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Post by manxman on Jan 20, 2012 18:29:46 GMT
Here's an interesting one for you: I have finished stripping and cleaning my donor parts and have started rebuilding the power train. So far so normal... But, when I tried to order some parts from my local Mazda dealer I got into an argument about my VIN number. Apparently UK cars start JMA (or was it Z?) and Imports start NA6 or NA8 depending on engine size. Mine starts JM1... So after some research it turns out that its an American chassis number! But the car is right hand drive. After a bit more research the VIN identifies the car as a 1.8. This is what is on the Registration Document. The car is registered as a MIATA Saloon! So I order a load of parts for a 1995 1.8. They don't fit! The clutch plate diameter is 200 mm and the waterpump doesn't fit either. It looks as if I have a 1.6 engined American Miata that is right hand drive and labelled and registered as a 1.8. The fact that it is a 1.6 doesn't really bother me but I would like to be sure. Does anyone know of any identification numbers or signs that can help me confirm it one way or the other since the VIN number (which is also on the block and gearbox) seem to be wrong. I haven't asked on the MX5 forums yet 'cos I'm not registered. Any help greatly appreciated. Graham ps please don't tell me its a rare collectors item that's worth a fortune because I don't have the body any more.
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Post by samuelt on Jan 20, 2012 19:19:03 GMT
hi Maxman.
If it helps the Engine number is stamped onto a horizontal 'ledge' just above the starter motor it is on two rows with B6 or B8 on the 1st row and a six digit number on the 2nd row.
I would also use some one like MX5spares or may personal fav Autolink they will be cheaper and a lot more help than the stealer.
If it helps, Tomorrow i can look at my 1.6 engine and the 1.8 in the car sitting in my drive and give a description of parts that are different between them.
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Post by manxman on Jan 20, 2012 19:46:57 GMT
Hi Samuelt,
I will go and have a look at the motor shortly.
WRT the dealer, I was surprised at some parts. Some suspension bolts and dust covers were cheaper from the dealer especially when carriage is taken into account - I live in the Isle of Man so postage can be more than the cost of the part as some suppliers take the P***
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Post by Gosbie on Jan 21, 2012 13:38:51 GMT
It should be fairly easy to tell if you have a 1.6 or 1.6 engine. I have a 1.8 and when you are at the front of the car looking back, the coils are on the left of the cam cover and the cam position sensor is on the right. Like this (not my engine btw) On a 1.6 it is the opposite way round The other obvious difference is that the air intake pipe goes above the water pump housing on the 1.8 and below on the 1.6 (waits to be told I'm wrong )
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Post by manxman on Jan 22, 2012 16:15:18 GMT
Hi Gents, thanks for the responses.
Looking at the pictures it appears that I have a 1.6 despite the registration.
The engine number is not where suggested by Samuelt, I have rubbed the flange down but there does not appear to numbers there. I did wonder whether the engine could have been changed but the vin number is attached to both the sump (on drivers side) and the gearbox on official looking plates. These numbers match the number stamped on the body so it looks like it is the original. No wonder the 1.8 parts didn't fit!
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