I found a complete 04 Mazdaspeed Miata engine for sale (engine, turbo, intercooler, wiring, and ecu) for a good price. I am thinking about swapping it into my 90 Miata. Is there anything different from the normal 1.6 to 1.8 swap that I would have to look out for?
I think if you are willing to swap the whole wiring harness, it should work.You may have to do some splicing. The common way of doing a 1.6 to 1.8 swap involves using the 1.6 harness and computer to run the 1.8 which is a lot easier.
That sounds AWESOME. It'll be FASTER than an MSM, because a 1990 is a lot lighter than a 2004. 
I agree, you'll need to swap the harness to run the MSM computer, since the 1.6 doesn't know how to handle the boost. Hmm, so, putting an OBD-II computer into an OBD-I car. I'm sure it can be worked around, but it could be a little bit of a pain. Or just Megasquirt it and forget the ECU. 
White_and_Nerdy wrote: just Megasquirt it and forget the ECU.
This!
Don't use the MSM wiring or ECU. It's not really very good, and you'll run into hassles with the immobilizer.
Instead, treat it like an aftermarket turbo. Use a Voodoo Box, for example, or a good aftermarket ECU. Do your homework before going Megasquirt over some of the other options. The MSM turbo is only good for around 200-220 rwhp, so that's a good match to the Voodoo Box.
You'll find that the intercooler piping won't fit and you'll need the complete MSM exhaust system or a custom downpipe.
I might be able to get you the exhaust system from my car.
Keith wrote: Don't use the MSM wiring or ECU. It's not really very good, and you'll run into hassles with the immobilizer. Instead, treat it like an aftermarket turbo. Use a Voodoo Box, for example, or a good aftermarket ECU. Do your homework before going Megasquirt over some of the other options. The MSM turbo is only good for around 200-220 rwhp, so that's a good match to the Voodoo Box. You'll find that the intercooler piping won't fit and you'll need the complete MSM exhaust system or a custom downpipe.
So I would leave the wiring already in the car and use an ECU or Voodoo Box designed for a 90-93 Miata with an aftermarket turbo? I am only looking for around 200rwhp for now.
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: I might be able to get you the exhaust system from my car.
I may be interested. I let you know if go through with this.
EvanB wrote:Keith wrote: Don't use the MSM wiring or ECU. It's not really very good, and you'll run into hassles with the immobilizer. Instead, treat it like an aftermarket turbo. Use a Voodoo Box, for example, or a good aftermarket ECU. Do your homework before going Megasquirt over some of the other options. The MSM turbo is only good for around 200-220 rwhp, so that's a good match to the Voodoo Box. You'll find that the intercooler piping won't fit and you'll need the complete MSM exhaust system or a custom downpipe.So I would leave the wiring already in the car and use an ECU or Voodoo Box designed for a 90-93 Miata with an aftermarket turbo? I am only looking for around 200rwhp for now.
Exactly. You're just doing a 1.8 swap and a turbo install.
Keith wrote: You're just doing a 1.8 swap and a turbo install.
Keith has spoken. So let it be written. So let it be done. 
cghstang wrote:Keith wrote: You're just doing a 1.8 swap and a turbo install.Keith has spoken. So let it be written. So let it be done.
Is this from the House of Cone? Sorry I could not resist.
But I concur re MS do your home work if you are thinking of this option it will give you allot more flexibility down the road but the up front work is huge compared to a P&P option or piggyback system.
I foresee someone challenging Pete for RWD M2 supremacy...
PNP Megasquirts are available, but i'm unsure if the engine harness could stay the same between the 1.6 and the MSM motor.
eastsidemav wrote: I foresee someone challenging Pete for RWD M2 supremacy...
I'm gonna have to learn how to drive well before I can do that...
So between a Mazdaspeed engine and the Mazdaspeed suspension setup I have ready to go on the car can I call it a '90 Mazdaspeed Miata? 
There's already a "95 MSM" out there.
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: PNP Megasquirts are available, but i'm unsure if the engine harness could stay the same between the 1.6 and the MSM motor.
You'd just need the NA cam angle sensor and NA 1.8 alternator.
MadScientistMatt wrote:92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: PNP Megasquirts are available, but i'm unsure if the engine harness could stay the same between the 1.6 and the MSM motor.You'd just need the NA cam angle sensor and NA 1.8 alternator.
Ah ok.
You'd want the NA alternator anyways. The NB setup is a nightmare in my opinion.
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: There's already a "95 MSM" out there.
I already have a 92R package...
Joey
All loaded up and heading home.
News so nice, it's okay to post twice!
haha my phone did that for some reason.
It also came with a full stock exhaust.
A few questions since I have been researching in preparation for the swap.
The FlyinMiata site says their 1.6 coil bracket only works on 1.8 engines up to 99. Would I have to modify the bracket to fit it on the MSM engine or should I use the MSM coils?
Should I use the 1.6 throttle body with the adapter or use the MSM TB? What is the reason for putting the 1.6 TB on the 1.8?
I am going with Megasquirt for cost reasons. It would be nice to have a Hydra but it costs more than I paid for the entire engine setup. I haven't decided yet if I want to use the MSPNP or DIYPNP.
I would use the MSM coils if you have them. Seems to be a nice ignition setup.
I don't know about throttle body, but i THINK the MSM unit is bigger. I'd use it if you could.
Use a 94-97 alternator.
One more question.
There is a hose coming out of the oil pan on the right (intake) side of the engine. I have no idea what it connects too. You can kind of see it in this picture (circled area). I can get a better picture tomorrow if it is too hard to see.
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