I have a 1999 car with an oil consumption problem. Its showing all the symptoms of worn oil scraper rings (good compression yet gives blue smoke when pushed, high oil consumption etc).
Is it the same block on the MK1 engine ie. could I get an earlier unit and just swap the head/ancillaries over. Similarly, could a later VVC engine (2002 onwards) be used, again with a cylinder head swap?
The reason I’m asking, the breakers I’ve spoken to indicated that this problem I’ve got is relatively common on the early Mk2 cars.(They get asked for the engines often, compared with never for the later units) Which makes a secondhand one of these engines might not be a great idea. Hence my wondering if earlier/later units can be made to fit. After all its only the block I actually need.
if your mk2 1.8 engine is an oil burner and your head is good.
get a 2001 vvt block or a mk1 1.8 block and transfer your mk2 head
the 2001vvt block would be your best bet as they have a little higher compression so you will get more power.
you need to retain your alternator as its regulated by your mk2 ecu, also if you have a 6 speed gearbox , retain the plate between the engine and gearbox otherwise you will have bother fitting the starter moot
the breaker you were speaking to seems to know his mx5 engines as his advice seems spot on
If you continue to use the original ECU with ignition timing mapped for the lower compression block is there not a danger that severe pinking or even detonation could ensue?
Thanks very much for the reply. I’m sure the heads good, as I say its got all the signs of knackered scraper rings. Its quite a shock really, considering the “bullet proof” mazda engine reputation! Over donkeys years of running “classic cars”, I’ve only come across worn rings once before, on a really tired Triumph Spitfire.
I like the idea of a vvt block, simply because more chance of getting a good one. Does it have to be 2001, ie is post 2001 different? Oh and what about the head gasket, if the blocks are compatible then you’d think the Mk1 gasket which mx5parts.co.uk sell, should do?
As for pinking, from what I can make out those engines ignition timing isn’t overly advanced anyway, so a slight hike in CR might not cause a problem. It would have to be a fair bit different, for the ECU mapping to need alteration. Anyway could always add some octane booster, or run the car on super unleaded.