Miata Mailing List: September 1993, Message #30
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   From: horma200@ccmail.iasl.ca.boeing.com
Subject: Tranny swap & Oil filters
   Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 18:24:59 -0400


Tom Capek writes:

> Be ready to plunk down big bucks for swapping out the cams and the
> whole electronic engine module.  Auto transmission cams are designed
> for a lower rpm peak torque point.  This is to compensate for the
> manual transmission's much lower first gear ratio and resultant higher
> torque multiplication.
>
> Also, since the engine EPROM can not be removed separately, this
> module will have to be replaced along with some new engine wiring
> harnesses.
> You'll need to be able to wire in the clutch starter lockout switch.

I think the person contemplating such a change needs to decide what they
really want.  If they want a car EXACTLY like the manual transmission
version produced by the factory, all those things need to be done and
the project would probably not be cost-effective.  If all they want is
to be able to shift manually, and a cost-effective source can be found
for the tranny, clutch, etc., then I would say forget about the cams
and EPROM chip.  There might be a few horses missing, but a lower torque
peak might also mean less shifting in city traffic.

The clutch starter lockout switch is on my list of things to REMOVE.
Its a pain in the b*tt to have to step on the clutch to start the car
when working on the car or after an oil change when I still have dirty
clothes on, etc.  The Miata was my first Japanese car and my first
encounter with such a switch.  I hope the Europeans never discover it.

Jeff Maurer writes:

> You've led a sheltered life!  The Miata filter is a piece of cake
> compared with just about every car I've worked on except the Subaru
> Legacy. Try a Fiat 128 or a Honda CRX/Civic Si - lordy, what were they
> thinking???

As a former FIAT 128 owner, I have to respond to this.  Its oil filter
is by far the easiest and least messy to change I have ever seen.  Just
remove the splash guard on the right side, lie down in front of the car,
reach up and unscrew the filter with a strap-type wrench.  You don't
even have to jack up the car.  No oil running onto the frame, like the
Miata.  No oil running up my sleeve, like our other car.  Our Miata's
garage-mate, a SAAB 9000, is my nomination for worst oil filter
location.  Its on the firewall side of the engine up under the intake
manifold.  I can only reach it with the front end on jack stands and me
lying underneath the passenger compartment.  I've never gotten it off
without oil spilling on the floor and running down my arm.

                            Milton Horst
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