Miata Mailing List: October 1994, Message #139
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   From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: Miata Stuff
   Date: Sun, 9 Oct 1994 22:55:31 -0400

RE: 1.6/1.8 engine differences:  I'm a little late in reading the Summer '94
issue of the Miata Mag., but I just ran across the answer on P. 25, the Tip
Sheet column, under the heading "Check That Motor".  The bottom line is:
 
"It is not practical to adapt the 1.8 liter engine to the earlier chassis.
In addition to motor mounts, injection systems, exhaust systems and the
like, you'll have to change a very expensive engine wiring harness and
engine control unit.  If you really want more power, use a turbo or
supercharger system - it'll be a lot cheaper in the long run."
 
I gather from that, that the two engines have fundamentally different blocks
and other characteristics.  Sounds like if one is going to go to an engine
swap, one might as well go the Monster Miata route.
 
PS:  Serendipity Strikes:  The next article under the "Check That Motor"
quoted from above, is about the OEM radio on/off switch failures - which I
just encountered (intermittently) today on our '90A, with nearly 90,000
miles on it.  From the appearance of the station select buttons, it got a
lot of use from the previous owner, so I can believe the switch needs
replacing.  OTOH, it may be better in the long run to replace the whole
unit.  I'm happy enough with the original radio.  Anyone have one sitting
around after upgrading their sound system?  If not, I'll check out the
switch replacement per the article in Miata Mag.
 
                                               --Jack M. & Kansei--