1.0L Geo Metro engine swap into 1990 Mazda Miata!

[1337]

I just ran across something cool on the MX-5 Miata Forums. Miata owner "fujioko" swapped a 1.0L I3 Geo Metro engine into his or her Miata. The build thread is here:
Suzuki G10 3 cylinder project. - MX-5 Miata Forum


Jump to page 8 or 9 of the thread to see the current status of the car. It looks like the three-cylinder Miata is currently getting ~50mpg.
Suzuki G10 3 cylinder project. - Page 8 - MX-5 Miata Forum

Pics & Videos ...



$500 "Rusty" 1990 Miata host vehicle



1996 Geo metro 1.0L engine with 1986 Suzuki Samurai gearbox ("The drivetrain saves about 200 lbs. vs. Miata drivetrain)





Of course, things don't always line up... Custom shift mechanism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_D5RlaOjH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffWmTJ3jJ9Q

[Arragonis]

Can't help thinking it would be easier to just get one of these



660cc and a turbo.

[bikin' Ed]

Jump to page 8 or 9 of the thread to see the current status of the car. It looks like the three-cylinder Miata is currently getting ~50mpg.
Suzuki G10 3 cylinder project. - Page 8 - MX-5 Miata Forum[/QUOTE]

That seems like a lot of work. My basically stock miata is getting mid 40mpg

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Can't help thinking it would be easier to just get one of these



660cc and a turbo.

Remember Anything w/ 660cc is illegal in the states.

I think we need some focus to have that changed though

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Remember Anything w/ 660cc is illegal in the states.

I think we need some focus to have that changed though

Due to no emissions compliant engines of that size existing, no less.

It's nice to see a forum accepting of such a strange/irrational swap . I haven't seen a single negative comment and there are v8 guys responding.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

Due to no emissions compliant engines of that size existing, no less.

It's nice to see a forum accepting of such a strange/irrational swap . I haven't seen a single negative comment and there are v8 guys responding.

??? Actually even my 1970 subaru 360 2 stroke passed emissions for its class, there are more than a few with the stickers to prove it present day. Although I do have to admit, the car needs to be warmed up with about 10 minutes of driving before it passes.

The 660cc engines do indeed come with a cat and the newer models are definitely cleaner than a 1970's V8 in every respect. In fact a few mini trucks in this country (one that is truly street legal in CA as well) also easily pass the emissions tests.

The sad part is our government has to be a nanny about it with irrational fears that have more to do with money and control than any actual environmentalism. A car today needs to EXCEED the emissions test standards to be sold from new and the emissions they count aren't necessarily the really important ones either.

Perhaps volume is more important?

Ah well.

I think anything that makes the car get better FE is a step in the right direction and this swap makes me smile, I wouldn't mind a metro motor in my subaru 360, trouble is I could flip the car over

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Remember Anything w/ 660cc is illegal in the states.

I think we need some focus to have that changed though

Really ? Thats amazing as these are certified for Japan and they have very strict limits.

[fujioko]

Hi,

I found this post while doing a google search. I'm the person who did the engine swap in the Miata.

The car is still in regular use and I average 45+ MPG real world driving. I can get over 50 MPG if I economize.

The effort involved in the swap is probably the only criticism I get. A lot of folks think the swap is too involved.

Overall the project had many little challenges and I enjoyed putting in the effort. To me, it was a fun project.

Jim

[drmiller100]

cool project!

for a bit better mileage, consider milling the head to raise the compression. The one complaint I have with those engines is the low compression.

[fujioko]

Originally Posted by drmiller100

cool project!

for a bit better mileage, consider milling the head to raise the compression. The one complaint I have with those engines is the low compression.

I would really like to get the MPG up into the 60's. I have been tweaking the car with various little mods.

I have not published any experiment results since November because the winter gas formulation upset all my previous claims. So far I can only claim 45+ on winter gas.

Milling the head should give me an improvement. Is there any published data on what to expect?

Jim