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

[trickyrix]

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... :)

[motorollow]

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

[trickyrix]

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.

[BigDmiata]

Just curious, are swapping the intake manifold too?

[trickyrix]

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.

[BigDmiata]

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.

[trickyrix]

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.

[BigDmiata]

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

[trickyrix]

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

Here's a map to make things easier.

[NC Eunos]

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

[MiataMike]

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

[juxt3r]

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

[black roadster]

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.

[cam76034]

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

[trickyrix]

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

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

[motorollow]

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

[trickyrix]

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.

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!

[trickyrix]

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

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.

[farphle]

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

[Rob®]

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.