Where to get a miata front clip?

[caveman1080]

I recently acquired a 1970 Datsun 2000 from the shop that I used to work at. The guy that owned it abandoned it and the shop owner gave it to me. I didn't want to start working on it until I got a title for it, but now I have a title and want to start. The engine has a real bad knock and the cost of the rebuild is too high.

My question is where do I find a reliable front clip from a miata? There are plenty of places for the sr20 but I cannot find one for the miata. I am trying to do a cost analysis on which to go with.

Thanks,
Andy

[S Allen]

Here is a place that sells all sorts of front clips including Miata's:
http://www.flashoptions.com/product_lis ... ubcatID=37

Steve

[spriso]

My question is where do I find a reliable front clip from a miata? There are plenty of places for the sr20 but I cannot find one for the miata.

I don't think you are going to find many engine importers who are importing Miata front clips as examples of the Miata engine can be easily found here.

I would look for fresh arrivals at your local wrecking yards by using http://car-part.com/ and searching by zip code.

Good luck on your search-- I would recommend checking your local craigslist listings as well for people parting out Miatas. Keep in mind that they are all getting on in age and you might be replacing one old engine for another...

Michael
spriso motorsports

[caveman1080]

That's what I thought about the miata clip. My big problem is that both local junkyards flooded during Hurricane Katrina, but sometimes you just have go extra distances to get what you want. For instance, I have the car titled in Mississippi instead of Louisiana.
I guess what I was looking for was kind of the same thing as the sr20's being guaranteed to run, but with that comes price. My uncle races spec miatas so I can get replacement parts cheap through his sponsorships.
The body comes off soon so I have to make a decision on which to go with no so I can start sourcing parts.

Thanks,
Andy

[ppeters914]

And if you haven't already seen it, good thread on someone (not me) who's BTDT:

http://www.311s.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1211

[caveman1080]

Thanks, I saw that. Ever since I joined, which was earlier this week, I have been reading nothing but engine swap projects and decided on either Miata BP or SR20DE(T).

[spl310]

Craigslist is a good source for parts Miatas...

[dbrick]

Silly question...Is there a reason for the swap other than it's cheaper than a U20 rebuild? If it's for the performance, fuel injection etc, I understand the Miata approach. If it's to get a cheaper running engine, I may know of a complete rebuilt U20 and 5 speed for a really great price. PM if you want contact info. It's not mine.

If it were me, I'd look for a recent wreck, as Mike said, and in your case, with an inspection sticker after the hurricane.

[spl310]

I stumbled across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-90-9 ... enameZWDVW

I have no connection with the seller at all.

[shifty]

Keep in mind that there is no difference between a JDM Miata engine and a US spec Miata engine.

The most desirable engine from the first generation Miata is a '94 or '95 - 1.8 liter without ODB II.

[datsunrides]

Your best bet may be to find a cheap runner on Craigslist. (like Sid posted) Initial cost may be a little bit higher but you will actually be able to run it to make sure everything is up to snuff, especially with the electrical. Part the rest of it out to recoup some (if not all) of your cost. This has worked out well for me to help control costs on most of my projects. Example:

Bought this- turns out it has a bad engine



Decided that if I have to replace the engine, might as well upgrade. So I found this for $350 with a running engine.



Pulled the drivetrain, refreshed the motor while it was out, and set it in place.



I parted out the truck and sold $300 bucks worth of parts from it plus $75 I got from the wreckers for the hulk. I got my engine/trans/computer/etc... and made $25! (not including the rebuild) Not too bad.

Mark

[dbrick]

The whole car also gives you every little screw, bracket etc. You'lll have enough things you will have to fabricate, may as well have every Mazda part you can get. And, as a bonus,the seats fit and won't look silly if theyt say "Mazda"

The $$$ for extra parts sold always helps. Don't forget, the U20 and 5 speed are worth something too.

[caveman1080]

Thanks for all the help guys.
Dave, the reason is mostly cost, but not just initial. If something were to go wrong with the engine/trans, the part cost and availability weigh in. With my recent "luck" with cars that is a big deal. Right now I plan on keeping the U20 and maybe in the future rebuilding it and going back to it. I'll keep my eyes peeled for miatas for sale.
SPL310 thanks for the ebay link. My grandparents live in Ocala and I will be going there soon so I will stop by and talk to them.

Thanks,
Andy

[spl310]

Happy to help Andy! If you come by way of Jacksonville, let me know!

[JFBrink]

Andy,

As the other guy who's "been there/done that" on the Miata swap, I whole-heartedly support buying either a cheap runner or an insurance auction Miata. It will hardly cost more than a front clip, and it will cost less (ultimately, and maybe even initially) than going piece-by-piece from the salvage yard.

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but Craigslist Miatas in Southern California are easily had for $1000-2000. Heck, maybe you should buy a SoCal Miata and a one-way plane ticket.

You've probably already seen this, but my build site is here:

www.too-many-parts.com/rs

I'm close to starting the engine in the car -- just have a lot of harness soldering to do.

Best of luck,

Jesse.