Tech Day: It's finally time for that '99 head swap

NOTE: Change of plans - see my most recent post...

Well, I guess it's finally time to go ahead and just schedule this damn thing! What weekend would work best for you folks? I'm guessing (hoping, really) that this will be like a TB/WP job, plus some overtime to take care of any other funny business and make sure the thing runs. I guess we'll just see what happens...

I probably need to go ahead and do the TB/WP again while we're in there. Since I was planning this as a head swap, I think I've got most of the parts necessary for the TB job. Other than the TB, WP, and WP gasket, what else do I need to track down? Should I pick up a front crank seal in case mine is trash?

Of course, those that show up will be generously fed and watered.

Here's a map for those that haven't yet been over here...

PS - I'd love to have someone here who's done a TB/WP job before... :)

Are you going to do the JR header at the same time?

I think I'm going to do it when I do the clutch. I want to dyno the car after the head swap and see exactly what it adds.

Just curious, are swapping the intake manifold too?

Sort of... I decided not mess with the '99 intake and the VICS, so had a spare '94 intake modified to fit on the '99 head. The ports are the exact same size.

If you want I have an MSD rpm solenoid for controlling the VICS. I never got around to installing the '99 head/intake on my '97, but I still have the rpm switch 6 years later.

LOL... yeah I still have an MSD switch somewhere too (with BR's name on it). I'm going to roll with my modded '94 intake since that should be easier to install.

No prob, what part of Garland are you located at? I'll gladly come and make a pathetic attempt at helping =)

I'm right off of Kingsley, just east of Saturn.

Here's a map to make things easier.

If it's on a Sunday I'm all game to give you a hand

Thanks to Ricks great directions, I now know where to send the strippers.

So long as it isn't anytime this month, I'm in. Will be nice to finally have this mod complete!!

Rick,

While you're in there, you'll need the following.

Head Gasket (Get the Mazda one. We've had issues with after-market ones.)
Copper Head Gasket Paint
Manual with Torque Specs


I'd consider replacing the following as needed.

Cam and Crank Seals
Water Pump
Timing Belt
Idler/Tensioner Pulleys
CAS O-Ring
Valve Cover Gasket
Water neck O-Ring
Coolant Hoses (a 99-05 lower radiator hose can be used to replace both lower hoses on your 90-97)

I'm assuming the head you have has been checked for flatness?

Depending on the w/e, I'll try to be there.

Looks like 6/12 by an overwhelming margin so far!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MiataMike

Thanks to Ricks great directions, I now know where to send the strippers.

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I'll be sure to have the pole up by then... ;)

Has anyone on our forum done this mod? And how were the hp results?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black roadster

While you're in there, you'll need the following.

Head Gasket (Get the Mazda one. We've had issues with after-market ones.)
Copper Head Gasket Paint
Manual with Torque Specs


I'd consider replacing the following as needed.

Cam and Crank Seals
Water Pump
Timing Belt
Idler/Tensioner Pulleys
CAS O-Ring
Valve Cover Gasket
Water neck O-Ring
Coolant Hoses (a 99-05 lower radiator hose can be used to replace both lower hoses on your 90-97)

I'm assuming the head you have has been checked for flatness?

Depending on the w/e, I'll try to be there.

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I just ordered everything on the list above for the TB/WP service, plus belts & hoses (including the NB lower hose).

The head has been gone through and checked for flatness/cracks - it's ready to go.

I've already got all the misc. gaskets I need for the head swap - all Genuine Mazda.

Thanks for the heads-up!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by motorollow

Has anyone on our forum done this mod? And how were the hp results?

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I think I'll be the first here. I haven't seen any concrete HP numbers anywhere, but I'll be sure to document any gains.

I'm in. I probably owe you some help after the diff swaps.

I can get you before/after numbers on a boosted 95 Miata with a 99 head and intake manifold. Not NA though, sorry.

Oh, and before/after numbers on a boosted Miata with the head swap and gutted 99 intake manifold. Again, no NA though.