LocostBuilders - powered by XMB

Proving an Eunos Roadster engine age?

Murdoc - 2/6/08 at 08:59 AM

Hi,

I'm looking to put an import eunos roadster engine into a kit. It's exactly the same engine in an MX5, being the same car, but how can I prove the age?

I can get a pre 31st july '92 to avoid the cat test but this limits the engine choice to a 1.6.

Thanks

Alex (Murdoc is just my screen name)

indykid - 2/6/08 at 09:05 AM

cat test applies to engines built after august 95.

does that change anything?

even the 1.6 will be quick
tom

Murdoc - 2/6/08 at 09:08 AM

quote:
Originally posted by indykid
cat test applies to engines built after august 95.

does that change anything?

even the 1.6 will be quick
tom

For an import I believe? How can I prove the engine age/ do I need to. As I understand it on ford engines there is a book which you can use to tell the engine date? Is there anything similar for mazda?

indykid - 2/6/08 at 10:06 AM

it's my understanding that for sva of an amateur build, it only needs to meet cat emissions if the engine was produced after the 1st of august 1995, irrespective of where the engine came from, hence you needing to prove the engine age, not its origin.

get an engine number and try a mazda dealer. most sva inspectors want it on letterheaded paper from a dealer or ford, mazda, whatever head office

tom

Murdoc - 2/6/08 at 10:21 AM

Thanks, I realised reading another thread the august '95 date is for cars not in the MOT'ers book, so kits and imports.

Do you think the sva inspectors would be happy with a letter from an MX5 specialist?

Thanks

chockymonster - 2/6/08 at 11:43 AM

I wouldn't go with a pre 91 1.6 eunos engine.
They have a real weakness with the keyway in the crank nose.

Check here for more details
http://www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html

Murdoc - 2/6/08 at 12:35 PM

Thanks, I know of the short nose crank problem, I'm on my second MX5. I have been offered a early 1.6 with a worn keyway and crank ready to go in. I would end up spending more on seals, gaskets and belts then buying a decent second hand engine.