We have a 89 323 Mazda with the 1.6L and automatic with overdrive. Is it
possible to swap in a B8 class DOHC 1.8L from say a Protege or such into the
89 323? Or is there a better option for the 1.6L? What would be needed to
make the swap work? Will the computer still be fine with the 1.8L? Any other
considerations? What year 1.8L from what cars could be used?

Hi group,

I need your help!

My ’92 Miata was leaking a bit coolant from time to time, but the level in
my radiator didn’t drop much, so I was’t really worried about it.

Today things suddenly got much worse and I discovered the source of my
problem!

The thermostat housing has a T-shaped pipe coming out of it. It’s located on
the lower right of the housing when you’re standing in front of the engine.
One side is connected to the housing itself, one has a hose that goes to the
airvalve and the last one goes to the bottom of the engine.

That T-shaped pipe has a tiny hole in it! I can see coolant coming out of
it. If I start my engine, it leaks VERY bad. At first I thought the clips on
the hoses were to blame, but that’s not the problem. I don’t know how it got
there, but there IS a hole in it…

My question : how can I remove the thermostat housing??? I can see it’s
attached to the engine block, but I can’t see any bolts. I couldn’t find
anything in the enthusiast’s shop manual

Anyone?

With kind regards,

Steven Spits [NetWave]

1992 Mazda Miata (http://www.netwave.be/miata)
2002 Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD (http://www.netwave.be/alfa156)

- – -

Since it’s in my neighborhood, I’ve been going to the
National Miata event here in the Wash. DC area.  Yesterday,
Mazda gave a presentation about a new Miata in the 2003
line-up.  They call it a "Club Sport."  This is the M2
version of the "R."  It comes in two different styles
tailored for two different  SCCA classifications. (they had
one to show at the event.)

Both come with manual steering, no AC, no radio, special
suspension, LSD (but not Torsen), Bilstein shocks, no
antenna.

One model comes with a hardtop (no softtop). This is the
one they showed. The second model comes with a softtop
(only).

Facts:  No other 2003 Miata will be available with manual
steering.  They will produce only 50 of each model.  Amazingily, power
windows was mandatory.  Some speculated that the cost (for
a run of 100) of manual windows was too much.

It’s nice to see that Mazda recognizes the niche that an
"R" or equivalent occupies.

Lester Welch
97R, #43/47

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege that has a sunroof.

This is my first car ever with a sunroof.

Whenever I open it up…. I get a tremendous amt of
noise from the air rushing over the hole in the roof.

Ive seen cars that have what looks like a little
spoiler or air damn…. mounted on roof right before
the sunroof opening.

Dumb question of me here…. but will that thing cut
some of the noise down??   If yes…. is it something
you buy on the after market and have installed…. or
instal your self??

Lately our 1992 Miata has developed a bit of a problem. It seems to be
getting worse, too.

When you first start it in the morning, or after a long (10-12 hour)
day at work, it runs very poorly. It sputters and coughs for about 15
seconds or so, and there’s a strong smell of gas. It seems to be
running rich to the point where it’s actually misfiring. Then, it
mostly clears, and for the next 30 seconds or so, it runs better, but
not quite up to it’s normal smoothness. After that it runs fine.

I’m guessing that it’s terribly rich when I first start it, and
possibly I’m fouling a plug or two which might be the problem for the
next 30 seconds until it burns off the crud and runs fine.

The plugs and wires have about 7000 miles on them. It got a timing
belt at that time, too, along with new belts and hoses all around and
new oil seals on the front. Other than cleaning the K&N air fitler a
couple of times, I haven’t done anything to the intake or fuel
injection system since we got the car a couple years ago.

What can cause an excessively rich mixture right when you start it up?
Has anyone else had this problem? What should I check first?

Racer X

1984 VW Jetta Diesel GT
1992 Mazda Miata
1994 Caravan (OK, maybe it’s a keeper, but I still want a VW Caddy)
1983 VW Rabbit GTI (ITB racer)
1988 Mazda RX-7 (Soon to be ITS racer)
1992 GMC Topkick (portable garage for racecar[s])

http://racer-x.freeservers.com

I just purchased a new yellow SE. I have been looking at miata`s for
years and finally gave in when I saw the 2002 at the local dealership.
The vehicle came with a hard top for winter driving.
Can anyone give me advice on tires/rims for the winter. I live in
southwestern Ontario (London).
Are there any  miata clubs in the area and places (stores or web
sites) you could recommend to purchase accessories.

Hi all….

Never owned a Miata before….. but thinking of getting
one.

Question…..does there exist ANY kind of small trailer
to use with a Miata to haul stuff?

We returned from a 7,000 mile trip a couple of weeeks ago and decided it may be
time for a newer model. The little jewel performed flawlessly as was expected
however we’re looking at several more years of big mile trips and think it’s
time.
She still looks and runs great; new paint in 97, clutch assembly and flywheel
prior to this last trip, two year old top with glass rear window.
The dreaded crankshaft issue didn’t materalize and was cured for the future
when crank seals were replaced, also prior to the 7,000 mile trip.

It’s a real beauty for being 13 years old and would need to be seen rather than
a picture on the web.

Interested?

Lafayette, Indiana

I just purchased a 1990 with 37K mi and original tires.  It will get light
use and will occasionally be used during the winter in Iowa.  I’d like to
use the stock wheels.  I’d appreciate tire suggestions, please.

Thanks-
Jim Rossen

Just about to buy this car. (2001 UK 1.6)

I was hoping to fit my Kenwood CD / MP3 player
into the new car, but I notice that the 2001 car
has a strange "modular" radio system that looks
like it may be difficult to replace with a standard
sized unit.

Any information greatly appreciated.

Regards

Steve