cheap out of warranty.
Nobody's tried the swap in a Fiata but I suspect our ND kit will bolt right up. Emissions legality (for registration) varies by state.
I don't think a car thread has taken this sort of turn since the Unicorn.
maschinenbau :
I really need a reliable car.
You've still got the El Camino haven't you?!
Seriously though, sorry to hear about all the hassle with the Fiat - I'd be looking at getting rid of it too
Up until today, I would have gladly thrown $5k at a bolt-in K-swap for this car simply for peace of mind. Now I don't even want to look at this car. I literally spent all day detailing the paint, correcting imperfections, two stages of buffing, and wax. This is emotional.
In reply to maschinenbau :
The first time a woman cheats on you maybe you forgive her. The second, third, and so on yeah you part ways.
On page 6 I suggested that it might be easy to locate the previous owner through past purchases. Now, even more I think it could be good to get some previous history.
In reply to John Welsh :
Unless he wants to buy it from me I don't see what purpose that would serve.
You know, you'd be an internet hero if you Miata-swapped it....
It looks like there are two other fiat dealers near Atlanta. Just saying. It may not matter, it's a question if someone can find the real cause of issue with the the 1 hour of diagnostic time the manufacturer budgets for your car. I do know how this feels and then some.
Honestly, if they don't fix it this go round, just take matters into your own hands, it's not worth the stress. Worst case, you or an independent shop could swap in an engine from the wreckers.
In reply to maschinenbau :
Ugh. I'm really sorry to hear this. I completely understand wanting to get rid of it though. No matter how much fun the car may be, it's not worth the hassle and stress if the car is not doing the primary job of being a reliable daily. I wish you the best with the next car.
- Sean
Tom Suddard said:You know, you'd be an internet hero if you Miata-swapped it....
I'd be happy to pioneer the swap with a little magazine sponsorship 
The 2017s are just now getting out of warranty, so I expect the market in the next few years to start filling up with problematic pretty little Miatas that have the good transmission.
I can understand your frustration. We bought a 2017 Odyssey last year from a Hyundai dealership with 193k on it for $12k. It seemed to be in good condition, and I calculated it out and even with a major component needing replacement (engine, transmission) I figured we'd be even on it. After driving it for a few months, (but still within the used car warranty they have to provide by state law), the transmission wouldn't lockup in OD, so I took it back to the dealer, who farmed out a replacement transmission to a sketchy 3rd party shop. What was promised as a 60k transmission from a 2016 was actually a 100k transmission from a '14 (they never dreamed I would find the VIN tag on the transmission and run a CarFax on it).
Long story short, the second transmission was junk from the get-go and was slipping badly (which their dealership service manager confirmed), so after a prolonged fight, their sketchy 3rd party shop replaced it. Third one has been good so far, knock on something.
Thankfully, I had a much lower buy-in, and was anticipating something like this could happen. There's nothing worse than buying something newer with the expectation that it's going to be reliable and ending up with the mess you've been dealing with. I'm sorry to hear about it, and am hoping you can dump it without being out any money.
In reply to dj06482 (Forum Supporter) :
That's why I had to get out of the dealership system.... My line of thinking was, people buy a new car for the security of a warranty, it's unethical to deliberately ignore problems happening under warranty because someone said there's too much time being spent on warranty work.
And 17 hours later, AAA finally showed up. I will NOT be renewing with them.
You might find that your auto insurance company offers a towing reimbursement coverage.
In reply to John Welsh :
That, or look at some other providers - there are some smaller ones out there that are supposedly pretty good.
Just check if your insurance provider records a tow as a claim, I remember that there was an issue with that a few years back.
You need to dump this car ASAP after you get it back
In reply to docwyte :
....said the first owner, maybe?
Blowing out core plugs is bizarre. That seems to indicate either excessive water pump pressure or a casting failure allowing the block to flex. Or both.
Here's my theory. It happens after WOT pull. It's already had a water pump, which means it probably overheated. Did it warp the head? No one has ever pulled the head to check flatness. I'm wondering if combustion is leaking into the water jacket and over-pressurizing the coolant. It might explain the slow coolant loss I've had too.
"I'd be happy to pioneer the swap with a little magazine sponsorship " Is this a glimmer of hope for the 124 or where you just talking out loud?
You'll need to log in to post.
