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1.6 to 1.8 Conversion Questions

5K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  mx5parling 
#1 ·
Since this is a decent topic that does come up from time to time. I think maybe a thread with everything in it will be a good idea so that way we can learn more before it happens on here. Useful tips and what not to help others along the way if you will.

I have a few questions myself....

I need to torque down the flywheel, and pressure plates and need to know the specs, can anyone help me out and tell me by chance? I don't have a manual and no money to help purchase one.

2nd, the thermostat housing on a 1.6, has a sensor in both the back and the front of the motor and which case the 1.8 only in the back. I took the sensor from the 1.6 in the back and put in the back of the 1.8 so the clips matched up. What do I do about the front one in the motor?

Any special ways to get the header off besides manning up? :dunno:

There is a single wire in the back of the 1.6 that is connected to the injector wire and thermostat? wire. Single and goes into the housing in the back of the motor. If thats a ground I can deal with it once its together.

I think I needed to ask a few others just cant remember right now.

I can get pictures also if any are needed. I know there is a search feature but why search around when all the information can accumulate into one spot.
 
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#2 ·
We have done a 1.8 swap..and the trick is this..

BUY THE FLYING MIATA KIT AND USE THEIR INSTRUCTIONS!!

you have to use ALL the 1.6 sensors and wiring on the 1.8...including the 1.6 thermostat housing. Then you need to use the 1.6 coil pack..and fab a mounting bracket to fit the 1.8 valve cover..there are several wires that need to be extended to reach...mainly because the 1.8 has the CAS on the other side...the accelerator cable mount bracket is different...EGR blockoff..coil pack bracket and motor mounts are included in the FM kit...best $200 you will spend...

Actually, my son did most of the work...his first major project..

2 years later and all is well...
 
#5 ·
Someone is selling a 1.8 in my area for a decent price with only 80,000 miles on it, and I have a 90 with a SNC and a couple issues, so I'm definitely looking into this as an option.

3MiataFamily, how long did it take to do the swap? I've heard it's less than a weekend project, is that how you found it to be? From what I've read it seems very straight forward. Keep some things from the 1.6, keep some from the 1.8, not much extra needing to be purchased. Is that the case?
 
#7 ·
Depends on your skill level..can be completed in a weekend if you have EVERYTHING you need...including a 1.8 CAT..the 1.8 downpipe or header..the Flying Miata kit is your best friend...and the instructions are very complete...read them thru and follow them to the letter and you will be fine.

Our swap was completed over a month time period...waiting for the motor to be delivered..getting the CAT..installing the motor..clutch master..figuring out an injector problem..little things that my son and I were learning about as things went along...

Feel free to drop me a PM if you run into problems..
 
#9 ·
You don't need a 1.8 cat or downpipe. All you need is the 1.8 headers and you have to get an o2 sensor bung welded in. Then use your 1.6 downpipe and cat.

Wow this is an old thread lol
 
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